It’s gotten to the time when Mr. soon-to-be-Heather and I are searching for our wedding bands.  We flipped through many websites and catalogs to look at different settings, but I think we had the best time making fun of the rings from a few decades ago.  People will probably make fun of our setting choices in ten years too.  Yellow gold used to be the only option for bridal jewelry, but now thanks to overwhelming advertising, everyone thinks they should buy platinum.

So, I walked into the jewelry store thinking that I was supposed to buy Mr. soon-to-be-Heather a platinum ring, but then we found out the price difference.  The platinum ring was three times the price of the white gold version.

From my extensive reading I have learned, white gold rings come in different karats which represent the ratio of gold to other metals.  As such, they are coated in rhodium to make them look shiny and more silver.  As the rhodium layer wears down, the ring will appear yellowish, but they can be re-coated periodically.  Platium rings are usually pure and do not require a rhodium layer to make them look shiny or silver.  Platinum also tends to be heavier and stronger than white gold.

If we go the wedding savings route, then the choice would be clear: purchase a white gold ring.  Sure, the layer of rhodium will wear down, but you will then have the option of plating your ring for $20-$60  every few years.

Last summer I had to go to Monterey, CA for work (I know, tough huh).  It happened to be Mr. soon-to-be-Heather’s birthday so we made a trip out of it.  On his actual birthday, we went wine tasting through the Carmel Valley.  Wine pourers are some of the best chit-chaters in the world, and one of them got talking about my engagement ring.  Another couple joined in the conversation, which led me to notice the couples unique wedding bands.  They were white gold but they looked like bark wrapped around their fingers.  It’s hard to describe but it actually looked really cool.  At the time I didn’t think anything of it.

Now,  Mr. soon-to-be-Heather and I are looking at wedding bands, and it’s pretty ridiculous: every ring looks the same.  I haven’t heard of anyone running into someone with the exact same ring, but that’s got to happen, right?

I came just across this post on Weddingbee, which identifies a couple’s process to make their own wedding bands.  Neat, huh?!  Of course there are tons of “design your own ring options” on the web, but I don’t think those options are unique or necessarily cost effective.  I think one would need to visit with a local jewelry designer or craftsman to get something which fits those standards.

So, that’s my wedding savings advice of the day: don’t buy a designer ring, go make your own or find someone that can make it for you and make it truly unique (it will cost you less).  Disclaimer: the unique, crafted rings I have in mind are not very jeweled!

Today’s wedding blog about bizarre weddings is not actually about the wedding itself. I will link you to a site which listed the 10 Most Bizarre Wedding Rings.

Okay, the exchange of wedding rings is one of the most important parts of a wedding. And of course, you’d want it to be perfect and beautiful. That’s why diamond ring makers are raking in a lot of money. They make engagement rings, wedding rings, and even anniversary rings. In this business, the more sparkly, the better.

Now, you’re probably wondering why someone would ever want to wear these bizarre wedding rings on their special day. Don’t ask me. Honestly, I wouldn’t know their reason for that. The only thing I know is that it’s unique and it’s a great topic to feature. I also don’t know if you can actually have wedding savings on these wedding rings. Are they expensive or inexpensive wedding rings? I truly don’t know the answer to that.

My suggestion is to just click the link and enjoy checking out these weird looking rings. The owners of these rings must really have good reasons for choosing these kinds of wedding rings, or if they’re just totally eccentric. Anyway, to each his own. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find (hopefully, more mainstream) inspiration in these wacky ring designs. Enjoy planning your wedding and have a Happy New Year!

Hello there. I would like to feature another video from monkeysee.com. This is a video with Ronnie Mervis, the co-owner of Mervis Diamond Importers – the leading diamond dealer in the Washington area for the past 30 years.

Our last video with Mr. Mervis was about buying a man’s wedding band. Today’s wedding blog post is about buying a lady’s wedding band. Here, Mr. Mervis is not encouraging anybody to have wedding savings when it comes to buying wedding rings. Wedding rings are the ones that last and so you must choose what you really want and splurge on it. But if the one you like happens to be an inexpensive wedding ring, then you are one lucky bride.

So, just click the video and listen to the other things you need to know when it comes to buying a woman’s wedding band. Have a great day and may your wedding dreams come true.

Here’s a funny stand up comic talking about the 2 months salary rule when buying a wedding ring, how hard it is to make a decision on wedding planning, and also a wedding reception at McDonald’s.

Micah Murray is a very funny guy, so don’t expect wedding tips about wedding savings and how to have inexpensive weddings from him. All you’re going to get are some good laughs. More wedding blogs coming your way this week. Enjoy.

On August 10, 2008 I wrote an article on “How You Can Get Him To Put a Wedding Ring on Your Finger”, to which Richard followed up with the article “Where to Get a Fabulous Inexpensive Wedding Engagement Ring” on August 17.

Now, this link will lead you to an article about “Wedding Rings and How to Choose Them”. It is not about expensive or inexpensive wedding ring. Nor even about wedding savings.  Wedding rings are one of the most important things you must remember when planning a wedding and this article will help you a lot on picking the right one for you and your groom. Just click the link and enjoy reading.