Solitaire diamond engagement ring still favourite

When it comes to engagement rings, the solitaire still reigns supreme. But it isn’t the only game in town.

Auckland jeweller David Keefe says 50 percent of the couples who come to him for an engagement ring opt for a solitaire.

“It’s about a dream. It floats above your finger, a fiery, sparkling diamond that the Earth has taken a million years push to the surface.”

That’s one explanation of the solitaire’s popularity, but there’s a bit more to it. Our love affair with the diamond ring goes back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave his betrothed Mary of Burgundy just such a ring.

And the wearing of an engagement ring, and the wedding ring, on the fourth or ring finger of the left hand is a long-standing tradition connected with the idea that this finger has a direct connection to the heart via a “vein of love”.

Although anatomy doesn’t bear this out, couples certainly have a heart-glow about them when they come to choose their engagement ring, says David.

There’s also another reason for romancing the solitaire, it is about future-proofing.

“A lot of people who choose an ultra-modern or contemporary design for their ring bring them back for re-modelling within five years,” says David, who both manufactures and sells rings. “People don’t re-model a solitaire.”

Modern engagement rings

However, not everyone is enamoured of the single diamond engagement ring. David says the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 30s appeals to some brides.

“That time has a very glamorous image, with pearls and gentlemen in top hats opening car doors for ladies, [and] engagements rings are all about emotion. The style is also 70 years old, so it’s about permanence too.”

And there are also some women who have their own very clear idea of what they want. One woman we made a ring for just loved amethysts, says David. So she had an amethyst ring that was set in a particular way, with a lot of detail around it. It’s a purple stone and a lot of people like purple.

David also isn’t a big fan of the rigid approach that says you have to have a particular style depending on what “suits” your hand or finger shape.

“Someone might have a delicate hand, but they just want a big ring to show off. And if that’s what you want, why shouldn’t you have it?”

Celtic wedding ring - usually a man's choice

The other type of ring that is popular, particularly in Auckland where a lot of people have an Irish heritage, is the Celtic ring.

David’s range is made locally and each style has a story around the particular weave – one symbolises integrity, others hope, life and promise. “However, they tend to be quite wide, so are more often chosen by guys as a wedding ring”, says David.

“Also, although people like the concept, a Celtic wedding ring doesn’t look right with most engagement rings.”

‘Ringless’ proposal equals the ring you like

One way around the problem of ‘will she like it?’ is the loose diamond in a box, which some men choose (look out for our romantic story of one man who did just this – coming soon.)

The only fear here is of losing the diamond as, unset, they are quite small. But they’re usually presented in a velvet box with a protective plastic cover over the diamond itself.

For best tip on how to push him in the direction of a romantic proposal without the worry of whether you’ll actually like the ring, comes in this story: How to buy an engagement ring. The novelty or “filler” ring, the kind you get in a Christmas cracker, does the job of “accessorising the proposal”, while you get to choose exactly what you want later on.

Show your girlfriends this and the above story. They’ll pass on the message.

Empire line dress from City Bridal

Buying a wedding dress can be stressful. Buying one when you’re pregnant is doubly so.

Not so long ago finding such a dress, or someone who could make you one, was difficult. But times are changing. If you want a budget dress for a summer wedding, Australia’s Sweet Lilly could be your answer. It’s worth looking at the website for style ideas alone.

However, if you’d like a real wedding dress, one that can accommodate your baby bump in style, City Bridal can tailor the kind of dress you dreamed of to fit your changing shape.

Vera Zuccani, City Bridal’s designer says customising a gown to skim a growing bump elegantly isn’t hard. “I take 25 measurements for each gown,” she says. “So, customising a dress to a pregnant figure isn’t too difficult.”

For styles, she recommends Grecian or empire line. “These styles tend to only be fitted in the bust-line, so can be quite flattering on the tummy,” says Vera, who adds that “ruching is good too”.

A recent bride she tailored a maternity style for chose an empire style for this reason, as she was five months pregnant. “This style is very comfy, which is important when your tummy is growing,” says Vera.

With a lined empire-style dress, just by allowing an extra 20-30cms in the lining the dress can be made to fit comfortably over a baby bump while still looking much the same.

Vera’s suggestions fit with what is happening in the UK, where maternity bridal gowns are a growing market and finding a stylish gown no longer difficult.

You probably wouldn’t want to import a dress all the way from Britain, but the UK’s Bridal Bumps bills itself as being for the “discerning bride” and describes its gowns as “quality, stylish, elegant maternity wedding dresses”.

The growth in stylish maternity bridal gowns probably has a lot to do with the fact that around 10 percent of younger British brides (25-29) are now pregnant when they get married. And, with more liberal attitudes, the shotgun wedding is a thing of the past, so choosing a proper gown is now on the agenda.

Typically, these brides are three-to-five months pregnant on their wedding day, which accords with Vera’s experience.

Best maternity bride styles

City Bridal's ruched styles skim the body

Material is important in tailoring a bump-skimming dress, so Vera recommends a flowing material like chiffon, rather than a satin which will cling and be unflattering.

Vera regularly caters to pregnant brides and also finds a ruched style or a mock two-piece works well. Flattering tucks can help achieve a slim silhouette either in early pregnancy or after the baby is born.

A growing bust can also be a problem, especially as many wedding dresses are now strapless. For this reason, all City Bridal dresses can have straps or cap sleeves added to give extra support to a blossoming bust-line.

“Some brides can become quite self-conscious. You can grow quite dramatically with pregnancy,” says Vera.

Lastly, to avoid the last-minute “Will it fit?” panic, the final fitting should be just a week or even a couple of days before the wedding. It could even turn out the dress needs taking in.

For more dress inspiration, type “maternity wedding dress” into Google and scroll through the multitude of Google Images. The selection even features a stylish short black lace dress, for the bride who doesn’t want to wear traditional white, although the taboo against doing so seems to have died a death.

Auckland-based City Bridal is going nationwide soon, under the Zuccani name, so pregnant brides nationwide will soon be able to source a designer maternity wedding dress here in New Zealand.

Simple pleasures can be best

The trouble with men describing anything to do with weddings is they often can’t resist taking the Mickey, but sometimes in among all the nonsense is some sound advice.

wedding café came across this article about British honeymoons, which included some wacky honeymoon choices, such a one couple joining their mates to go to Glastonbury, the popular British music festival, which is great until it rains, then it’s a sea of mud…

Another couple went with a dozen others on a walking holiday in Andalucia, in Spain. They loved it, but isn’t the point of a honeymoon that it’s a just the two of you? But, the really good thing about the article is the whopping 62 comments it generated. These included lots of useful tips and ideas from recent honeymooners, such as “try and fly business class, so you don’t spend two days either end recovering.”

The classic tip was: “don’t honeymoon with your guests”, especially not your in-laws. As in, don’t spend the wedding night in the same hotel as them or you risk strolling downstairs in the morning to find your new in-laws grinning over their breakfast as they speculate whether you two “Did It” last night, even if you’ve been living together for five years.

There were also some crazy suggestions, such as the guy who’d like to put off his honeymoon until he can space walk. Well, you can almost do that now.

Cheap honeymoon can be best

A good tip is that expensive is nice but not always the most memorable. One couple had a split honeymoon, the pricey bit was in Rhodes, one of the Greek islands; the cheap bit was spent in a Bed & Breakfast on the Scottish West Coast.

The bride says what she remembers best now was eating the best fish &chips there and the “crazy market owners”. Sounds a bit like our own Kiwi West Coast. But, even assuming the weather stays calm enough there, maybe don’t do like another couple who have a memory to treasure of being caught starkers having sex in the sand dunes on the British Channel Island of Guernsey. The weather’s a bit nicer there, as it’s nearer to France than Britain.

Other tips included two-centre honeymoons. One couple “slummed it” in beach huts in Mozambique for half their honeymoon; then went on a five-star safari. wedding café is sure you could come up with an equivalent closer to home if the budget doesn’t stretch as far as an African trip.

Mind you, South Africa was mentioned as a hot new destination by a number of brides and grooms. The split, half active, half lazing around, honeymoon was popular too. A good way of catering to different tastes, if one of you is like the Energiser Bunny and the other, well, isn’t…

Last but not least, how about not leaving straight after the wedding, because you’ll likely be too exhausted to enjoy the first part of your honeymoon properly – just don’t stay in that hotel with the others.

And, if you can’t afford a honeymoon in these straitened times, perhaps you might consider asking your guests to chip in instead of giving you a wedding gift.

Dancing in the Moonlight from Bridal Brilliance

Here are ten wedding dresses to inspire you as you choose what style of gown you want to wear on your big day.

They’re all a bit different. Some are full and formal, others rather more casual. For instance, our first choice, our pictured dress, falls into the Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella at the ball category. By the way, the dresses aren’t listed in any particular order, but they are quite varied.

1. Dubbed Dancing in the Moonlight, by stockist Bridal Brilliance. We like that it isn’t white because pure white doesn’t suit every complexion. This silk-satin dress is in “cappuccino”. We think that means the lightest coffee colour. By Australian designer Clarissa Grace, it features a sweetheart neckline, French lace trim and a sweeping skirt that helps create the impression of a tiny waist. Who wouldn’t want that?
2. Fancy something more casual? Ghost is a UK label that doesn’t normally feature wedding dresses, but this elegant satin and georgette dress is so simple, but with a bit of an edge, we thought something like this would be great for a beach or more informal wedding.
3. Tough Love is the name of Australian-based Akira Isogawa’s small collection of edgy, high-fashion wedding dresses. He has a reputation for beautifully constructed designs that are deceptively simple in shape. Beautiful fabrics as well as clothes that are surprisingly wearable are also part of his signature.
4. Lace story. If you love fabric and like a vintage feel but want a new dress that just yours Vinka Brides might well be for you. They’re not all lace, but whatever the dress, beautiful fabric is definitely part of the picture with Vinka dresses.
   
5. Also just across the Tasman is Collette Dinnigan. This collection is from 2009 but we still love it. It’s a mix of the fairytale and the almost casual, a look a lot of girls love.
   

   Cymbeline's Dalida wedding dress

6. This one is strictly for ideas. Paris wedding dress designer Cymbeline manages to mix modern style details with sheer romanticism. Feast your eyes on this inspirational collection and may be take some of the ideas along to a local dressmaker. We particularly loved the dress with complicated cross straps. Very different and original.
7. And for those who favour elegance, with cowl decks, satin shimmer and a rather under-stated feel, there’s Renee Bridal. Quite special really. Our only criticism is the music on the website. We’re not a big fan of the musical. However, the dresses certainly make up for this.
8. We’ve featured this dress from Astra Bridal before, but because Hollywood style is so hot right now we thought we’d include it again. Made of lightweight satin charmeuse, this oyster-coloured dress is easier to wear than it might first appear and is actually quite flattering as it’s cut on the bias, which means it skims over the body and falls gracefully.


Valentina from The Little White Dress company

9. We like short dresses. They were hot back in the 1960s and are the choice of a number of brides today. One of our favourite US wedding sites, wedding fanatic, recently featured this neat little collection of above-the-knee numbers. Great if you’ve got good legs, and so comfortable in our warm climate.
   Meanwhile, at home, Auckland’s own The Little White Dress company has a number of short styles. We think this polka-dot princess number is very sweet.
10. Not all dresses have to be new. This dress may be pre-loved but it’s no Cinderella. With its gorgeous flouncy skirt that’s also a train you won’t be hiding out anywhere wearing this showy number. Definitely one for a girl who likes to shine. Owner Di Senior says she felt “like a princess”. It also has some practical appeal too, being very slimming, she says, while still managing to be flattering on a small bust.
11. Last but not least, channelling a distinctly French vibe, there’s A La Robe. The website is musical too – it features French songs, but designer Elizabeth Sojak dresses are very pretty and quite unusual, so we forgive her. One is pink fading into a green hem.

Ascension vineyard and venue

Wedding Cafe asked the Wine Vault’s Jayson Bryant, who’s been helping people enjoy all kinds of events for 15 years, for his advice on buying wine for the wedding.

First, he says, people tend to over-cater and end up with a shed-load wine after the reception. You might not think that’s such a problem, but with the expense of a wedding that money could be going on other things.

Here are Jayson’s tips on buying for an enjoyable day, without hammering the bank account.

1) Three-quarters of a bottle is enough

People think they need to buy more wine than they do, as they think everyone will drink one-to-two bottles of wine. In reality, people drink about three-quarters of a bottle on average.

Some people will drink two bottles, but they’ll also be those who are pregnant; those who are driving; older, more responsible guests, and those who are too young to drink. All these people will all drink less than three-quarters of a bottle.

Also, look for a supplier who has a sale or return policy, as this will help keep the budget under control.

2) No mineral water

Some people feel they have to have sparkling mineral water on every table, but New Zealand tap water is fine and the cost of mineral water can really stack up.

Have fruit juice, soft drinks and low-alcohol beer instead, for the non-drinkers or those trying to keep their alcohol level down. There are also some low-alcohol wines coming on to the market but they’re not great-tasting.

3) Champagne “cheapest bubbles”

Champagne is a celebration drink, even Bucks Fizz. Some people sniff at mixing champagne with orange juice, but the practice is 100 years old and, besides, it’s all about having fun and this is a fun drink.

That said, you can get quite a lot of good champagne for your buck if you buy wisely. There’s some really good champagne on the market that, while it’s not made in Champagne (the region of France which bears the same name), is quite as good but is a half or a third of the cost.

The Burgundy region produces Veuve and Moet, for example. But, while these are lovely champagne-type wines, it’s the Louis Bouillet that provides the most bang for your champagne buck. At NZ$30 a bottle, it’s a third the cost of Veuve.

The Wine Vault did a blind corporate wine-tasting recently and this came out top, ahead of both Veuve and Moet. It quite annoyed some people.

The lovely taste of this “cheap bubbles” is down to fact Bouillet is still a quality wine, with the fruit being hand-picked. Champagne is really just a brand name for sparkling white wine, although it’s a name the region guards jealously.

4) Best party mix

Given that many weddings are outdoor summer occasions, and many people’s preference is for white wine,  it’s best to buy two-thirds white wine to one-third red. This allows for lots of thirst-quenchingly lovely chilled wine

As to the varieties, I recommend Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, for the whites and Pinot Noir, the “universal red”, for the red wine choice, because these are what most people like.

Chardonnay is a favourite white. This comes in at under $20 a bottle, while the Sauvignon Blanc is even cheaper, at under $15 a bottle. Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris, its white cousin, are more expensive, at nearer $25 a bottle.

You generally reckon that what you save on the Sauvignon and Chardonnay you’ll spend on the Pinot.

5) Beer

Very young men in particular like beer, because it’s less full flavoured that wine. They don’t usually develop a taste for wine until their early to mid-20s. For this reason, you should allow for four 330ml bottles of beer for every male guest.

6) Spirits

What about spirits? Don’t have them. They cost a fortune and people get slaughtered. Unless you have a bar and people buy themselves, don’t go there. It’s how couples end up in huge debt after the wedding.

What about those young women whose idea of a drink is a pink vodka? Steer them in the direction of the Sauvignon Blanc, which is equally sweet, so will appeal to them. In general though, don’t worry. Young spirits drinkers will drink anything.

7) Drunks and glasses

Close on spirits drinking comes drunkenness, which has marred many a wedding reception. There’s not easy answer, but try to get drunks out of the way quickly, before they become embarrassing, and give them lots of water.

To help head the problem off in the first place, make sure guests eat a decent meal, as this slows down alcohol’s effect on the body and also cuts down on the amount of drinking time. Water on the table helps too.

All this argues for a sit-down meal, but you can ensure guests eat enough at a buffet-style wedding reception by hiring people to serve the food for you.

And, if the worst does happen and a fight breaks out, make sure in advance that the glassware is robust. This not only means less injury, but also less cost for broken glasses. Sorting out any underlying resentments before the big day can help fend off trouble too, as alcohol can fuel these.

8) White wine flush

A lot of people get a red flush from white wine, which is an issue given many weddings are held outdoors in the heat of summer and guests can drink quite a lot of chilled white wine to cool down.

If this is a problem for some guests, advise them to stick to chardonnay, as this contains less sulphur dioxide, the preservative used in quite high levels in the cheaper, more industrial wines. Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested, so don’t oxidise so much and so need less preservative. The same is true or Pinot Noir red wines.

It’s an allergic reaction. Men suffer too, though not as badly as women. But their attitude is, ‘I’ll drink through it’ – the histamine release – even though they’re sneezing and have tears in their eyes.

9) Do your research

To make organising food and drink easier, have a little tick box on the wedding invites for people to RSVP to – a sort of mini-poll. “Ask: Do you drink? Red wine or white? Beer? Nothing?” You could do similar for food.

This way you can be certain you don’t end up with that garage-full of unwanted wine.

Some suppliers also supply free glassware, which means one less thing to organise.

10) Enjoy yourself

With all the preparation and then concern that your guests are enjoying themselves, the bride and groom can forget to relax and enjoy themselves too. You should, it’s your day, and you’ve probably paid for it too.

Don’t worry about the food and drink running out. You know what, when it does, it’s time to go home anyway.

It’s the bride and groom’s day. Most people are just happy to catch up and see you, and to see you get married, plus what they’re getting is free.

Catch Jayson Bryant on Wine Vault TV, on the Wine Vault website, for those interested in fine wines and more…

Although Audrey never wore the dress, its simple, elegant style would be perfect for a colder weather wedding. So many dresses are strapless these days that’s it’s nice to see something a bit different. If you’re going the dressmaker route for your gown and want something with bit of cover and warmth this might prove an inspiration.

One of the best-loved stars, because she was so unfailingly nice, it might be worth checking out Audrey’s words of wisdom at wedding fanatic. They’ve been adapted to help brides cope with the pleasurable turmoil that is wedding planning by the author of this cute, inspirational US wedding site.

Wedding favours

Wedding favours do your guests two favours – they're a great conversation starter and a sweet treat.

Fleur Hamill makes the little boxes, other table decorations and small gifts brides give to their guests.

She says many of her single friends report table decoration is right up there as a reception conversation topic, only beaten by the bride and her dress. It makes sense when you consider the number of strangers often bought together at a table.

“Have you ever been to a wedding and been allocated a seat surrounded by people you don’t know?” she asks. “People actually rely on wedding favours as a conversation starter.”

Which is one reason, she says, why she tries to ensure her Flower of Life designs are a bit different – and some are downright quirky. “In the hands of a talented designer, wedding favours can be tiny creative masterpieces.”

“Favours can reflect your style or a wedding theme and add a delicate touch of detail,” she says.

Wedding favours help guests talk

She urges brides to think about making their guests enjoy the day too – and this can be one element of doing so.

“Sure, it’s great that your wedding day is just how you’ve always wanted it, and you’re incredibly happy, but if your guests feel left out or excluded, you’ve overlooked the key to a successful celebration for all.”

“But brides often have a wonderful sense of style and this can be carried all the way through to the little details, like choosing thoughtful favours. Because chocolates always go down so well they’re often chosen, but you can think outside the box and explore alternative ideas,” says Hamill.

The designer has created Victorian decoupage favours and flower-girl wands, as part of her alternative range of favours; there are also Bollywood tin cans as flower holders. These may not be traditional, but for someone wanting a surprising or quirky touch they would certainly fit the bill. They could also help your friends remember your wedding as being one that stood out as being that bit different, and one of the friendliest.

How so? “Well, next time you attend a wedding and see a single male twirling his little box in nervous hands, you can smile knowingly to yourself as the girl sitting next to him comments on the beautiful little favour he is holding… doing your guests a favour can lead to other positive outcomes, maybe even another wedding,” says Hamill.

And the last word: it’s not always cheaper to make your own favours, says the designer.

“People often do this as a way of staying within budget, but you’d be surprised how expensive it can get if you do it yourself. Getting a professional can often save you time and money.”

A simple navy swimsuit, worn with a wrap-around sash. A small jewelled anchor motif again reflects the seaside theme. The fabric is pulled across the tummy to the hip for an elegant, flattering look. Again, it is its very simplicity that makes this suit so attractive.

Wedding café has put together some of our favourite one-piece suits from Blue Dude. One-pieces are resurfacing as the style of choice, for women young and old. And why not? They’re classic, sleek, comfortable, and easier and more practical to wear than a bikini.

Photos: Salene Schloffel-Armstrong

Wedding café’s favourite one piece swimsuit style, simply because we love nautical blue-and-white stripes. So French, so chic, harkening back, as stripes do, back to Coco Chanel’s early work; she took her stripey theme from French fisherman’s shirts. The little ruffle on this suit gives it a subtle feminine touch, and the narrow stripes make it very wearable.

See also: One-piece honeymoon swimwear suits all and Royal red one-piece honeymoon swimsuit a classic

Our second suit is quite sexy. It’s in royal red and features a halter top. Its simplicity does the trick, as the more classical cuts are often the most flattering. Maker Gottex consistently delivers glamorous, beautifully slick suits.

See also: One-piece honeymoon swimwear suits all