It All Starts With The Ring!

Brandy Here...

For those of you shopping around for an engagement ring it ultimately comes down to your personal style and individual fit; however, when faced with the daunting row upon row of fluorescently highlighted diamonds in display cases it's easy to get lost in the beauty of them all. Which one do you choose? Often, the perfect styles you imagined fitting so elegantly are quickly forgotten. Just in case you are like me, and need a new starting point here are the most currently sought after rings:

Vintage inspired rings will always be popular. These "intricate, exquisite" rings are a melding of modern day diamond cutting techniques with the forever classic Audrey Hepburn look to get the perfect sparkle and unique style only found in the silver-age inspired classics.

If you find most rings a bit too flashy, an Eternity band style engagement ring is most likely for you. These bands symbolize the "eternal nature of marriage" by articulating the ethereal band with numerous smaller cut diamonds rather than a large center stone.

Cushioned-shaped halo engagement rings are increasing in popularity, but if the right angles of the typical princess cut are a little too sharp for your finger try a round diamond instead. Round diamonds reflect the most light for a "maximum brilliance" where as the rounded corners tend to make the finger look slender.

Hopefully this will serve as a new starting point to those readers finding all of the usual styles a bit to ordinary, and want to find a new look setting themselves apart from all of the repeating muted types you may find in the display case.

The 4 Hottest Trends in Engagement Rings Right Now!

"Learning From The Experts"

"Learning From The Experts" - How to find the Perfect Bridal Salon?

Lets hear from the Editor of St. Louis Bride Magazine:

Before a bride invests the better part of the year finding, fitting and outfitting the perfect wedding gown, she should first take a little time to shop around for the perfect bridal shop. After all, the staff at the bridal salon is going to play a key part in the bride’s overall happiness in the months leading up to the big day.

Here, the experts suggest a few things to look for when finding the bridal salon that’s right for her.

Even when a bride is “just looking,” it is always best for her to call ahead and arrange an appointment with the salon, so that she can receive the most attentive customer service.
Don’t just size up the merchandise. Are the fitting rooms well appointed? Is the lighting suitable for inspecting the details of a dress? Do the floor samples seem to be worn out?

Try to find a friend there. A Bride should feel the consultant she works with it not only going to be her advocate in the purchasing and tailoring of a gown, but is also going to give her kid, honest opinions during the entire process.

Don’t’ be afraid to ask any questions. A bridal consultant’s main job is to make the bride happy.

Check out the other people in the store. Do the other clients appear to be happy? Do they seem to be having a good experience?

Trunk ShowsFor a list of upcoming events and trunk shows, please visit http://www.bridestl.com/events.html

Nancy Slade is the editor of Saint Louis Bride Magazine.