Engagement Ring 101
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching and love in the air, we thought this would be the perfect time to teach you all there is to know about engagement rings. From diamond cuts to ring styles, we’ve got it covered. (After all, we don’t want any confusion when communicating what you want to that special someone!) Share this blog with your guy and tell him it’s time to ditch the teddy bear and box of chocolates and go big this Valentine’s Day!
Diamond Shapes
1. The Round Brilliant Cut
Starting with the most popular shape, the Round Brilliant diamond has been used in rings for hundreds of years, making it a truly ageless choice.
2. The Princess Cut
Available in both square and rectangular shapes, the Princess Cut is the second most popular diamond shape. Notice the corners are square and not clipped. The color that the Princess Cut projects is very unique compared to other shapes.
3. The Marquise Cut
Looking for a more unique yet gorgeous shape? The Marquise Cut is the perfect shape for maximizing carat weight since it is a shallower cut. Because of the unique shape it holds, it creates the effect of longer, more slender hands and fingers.
4. The Emerald Cut
The Emerald Cut diamond is unique because it showcases the diamond’s original clarity beautifully because of its large rectangular shape and beveled facets. This shape also makes inclusions and color more apparent (not a good thing!)
5. The Cushion Cut
Because of its pillow-like shape, The Cushion Cut is another timeless look. With rounded corners and large facets, this particular shape often appears more brilliant and clearer.
6. The Radiant Cut
Another more unique shape, the Radiant Cut combines the lines of an Emerald Cut with the brilliance of a round diamond.
7. The Oval Cut
A classic look making a resurgence, the Oval Cut is another one of the more popular cuts of diamonds. Similar to the Marquise Cut, this shape makes the fingers and hands of the wearer appear longer and more slender.
8. The Pear-Shaped Cut
Soft and delicate, the Pear-Shaped cut has a teardrop-like style that is absolutely gorgeous. This shape combines round and marquise cuts, making for a brilliant look.
9. The Asscher Cut
Often mistaken for an emerald cut because of their similar shapes and facets, the Asscher Cut is clipped in the corners.
10. The Trilliant Cut
Another unique shape, the Trilliant Cut is a triangular shaped stone that offers a number of variations, including the shape of the top surface and sides.
Ring Styles
Once you have your preferred diamond shape in mind, it’s time to consider how you would like it set. Whether you prefer a modern setting or you embrace unique or vintage styles, there is sure to be a look for everyone.
1. The Solitaire
Most jewel experts consider the Solitaire ring to be the “Classic” engagement ring. The ring centers its focus on the chosen stone, set on either a three, four, or six prong setting.
2. The Cluster
The Cluster ring stands apart from others because of the number of stones used in the piece. Where the Solitaire style places its focus on the center stone, the Cluster uses many smaller stones to form a cluster look.
3. The Three-Stone
The Three-Stone look features a larger center stone with one smaller stone on each side. Initially created as an anniversary style to represent past, present and future, it is gaining in popularity as an engagement style as well.
4. The Halo
Due to the large amount of gemstones needed to produce this style of ring, The Halo is one of the most difficult rings to make. With a center stone surrounded by a halo of smaller stones, the ring has a gorgeous shine to it. This style accentuates the center stone, making it appear larger.
5. The Double-Halo
Giving the classic Halo ring a modern twist, the Double-Halo features two rows of small diamonds that frame the center stone.
6. The Pavé
This style of an engagement ring was created with maximum brilliance and light in mind. It uses tiny gemstones placed so tightly together to form an illusion that there is no setting holding them in place. Coming from the French word for “paved,” these engagement rings look as if their surfaces have been paved with diamonds, creating a glittering, unbroken expanse of light and sparkle.
7. The Bezel
A striking modern look, the Bezel ring uses a type of elevated collar which wraps the rim of the diamond in a complete metal edging.
8. The Split Shank
The Split Shank engagement ring is another unique choice, where the band splits near the diamond. This often creates the illusion of two bands rather than one.
10. The Channel Setting
Unlike a pave ring where each side diamond is individually set, this style features diamonds set in a channel forming a line around the band.
11. The Tension Ring
With the center stone being supported not by prongs but rather by pressure, the Tension ring has a unique and modern look to it.
12. The Twist Ring
Symbolizing endless love and commitment, this beautiful ring showcases intertwined bands with the main focus being on the center stone.
Abstract Hanging Installations
Hanging installations are the perfect focal point of any wedding. While most couples chose to laden their with greenery and florals, we’ve compiled an abundance of inspiration for using unique alternatives such as wheels, lights, tassels, acrylics, geodes and more.
No wedding design is complete without a focal point, and our favorite focal points are hanging installations because they easily capture everyone's eye and bring the ceiling down. While we must admit that many hanging installations that are laden with florals and greenery are beyond breathtaking, we have also been thinking it's about time for some fresh installation inspiration {plus, florals and greenery can be pretty expensive}. There are so many fabrics, textures, mediums and shapes that are eye-catching, so get creative and hang them where everyone can see! Be sure that the scale fits the space and that the looks speaks to you as a couple. Below you'll see that we've found a variety of objects to suspend from the ceiling, including wheels, lights, tassels, acrylics and even geodes! Hang these gorgeous items above your head table, your cocktail and lounge space, or have them frame your ceremony {then repurpose as a sweetheart table backdrop.} For more inspiration check out our {h a n g i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n} Pinterest Board!
Studio 1414 // Lawrence & Johnny
With no set traditions for same-sex couples, Lawrence and Johnny had complete freedom to create an unparalleled event. For their celebration we transformed Studio 1414, a photography studio, into a unique and fun experience for their guests. The couple utilized the same space for both the ceremony and reception without the need for a flip. We mixed things up and started with a cocktail hour followed by an informal, standing ceremony with guests surrounding the couple and officiant, creating a very intimate setting with their closest friends and family. For their free flowing reception, they provided food stations which featured charcuterie and favorites from Johnny's native Korea. The event continually evolved from dinner to dancing, darts and pool to amazing mini desserts and later to a create your own ramen bar! Lawrence and Johnny wanted to embrace their personal style in regard to both the attire and décor. They looked very handsome in their casual attire and the décor spoke to the relaxed feel of their celebration and their love for mid century modern decor. Edison bulbs were suspended from the ceiling; the round tables, high tops and wooden tables were lined with orange detailed linens; warm florals brightened the space; and modern lounge groupings were brought in to enhance the intimate feel of the wedding.
It turned out to be a beautiful and relaxed evening for family and friends of this {now} Los Angeles based couple! Check out the images below of Lawrence & Johnny's special day!
Event Planning + Design: Style-Architects Weddings + Events | Photography: Melissa Hesse - Rivets & Roses | Venue: Studio 1414 | Catering: Fabulous Catering | Lighting: Phos Events | Florals: Munster Rose | Rentals: Aprés Party and Tent Rental, Rudy’s Event Rentals | DJ/Band: Primetime DJs | Paper: Spark Letterpress and Meghan Rose Design
Wedding Planning 101: Budget
Today we're sharing our pearls of wisdom regarding the not-so-fun wedding budget {and we guarantee your bank account will thank you for this!} Often times, planning the budget is where couples have their first freak-out.
Let's be honest, you’ve probably never thrown a massive party for all of your friends and family before, so how should you know how much that costs or how to allocate your money?! That's where we come in. Although there are no hard and fast rules to creating a budget, we have a few tricks up our sleeves to ease the stress.
Photo by rawpixel.com
The {sad} reality is that all weddings, whether simple or extravagant, have a budget. Most couples long for a gorgeous wedding with top-notch finishes and unfortunately, the bank account doesn’t always agree! The trick is to prioritize and plan so that you are sure to get exactly what you want without breaking the bank! One of the biggest roles we play as wedding planners is helping couples prioritize what they want out of their special day and identify how to get the look they desire within the confines of their budget. What can you {and your fiance} absolutely not live without? Is it that statement designer gown? What about a gorgeous floral installation? Or maybe you want your guests to have a real “foodie” experience? No matter what you decide, identifying the top priorities is a MUST to help ensure you get exactly what you want!
It’s hard to not get too excited and want to amp up every little detail of your big day, but we encourage you to sit down and allocate money early on in the planning process to each and every wedding expense BEFORE signing on ANY dotted lines. Yes, that means calling and checking vendor prices in every category. Be specific about what you want. Sure you can get florals for $3,000, but will that give you the look you are trying to achieve? Don’t be caught by surprise! Ask for a mock Banquet Event Order from your potential venue/caterer to ensure you account for all possible charges. Undergoing this tedious {but necessary} task will help you determine whether your desired price points are realistic and will safeguard your planning from unwanted surprises!
If the final budget is coming in too high, get creative! Shop for your dress at a sample sale, opt for a non-traditional venue, or cut your guest list down {this is the fastest way to cut your budget and besides, not every friend needs a date!} Reconsider the big ticket items {food and beverage} and perhaps scale back on the price point of menu items or cut back on your dream of a fully hosted bar.
We promise that a full flushed out budget BEFORE planning makes decision making so much easier {and more fun!} If this seems like too much work, then sit back, relax and let a planner {like us} help you create a budget. We‘re happy to help and have created countless budgets at a variety of price points.
Minneapolis Event Center // Alyson & Geoff
In honor of Alyson + Geoff's two year anniversary today, let's take a look back at their special day! Alyson and Geoff went to the same high school where Geoff graduated with Alyson's brother. However, they didn't meet until a few years later at a Jack Johnson concert in Somerset, Wisconsin, where they officially began their story.
When we asked Alyson about the style for her wedding, she described it as “rustic industrial" and followed it {with a laugh} saying "I’m not even sure that’s a real thing!” Whether it is or isn't, we made it happen! The Minneapolis Event Center fit their vision perfectly with gorgeous steel details, exposed brick and open spaces. She stated that they “wanted to keep it elegant but casual” and that was executed perfectly down to the crystal, flower-filled ornaments we suspended above the head table. They also didn’t want to have any tall flowers on tables obstructing views because they wanted to keep things intimate, so we combined beauty and a petite structure to create flawless center pieces.
Look at all these amazing photos from the day!
Vendor Credits:
Wedding Planner: Style-Architects Weddings + Events
Photographer: Betsy Wall Photography
Florist: Sadie’s Florals
Linens: Après party & tent rental
Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes
DJ: Prime Time DJ (Adam Welz)
Musicians: Loring String Quartet
Videographer: Ideatap Studios
Makeup/Hair: Julie Swenson
Wedding Dress/Shoes: Ramona Kaveza - L’Atelier Couture
Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale (Flutter)
Invitations and paper goods: Spark Letterpress
LGBTQ Wedding Trends
With the Gay Pride Festival this weekend, we wanted to celebrate a few of our lovely couples we've been fortunate enough to plan weddings for and to give inspiration with trends we have noticed for same-sex couples!
Original Attire Choices We love it when couples embrace the freedom to wear anything that fits their personal style! Of course we love wedding gowns and the traditional suit and tie, but Lawrence + Johnny looked very handsome in their casual attire.
Ceremonies in the Round Most of our couples are choosing to modernize traditional ceremonies by having a less structured bridal party and ceremony. We see a lot of standing ceremonies where guests surround the couple and officiant, creating a very intimate setting.
Exceptional Venues There are no limits to where you can celebrate your special day. Jason + Rodney had an intimate ceremony with their closest friends and family on the Guthrie Theater's Endless Bridge, which offered gorgeous views of the Mississippi River. Lawrence + Johnny chose to transform Studio 1414, a photography studio.
Free Flowing Receptions Couples are moving away from formal sit-down dinners and are utilizing the same space for both a ceremony and reception without the need for a flip. This format is more intimate, requires less space and gives you the option to have food trucks or stations.
Decor + Aesthetic Overall, most couples want to break the mold and have unique details that speak to their long standing, committed relationships. Andrew + Brendan created a flawless wedding cake that told their love story from start to finish.
Unique Entertainment If you're looking for a more relaxed feel, plan a reception like Lawrence + Johnny's where they included fun activities such as pool and darts.
With no set traditions for same-sex couples, we have complete freedom to create an unparalleled event and to uniquely personalize their special day.
Images 1-8 Andrew + Brendan // Pixel Posey
Images 9-17 Lawrence + Johnny // Melissa Hesse Rivets + Roses
Images 18-25 Jason + Rodney // Thea Volk Rivets + Roses
Wedding Send-offs
One of the best photo-ops on your wedding day is when your guests send you and your groom off after the ceremony or reception. Make this traditional celebration modern by having your guests throw a little something that fits your wedding style! Choose an eco-friendly option such as wild flowers or greenery to maintain a boho feel, make it a party with confetti, or light the way with sparklers or LED balloons! Little details like this add a special touch to starting your new lives together.
Photography Credits {Top to Bottom, Left to Right}:
Etsy – craftupyourlife via Deer Pearl Flowers
Keidra Lejeune Photography via ruffled blog
Nina Claire Photography via Rock n Roll Bride
Bridal Musing via Deer Pearl Flowers
Photogen Inc.
via Google
Getty Images
Getty Images
Mother of the Bride Attire
Your daughter's wedding day is just as special for you as it is for her. It will be a day you both look back on and cherish forever. So, don't hold back on your wedding day attire and don't let the decision sit on the back burner in lieu of other wedding planning! Of course you don't want to steal any attention from the beautiful bride {and frankly how could you - she's your daughter}, but who says you can't look fabulous as well?
Here's some advice. Stray away from white + ivory {for obvious reasons} but don't limit any possibilities! Bridal shops do offer Mother of the Bride dresses, but don't be afraid to extend your search to a boutique or the formal section of any good department store. One of our favorite MOB options is a classy jumpsuit that is both trendy and flattering. Make sure your attire matches your style as well as the event's formality.
Pinspiration // Drip Cakes
Every bride wants a wedding cake that is [almost} too gorgeous to eat, yet has everyone craving a bite. Styling your cake with a perfect drizzle will achieve that goal by creating a trendy and tasteful look.
It's easy to design a drip cake that will flow flawlessly with your wedding style. From a stunning three-tier wedding cake that is elegant and detailed to a simple one-tier beauty that screams perfection, this trend is sure to complete your wedding decor. Decorate it with greenery, fruit or flowers to add some "flavor", or leave it bare to let the drip take all the attention!
See more inspiration on our {Drip Cakes} Pinterest board!
Photograph Credit {Top to Bottom // Left to Right}:
2 Kendra Sue Photography via Wedding Chicks
3 Midnight Sun Cakery via Brit + Co
4 Great Woodland Photography // Cake: Sweet Emma Lou via Something Turquoise
5 Petra Veikkola Photography via Wedding Forward
6 Koman Photography via Brides
7 Lucy Munoz Photography // CAKE Event Company // Beverly’s Bakery via SouthBound Bride
8 Hansel & Gretel Cake via Wedding Forward
9 Via Hochzeitswahn
Minneapolis Event Center // Hayley & Luke
We were so fortunate to be a part of Hayley and Luke's wedding. They couldn't have been sweeter or more adorable! Hayley and Luke started "dating" in junior high and haven't taken their eyes off each other since. As a young couple, they wanted to incorporate into their big day youthful and fun aspects in a sophisticated way, so we made it a priority, personalizing every detail.
To enhance the privacy and intimacy of their ceremony we brought in a truck load of arborvitae plants to fill in the existing plants along the fence enclosing the area. The ceremony also featured a custom floral backdrop made of fresh moss with pops of pinks fading to lighter shades in an ombre fashion. It was repurposed at the reception as a gorgeous photo booth backdrop.
After the ceremony, Hayley and Luke decided to ride off in-style with a pedicab succession down the Stone Arch Bridge. At the venue, we took advantage of the beautiful wood beams and created a chandelier of flowers hanging from ribbon, spanning the length of the head table. Instead of a traditional cake, we brought in delicious donuts and cupcakes for the reception. There were so many options to choose from, we made that {tough} decision easier by creating a menu detailing each flavor. A late night food truck with gooey delights such as pulled pork and caramelized onion grilled cheese sandwiches wrapped up the festivities.
From the gorgeous floral décor to the delicious catering sweets, every moment was perfect! Check out the images below of Hayley + Luke's special day!
Full Event Planning + Design: Style-Architects Weddings & Events | Venue + Catering: Minneapolis Event Center | Photography: Pixel Posey | Videographer: Flow Event Group | Bridal Gown: Posh Bridal Couture | Hair + Make-Up: Julie Swenson | Floral Design: Munster Rose | Linens + Chargers: Linen Effects | Event Rentals: Rudy’s Event Rentals, Apres Party and Tent Rentals | Band: Empty Pockets | DJ: Flow Event Group | String Quartet: Loring String Quartet | Donuts: Glam Doll Donuts | Cake + Cupcakes: Nadia’s Cakes | Food Truck: Fork in the Road | Invites + Day-Of Paper: Spark Letterpress | Transportation: Twin Town Pedicabs
Venue Coordinator vs. Wedding Planner
We hear it all the time, “I don’t need a wedding planner. The venue provides one.” While venue coordinators are extremely helpful during the planning process, they have a different set of responsibilities. The main difference: the venue coordinator works for the venue, while a wedding planner works for you, the client.
Venue Coordinator:
A venue coordinator's responsibilities revolve around ensuring that your experience with the venue goes smoothly. They work for the venue, acting as a liaison between you and the venue staff. Though responsibilities vary depending on whether catering is provided in house or not, typical duties include:
- Contracting with you for necessary rooms and amenities
- Providing catering menus and pricing
- Arranging menu tastings and helping you decide on food and beverage choices
- Assist with space planning
- Coordinating service staffing and security
- Processing venue payments
- On the day of your wedding, they are there to turn on the lights, set the tables, chairs and linens, ensure the food gets out, the drinks are poured, and the space is cleaned up at the end of the night.
- They are not there, for example, to ensure the cake is delivered or that the DJ knows the run of events for the day.
In fact, usually the venue coordinator you work with is often not on site the day of your wedding, leaving that responsibility to an event captain you likely will not have met. If they are on site, they usually leave after the meal has been served. Contact with the venue coordinator usually cuts off once the contracts are signed, and they are not involved in the planning process again until about a month or two before the wedding. Although venue coordinators can provide catering and vendor referrals, these recommendations are not based on the style of wedding you are planning or your budget and the venue’s involvement often ends at the referral. Their main focus is to ensure that they provide all of the items outlined in the venue contract in a smooth, efficient manner, not to give feedback on how to best decorate the space.
Wedding Planner
A wedding planner is hired by, and works for, you as a consultant throughout the planning process. Of course, the level of planner involvement varies based on the services for which we were hired. However, typical responsibilities that we provide that are not provided by the venue coordinator include:
- Regular consultations and guidance.
- Budget and timeline development and management. This includes a final wedding timeline for the day of the event.
- Vendor recommendations that are based on your specific budget and style.
- Final audit of all planning to ensure all the final details are in place.
- Final calls with all vendors to ensure counts, timing and other details are confirmed.
- Guidance with selection of all visual elements of the wedding including décor, fashion, invites, favors, and cake.
- Scheduling of, and attendance at, all vendor appointments.
- Arranging of hotel blocks and group transportation.
- On-site coordination from the very start of set-up, all the way until the end of tear down.
We work with you to ensure you get the wedding of your dreams, with minimal stress. Then, day of, we do everything from keeping emergency kits on hand in case of tears or stains, to ensuring every vendor, including the venue, delivers an amazing experience for you and your guests.