Did some research on the internet to see what kind of helpful statistics I could find on weddings.  Their was a bunch of stuff.  Here is a quick wrapup of what I found with more details below with #’s.

 Weddings these days can cost up to as much as a brand new car.  Most of the money however is spent on the reception alone and a consultant if needed.  Then of course the rings, but they are a vital necessary. Men’s formal wear is about half the price of the bride’s gown and about 20% of many brides get their gowns from David’s Bridal.

About 64% of couples live together before getting married. Many of the couples know each at least 3 years or longer including the engagement process which is almost a year and a half.  Yet many of these couples are likely to end up in divorce and marry again.

June is the most popular month for weddings, then August, followed by September October and May. Very few weddings take place in the winter months and many are in the afternoon or evening. Half of all weddings are traditional and have both a ring bearer and a flower girl. After the traditional wedding almost all newlywed’s go on a honeymoon.  Many honeymooners fly somewhere in a different country or a place where they have never been before and stay about a week and spend up to $4,000. While there, they like to explore new place and restaurants.

Weddings are a common tradition and happen everyday all over the world. A lot of time and money and stress are spent putting it all together, and the actual wedding only last up to a few hours.

ENGAGEMENT STATISTICS

    * The average American engagement is 16 months. Read the rest of this entry »

Here are basic facts about President Bush’s daughter Jenna Bush’s wedding Saturday to Henry Hager.

• 1. Jenna Bush’s Wedding Ring- Platinum ring with round diamond, from groom’s maternal great grandmother, flanked by sapphires Read the rest of this entry »
  bush celebrity engagement hager henry jenna president wedding

Good job big guy, you got the lady to agree to marry you.  Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself one more question. Have I ever helped plan for a wedding?  I doubt it. If you need some help with wedding tips I say you should go to someone who has been there and done that. Read the rest of this entry »

What is the perfect engagement ring? Gone are the days of the simple diamond solitaire set in a plain gold band. Most women today want an engagement ring that reflects who they are as a person. Men not only have to consider size, shape, and precious metal, they must also consider color, setting, and most importantly their fiance’s style and personality. I can only imagine how daunting a task this may seem to most men, but it’s not an impossible one. I recommend taking some time before you buy to do a little research.

Talk to your girlfriend’s best friend, her mother, or her sister. Pay attention to the jewelry she currently wears. Take note, does she prefer classic yellow gold or white gold. What is her personality like? Is she more quiet and traditional, because a simpler ring (though not plain) would probably suit her. Or are you in love with a girl who is bubbly and outgoing, because she may want something a little more unique.

Probably the simplest and most accurate way of finding the perfect ring is to ask your girlfriend what she wants. Most women have an idea of what they would like their engagement ring to look like, if they don’t already have the exact one they want picked out, and possibly already put on hold! You can’t go wrong if you just ask.

But for those of you fellas out there that are hopeless romantics (God love you), and you want nothing more than to surprise your love with the perfect ring, just remember to take your time, and look for the ring that reminds you of her. You’ll know it when you see it, especially if you’ve done your homework. Remember, most women spend hours searching for the perfect wedding dress that will only be worn for one short day. Shouldn’t you invest just as much time finding the perfect ring that she will wear for the rest of her life.

The almighty Da Beers says you should spend 2 months salary on an engagement ring. Does Da Beers have your best interest at heart or are they looking to fill their pockets? Honestly, you should get something that will not put you in debt for years to come but still looks. The average engagement ring purchase in 2006 wa roughly $3500.

 The size and quality of the diamond DO NOT reflect the size and quality of your love for each other. Your love for one another is a good investment while a diamond ring is not purchased as a long term appreciating investment.  Keep your investments separate from the tradition and symbolism associated with a ring and marriage.

 It all starts with how much can I afford to spend on a ring.  It may only be $1,000.  Get an idea from your future fiance on the styles of rings that she likes by wandering around a jewlery store on a date night. When I was dating my wife and I would pop into a Zales to just window shop.  This helped me understand her style of jewelry.

What do I do if I don’t even have $500?

I would first learn the value of saving money and living on a budget.  It will only get worse when you get married. BUT I will also mention a few ways to save money on your ring purchase.

• Browse an antique shop
• Cubic Zirconia rings look pretty, just don’t lie to your girlfriend that it’s real
• Pawn Shops (might or might not be real diamonds)
• Focus more of your purchase on the style of the setting instead of the size of the diamond.
• Buy a different gemstone instead of diamonds
• Use a family ring
• (My Favorite) use the plastic rings from the 25 cent machines. This works well for engagements while still in high school.