As expected, Kate Middleton’s 18-carat sapphire engagement ring has turned the spotlight on colored gemstones. But it’s not just a fashion statement; a gemstone engagement ring is practical too, with many priced below a diamond ring.
“With the economy the way it is, we’re seeing a lot of alternative gemstones,” said Albert Pittman, store manager of International Diamond Jewelers on Far Hills Avenue. “They’re affordable and fashionable.”
Sapphire is the second hardest gemstone after diamonds, making it a good choice for daily wear, Pittman said. Rubies and emeralds also are durable gemstones, he added.
Still, the traditional diamond cannot be outshined by gemstones.
“I’d say it’s changed from almost none to about 1 percent now,” said sales representative David Ostendorf of gemstone engagement rings.
Bold instead of subdued accessories
Accessories don’t have to be limited to understated jewelry and a veil, according to The Knot. Shoes with a pop of color, a stylish cardigan, or chunky necklaces and bracelets allow the bride to show off her personal style. For a simple, sentimental DIY cuff, Martha Stewart Weddings recommends attaching a heirloom brooch to a wide ribbon tied neatly around the wrist.
Modern instead of customary dress
For a subtle variation on the traditional white gown, try a faint pink, nude or pastel blue, The Knot suggests. Or, for even more modern flair, choose a knee-length white dress. More than 125 short wedding dresses are featured in a slideshow on Martha Stewart Weddings, with various styles. Of course, if you can’t decide on just one, you could always switch into a new dress after the ceremony, à la Nicole Richie, who wore three different outfits.
Each bridesmaid can choose her own style dress and flower bouquet within a specified hue.
Atypical venue instead of church
If a traditional church wedding isn’t your style, host the nuptials at a local museum or historical site, such as Carillon Historical Park.
“The ambiance is absolutely stunning,” said Teresa Beachler, facility and event sales manager for the park. “They’re all very unique historical properties.”
Memorial Hall and the Old Court House, Patterson Homestead and the Carillon Historical Park facilities are all options. The $525 fee for a wedding ceremony is the same at all properties, although the reception site prices vary. Beachler noted that if a reception is booked on a Friday, the ceremony will be hosted for free.
Because of the properties’ historical charm, many people find they don’t need to worry about aesthetics.
“Most couples go very minimal on the decorating, because it’s not just four black walls,” Beachler said.
For a ceremony or reception that’s out of this world, consider the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
Ceremonies take place in the amphitheater, said Taryn Ward, manager of special events and building rentals, while receptions can take place in one room or throughout all of the museum. Prices range from $400 for a small ceremony to $2,500 for a full rental of the museum.
It’s a night at the museum like no other, with space theater shows, laser light shows and more.
Another option is to tie the knot at the place where it all began.
Couples that met at Miami University might opt for a nostalgic ceremony at their alma mater under the Upham Hall arch. (Legend has it that students who kiss under the arch will later marry.)
Unique sweet treats instead of cake
Cutting the wedding cake is often considered an integral part of a reception. But some couples are forgoing the cake in favor of equally ornate cupcakes, doughnuts, or all-out dessert bars. Martha Stewart Weddings proposes an all-white dessert buffet, while Solano Bride (solanobride.com) suggests a sundae bar or s’mores station filled with all the trimmings, or a make-your-own pastry, candy apple or Rice Krispie Treat station. But if you can’t picture your wedding without cake, consider adding your own twist. Brides magazine recommends adding a customized silhouette cake topper from Simply Silhouettes (simplysilhouettes.com). The couple submits their profile images on the website and within three to four weeks the silhouette design is created.
Under-the-radar destination instead of luxury resort
If you’re looking to stay in the U.S., check out Woodstock, Vt.; Carefree, Ariz., and Charleston, S.C., suggests The Knot. Or, for a trip abroad, consider Cairo, Egypt; Istanbul, Turkey; or Bariloche, Argentina. For nature enthusiasts, book a Nomadic Expeditions trip of riding camels and camping in the Mongolia Gobi Desert, recommends Martha Stewart Weddings. Or, if the thought of roughing it makes you cringe, book a stay in a boutique hotel in Guadalupe Valley, Mexico, and enjoy a relaxing week of wine tastings.
Contact this reporter at nknoth@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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