Most Tacky Wedding Dresses EVER

I feel as though I have to end this week with a bang, so I came across this website UglyDress.com where they have the most heinous wedding dresses/accessories I have ever seen, and I just had to share this compilation of ugly with everyone. Let the hilarity ensue…

This dress might possibly have the worlds biggest bow attached to it. I think it even rivals Aretha Franklin’s bow at the Inauguration this Tuesday, which unfortunately for comedic sake I cannot find a picture of.

AHHHHH birds! Besides the dress being ugly as sin, the wacky and tacky head gear is channeling Alfred Hitchcock’s movie The Birds. Eeek!

I know some people take their love of sports to an extreme, but come onnnn. Why!??

Her hat looks like a swim cap and the bouquet got into a fight. I’m not sure who won; my guess is the swim cap? Also, if you look quickly she kinda looks like an alien from Mars Attacks.

I’ve got nothing…this is just awful

Who invited Napoleon Bonaparte to the wedding?? Oh wait, that’s the bride? Oops.

This is a bit ostentatious don’t you think? I’m not sure what’s worse, the fact she looks like an ugly white peacock, or the fact that she’s using a baby as an accessory.

I wonder what channels she’s picking up with this thing?

This can’t be real.. I mean if you entered it into a contest for being a good example of recycling maybe it would win. She’s wearing a shower curtain for Christ’s sake!

I just want to thank UglyDress.com for giving me a good laugh this morning. Go visit this site if you want to see ugly dresses of all sorts.

Best, Engagement101mag.com

History of the Wedding Band

I wanted to start this post off with some history of wedding bands and engagement rings that I found and thought was entertaining.

These items of jewelery have a history that spans many centuries and passes through many countries from all around the planet. Below, you will find a brief history of the wedding and engagement ring, as reported from country to country.

EGYPTIANS

The now-famous wedding band is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt, where it is said that plant sections were fashioned in to circles to signify never-ending and immortal love. It was thought that the fourth finger (which we now know as the ring finger) contained a special vein that was connected directly to the heart, and therefore this became the official finger for the wedding band.

ROMANS

The Romans also agreed with the Egyptians with regards to the wedding ring finger and its meaning, but rather than offering wedding bands as a symbol of love, they awarded them as a symbol of ownership. Roman men would “claim” their woman with the giving of a ring.

ASIANS / ARABS

Puzzle rings were a complex type of jewelery that were once popular in Asia, and these jewels had the charming knack of being able to fall apart and put back together again – if you knew how to do this, of course. Wealthy Middle Eastern men then began to use these rings as wedding bands for their wives, who were often forced to wear a puzzle ring when their husband was away. The husband would know upon his return whether any of his wives had been disloyal by removing the ring whilst he was away, because the ring was designed to collapse upon removal and could only be put together again if you had the skill and knowledge required.

EUROPEANS

Several centuries ago, the Europeans became rather taken with what we would class as an engagement ring, but was then called a Poesy Ring. This ring was given to a loved one as a form of promise, and signified fidelity and love. The Poesy Ring was offered as a pledge of eternal togetherness, much as today’s engagement rings are offered as a promise of eternal marriage.

AMERICANS

During Colonial times, all items of jewelery in America were prohibited due to their apparent moral worthlessness. Instead, a more practical thimble was given as a token of love and as a pledge of eternal togetherness. However, after they were married, the women tended to remove the bottom of their “engagement thimble” to form a type of ring.

History Of Engagement Rings

The engagement ring of today also has its own varied and interesting history, some of which is explored below. Engagement rings have been known by many different names, have symbolised a variety of different things and have not always been made of precious metals and stunning gems!

GREEKS

The ancient Greeks are thought to have been the forerunners in the rising of the traditional engagement ring. Given as a token of care and affection, the rings used by the Greeks were known as betrothal rings and were given before marriage. However, the giving of these rings was not always a pre-requisite to marriage and was often given in the same way as a friendship ring might be given today.

ROMANS

As seen by their use of the wedding ring, ancient Romans weren’t the most sentimental of people, and the early version of their “engagement ring” were thought to have carved keys on them. It has been debated that this could have been to symbolise the woman’s right to access and own half of everything following marriage. However, the more sentimental like to think that the key may have been a key to her husband’s heart.

It is clear that the giving of a ring in honour of a union, betrothal, and marriage has been going on since ancient times, and although it may not always have been as glamorous and romantic as it is today, it was still a way of exchanging a contract of betrothal or marriage.

Thankfully, today’s wedding bands and engagement rings are not made of hair, grass, plants or twine as they may have been in ancient times, but of beautiful metals set with stunning gems, such as platinum, titanium, white gold, gold, sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds. These incredible items of jewellery are likely to remain as popular as ever as the centuries go by, and even as the rest of the world advances in to a futuristic and technological age, it’s hard to imagine a day where a beautiful diamond engagement ring or wedding band doesn’t melt the heart of its recipient.

Best Movie Theater Proposal

I came across this video when I was surfing YouTube. Movie theater proposals are becoming pretty popular, but I thought this was an exceptional example. It’s the number one proposal on YouTube!

Heres a little back story from Jeff himself:

“I produced this animation as a way of proposing to my girlfriend (now wife), Natasha, who I had been dating for some time. I assembled a team of 20 animators to assist me, including co-workers, as well as students from my 3D character animation class at the Art Institute of California-San Francisco. We created more than four minutes of animation in just three months.

When it was completed, I surprised Natasha by bringing her to the Parkway Movie Theater in Oakland, where they played the animation on the big screen in front of over 100 of our friends and family. The entire event was filmed for the TLC television show “A Perfect Proposal.”

J. P., Oakland, California”

How cute!

World’s Biggest Diamonds!

Here’s a list of some of the biggest “rock” stars in the world.

1. The Cullinan

This diamond was the largest rough gem quality diamond ever found. When it was originally found in 1905, it weighed in at a mind blowing 3106 carats. It has since been cut into 105 different stones, the largest being the Cullinan I, also known as the Star of Africa which weighs 530 carats. The Cullinan II, also known as the Lesser Star of Africa is the fourth largest faceted diamond in the world weighing in at 317.4 carats.

2. The Excelsior

Until the discovery of the Cullinan, this diamond was the largest rough gem quality diamond ever found. In the rough it weighed 971 carats, and it has been cut into 10 different stones. The largest stone, the Excelsior I weighs 69.68 carats.

3. The Golden Jubilee

This diamond is the largest faceted diamond in the world. The yellow-brown fire rose cushion cut diamond weighs in at 545.67 carats and is worth an estimated $1.5 billion.

4. The Centenary

This is the worlds largest D grade flawless diamond. The modified heart shaped diamond weighs in at 273.85 carats.

5. The Millenium Star

This is the worlds second largest D grade flawless diamond. The pear shaped diamond weighs in at 203.04 carats.

Dazzling Celebrity Engagement Rings

Scarlett Johansson’s $30,000 3-carat solitaire from husband Ryan Reynolds has a retro feel that definitely complements Scarlett’s retro style. The round stone and yellow gold band are very 1960’s.

Katherine Heigl‘s 3-carat pear shaped diamond from Josh Kelley incorporates part of her mothers band. It shows she is sentimental and sees marriage as a continuation of family.

“I can’t believe it’s on my hand,” says Ashlee Simpson of her 4-carat cushion cut diamond from hubby Pete Wentz. This ring is most certainly trendy. It has a fairy-tale feel that everyone is copying.

Carmen Electra‘s $100,000 2-carat black solitaire from husband Rob Patterson very unique, and it reflects the couple’s edgy style.

Mariah Carey‘s 17-carat pink diamond from Nick Cannon is surrounded by 58 darker pink diamonds. This over the top token of love shows Mariah’s girlie side.

Parker popped the question to Eva Longoria with a air jordan 7 stunning emerald cut engagement ring set in white gold and weighing in at a whopping five carats. The engagement ring setting is a simple yet classic Tiffany prong design that emphasizes the ring’s beauty without overshadowing the exquisite appeal of the multiple gems.

Katie Holmes five carat oval-shaped diamond engagement ring set in platinum and rose gold is reminiscent of art deco rings, with its focus on a large center stone bedded in a pave setting. The unusual platinum-rose gold setting spices up the antique-style ring, adding a personalized element to a very popular look.

Most Romantic Disney Love Songs

This post is for all the Disney lovers, and the young at heart. I recently came across The Essential Disney Love Song Collection, and it tugged at my heart strings, I just had to write about it! Disney movies were a large part of my childhood, as I’m sure it was for many girls born during the 1980s. (I mean, I’ve been waiting a pretty long time for Prince Charming to come and carry me off into the sunset on his white horse. These movies have ruined my expectations for a potential husband forever! Just kidding.) So without further adieu, here is the list of songs on the CD:

1. When You Wish Upon a Star Inspired by Pinocchio – After watching this movie I wished on stars all the time haha This was the first song to wing Disney an Oscar, and it definitely wins an Oscar in my book.

2. Can you Feel the Love Tonight Inspired by the Lion King

3. True Loves Kiss Original Song from Enchanted – I don’t know about you, but I thoroughly enjoy James Marsden, especially singing

4.  Bella Notte  Inspired by Lady and the Tramp – This song is from such a memorable scene (When Lady and the Tramp go on a “date” and they share spaghetti and meet in the middle and kiss, AW!) I still want this to happen to me.

5. Kiss the Girl Original Song from the Little Mermaid – How can you not love a caribbean themed love song, and a singing crab!

6. So This is Love Inspired by Cinderella

7. Once Upon a Dream Inspired by Sleeping Beauty

8. A Whole New World Original Song from Aladdin – Aside from being one of the best duet karaoke songs of all time, it is a magical and enchanting song.

9. Something There Original Song from Beauty and the Beast

10. One Dance Inspired by the Little Mermaid

11. Baby Mine Inspired by Dumbo – This song is more about the relationship between a mother and child, but it is most certainly a tear jerker (I love you mom!)

12. I Won’t Say (I’m in Love) Inspired by Hercules – This song doesn’t really conform to the disney lovey dovey norms, but I still love it for its uniqueness

13. If I Never Knew You Original Song from Pocahontas – The lyrics to this song are SO sweet. I feel like this song can apply to any couple in loves’ relationship. Unfortunately the scene this song is from was cut from the movie, but recent showings on ABC have brought it back, and you can purchase the Special edition DVD to see it.

14. You’ll Be in My Heart Inspired by TARZAN – My personal favorite, since I loved Tarzan, and secretly love Phil Collins, which isn’t a secret anymore haha.

15. I Wonder Inspired by Sleeping Beauty

16. My Gift Is You An Original Disney Holiday Song

17. Beauty and the Beast Original Song from Beauty and the Beast

18. Stay Awake Inspired by Mary Poppins

Alyssa Milano Engaged

During my daily celebrity gossip search, I stumbled across some fun news. Yesterday, Alyssa Milano‘s rep announced that Alyssa is engaged to David Bugliari who she has been dating for over a year! He proposed to her  December 18 with a ring he designed himself. The rock was made by Jim Lavi at Daniel Jewelery in La Jolla California.

Ladies, wouldn’t you want a custom engagement ring designed by your hubby? I know I would. If he doesn’t have the greatest taste in jewelry, you could drop some subtle hints (maybe the link to Yourengagement101.com where he can look at thousands of rings just for you!)  

Something Blue for Anne Hathaway

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue; these are good luck tokens brides to this day still swear by. In ancient Rome, the color blue symbolized love, modesty and fidelity. BRIDE WARS, in theaters this Friday January 9th (which we suggest going to see because it looks hysterical) features a lovely, example of something blue you can purchase for your wedding day.

Anne Hathaway wears “something blue” in her hair: a TACORI Bridal Evening hairpin, created especially for the film.This floral hairpin from TACORI features five-petal faceted blue jade petals surrounding a sparking natural white topaz crystal, all set on a hand crafted sterling silver pin.Available by special order at any authorized Tacori Bridal.Evening retailer.(www.tacori.com to locate retailers)

On a side note, the wedding dresses in the movie (both designed by Vera Wang) are absolutely gorgeous! In an interview we read with the costume designer Karen Patch, she said she designed Kate Hudson‘s dress to look like the top of a wedding cake, and Anne Hathaway’s dress to be more nostalgic, and we think she did just that! To read the full interview, you can click on the image.

Can I Wear White to an Engagement Party?

So you finally got the ring… here are some fashion FAQs we receive at the Engagement 101 office.

Can I wear white to my friend’s engagement party?
Yes, its perfectly acceptable to wear white to an engagement party. The only time you should not wear white is at a wedding — that honor is reserved for the bride.

I don’t think my girlfriend would like a traditional diamond ring. Can the ring have a gemstone instead of a diamond?
Absolutely! The engagement ring is very personal, and if she likes a certain gemstone (i.e. a sapphire like Princess Diana), it might be fun to go outside of the traditional box. Just be sure to pick a stone that is durable enough for everyday wear.

How much should I spend on my engagement ring?
There is no clear rule on this, however, I would never spend past my means and I always think its better to save enough to pay in full than to borrow. Remember, once you purchase this ring and get married, the debt, if any, you have from purchasing this ring becomes the responsibility of both of you.

I really don’t like the ring I got from my husband can I return it?
This is another question with no clear answer. It really depends on the situation. My personal belief is that it would be inappropriate to return the ring. This ring symbolizes his love to you and any alteration (except upsizing the center stone when financially able) would diminish the symbolic meaning of the ring.

Dev Valencia Rings in the New Year

Dev Valencia Rings In the New Year!

So I was riding the subway to work today (I know, riding the train is so chic) and I saw this girl with one of the most amazing rings I’ve ever seen. Honestly, this thing could have been added to the Times Square ball it was so beautiful. So naturally since I’m in the jewelry industry I had to ask if I could take a closer look and after a nervous laugh she obliged.

As soon as I saw it I knew it was a Dev Valencia design. The unique gold mounting and of course a dazzling center stone was a dead give away.

After chatting with the girl I found out that it was a Christmas gift from her boyfriend, well fiancé now and they are spending their Engagement Honeymoon in NYC for the New Year. What a great start to 2009!

Well Wishes in 2009
~The Engagement 101 Team