What compelled me to write a blog on wedding bands? A phone call from a company that mentioned I was the grand prize "winner!" Let me start off and say, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.
After going to a few bridal shows, you'll most likely receive a call from places that say "you've won a raffle..." or something very similar to that. Not to bust your bubble but it's a hoax. I've received this call 2-3 time already! If you've ever gotten the call that says "we'll give you two free tickets to a theme park, all you have to do is pick it up from one of these event locations.." it's pretty much the same deal. Two of the three offers that I've "won" included a honeymoon and the wedding bands that is made out of a strong material called tungsten. The company or any jewelers that try to sell you tungsten give you the correct facts about it, it's one of the strongest materials out there and it's reasonably priced [cheaper than gold and platinum], but they don't seem to give you the negative facts. Many couples look to purchase them because of how it looks and the overall cost, of course! You must wonder, "why is it so cheap compared to platinum and even gold if the material is so strong?"
what people don't know:
You can easily cut "gold" or "platinum" but it's quite difficult with Tungsten.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm0MoIWdlLU&feature=related]
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT9xsw_ElhE&feature=related]
Tungsten is a strong material that has a nice appearance to it, but doesn't give you many options when you add unfavorable factors to the mix.
In example: If you gain weight and cannot remove your ring, you're out of luck! Grab some oil or butter and try to slip it off because that's probably the only way you'll be able to remove it!
If you bang your finger up and need to remove the ring, good luck not hurting yourself in the process!
I know first hand that weddings are extremely expensive; you'll try and cut costs with every vendor and negotiate a good deal, but this is something you shouldn't sacrifice. Tungsten 's an unforgiving metal where you're unable to resize and it could and probably will give you a headache in the future. If you feel comfortable making that purchase, go for it. I on the other hand would like to go the safer route.
If you currently have a tungsten band and are thinking about getting a new one, DO IT! Remove it while you still can and get a new band. If you end up getting a silver, gold, or platinum band, chances are, it will probably get banged up during your every day activities unlike Tungsten. The metal is so strong you won't see any scratches on it. I believe the extra costs offers a piece of mind; knowing that you can get it cut off easily, if something happens!
**There are new tutorials on how to properly "cut or snap" the ring off, so if you decide to stick with a Tungsten ring, I suggest you get a back up cutter, just in case of an emergency! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poM423pewRE
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving Holiday
This post has nothing to do with the wedding planning process..it's just a time for me to reflect about this upcoming holiday that I get to spend with my family.
For the past couple years, I've been celebrating Thanksgiving with the Narciso and Cabellon family. On the actual day, lunch is usually spent with my mom's immediate family [Gorenflo, Dantes, Bituin, Canlas, Narciso].The food is always delicious and cooked by the women in the family; it's a perfect mixture between our American and Filipino culture with Turkey, Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, Pumpkin cupcakes (made by yours truly), Lumpia, Pancit, and etc. During the evening, Mark and I go to his house[P&M's last year] to celebrate with his family, again we're surrounded by turkey, mashed potatoes, some type of greens, and etc.
Thanksgiving has always been a wonderful holiday to celebrate with the Narciso family. On Saturday, late afternoon, we always have a huge party with the entire family [mom's siblings and extended fam]. That's when we celebrate our third and final Thanksgiving with more ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, lichon, and etc. It's a wonderful time to just let our guts hang out while we stuff our faces and get caught up in great conversation, followed by playing games and discussions regarding Christmas.
Last year, Thanksgiving was a very special time for me. Mark asked for my hand in marriage [Friday, November 26] and we were able to make the announcement on Saturday at my family party. My extended family, definitely in shock, left my aunts and some of the cousins speechless while celebrating with tears of joy. Mark's parents and siblings came to the first Narciso family party...They were going to come, even before I knew I was going to get engaged, so it didn't throw anyone off!
The greatest thing I take away from this day is the time I get to spend with my family. Although, I'm constantly being blessed, it's a great time to reflect on everything we are given and the people in our lives we get to celebrate these holidays with. The time I get to spend with both mine and Mark's family is what brings me the greatest joy, it's like a combustion of happiness when both families are together, because we don't have to divide time and everyone is under one roof. This time next year I'll be celebrating my first Thanksgiving as a married couple...eeeek!
For the past couple years, I've been celebrating Thanksgiving with the Narciso and Cabellon family. On the actual day, lunch is usually spent with my mom's immediate family [Gorenflo, Dantes, Bituin, Canlas, Narciso].The food is always delicious and cooked by the women in the family; it's a perfect mixture between our American and Filipino culture with Turkey, Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, Pumpkin cupcakes (made by yours truly), Lumpia, Pancit, and etc. During the evening, Mark and I go to his house[P&M's last year] to celebrate with his family, again we're surrounded by turkey, mashed potatoes, some type of greens, and etc.
Thanksgiving has always been a wonderful holiday to celebrate with the Narciso family. On Saturday, late afternoon, we always have a huge party with the entire family [mom's siblings and extended fam]. That's when we celebrate our third and final Thanksgiving with more ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, lichon, and etc. It's a wonderful time to just let our guts hang out while we stuff our faces and get caught up in great conversation, followed by playing games and discussions regarding Christmas.
Last year, Thanksgiving was a very special time for me. Mark asked for my hand in marriage [Friday, November 26] and we were able to make the announcement on Saturday at my family party. My extended family, definitely in shock, left my aunts and some of the cousins speechless while celebrating with tears of joy. Mark's parents and siblings came to the first Narciso family party...They were going to come, even before I knew I was going to get engaged, so it didn't throw anyone off!The greatest thing I take away from this day is the time I get to spend with my family. Although, I'm constantly being blessed, it's a great time to reflect on everything we are given and the people in our lives we get to celebrate these holidays with. The time I get to spend with both mine and Mark's family is what brings me the greatest joy, it's like a combustion of happiness when both families are together, because we don't have to divide time and everyone is under one roof. This time next year I'll be celebrating my first Thanksgiving as a married couple...eeeek!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
November Update: 6 more months to go!
It's already November! In a week or so, it will mark one year since Mark proposed to me on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial. I can't believe a year has already gone by! I must say, it brings butterflies to my stomach at the thought of it. All my close friends and family knows I feel like our wedding is taking forever to get here, but realistically, time is flying.
Here's the quick update on my wedding planning.
Videographer
A few days ago, Mark and I booked our videographer. Our videographer has been a close friend to my brother and is extremely talented. Mark and I will probably watch this video twice in our lifetime, once immediately after we receive the video [to see the entire ceremony and anything we missed at the reception] and a second time when we show our children our wedding once they get older. We wanted our day documented so that we could look back and see it, but that wasn't the biggest priority on our checklist, therefore we're just booking it now.
Paper
I finally ordered our paper to create our invitations! Mark and I finally chose the color and dimensions [I hope they turn out to be correct, we're definitely not math people, ha! ] fingers crossed. Once we receive the paper in the mail, I'll be working on scoring each individual sheet prior to folding them. This should be interesting.
BM Dresses
I finally picked which dress I wanted my Bridesmaids to wear. I told my MoHs which dress and I left it up to them to put an order deadline and let the rest of the bridesmaids know. All the girls will be going to my seamstress to get them altered since it's slightly longer than I'd like them to be. I also picked out 3 different shoes for the girls to pick from and what ever the majority picked, they would order. I'm excited to see it all together once they come in! All together, with the dress, alterations, and shoes it should cost less than $160!
Vendor Checklist
We have 6 more months left til the big day and we have accomplished nearly everything on our checklist. There are only 3 more vendors to book/finalize! I can honestly say that with the amount of time I have left, I have lots of room to relax...I probably won't though. I would much rather do all of the work now than worry weeks before the wedding.
Things to Do [6 months to accomplish]:
Here's the quick update on my wedding planning.
Videographer
A few days ago, Mark and I booked our videographer. Our videographer has been a close friend to my brother and is extremely talented. Mark and I will probably watch this video twice in our lifetime, once immediately after we receive the video [to see the entire ceremony and anything we missed at the reception] and a second time when we show our children our wedding once they get older. We wanted our day documented so that we could look back and see it, but that wasn't the biggest priority on our checklist, therefore we're just booking it now.
Paper
I finally ordered our paper to create our invitations! Mark and I finally chose the color and dimensions [I hope they turn out to be correct, we're definitely not math people, ha! ] fingers crossed. Once we receive the paper in the mail, I'll be working on scoring each individual sheet prior to folding them. This should be interesting.
BM Dresses
I finally picked which dress I wanted my Bridesmaids to wear. I told my MoHs which dress and I left it up to them to put an order deadline and let the rest of the bridesmaids know. All the girls will be going to my seamstress to get them altered since it's slightly longer than I'd like them to be. I also picked out 3 different shoes for the girls to pick from and what ever the majority picked, they would order. I'm excited to see it all together once they come in! All together, with the dress, alterations, and shoes it should cost less than $160!
Vendor Checklist
We have 6 more months left til the big day and we have accomplished nearly everything on our checklist. There are only 3 more vendors to book/finalize! I can honestly say that with the amount of time I have left, I have lots of room to relax...I probably won't though. I would much rather do all of the work now than worry weeks before the wedding.
Things to Do [6 months to accomplish]:
- Pick out Shoes and Jewelry!
- First dress fitting: December 1st =)
- Look at the plastered model of our bands
- Book our final 3 vendors
- Work on our Registry
- Create Invitations [Main content, Wedding Party, RSVPs, Maps, Accommodations]
- Create the Program
- Create our Table Numbers
- Seating Charts
- Favors/Give away
- Food tastings!
- Finalize flower arrangements in February
- Finalize our Honeymoon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)