Tag Archives: engagement

Frost’s Editor Writes Wedding Planning Book: The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity

Posted on by

Getting married and feeling daunted? Our editor, Catherine Balavage, has written an excellent wedding planning book. It covers very aspect of getting married from engagement to the honeymoon.  This is Catherine’s second book, the first one was about acting and was very well-received.

wedding planning, wedding survival guide, wedding book, wedding books, how to plan a wedding

The book is available in print, ebook and Kindle. The Kindle version is only £2.99. It is also a perfect gift for anyone who wants a wedding book for Christmas.

Buy The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity here.

 

 

Cheryl’s Channel Set Wedding Ring | Studded trend

Posted on by

Cheryl Cole has announced her marriage to Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini after a whirlwind three-month romance and is sporting a channel set (studded style) wedding band alongside her statement emerald cut diamond engagement ring.

cherylcoleweddingring

Of the jewel, Vashi Dominguez of Vashi.com stated: “Cheryl’s show-stopper engagement ring (that I’ve valued at in excess of £275k) is complemented with an elegant channel set diamond wedding ring – a popular choice that is understated and sophisticated yet still beautifully eye-catching. The ring could have cost from £15k making her studded bridal set worth around £300k. Wow!”

 

Romance In Modern Age: 52% of Women Would Contribute To Engagement Ring

Posted on by

The New Engagement Etiquette in the Age of Equality

TV diamond expert, Vashi Dominguez, Founder and CEO of Vashi.com reports that in a recent survey, over 50 percent of women admit they would make a contribution to their engagement ring to ensure they got the ring of their dreams. 52 percent of women answered that ‘yes, I would probably consider [contributing to my engagement ring]’ or ‘yes, I would definitely consider it as it would mean I could have the style and size I want.’ A further 7 percent of women surveyed had already contributed to their engagement ring. The statistics also reveal that a quarter of women surveyed would partake in subtle hinting, such as comments to their partner when walking past jewellery stores, to ensure they received the engagement ring they wanted.

engagementring

Pear Cut 0.6 Carat D/VS1 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring | £1,899

The financial crisis of the late 2000s caused employment rates for men aged 25-44 in the UK to decrease by 3.2 percent. The employment rate of women in the same age range dropped by a lesser 0.7 percent. Consequentially, more couples now share the cost of living; large expense items such as a new car, holidays or an engagement ring are now more likely to be a shared expense. Couples’ finances in general are now so interlinked prior to engagement that an even higher percentage of women could be contributing to their ring subtlety through linked finances.

The survey results also strongly suggest that engagements in the UK are planned (more frequently than being spontaneous) due to men’s financial circumstances and budget constraints. However, a relatively large proportion of men did not plan romance around the planned engagement – this is according to 24 percent of women who revealed their partner did not plan anything specific for their engagement, with another 13 percent of women stating that their partner did not get down on one knee.

In light of the survey results, Vashi.com anticipates a growing number of sales will be a result of joint decisions made by a couple. Post-survey, Dominguez stated: “These results represent a welcome shift in the way couples approach engagement now. The team and I notice more women being involved in the process compared to previous generations. Traditionally, men were the breadwinners and often as a result, the decision makers. However, we’re beginning to experience a new engagement etiquette. Our male customers are relying on their partner’s input too, whether it be financially or at least from an aesthetic point of view. Not only this, now vashi.com is receiving an increasing proportion of business from female customers.”

Vashi Dominguez continued, “women know what they want and our survey shows they’re not afraid to contribute to ensure they get what they want!”

1000 women aged 20-50 were surveyed UK-wide.

Source re survey: Census Wide on behalf of vashi.com

Source re recession: The Labour Force Survey from 2007 Q1 – 2007 Q4

 

The Wedding Diary Part One: Engagement

Posted on by

wedding diary, engagement, engagement ring, getting married, planning a wedding, marriage, engagement, Well I finally did it. I managed to find someone who will put up with me for the rest of my life. Most little girls dream came true when my boyfriend of three years whisked my off to Paris on the Eurostar for our anniversary and proposed. I ecstatically said yes and upon our return bought far too many wedding magazines, and realised just how hard planning a wedding was going to be. Don’t get me wrong. I am not exactly fazed by planning big things. I planned the launch party for Frost Magazine and had over 300 guests. It went off without a hitch even though the venue canceled on us a few days before. I have also made a full length feature film. I have the skills and the staying power but what I don’t have is £21,000 to spend on a party. Only one person has mentioned the outdated thing of the women’s parents paying, all of my friends paid for their own wedding and I am not asking my parents for money. I am the editor of this magazine, a freelance writer and actor.

Somehow this is not even the issue. Neither my fiancee or I think it is reasonable to spend that amount of money on one day of your life. Other difficulties are that my family live in Scotland and my fiance’s family live in England. Getting all of these people together in a convenient, reasonably priced venue doesn’t feel like the easiest thing.

Also as a half catholic, half protestant agnostic I have found out that I cannot even get married in a church because I was not christened as my parents, quite rightly, wanted me to choose my own religion. If I want to get married I will have to attend church or do a course. Neither of these seem appealing and I don’t have a lot of free time.

So join my on my journey from engaged woman to bride. I will be writing lots of wedding articles and advice to go along with my personal experience. Please comment and tell me your thoughts and give any advice. We are planning to get married in June of next year so we don’t actually have much time to get everything done. It is all quite exciting and scary.

We have a brillaint article on buying the perfect engagement ring if you want to send it to your boyfriend to drop some hints.

Until next time, enjoy the sun.

 

How To Know When Its The Right Time To Get Married.

Posted on by

William_and_Kate_weddingWith royal wedding fever hitting an all time high there is a high number of women wondering if there boyfriend will pop the question. Kate waited by Prince Williams side for nearly a decade, earning herself the nickname ‘waity Katy’. It would seem that Kate, or Catherine as she now wants to be called, has had the last laugh. However, not all women want to get married, or remain undecided. While most men need quite a bit of a push in my experience. So, when is it the right time to make the commitment? What do you need to know first? Read the point below to find out if now is the right time to get married.

Are you in love?

There are many reasons why people think they should get married. Whether its peer pressure or because you have kids. Truth is, there is only one reason why you should get married: You’re in love. As long as you love someone it does not matter what life throws at you. They are the constant in your life. If you are unsure whether or not you’re in love; you’re not. If you are unsure if your boyfriend loves you, ask him or read this: How to tell if your boyfriend loves you

Are they your final emotional destination?

When you marry someone you are not just sharing your life, but also your soul and your DNA. You are forever joining together. Marriage is something to be taken seriously, do you really want to be with this person? It’s okay to have doubts, we all do. It is always possible that Angelina Jolie or George Clooney will want to marry you later, but the thing is; if you have found someone who loves you and you love them back you are blessed, people spend lifetimes trying to find the love of their lives. Don’t throw that away.

Are you just sliding into it?

Do you really want to get married or are you just sliding into it? Marriage is a mistake that’s hard to get out of unscathed – whether that be emotionally or financially. Being in a loveless marriage is something nobody should have to put up with. Don’t just get married because your mother is nagging you.

Do you just want a big day?

They say the most important day in a women’s life is her wedding day. I like to think this isn’t true, but it is still something women, and men!, buy into. After the dress, the presents and the honeymoon you will have to spend the rest of your life with this person. Not really worth one glamorous day.

Are you getting married because you (think) you are cracking on a bit?

Getting married because your nearly thirty isn’t a good enough reason. Although a women’s biological clock doesn’t work in her favour, marrying someone you don’t love – or worse, having a kid with someone you don’t love; a child ties you to that person forever- just because you feel pressure from society or your mother will never make you happy. Think of all the other thing you could do with your life; travel, focus on your career, study. There is a big world out there. You don’t need a husband (or wife) for that.

Do you know each other? Does the other person listen?

You have to know the person you are marrying. Can you communicate with them? Can you talk openly? If you tell your partner that something annoys you do they make the effort to change? If someone love you they will do anything they can to keep you around, they will care about your thoughts and feelings. You also have to accept the other person, good and bad.

And another thing…

 

Talk about finance, children, future goals together. It’s okay to be nervous, to be unsure, relationships are hard, but if you really love the person you are with, what are you waiting for?

The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity is available in print, ebook and Kindle. The Kindle version is only £2.99.

 

 

Kate Middleton Gets Her Own Doll.

Posted on by

A host of leading British designers have come together to fly the flag for British fashion with the creation of an exclusive and highly collectible toy, the Princess Catherine Doll.

Launching in Hamleys on Thursday April 7, 2011, from 4pm to 7pm, the Limited Edition Princess Catherine Engagement Doll uniquely celebrates Champions of British Style™ – and showcases the very best of authentic British fashion and design.

Fashioned to resemble Catherine “Kate”  Middleton, right down to the Eaton clutch bag, fascinator and shoes, the Princess Catherine Doll oozes British style and highlights a nation’s  intrinsic attention to detail.

And upholding a true British custom, a donation from sales of the toy will go to the charity, Help for heroes. For every Princess Catherine Doll sold, Champions of British Style™ will donate £1 to Help for Heroes.

Of course, some might say that the Princess Catherine Doll is a touch eccentric or even kitsch, but such quirkiness are also a great British tradition!

With only 10,000 dolls being produced, it’s predicted that the Princess Catherine Engagement Doll will be a must-buy for Royal Wedding collectors.

There is also little doubt that children will clamour for a toy doll that can be dressed up to look like a real-life princess.

The Princess Catherine Engagement Doll, which has won the respect of Hamleys, will be sold in leading toy stores after the launch on Thursday April 7, 2011, as well as online at www.arklu.com

Kate Middleton herself will be invited to the launch but it’s expected that she will be a little too busy with her wedding plans!

Lucie Follett, a spokesperson for Champions of British Style™, said: “Since being catapulted into the limelight and following the announcement of her engagement to Prince William, Kate’s every outfit have come under scrutiny in the fashion world.

“The catwalks this season show a feminine and elegant trend that is very much in keeping with that of Kate Middleton.

“Some commentators think we are seeing the beginnings of “The Kate Effect”, which could prove a huge bonus in promoting the best of British fashion and style to a global market.”

She added: “We have been thrilled by the enthusiasm and support of our designers and each in their own way has embodied the ethos of great British style in the creation of the Princess Catherine Doll.

“Now we also have the full support of Hamleys, which will offer the perfect showcase for the launch of the highly attractive collectors’ item and toy.”

Princess Catherine Doll: Attention to detail and a truly luxurious British style

Seven British fashion and design leaders have dressed and accessorised the Princess Catherine Doll, which will retail at £34.95, and sell at Hamleys, Harrods, The Entertainer, Amazon, Play.com and all major toy stores as well as online at www.arklu.com

For every Princess Catherine Doll sold, Champions of British Style™ will donate £1 to Help for Heroes.

Designers Pussy Willow, of London, have created The Catherine Dress in keeping with their design philosophy of simple and elegant cuts that are sculpted to the body.

The blue, dress has a cinched waist, ruched pleating at the shoulders, and a deep “V” at the front and back. The dress also boasts a bespoke Pussy Willow couture label in vivid pink.

The Bucklebury Fascinator is exclusively designed by award-winning Katherine Elizabeth Millinery and is named after the Berkshire village and home of Catherine “Kate” Middleton. With its bright fuchsia colour and intricate lattice-work effect, it reflects Kate’s well-documented passion for wearing fascinators at Society events.

The dazzling and fabulously blingy Princess Catherine Doll ring pays homage to Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, which was originally Princess Diana’s. The doll’s Io Ring boasts a purple Amethyst central stone and is made from sterling silver, plated with rose gold and set amongst 24 brilliant-cut diamante cubic zirconias. It has been created by award-winning British jewellery designer Babette Wasserman.

Catherine Middleton’s love of the Eaton Clutch Bag is clear and she has been spotted many times with this delightfully artisan accessory, which is produced by the emerging new British luxury goods brand Aspinal of London. The Eaton Clutch Bag is an exact replica and with its distinctive gold mock snake leather effect, curvy, horseshoe clasp and gold chain adds to the Princess Catherine Doll’s authentic styling.

The intricate detailing, including the buckle, pale gold colour and glitter effect – on the Princess Catherine Doll high-heeled slingback shoes is evocative of leading British shoe designer Beatrix Ong’s signature style. Beatrix Ong shoes are recognised worldwide for being innovative yet elegant, versatile yet classic and always very wearable. The doll’s shoes boast a miniature Beatrix Ong label on the insole.

Louise Constad is the make-up artist of choice for many of the world’s most beautiful women and high-profile celebrities, so who better to add the finishing touches to the beautiful Princess Catherine Doll?

It was in Scotland that Prince William met his Princess. In recognition of this occasion, the inner print on the Princess Catherine Doll box is of Harris Tweed, a luxury Scottish cloth that boasts of a rich tradition of craftsmanship and has long been loved by royalty. Indeed, Kate Middleton has often been seen wearing Harris Tweed jackets, so it’s clearly a favourite of hers too.