11162008: Tie The Knot with A Tungsten Carbide Wedding Band
Melding a modern-day metal into a timeless symbol of an everlasting love, tungsten carbide wedding bands form a perfect union of streamlined design and individualistic elegance for contemporary couples looking outside the box for "I do" ideas.
Offering an array of affordable bands for the budget-conscious bride and groom, prices for tungsten carbide rings offered by Los Angeles-based jewelry manufacturer Titanium Kay start as low as $54.99 for such styles as the Classical men's plain dome band, a gunmetal tone polished to a glossy sheen; the Icarus-- a band buffed to a matte finish in the center with a high gloss edging, and the Piattoe, a bevelled band complemented with a high shine finish. Even Titanium Kay's most elaborate expression of Tungsten Carbide devotion-- the Filoe 8mm wedding band adorned with a 14k gold inlay, is easy on the wallet at $185.
For a ring as unique as your union, black tungsten bands, while striking in its pure state, can offer a dramatic background for laser engraved Celtic symbols and abstract designs. Grooves or a coin edge (as seen in the photo to the left) are other alternatives to an unadorned band.
Also offering unisex bands, Titanium Kay's hypoallergenic rings, while worn mainly by men, are also a perfect fit for brides who want to mirror her ring's style to that of her soul mate. Bands are available in sizes 5 - 13, with sizes up to 16 available for an additional fee.
11042008: Advice for Buying Wedding Dresses Online
In today's troubled economic times, women about to walk down the aisle often find themselves roaming the web in search of money-saving ways to make their wedding day dreams a reality. Should the cost-conscious option of shopping online for bridal attire be considered by budgeting brides when making a decision on an "I do" dress? Top London designer Johanna Hehir offers her advice on the subject of internet wedding apparel:
"Many brides are tempted by the hundreds of websites offering wedding dresses for sale on-line, but it is very much a case of, buyer beware. In addition to established retailers, there are now a considerable number of wholesalers and manufacturers offering to sell direct to the public, at what appear to be very competitive prices".
"Even though the prices are generally much lower than retail, it is virtually impossible for the bride to know if the dress shown on the website, will in fact be anything like the dress she actually receives. Some factories actually lift images from other designer's sites and pass them off as their own. What they are supplying is often a cheap, badly made copy of the original".
How can brides-to-be avoid the pitfalls of online purchasing? The couturier suggests the following:
"Brides tempted to buy on-line should always get references or testimonials and only deal with reputable companies, who they can trust. If at all possible, it is advisable to try the dress on first to check the style and size, as returns can often be difficult".
"Most websites sell standard sizes and the dress will probably need to be altered to fit, so brides should ensure they leave enough time for this. Brides should pay particular attention to measuring themselves correctly and if they are not sure, get someone else to help them. Remember that it is always easier to take a dress in than to let it out".
To allay cost concerns for potential customers, Johanna Hehir has recently launched her own online site, with designs at up to 50% off the retail price for the designer's standard styles. Although sacrificing the luxury of of on-site alterations, this option offers brides worldwide the opportunity to afford a Johanna Hehir creation.
One of today's top London designers, sample the silhouettes of Johanna Hehir in the following gallery:
Top photo: Make an opulent entrance in a Duchesse A-line designed with a pick up skirt that creates a cascading effect rivaled in beauty only by the ultrafeminine flower applique cutouts which hug the bride's shoulders. The lavish look is tied together with a sash at the waist.
Second Photo: This design's curve-conscious bodice culminates in a multi-tiered fishtail skirt.
Third Photo: Yards of rich duchesse satin trail behind the bride and pool at her feet when wearing this strapless style, which features a beaded band which highlights the hips and waist.
Gallery of Johanna Hehir Wedding Dresses, Page Two
A gallery of Johanna Hehir creations:
Top Photo: Pleated to perfection, the vertical folds of this softly sentimental silhouette offers the illusion of elongation for the bride, while the garment's empire waistline echoes the fashion of a Jane Austen-era heroine. To further enhance the gown's nostalgic nuances, a dainty shrug designed with cap sleeves that flutter with the slightest movement and a delicate lace trim can also be ordered.
Second Photo: One of the most requested styles for a walk down the aisle is the classic A-line. This design, created from Italian silk Mikado, is embellished with beaded French couture lace accents on the bodice, followed by yard of unadorned silk which flows gently to the floor.
Third Photo: Offering a hint of Old Hollywood glamor, this Harlowesque silk crepe silhouette features a v-neck and French couture beaded band around the waist to show off a bride's fit figure.
Melding a modern-day metal into a timeless symbol of an everlasting love, tungsten carbide wedding bands form a perfect union of streamlined design and individualistic elegance for contemporary couples looking outside the box for "I do" ideas. 
