While in our modern society there tends to be some overlap, history has told the distinct differences among these three types of rings.

1. Promise Rings

The idea and intention surrounding the use of promise rings didn't really get big until about 20 years ago. Promise rings, also called pre-engagement rings, act as a symbol of a promise to remain monogamous and to be engaged in the future. This is common for young Christian couples to promise their love to each other

Though not always called promise rings, the act of a young man in high school giving his class ring to his high school sweetheart could be considered the same practice.

Promise rings don't generally have to be expensive, as this is typically done by younger couples who might not make a lot of money. However, that would depend on the budget of the person giving the ring.

2. Engagement Rings

The engagement ring is a symbol of intention to marry that is used in the majority of places around the world. In the United States and UK, it is symbolic to wear it on the third finger of the left hand, which comes from an old Egyptian thought that that finger is connected to the "vein of love," which connects directly to the heart.

In Germany, the engagement ring is worn on the left hand then transferred to the right when married. In Argentina, however, it is done the opposite way.

The idea of the engagement ring dates back to ancient times. The first accurately recorded story of the use of an engagement ring was of Archduke Maximilian of Austria, who, in 1477, gave an engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy.

It wasn't until the early 20th century, however, that engagement rings contained diamonds and other precious stones. In an effort to increase diamond and diamond ring sales, De Beers, a top diamond distributor in the country, released marketing materials encouraging young men to buy a diamond ring for their lover. This is what sparked the current interest in diamond-studded engagement rings.

3. Wedding Rings

This relatively simple ring is traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand. Up until the 20th century, only the wife would wear her wedding band, but marketing efforts around the time of World War II changed the citizens of the United States' perception by suggesting that men wear rings as well. Today, it is a common practice.

Before wedding rings were a sign of love and bonding between two couples, they once represented the joining of families, back when the families were expected to continue supporting the couple economically.

For the most part, wedding bands are matching, solid bands to symbolize the unity. Others, however, may have another diamond ring for the bride and a solid ring for the groom. Some brides have even soldered their engagement and wedding rings together.

Rings are an important part of our society. They remain a consistent tradition in a society with constantly changing views. So we know as long as rings exist, we have an everlasting symbol of love and affection that we all can hold on to for as long as we're live.

A) Indulge

While it's important that you're able to fit into that gorgeous gown, you also need foods that contain vitamins to help stabilize your mood. Eating foods with vitamins B2 and B12 will will provide the nutrients necessary for your brain to produce serotonin, a chemical that helps keep you calm and euphoric. Some of these anti stress foods include:

*Almonds, whole grain rice or pasta

*Fish, including sushi

*Broccoli, cantaloupe, blueberries

*Milk, cottage cheese

Most of these foods are healthy and can be integrated into any bridal diet, if they aren't already a part of it. Avoid caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol, all of which can only make you more stressed out and jittery. And always drink plenty of water.

B) Stick to what comforts you

Many brides schedule events for themselves to go out and relieve stress. Yoga classes, spa days, nights out with the girls are all fun, but if they're outside your normal routine, scheduling them can only add more stress.

It is best to do what normally helps you de-stress. If you frequently meditate, read, or hang out with your best friend, do that rather than break your usual schedule for a spa day. It is guaranteed to relax you more.

C) Spend some time alone

Planning a wedding requires you to be around people all the time. Bridesmaids, parents, planners, florists, even the groom-to-be can stress you out with all this wedding talk. Sometimes silence is golden. Find a nice, quiet place for you to sit and relax. This will give your brain time to process everything that's going on, and to flush out all those worrisome thoughts you've had built up.

Let this time be what you make of it. Make your favorite tea, take a nap, play some easygoing music--whatever makes you feel relaxed.

D) Exercise

Exercise will not only help you de-stress, but will help you stay the size you need to fit into your wedding gown. Doing simple cardio--such as the treadmill or elliptical machine-- or weightlifting will burn calories and produce endorphins, brain chemicals which also provide a euphoric feeling.

Remember the quote from Legally Blonde? "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands...."

E) Stay Positive!

It is almost your big day. Think of all the positive things happening in your life right now, and think about your future with your soon-to-be husband and all the wonderful things you will accomplish in your life together. Let the positives outweigh the negatives.

Weddings can be a stressful part of life, but in the end it will be worth it. Be thankful for all that you have been given, and you will be guaranteed to have a stress-free wedding day.

There are many routes to go when deciding on what to give your bridal party. Each gift can be personalized and unique, or they can all match one another. Maybe even a little bit of both. Some brides do a little DIY project to show their gratitude, and some go all out. Either way – it’s up to you.

Tips and Ideas on Bridesmaids Gifts

1. Budget! Remember that you are still the one holding the wedding. Make sure your bridesmaids’ gifts don’t affect your wedding budget. It’s still your day, so don’t sacrifice one to make another one happy. There are ways for everybody to win! If you are really tight on budget, go the DIY route. Or scour the internet for deals and sales to maximize your savings! Some online retailers, such as ShopNBC, offer payment plans such as ValuePay. And don’t forget coupon codes!
2. If you want to get your bridal party matching gifts, ensure that your Maid of Honor gets a little something extra. After all the extra work she’s put in, she deserves it. For example, if you’re getting your bridal party silver necklaces, show your appreciation for your MOD with a bit of gold jewelry!
3. If none of your bridesmaids are alike, get them something different. Let’s take it back and use Spice Girls for example! For Posh, a make-up kit from Sephora or a set of brushes from Mac would be great. For Sporty Spice, perhaps a duffel bag filled with LuluLemon bras and exercising gear? You get the idea, right?
4. Would you rather treat your girls with a night out on the town? Treating them all out to dinner can be nice (and a bit expensive) but they can’t take anything away from it, unless you count next morning’s hangover. Make sure if you do a dinner, add in a trinket as a keepsake.
5. Spa days are always appreciated. Instead of having your ladies pay for their wedding primping, take care of it yourself! They have to get their nails’ done for the wedding anyway! Plan a spa day one or two days prior to the wedding. This way, all you have to do is relax. Start off with a soak in a hot tub – chat it up with your girls while warming your muscles. Next, get rid of all yours and their tension with a nice long massage. Finally, get your mani-pedis so that they will still be in perfect condition for the day ahead! You and your girls will thank your wallet. It definitely will be money well spent!

The most popular: Weddings

Weddings can be tricky to dress for. You don’t want to out-shine the bride or the bridesmaid, but you want to look your best also. Here are few options for casual, semi-casual, and formal weddings.

Casual: Although the wedding is casual, you still want to look nice. Casual doesn’t mean jeans and a blouse for most weddings (but who knows?). I recommend bright colors and patterns. Casual means fun, outdoorsy, and laid back. Ruffled and funky patterned dresses are great for a casual wedding.

Strapless Charmeuse | One Sleeve Charmeuse | Chiffon Dress with Ruffles

Semi-formal: Semi-formal weddings are the trickiest, but aim towards the more “formal” part of the dress code. Choose a formal material such as silks, sheers and chiffon to create a formal appearance. To tone it down, find a cut that is original and a color that is bright and summery. Flower accents and one shoulder numbers are perfect for semi-formal weddings.

One Shoulder Stretch Satin Dress | Strapless Satin Dress | One Shoulder Chiffon Dress

Formal: For formal weddings, always fall back on an LBD, but a classy LBD, not the one you wear to girls’ night out. Find a cut that is simple and fresh. Although it is true that you should not wear white to a wedding, a cream color can be very flattering and classic.

Black Spaghetti Strap Dress | Ruched Stretch Taffeta Dress | Short Beaded Shimmer Dress

As far as birthdays, baby showers and other casual event go, here are a few options. Pair any of these dresses with a cardigan to make them more casual.

Ruched Jersey Dress | One Shoulder Mesh Dress with Iridescent Top | Short Taffeta Dress

However, while they may have had the media spotlight trained on them, and the accompanying insistent paparazzi, it is safe to assume that not that much of the wedding planning has actually been done by the couple. They probably have an army of minions arranging flowers and picking out table settings. Most of you will not be so lucky. Wedding planning can be hugely stressful – whether you’re about to become a princess or marrying a match you met on dating sites. Here are a few pointers to make sure you stay calm through this arduous ordeal:

Plan your time well

The venue’s booked, the date’s set and you’ve sent out the invitations. At least now you have a definite deadline to work to. It’s imperative at this point to manage the time you have left carefully so you know what needs to happen and when. Make sure you have a diary and calendar to hand so you can write down reminders of what needs to be done over the next few weeks or months. In fact, write everything down – this way, you won’t worry you’ve forgotten something. Organization and time management are key to keeping on top of things and keeping calm.

Be realistic…

Don’t be too ambitious. Be realistic about the plans you have, and if something really isn’t possible within the time, or you think it could cause a lot of stress to arrange, cut it from the preparations. It’s simply not worth the hassle and will only add to an already stressful situation.

Work to a calculated budget…

Money is one of the biggest causes of woe during wedding plans. Make sure you have an agreed budget at the outset and then carefully plan out how this budget can be distributed. If you treat financial issues in this way, then you won’t feel guilty about making extravagant purchases or overspending.

Don’t let it take over…

Make sure you don’t let the preparations take over your life. Keep going to the gym and volunteering at the local primary school – keep the everyday routine going so you can escape into this if wedding planning gets too much.

Share the load…

Make sure you’re not planning alone. Your partner should be heavily involved in the arrangements, so if they’re not, make sure they’re carrying some of the weight. Family and friends will also be more than happy to help. If you share the responsibility, you share the stress!

Whether you met in Belfast online dating or in London double dating, don’t worry about planning the wedding day. If dealt with in the right way, preparations can be stress free!

• Solitaire Diamond Wedding Ring

Timeless and classic, solitaire diamond wedding rings are arguably the most popular men’s wedding band design to date. Solitaire diamond wedding bands’ elegant aesthetics and graceful lines make these wedding rings a truly must have item. The design features a single prong or bezel set diamond center stone, usually a round cut or a princess cut diamond.  This type of men’s wedding band is favored by those couples who are interested in more traditional and understated designs.

• Tension Set Diamond Wedding Bands

Tension set men’s wedding bands can feature virtually any size or shape diamond. With a tension setting, most of the diamond’s body is encased in the metal band, while only the diamond’s crown is left visible. This wedding band design is perfect for customers who are looking for a tasteful, sophisticated, yet unassuming, wedding band design.

• Cluster Set Diamond Wedding Rings

Cluster set diamond wedding rings are similar to diamond cocktail rings in that they feature a multitude of diamonds and other precious gemstones set in clusters in tantalizing, complex geometrical patterns which are designed to catch the eye of the beholder. This type of wedding ring is significantly flashier than, say, a tension set wedding band, which is perfect for those customers who want to buy a more prominent looking wedding ring. Generally speaking, a cluster set diamond wedding ring will be more expensive than a tension set or solitaire set diamond wedding band since a cluster set wedding ring will incorporate a large amount of diamonds and precious gemstones and since this particular wedding ring style often requires an extra amount of craftsmanship due to its complex design.

This year, it’s understandable why so many brides would have a tough time figuring out what to wear.  There are so many different styles that are “in” – from vintage/lace to fairy tale ball gown to sexy chic – it’s not exactly easy knowing where to start. Plus with the economy, no bride should have to compromise on her beautiful bridal gown.

Researching different designers and bridal shows online, I loved almost everything that I saw...except the prices. Monique Lhullier? Not in my lu-li-lifetime... Alexander Mc-what-did-you-say-the-total-is??

Then I found Priscilla of Boston.  If you’re looking for top designer wedding dresses at affordable prices, look no further. The designers are not just from Priscilla either (who was a force to reckoned with back in the 50’s!), but Vera Wang from $2-5k? Yes please! If your budget is over or under $2k for a designer wedding gown, then definitely look at Priscilla of Boston for some inspiration.

Here are just a few dresses to begin the wedding dress search:

Which is your favorite?

Ah, those four little letters... R.S.V.P. How can four teeny tiny members of the alphabet cause so much grief?

The short answer is that the replies you receive may not match your expectations, and it’s hard not to take it personally or be disappointed. The longer answer is, well much longer! How can you keep a cool head during RSVP drama? Here’s the lowdown!

Scenario 1

- The RSVP’s are rolling in and the guest list is looking a little... lob sided.

It’s common to end up with an uneven guest list, (bride or groom-heavy), for many reasons. Since opposites attract it’s possible than one of you simply knows more people or has a bigger family. If one of you is getting married in your hometown and has more guests as a result, have you considered having another celebration in a second location? This could simply be a dinner or a smaller scale party for the other person. Whatever the reason for the uneven list, try to focus on the fact that your friends and family will become each others’ after the wedding - and look forward to starting those new relationships on your wedding day!

Scenario 2

- Your Aunt RSVP’d “With Regrets: I have to take care of the dogs.”

While some excuses for not attending are totally understandable, sometimes you might be presented with a really lame one. “I have to paint the house that weekend” was given to a friend tying the knot recently, and she was understandably hurt. It’s hard to accept, but your big day isn’t such a big day to everyone. Is that person that has to paint the house so desperately really that important to you anyway?

Scenario 3

- The reply simply said ‘No’, without a reason being given.

You might not be given a reason for all your negative RSVP’s, and it is not polite etiquette to ask. Accepting that people have their own commitments and that it is common (particularly with summer weddings) to have two engagements on the same day should make you feel at ease. Although a ‘no’ looks aggressive and uncaring, this is not a rejection - some people simply don’t know how to express their regrets and would simply prefer not to.

Scenario 4

- Guests aren’t RSVP’ing on time

Even if you set a deadline (which you should, it gets people’s butts into gear!), you may not receive all your RSVP’s on time. Some people don’t realize the importance of replying on time until they themselves plan such a big event. Even then, life happens and it can innocently slip one’s mind. It’s immensely frustrating but rather than waste your time and energy complaining about it, follow up with those stragglers and give them the benefit of the doubt for their tardiness! A simple phone call or email should help you collect the final responses in a couple of hours. And keep a cool head - no matter how hard it is to bite your tongue, do not make aggressive calls or write wicked emails at this time. Instead explain politely that you need to give your vendors a final headcount and would really appreciate a response by the end of the day.

Final thoughts: Receiving some negative RSVP’s is inevitable, and some are going to be more disappointing than others. You are never going to find a date and location that pleases everyone, and accepting that is important. On the day you are going to be so happy about those people that can make it, that you will hardly notice those that can’t. The only people that need to be there to celebrate your love are you and your man, and I’m pretty sure the two of you could do that on a deserted island, so any guests are just an added bonus!

Find more advice for the bride at www.wowglowingbride.com

The first question to ask is what to choose: a band or a DJ? Well, both can be equally catastrophic. A band could be great because the live element always makes the music more special and spontaneous. You can even request your favorite songs. But equally, they could know none of your requests and be incredibly poor musicians. Take this painful example from The Wedding Singer where the band turns into a nightmare and effectively ruins the whole wedding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB3PdPMjeIY

A lot can go wrong with a DJ, as well, as shown by another equally painful moment in Love Actually where the hired disc jockey repeatedly fails to play a decent track. This culminates with him putting on ‘Puppy Love’ and being pronounced ‘the worst DJ in the world’. However, DJs have the slight advantage of being easier to control – you can even provide them with a pre-made playlist. Plus, if they put on a disagreeable track, you can always go over and request that they quietly fade it out. DJs are also a little less expensive, so there’ll be more to spend on the honeymoon!

So, you’ve gone with the DJ. What next?  Well now, it’s time to plan the ultimate wedding playlist. For your first dance, make sure you choose something personal – a song that helped you find love together. Apart from that, just make sure you add these ten classics to the list:

Track 1. Mr Brightside The Killers

To sing along to with all your friends…

Track 2. Chasing Cars Snow Patrol

To hold your lighters up to… (but not if in a tent)

Track 3. Don’t Stop Me Now Queen

To dance energetically to… (without falling over in your wedding heels)

Track 4. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life Franke and the Knockouts

To make your mother-in-law cry, and to try out your very own dirty dancing choreography…

Track 5. Don’t Stop Believing Journey

To have your very own Glee moment to…

Track 6. Final Countdown Europe

To get people on the dance floor…

Track 7. YMCA The Village People

To have everyone doing the actions…

Track 8. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow Carole King

To waltz to, and have a private romantic moment…

Track 9. Stand By Me Ben E King

To sing passionately along to with your friends before breaking down and sobbing in a corner…

Track 10. Angels Robbie Williams

To end the night with in a many-armed hug…

Whether you’ve met through online dating sites or through friends, your big day deserves a carefully planned wedding playlist – just make sure you include all the classics.

Wedding Dress Idea #1: Winter wedding dresses should of course be more covered although you can wear a strapless dress if you find the correct cover up. I personally love the look of this strapless fitted lace gown with a beautiful satin bow. The lace sleeves create a beautiful snow princess look and makes this wedding dress perfect for a winter wedding. The details are absolutely gorgeous and will make you feel as exceptional as can be on your special day. Picture yourself walking down the aisle in this elegant and modern dress. It’s so perfect!

Wedding Dress Idea #2: If you want a little more coverage, full sleeved dresses are in style. Wedding dresses with sleeves are wonderful for winter weddings and will look graceful on any brides to be. This three-quarter sleeve, A-line gown adorned with hand-appliquéd, crystal encrusted Alencon Lace and accented with a Silk Satin waist sash is absolutely stunning and will not disappoint. This dress has all the coverage you need while staying feminine and poised.

Wedding Dress Idea #3: As far as staying warm for your outdoor photo shoots, make sure you’re prepared. A faux-fur wrap or cloak can be absolutely classic. Fur has always been a symbol of luxury and grace in fashion and it’s time to put it to good use in your wedding. This fabric is warm as can be, so why sacrifice comfort for beauty when you can have both. See this beautiful Silk Chiffon strapless slim gown with empire bodice and spilt front flowing skirt wrapped in a faux-fur white throw to keep the beautiful bride comfortable at her winter wedding. Adding a beautiful broche to any of these designer wedding dresses accentuates the look and you will be the most beautiful winter bride!