Although it was always tradition to buy wedding rings in white gold and gold, many people are now taking advantage of the platinum wedding ring. More valuable than gold, platinum is a lot more durable. Since marriage is a lifelong commitment, it makes sense to purchase a ring that has the strength to last through the marriage. The platinum wedding ring is quickly becoming the most popular wedding ring.

Since platinum is more valuable than gold, you can expect to pay a little more for it. And although platinum wedding rings are not as shiny as the gold rings, they will not bend and dent like the gold rings so often do. This means that fifty years from now, your wedding ring will look exactly the same way as it did the day you got married.

A wonderful benefit to getting a platinum wedding ring is that both the rings of the men and women are fully customized. Many people like to have the rings engraved with either a special message, the name of the spouse, or the date of the wedding. Men love to have the date of the wedding engraved not only because it is romantic, but because it also works as a great cheat sheet for remembering the anniversary. Another way in which you can fully customize the platinum wedding ring is by choosing the style of the wedding band, the type of diamonds or other stones, and any other special details. This allows your ring to be truly unique and personal. What many people like to do is look around at the many options you have for the platinum wedding ring and then decide what characteristics of each ring are their favorites. If you want to do this too, be sure to report these characteristics to the jeweler and the jeweler will let you know how the ring would turn out and whether that combination is possible.

Whether you are shopping for rings for men or for women, you will definitely want to consider getting a platinum wedding ring. A ring that will remain in tact for all the years to come is a perfect symbol for a lifelong marriage.

Blackcarat.co.uk is a husband and wife team working alongside a few select jewellery designers and makers to bring you a wide range of contemporary, quality and affordable wedding rings. They aim to offer you the best quality platinum, palladium and 18k gold wedding bands at a price lower than the high street. They have more of a choice of widths, weights, finishes and designs – anything to suit your budget and lifestyle. They pride themselves in offering a personal service, with email updates on your order and they endeavour to meet any deadlines, answer questions and will go out of their way to help you.

After the question is popped and the engagement finalized, most couples realize that planning a wedding can be an immense task. There are a lot of details to remember, numerous people to consult with, and places to visit. Regardless of whether you have a long time to plan a wedding or need to do it more quickly, a thorough wedding checklist can help ensure you work your way through the process in an organized and efficient manner. This checklist uses a 16 month engagement time frame since the average length of an engagement in the United States was 16 months in 2008, according to “The Wedding Report”, a market report that offers statistics on the wedding industry.

16-11 Months Before

• Hire a photographer for your engagement photographs and announce the good news in your local newspaper.
• Throw an engagement party if you want one, but make sure you invite the attendees to your wedding as well.
• Begin a wedding planning notebook by gathering pictures and ideas from wedding magazines or websites.
• Decide on a color scheme and a theme for your wedding. While completely optional, a theme can help tie the elements of the celebration together.
• Ask friends and family members to be a part of your wedding, either as a member of the wedding party or in another role.
• Set a budget for your wedding and decide who will pay for the various components of the celebration.
• Choose the date, time, and location of your wedding
• If you want to use a wedding planner to help you coordinate the event, interview and hire one. The planner often has insight into the process and relationships with different vendors that might save you time and money.
• Select an officiant for your ceremony and if it is a religious ceremony, inquire about any types of counseling or classes that might be required before your nuptials.
• Investigate catering, entertainment, floral, and photography options.

10-8 Months Before

• Order your wedding dress since it is important to allow time for additional fittings and purchase accessories such as the veil, headpiece, gloves, and shoes.
• Hire the photographer and videographer you want to cover your event.
• Sign a contract with a catering service if catering is not provided by your venue.
• Book the band or DJ you want to provide entertainment at your celebration.
• Register for wedding presents at different retailers.
• Create a wedding website or blog to keep guests updated with the latest news.

7-6 Months Before

• Purchase your wedding invitations. Hire a calligrapher if you want to use one. Keep in mind that addressing your cards yourself will take a considerable amount of time so make sure you plan appropriately.
• Select bridesmaids’ dresses, allowing adequate time for fittings.
• Choose the attire for the groom and the groomsmen and organize rentals or other arrangements.
• Send save-the-date announcements or call or e-mail guests to let them know the wedding date.
• Book your wedding night accommodations. Rent a block of hotel rooms for out of town wedding guests, making sure you choose at least two different hotels at different price levels.
• Plan your honeymoon and make sure you apply for passports if necessary and obtain any needed shots.
• Hire a florist and choose the floral arrangements for the ceremony.

5-3 Months Before

• Arrange for the rental of dishes, tables, chairs, and other items if they are not provided by your catering company.
• Organize transportation for the wedding couple as well as the wedding party.
• Reserve a location for the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.
• Choose a baker to create your wedding cake.
• Book an appointment with a hairstylist and a make-up artist for a “trial run” to explore design options for your wedding day.
• Buy your wedding rings.
• Select your stationery for thank-you notes.
• Purchase gifts for the wedding party.
• Select wedding favors if you want to use them.

2 Months Before

• Meet with the photographer, caterer, and baker to finalize arrangements.
• Finalize a playlist with the DJ or band, making sure they are aware of requests for special dances.
• Send your wedding announcement to the local newspaper.
• Mail your wedding invitations, these should go out at least 8 weeks prior to the event.
• Assign seating and create place cards.
• If you need blood tests to be granted a marriage license in your state, have them done now.

The Month of your Wedding

• Apply for your marriage license
• Go for your final gown fitting
• Send out rehearsal dinner invitations
• Create and print your wedding program if you elect to use one.
• Pick out your “going-away” outfit and pack your honeymoon bags.
• Send out as many final vendor payments as possible and place tips into envelopes to be passed out during your event.
• Meet with the photographer and provide him with a list of any “must-have” shots.
• Contact any guests who have failed to RSVP or ask your mother or maid of honor to do so.

The Week of the Wedding

• Distribute some responsibilities among your wedding party such as greeting guests, helping pass out corsages, and other items that will help your wedding day run more smoothly.
• Send a final guest list to your wedding caterers and your wedding venues, most places require a final head count within 72 hours of the event.
• Wear your wedding shoes on a carpeted surface for a few hours to make sure they fit comfortably.
• Distribute gifts to the wedding party and your parents.
• Arrange for a spa day or a manicure/pedicure so you can relax a bit before your wedding.