Credits: (top) Daisy Chain Cakes, Surrey, UK. Charm City Cakes, Baltimore, Maryland; via 100 layer cake.

Shape: Easily the first factor you’ll consider when shopping for a diamond, the shape of the stone is often the most important part for the buyer. While everyone has their own preference, some stones are more popular than others for various reasons. For example, the round shape comes in various cuts, all offering the most optimal light refraction, which is where the diamond will get it’s “sparkle”. Traditional shapes include princess, cushion, emerald and more; while fancy shapes can include hearts, pears, marquise among others.

Quality: The quality of diamonds is determined by a few key factors. These are often categorized into “The Four Cs”, referring to the Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight. These are easily the most important factors to consider when browsing for diamonds, as they will directly influence the price, and overall value of the stone. First, the Color ranges from colorless to fancy yellow, and is graded by letters, from D to Y, respectively. The next is Clarity, which is categorized from Internally Flawless to Included or Imperfect. The more inclusions there are, the more it is visible to the naked eye. Then there is the Cut, which can range from anything from Good to Ideal. The last being Carat weight, which will refer to just how large the diamond is. These three factors will vary by stone, and depending on your personal taste, some can be more important, while you may be willing to sacrifice on others. For example, some choose to sacrifice clarity to have a larger carat weight. For more detailed information regarding these specific guidelines, how they influence the look and value of the stone, and more, visit truth about diamonds.

Origin: With such controversy surrounding diamond mining in countries such as Africa, many people are being more careful about where they purchase their diamonds. Knowing the origin of the diamond can ensure you are purchasing conflict free. Legitimate diamond sellers will always divulge the origin of the diamond in the accompanying certificate.

Seller: With so many jewelers and diamond sellers out there, it’s difficult to know where to buy from. Doing your research online can help you make this decision. Evaluate your options based on customer reviews, customer service, pricing, and all the other factors you would consider when making any substantial purchase. Reading up on even the largest jewelers is important, such as by checking a James Allen review, to be sure you are familiar with the seller before making a decision.

ModCloth is a great place for unique, retro and vintage inspired styles you just won’t find anywhere else. Here are some collections I’ve put together, solely from ModCloth, for the Bride and the Bridesmaids, both a warm and cool palette, each offering an original look for a Spring wedding. Enjoy!

Spring Bride, Vintage and Classic: The vintage look we have here is very “Marilyn”, with dramatic, old Hollywood Earrings, the halter, pleated dress, and the embellished heels. This fun and flirty look is great for a more formal wedding, while the Classic look could be for a outdoor or courthouse wedding. Lace and pearls make this look timeless and flattering, with the understated glam of the simple patent leather heels. Both great for Spring, as well as all year around.

Credits: Lace Dress, Patent Heels, Pearl Earrings, Halter Dress, Vintage Heels, Rhinestone Earrings.

Warm Spring Wedding Palette: These adorable tea party-esque dresses really suit the season. Go with feminine shades for your Bridal party, with red, pink, salmon, and floral prints. But don’t forget to throw in some other colors: yellow and orange really pop for accessories, such as shoes or ties for the Groom and Groomsmen, giving them a more masculine color alternative while remaining true to the palette.

Credits: Pink Chiffon Dress, Strapless Melon Dress, Floral Dress, Simple Pink Dress, Pink Heels, Yellow Heels, Earrings, Ring.

Cool Spring Wedding Palette: cooler shades are also great for spring, for those who want to go for blues, greens and grays. Go with gold or antiqued gold or brass for accessories, to give some contrast to the palette. Make the cool, masculine colors more feminine by choosing floral patterns, texture, pleats and other girly details and silhouettes. Sandals, flats and open heels are great for the season as well.

Credits: Teel Stripe Dress, Pleated Dress, Cobalt Strapless Dress, Floral Dress, Grey Heels, Blue Heels, Necklace, Earrings.

Colors: Coffee, Khaki, Eggshell, Gold, Tangerine.

Credits: (Clockwise from top left) Limoncello favors, Bridal flats, Retro cake, Rings.

This is the first edition in a new series we’ll have here on Modern Wedding!

Credits: (Left column) Bend The Light Photography; (Right column, top to bottom): Mason Jar centerpieces, Lemonade drinks, Scrabble invitation, Burlap banner.

See more here.

Credits: Photography by Bend The Light.

Having contacts for your wedding day has many advantages, above just the obvious. Most of the appeal will be the freedom of not having to wear them on your big day, and not having to wear glasses in all of your wedding photos. Although some brides feel their glasses are apart of their look or style, most will enjoy not having to wear them for their ceremony and reception. Having contact lenses allows you the chance to wear a veil without hindrance, especially the popular birdcage style, and lets you dance all night without a problem.

For brides who already have contact lenses, and find them uncomfortable, you should know that you still have options, and you don’t have to be bound to your glasses all the time. Old or poor quality contacts can be uncomfortable, cause your eyes to dry out or even itch. By choosing quality lenses, such as those from GetLenses, you can wear the best and most comfortable lenses to your ceremony, and long after. Even for brides who love their glasses, they should always be aware of the alternative; contact lenses are comfortable, and won’t hold you back on your wedding day. Glasses can compromise a veil, or even hide your beautiful bridal makeup. Modern contact lenses can last the entire day, from preparations, through the I Do’s, on into the last dance at your reception. Plenty of brides who love their glasses choose to wear contacts for their wedding, and count it among their must-have accessories of the day.

Colors: Black, Grey, Silver, Buff, Khaki.

Credits: (Clockwise from top left) Paper banner, sheet music heart garland, Art Deco stationary, monogrammed flask.

There are many different kinds of favors: some couples choose the homemade option, others go with a personalized option. Some couples want the favors to be practical or useable, where others prefer them to be edible. Regardless of what you pick, there are plenty of wedding favors out there that can make an impression on your guests. Here are just a few from American Bridal, one of the leading vendors in the wedding industry.

Seasonal favors: weddings occur all year around, and your favors should definitely reflect the season. This can be a particularly fun option, for example: if your wedding takes place during autumn or winter, try clever favors such as hot cocoa or cappuccino mixes, personalized with your names and wedding date on the label. Spring or summer wedding? Try the lemonade, ice tea, or cocktail mix, which offers a fun alternative to more traditional options.

Edible favors: everyone loves candy, and personalized edibles are one of the most popular wedding favor options trending right now. Whether they are sweet hershey kisses, cool mints in a tin, or conversation hearts, the packaging can be personalized to fit seamlessly into your big day; choose the color, add the date, even choose an image. This is a crowd pleasing favor, and can suit any type of wedding, whether it’s formal or casual.

Practical favors: instead of giving your guests another trinket they will likely never use, give them something practical, with a purpose. These adorable salt and pepper shakers are a sweet way to thank your guests, and the tea light candle lanterns can be used in any home, and fit in perfectly with a countryside or rustic themed wedding.