Contemporary Classics: Wedding Rings and Wedding Planning

By Ann Daniels


Some wedding traditions are so much a part of our cultural consciousness that we sometimes don't think to research or consider what they mean and where they come from. The fact is, while there's nothing wrong with keeping these customs and giving them your own meaning in this day and age, some of these traditions have roots that are downright shocking (for example, the original function of the best man was to act as a bodyguard to the groom to protect him from the very real threat of assassination, and the garter toss evolves from the alarming practice of wedding guests stripping the bride to her skivvies in preparation for the honeymoon) and many couples now prefer to hold marriage ceremonies entirely of their own design.

While the dress and the cake are definitely crucial, it's fair to say that the most important purchase related to one's wedding is that of wedding rings. Of all the accoutrement involved with the wedding day, only the rings will be worn and seen every day thereafter. Classic domed wedding bands in gold are still among the most popular choices, but modern wedding band styles gaining ground include diamond eternity rings as well as metals and materials new to the jewelry industry like tungsten and titanium.

Tungsten carbide rings, commonly abbreviated as "tungsten rings" are perhaps the most modern choice one can make in picking the right jewelry for a cutting-edge contemporary wedding. These rings are very hard and strong, scratch-resistant, and tarnish-proof, and they look great with a brushed or polished finish, laser etching, and all of the other distinctive design accents tungsten rings and the related technology make possible.

As far as the day of goes, music is an integral part of the wedding ceremony-- who doesn't immediately recall the strains of the wedding march whenever the subject of these ceremonies comes up? But it's your day, so never feel limited to doing something just because it's always been done. I was a bridesmaid in some beatifully unique weddings for friends last fall, and one bride entered the chapel to a string quartet playing the Beatles' "In My Life", while the other wedding took place in a historical theater and made use of the "Lord of the Rings" soundtrack.

The rules have changed regarding wedding flowers as well-- the white roses and baby's breath of traditional bouquets are now often edged out by bright colors, exotic plants, and non-floral accents like ribbons and crystals. For the wedding I discussed above, the bride carried a bouquet of flowers sculpted from metal and glass while we bridesmaids held bunches of peacock feathers.

The point is, in this modern age where we can be and do anything we dream of without being limited by social convention of the past, our dream weddings are within reach as well.




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