Reasons why you should invest on an engagement ring

If you are one of the many men who think that engagement rings are just a waste of many, then you’ve got it all wrong. There are a lot of reasons on why you should invest on buying one. Not just because it’s pretty but because you really don’t have to invest “a lot” for your bride.

Here are the reasons why and how to do it

1. If you think that engagement rings are always expensive, think again- There are other rings out there that are not that expensive and there are also other alternatives. The important thing is that you know what your bride wants. It doesn’t necessarily have to be pricey. You can look online for rings that are within your budget. You can even go to antique stores and look for rings that are of the same quality but with a lower price.

2. It’s tradition- A lot of couples value the ring because of its symbolism and that it’s a sign of their love or bond. A ring will not only look good on your wife but it will also tell other people that she is married. If you find it taboo to break away from tradition then it’s another reason why you should invest on a ring.

3. Your wife can pass the ring to your daughter or son- Because of the value that ring bring, it is also a tradition wherein the mother passes on the ring to their daughter or to their son. Rings have sentimental values that can be passed along to future generations.

How will you invest on a ring?

1.

First of all you have to have a budget for this- You have to have an estimate of what you plan to spend so it’s best to do some canvassing first to get an idea. Rule of thumb is to spend 2 months worth of your salary on a ring, but you are not obliged to follow this. This is just an estimate and if you can look for a cheaper ring then you should go with it.

2. Check out moissanite rings- They are less expensive than diamonds rings but they deliver the same, shiny, brilliant and lustrous effect. Go to stores that have these rings and ask if they have discounts to offer. Those discounts can still help you save some money so why not take advantage of it?

3. Start saving up- You have to be committed enough to set aside some money every time you get your salary. You also have to plan this ahead of time so that you’ll have enough money by the time you decide to purchase it.

Before you go out to buy the ring, make sure you do a credit score check if you plan on using your credit card. You should also check your credit reports to see if you have unpaid debts so that you can settle them first. Those debts can widely affect your credit score and it can increase the interest rate in your purchases.

There are a lot of engagement rings out there that will fit anyone’s budget. The important thing is that you and your partner have a happy marriage, expensive or not. Don’t let the price of the ring get into your marriage because it is not about that. It is about the value, the meaning and your love for one another. Follow these tips and start investing on an engagement ring right now!

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How to throw an engagement party without breaking the bank

An engagement party is an important event for any bride-to-be and as her best friend, it becomes your duty to not only throw her one but to make sure that the party would be one memorable event. If you are in a tough financial situation, there is no need to settle on paper plates and plastic utensils. Fortunately for you, there are a lot of ways to throw an unforgettable party on a budget. Make sure that you read the engagement party on a budget tips listed below so you do not end up hurting your own bank account.

1. Inform the couple- First of all, avoid making this a surprise party. Since you are on a tight budget, it would be best to let the bride and groom in on your plans and to ask them for their own input. This should also be the time to explain to them that you have checked your credit report and your finances only allowed you to allot a certain budget for the party. Find out what kind of party they want to have and the important events or items they want in it so that you know the areas you need to spend on. Besides, you wouldn’t want to spend on an unlimited bar if what they wanted all along was just a simple lunch with family and friends

2. Price it out- When planning the party, aside from making a list of the items that you will need, also include their corresponding prices. Make sure to include everything from tables and chairs to alcohol to food to decorations. Listing the prices down will allow you to figure out what’s important, what the party can do without and what you cannot completely afford.

It would also help if you look for items you can use that you, your family or your friends have.

Table and chair rentals often make up the majority of the expenses, but, if you manage to borrow a few, you will still end up saving money. Anything and everything you can borrow will save you money. However, if you still end up renting, then try your best to negotiate and ask for a discount by promising to continue using the company’s service. Because of the tough times, chances are high that a company will offer you a good deal, but if not, it’s okay. There is no harm in trying.

1. Avoid an open bar- Reserving a place and renting out tables and chairs are already expensive enough and you will surely damage your bank account if you decide to pay a bartender and an open bar. Alcohol is very expensive and when guests start to have fun and order endless glasses of drinks, then there is no doubt that you will pour your money down the drain. To avoid this from happening, what you can do is to buy cheap liquor and create the drinks yourself. Just search for the recipes of cocktail mixes and buy the ingredients which have the cheapest prices. If you still cannot afford to buy bottles for your guests, then just make sure to have enough drinks to serve the happy couple.

2. Serve appetizers- Another area that usually takes a huge chunk of your budget is food. To lower your food expenses, the most effective thing to do is to avoid serving main courses. Plan the party for the afternoon, which is after lunch but before dinner and serve several inexpensive appetizers or set the party later in the evening after dinner so you can host a dessert party which is classy and inexpensive at the same time. Just be sure that you inform your guests about the party’s menu so they do not arrive hungry and grumpy.

3. Avoid over-the-top decorations- Keep your party classy by avoiding the use of loud party banners, colorful balloons, napkins and other disposable goods. Not only are they items that an engagement party can do without but they are also wasteful and expensive. Make use of simple yet striking decorative pieces such as single-stem bud vases on each table or floating candles to make the mood of the party romantic which is perfect for the engaged couple.

Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean that you should pass up on hosting your friend’s engagement party or that you should plan a mediocre party. With the numerous respectable, cost-effective ways to plan one, you can rest assure that you will be able to plan an engagement party that the guests and most importantly, the couple will surely never forget.

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