Only recently have weddings and marriages become a thing of love and devotion. I'll go into the problems with our evolution of marriage in another post, because that's a buzz kill and today I'm here to talk about pretty things.
Weddings, and marriage, are conventions so entrenched in our society, railing against them will likely not do any good. Plus, I love the idea of being married and having a party to celebrate the beginning of that union. But I hate capitalism. Capitalism ruins things by making it about money instead of about people. I hope millennials subvert the wedding industry.
In 2016, the average cost of a wedding was $26,720.(costofawedding.com)
That's bananas. $26k for one day of your life. Sorry. I might love you, but $26k is irresponsible.
What's an Xennial to do? (Xennial is what they call those of us born too late for generation X, but definitely not Millennials)
I've decided to do a series of blog posts that encourage alternative ideas for engagements and weddings. All of the squeal-worthy joy, half the capitalism.
First up: the rings.
Engagement rings are bonkers. Last year Americans averaged over $6000 on the engagement ring.
why don't guys wear engagement rings? Stay tuned
Also, diamonds are boring and lazy. There are way too many options out there for you to just shlep out to your local Jared. Pick a stone that means something special: Their birthstone, the stone of the month you met, their favorite color. Make sure you know what metal they like. White gold is a safe choice, but again there are so many options and they'll be wearing this forever.
Right now, I am in love with morganite and rose gold. Check out this set for only $682.00
https://www.etsy.com/listing/519328038/morganite-engagement-ring-oval-cut-rose?ga_order=price_asc&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=engagement%20ring%20morganite%20rose%20gold&ref=sc_gallery_5&plkey=a2baecb34c1c65e90dd7fc4790a63c1ce8c28935:519328038
and turquoise $639 (bonus points for the art deco style)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/526709997/art-deco-engagement-ring-cushion-cut?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=engagement%20ring%20turquoise&ref=sr_gallery_33
or you can eschew a stone all together for my personal pick (pay attention, future suitors)
with this gorgeous Tiffany ring for $900
http://www.tiffany.com/collections/paloma-picasso/palomas-sugar-stacks-ring-GRP08840/palomas-sugar-stacks-ring-35012524?fromGrid=1&origin=browse&trackpdp=bg&fromcid=287466&trackgridpos=47
Finally, if diamonds are a must, try something vintage and unique like this 1920's art deco dinner ring for $379
https://www.etsy.com/listing/553770387/1920s-art-deco-rose-cut-diamond?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=engagement%20ring%20vintage%20diamond&ref=sr_gallery_32
I hope you are inspired by these anti-capitalist ideas. Support small business artists and non-blood diamond jewelry!
Share your ideas and thoughts on alternative engagement rings below. I'd love to hear about your unconventional weddings!
images from pixabay.com and the websites as noted.
I am totally in love with those silicone rings- especially if your guy is in construction as they will rip if you get caught in machinery and do not conduct electricity to zap the poor fella- you're the only one who's supposed to be doing the zapping ;)
I like the idea of finding a custom artist on Etsy whose style tickles you, and commissioning her to create a one of a kind piece. You can get away with a ring for under $500!
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I think it's ridiculous that only women (generally speaking, of course) get engagement rings. I told Nateanite that I wanted both of us to have engagement rings or none of us. Since we were broke anyway, we chose the "none of us" option. My wedding ring is an emerald and I love it! But some folks get strangely mad that I'm not wearing a diamond.
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Welll, for me there is no wedding.. I am not sure weather it s enough unconventional, but thats what I have to live with:-) I am not sure that the person I live with understands the importance of engagement...Well, anyway we have kids and I know what the engagement means to me..so here is the ring (and I did not check the price.., so might be over my limits) I will buy to myself to confirm the engagement I feel:-)))
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Cheers to art deco and non-diamond stones. That morganite/rose gold is exquisite. Nice post.
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