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Consider These 7 Diamond Alternatives For Your Engagement Ring

October 29, 2022 | kailey

Every love story is unique, and every engagement ring should reflect that. While diamonds have continuously been one of the most popular choices, we recognize that they aren’t for everyone. And we’re here to help unique couples break free of those traditional expectations, from fashion down to your engagement ring. 

With engagement rings being a representation of your love, you want to make sure it’s something you actually want. Rather than sticking with the expected diamond ring, here are alternatives to consider for an unlike-any-other engagement ring. 

Why You Should Consider Diamond Alternative Engagement Rings

There’s no one size fits all ring, and diamonds aren’t for everyone’s taste and budget. The biggest advantage to choosing one of these diamond alternative engagement rings is the price. Generally, alternatives are more affordable. But the benefits stretch far beyond the price tag. With diamonds being one of the most popular engagement ring options, selecting other gemstones will leave you with a unique symbol of your love story. 

Which Diamond Alternative Should You Choose?

As we’ve said before, there is no one size fits all ring. This is true when it comes to style, fit, and even stone choice. And each alternative comes with a different price tag, appearance, and longevity. That’s why we’re breaking down each diamond alternative—in order of durability—so you can make an educated choice that’s fit for you.

Diamond Alternatives You Should Consider

1. Moissanite

Mohs Hardness Scale: 9.25

The highest score a gem can receive on the Mohs Hardness Scale is a 10. And with Moissanite being a 9.25, that means it’s incredibly suitable for everyday wear. Moissanite is calling your name if you want the look of a diamond without the hefty price tag. It ​​gives the illusion of a diamond with the same sparkling stone and durability and is actually known to sparkle more.

2. Sapphire 

Mohs Hardness Scale: 9

Sapphire is another durable gem suitable for engagement rings. But that’s not even the best part. This precious gemstone comes in a variety of different colors. Though blue is the most popular, you can find yellow, white, pink, and so much more. If you’re wanting a natural diamond alternative, stick with the white. But the colorful sapphire options are a perfect fit for unique couples wanting something that goes against the grain.  

3. White Topaz 

Mohs Hardness Scale: 8

The beauty of the white topaz comes with much-needed care. Scoring an eight on the Mohs Hardness Scale, this ring isn’t the most durable diamond alternative, but it’s an incredibly stunning addition to any jewelry piece. It has a natural, elegant look and comes with an attractive price tag. If you choose to go with white topaz, you’ll need to schedule professional cleanings often. Keep this in mind before making your engagement ring gem choice. 

4. Emerald

Mohs Hardness Scale: 7.5 to 8

The stunning green hues make the emerald a classic gem choice. Though it doesn’t rank highest on the Mohs Hardness Scale, it’s still a great alternative for engagement rings—it just requires a little more care than a traditional diamond ring. But with proper care, it’ll remain in perfect condition and last long beyond your “I do” day. 

5. Morganite

Mohs Hardness Scale: 7.5 to 8

A light peach color and good durability–we’re sold. Being the sister gem on Emerald, Morganite is a stunning diamond alternative for couples looking for a gem with a vintage feel and a subtle pop of color. Ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, it’s fit for everyday wear but—like an Emerald—will need a little more care than a diamond ring. As long as you clean the ring frequently and wear it with care, you’ll be able to enjoy the pretty pink hues and small price tag. 

6. Opal

Mohs Hardness Scale: 5 to 6.5

Opals are elegant, vintage-looking stones that are also extremely delicate. Their hardness varies but is constantly a low ranking. This means the stone is quite fragile, so you’ll need to exercise extra caution while wearing it. Though this stone can be easily scratched or broken, the cloudy gem iridescence makes for one of the most unique diamond alternative engagement rings. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, making for a fully customizable engagement ring. 

7. Pearl

Mohs Hardness Scale: 2.5

With their off-white tint, pearls are an elegant and sophisticated choice for an engagement ring. Though they are much more affordable than diamonds, they are also a lot less durable. This means you should think twice before purchasing a pearl engagement ring. Ranking a 2.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, they’re most likely to scratch and break. So as much as we love the look of a pearl ring, the upkeep needed might not be what you’re looking for in an everlasting reflection of your love. 

As a ring you’ll wear every day, it’s crucial that it speaks to your personal style. And now that you’re sold on one of these stunning diamond alternatives, it’s time to finalize the style. Before running to your local jeweler, check out this beginner’s guide to engagement ring types and styles. It’s the perfect place to start for anyone who needs help identifying what ring is right for them.

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Italian Market Inspired Wedding At Fonderia Napoleonica

October 29, 2022 | justine

The markets in Italy are bursting with life with its captivating food scene, the colorful patchwork of food stalls, and the noisy chatter that fills the air. In a country where you can savor the culture through food, it was fitting that Consuelo and Rocco wanted to recreate the same charming and festive atmosphere at their Italian Market inspired wedding, with their own personal twist, of course. 

Set at a beautiful 19th-century bronze factory—with exposed beams, distressed brick walls, and original steel structures—the Fonderia Napoleonica provided a unique backdrop for their celebration. Surrounded by scattered petals and glowing candles, the couple’s ceremony in the cellar was absolutely magical. Complete with food trucks, delectable spreads of dessert and bread, and a tablescape filled with gorgeous garden blooms, every detail was thoughtfully chosen to give their guests an immersive experience.

And on top of the delicious food and stunning vintage decor, the pair kept their guests of all ages entertained with games and a water gunfight! If you and your partner are foodies and are searching for ideas to add a little bit of market vibe to your big day, you’re not going to want to miss these beautiful photos captured by Junebug member Marry Mi. 

The Couple:

Consuelo and Rocco

The Wedding:

Fonderia Napoleonica, Milan, Italy

Danila Stella Events’ Thoughts On This Italian Market Inspired Wedding

The planning and design of this wedding have been incredible. Consuelo and Rocco’s celebration was more than a wedding. It was an Italian street food market and festival, with food carts for buffet and wood games in the street. We chose Fonderia Napoleonica, a factory which was also a museum that produced bells and statues. To separate the different areas of the factory, we created a vintage camera photo booth. And in the old furnace, we created a bakery area. 

How Their Italian Market Inspired Wedding Came To Be

Our idea was to create the atmosphere of an Italian market and festival with street food trucks. Danila Stella Events, our planner, suggested the Fonderia Napoleonica, an old factory in the center of the city of Milan, to create a vintage atmosphere. It was the perfect venue in case of rain, and as a designer for exhibitions, we wanted something stylish and 100% personalized. We scouted more than 50 venues, but Fonderia Napoleonica stole our hearts. When we saw the venue, everything was so magical, and the vibes of being in a historical place were unreal.

A Personalized Ceremony And Writing Their Own Vows

We had our ceremony in the fusion pit. This area was used to melt the iron, leaving the stamp for days. We decided to have the ceremony in the fusion pit as that felt very symbolic that two people could be melted into one new life together. Danila wrote a personalized ceremony based on our story, then the celebrant and witnesses had their speech, and we wrote our own vows.

Advice For Couples Planning An Italian Market Inspired Wedding

It is essential to consider the logistics. Food trucks for a wedding can be challenging to organize as you don’t have just one caterer for everything but multiple vendors. For example, you must consider different electrical points where trucks can be connected and sufficient voltage for all. It would be best if you also hired additional staff to clear the tables, plates, and glasses.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Marrymi
Event Planning – Danila Stella
Ceremony + Reception Venue – Fonderia Napoleonica
Floral Design – Il profumo dei Fiori
Catering – Ta Milano
Videography – Alex Bonaldo
Invitation Design – Letterink
Makeup Artist + Hair Stylist – Lina Pagano
Wedding Dress – Lunatica
Groom’s Apparel – Hugo Boss
Rings – Nove25
Rentals – Privitera
Favors – Ichendorf

 

Congratulations to Consuelo and Rocco on their Italian market inspired wedding. And big thanks to Junebug member Marry Mi for capturing all the beautiful details unconventional couples can draw inspiration from–proving that you can totally showcase your love of good food by being creative with your food display. To see more of the incredible work from Marry Mi, check out their profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the globe!

Not sure where to start when it comes to creating your wedding day menu? Check out our guide to all of your wedding catering options.  

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10 Creative Wedding After Party Ideas

October 28, 2022 | riley

Image by Alicia Wiley

When it’s your special day, the last thing you want is for the night to end–especially when you’re partying with your favorite people. While many couples choose to end the night after the venue curfew to get some sleep before jetting off on their honeymoon, we know that many don’t want the party to stop.

If you love the idea of staying up to the crack of dawn with your family and friends, we suggest hosting an after party. Think karaoke, clubbing, or bonfires. Sound like your kind of night? We’re rounding up ten creative wedding after party ideas to keep the festivities going until the sun comes up.

10 Creative Wedding After Party Ideas

Karaoke

What’s more fun than drinks flowing and your favorite songs playing while you sing along? If possible, hire a DJ that offers karaoke, and you don’t have to leave the venue. If you’re under time constraints, head to your local karaoke bar for a night of singing and dancing. 

Silent disco

Many venues will allow you to stay late but have a noise ordinance cut-off–aka when you have to stop blasting music. If this is the case, but you’re not quite ready to call it quits, consider a silent disco. Hand out headsets to your guests, connect them to your DJ’s Bluetooth channel, and silently keep the fun going.

Party Bus

Whether you’re heading to a bar, a club, or a hotel, get there in style with a party bus. In fact, you don’t even have to be going anywhere specific. Take your loved ones around the city while the music is playing, drinks are flowing, and lights are glittering on your bus.

Speakeasy

There’s nothing more exciting than a speakeasy. Having a password to get in, old-school cocktails, and moody lighting. If your destination has a speakeasy that you want to visit, make reservations ahead of time. If not, create your own at your venue, hotel, Airbnb, or home. 

Club

To really keep the party going, head to a nightclub. Depending on where you tied the knot, most clubs will be open until 2 or 3 AM, which means you can literally party until the morning. If this is something your guests are interested in–and we suggest asking beforehand–opt for a VIP table with bottle service.

Image by Katelyn Mallett

Dive Bar

We know that clubbing isn’t for everyone. But that doesn’t mean that you should have to sacrifice a night out on the town. If you and your significant other are a little more lowkey, make your way to a dive bar instead. You’ll still have drinks and good music. But you’ll also likely have pool, darts, and other classic entertainment options.

Casino

If you want fun that’s not a club or a dive bar, try out a night at a casino. This is especially great if you’re tying the knot in a spot like Vegas, Atlantic City, or New Orleans. Just be careful not to spend all of your honeymoon money. 

Image by The Portos

Pool Party

While many people choose to have a pool party if they’re hosting a wedding weekend, if your hotel or Airbnb has a pool, why not make use of it at the end of the night? Bonus points if you jump into the water in your wedding attire. It makes for some epic wedding photos.

Bonfire

There’s something about bonfires that make for lifelong memories. Break out the s’mores ingredients and blankets and curl up around the fire while you and your new spouse share stories and laughs with your loved ones. It’ll be a night you’ll never forget.

Bowling

Start a game of (friendly) competition with your guests in a round or two of bowling. You’ll be able to munch on greasy food and play a game that will have you feeling like a kid again. But don’t forget to bring a change of clothes and socks–no one wants to bowl in their wedding dress or tux.

Now that you’re ready to party the night away with one of these wedding after party ideas, it’s time to start thinking about your playlists. While it may not seem like much, the music you play will help determine the mood of the entire night. And if you want your guests to keep the party going with you until early the next day, you have to get energized. To keep spirits high, check out these wedding reception songs guaranteed to keep your guests dancing!

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