What You Should Know About Lab-Grown Diamonds

These days, not only do you have a treasure trove of choices when it comes to the color, cut, clarity, and carat size of your engagement ring (and wedding band) diamond, but you can also choose how your diamond is made.

You can opt for a diamond that was created by natural processes beneath the earth’s surface or one that was formed by procedures carried out in a carefully controlled lab environment.

The second option, known as a lab-grown diamond, is growing in popularity. According to market research firm The MVEye, lab-grown diamonds account for 8-10% of diamond jewelry sales around the globe.

Maybe you’re wondering about the pros and cons of these diamonds or what you should know before looking into buying lab-grown diamonds in Houston. To help you with your research, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequent questions we’ve heard about lab-grown diamonds.

How are diamonds made in the lab?

Diamond manufacturers establish laboratory settings that mimic conditions diamonds form in beneath the earth’s surface. Like their natural counterparts, lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon atoms.

What’s the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?

The primary difference is how these diamonds are made. Otherwise, they have the same physical and chemical attributes.

It’s impossible to tell the difference between natural and created diamonds simply by looking at them. Even with a magnifier, a jeweler or gemologist wouldn’t be able to recognize a lab-grown diamond unless it had a laser inscription. There is technology available to help jewelers make the distinction, but it’s very expensive.

Are lab-grown diamonds considered fake?

Not at all. As we mentioned, lab-grown and natural diamonds are the same chemically and physically. They exhibit the same visual qualities as well. 

After the diamonds are fully formed, they’re rough, just like a natural diamond, and must be cut and polished.

The entire process can be completed in as few as two weeks.

Are lab-grown diamonds certified?

Yes. They are certified and graded by the same agencies that evaluate natural diamonds: the GIA, HRD, and IGI. Their grade is based on carat, color, clarity, and cut—just like natural diamonds

Will lab-grown diamonds hold their value?

According to Australian-based Luminesce Diamonds, lab-grown diamonds will have value for their durability and beauty long after they’re sold. Money-wise, however, lab-grown diamonds are more susceptible than natural diamonds to losing value after their purchase.

What are some of the benefits of lab-grown diamonds?

Some of the plusses of lab-grown rings are they’re ethically sound: There’s no tie to diamond mines, or the violence and human rights violations that can be associated with them.

It’s also possible to buy sustainably created diamonds, and, generally, lab-grown diamond prices are about 20% to 40% lower than those of mined diamonds.

What are some of the downsides of lab-grown diamonds 

Because lab-grown diamonds are fairly new, there is no way to predict what their resale value will be.

Plus, some argue that created diamonds can be mass-produced, so they are not unique like natural diamonds.

How should I shop for a lab-grown diamond?

You should take the same approach as you would for a natural diamond. Set a budget and decide what you want in a diamond. You can find lab-grown options in the same colors and cuts as natural diamonds.

Be sure to shop with a trusted, reputable jeweler and give yourself time to try on plenty of rings.

In the end, like many of the decisions you’ll be making as you plan your wedding, there is no right answer when it comes to lab-grown diamonds versus natural options. The key is finding the right choice for you.

How to Decide Who to Invite to Your Wedding

When it comes to planning your wedding, one of the most important decisions you need to make is who to invite.

Depending on your budget, preferences, and relationships with friends and family, this can get a little tricky.

What if you want your favorite cousin to come, but you don’t really have the budget for all of the cousins in your family and your partner’s family? Or, maybe a parent wants you to invite everyone she works with, but that’s not what you have in mind?

While we don’t have an easy answer for every situation, we do have some etiquette guidelines and tips that can ease the way for you.

Planning with Parents

According to traditional etiquette, a wedding guest list should be broken up into three groups: guests of the bride’s parents, guests of the groom’s parents, and guests of the couple.

That’s the general rule, but, of course, life doesn’t always cooperate. In general, the best you can do is to try to keep the list as balanced as possible.

A few other things to consider when it comes to parents and guest list input are:

-Remember, if parents are helping with the cost of the wedding, they should get some say in who’s invited. Of course, you don’t have to agree with every request. Talk it over.

-Encourage respectful, ongoing communication as you, your parents, and your in-laws work on the list.

-If you and your partner are paying for the wedding, you have more control of the guest list, but we still encourage you to consider reasonable requests from your parents. Again, if you disagree, explain your reasons firmly and politely.

-Before you begin discussing who to invite to your wedding, have your budget in place. According to WeddingWire, couples pay an average of $216 per wedding guest. This can work in your favor if a parent has a long list of people they want to be invited. Show them what that will come to in dollars, and ask if that’s affordable.

-It also can help to set some general ground rules for asking parents who they’d like to invite. You could say something like, “Based on our budget and the size of our reception space we plan to invite “XX-number” of people to our wedding. We’re asking each set of parents to provide a list of “XX” people they’d like invited.”

Be Consistent

As you look at the close friends and family you’d like to invite, consider the feelings of those you’re thinking about not inviting. In most situations, if you’re inviting one grandparent, for example, it would be hurtful to leave others out. That kind of discrepancy would be noticed and likely would lead to hurt feelings.

There are some exceptions to this etiquette rule. If you, your partner, or someone close to you is estranged from someone—or feel like having someone attend the wedding could create a painful or difficult situation—leaving them off the list is probably the right decision.

Don’t Assume Someone Wouldn’t Want an Invitation

Just because your grandmother rarely leaves the house or your best friend from high school lives overseas doesn’t necessarily mean they wouldn’t make the extra effort to attend your wedding.

And, even if they can’t come, if you would have invited them under other circumstances, you should still invite them now. Your invitation will make them feel valued and included in your big day.

Also, keep in mind that you can harness the technology that became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and help guests attend your wedding virtually. Post streaming instructions on your wedding website and include a link to them on your invitation.

Less Clear-Cut Decisions

Maybe you’re wondering if you should invite your boss, a childhood friend, or everyone you’re friends with.

This is something you and your partner should discuss. If you consider someone a positive part of your life, it’s worth considering an invitation, depending on your budget, available space, and overall vision for your wedding.

An etiquette tip: Sometimes, the deciding factor will be whether you attended someone’s wedding. If you were a guest at their wedding in the last 18 months, you probably should invite them to your big day.

Plus-One Guidelines 

Giving all of your guests the option of bringing someone with them to your wedding is up to you.

A good rule of thumb is if someone is married or in a serious relationship, their partner should be invited. It’s also considered good etiquette to allow the members of your wedding party to have a plus-one, along with guests who won’t know anyone else at the wedding.

Wedding After-Parties

If you decide to have a wedding after-party, a way to continue your celebrating after your wedding celebration, etiquette requires you to invite everyone who attends your wedding. You don’t have to send invitations, though. You can send email blasts or texts, or you can include the after-party details on your wedding website.

Inviting Children

The decision of whether to allow guests to bring children can be challenging as well, but in the end, it is your choice. You absolutely do not have to include children at your wedding. We suggest making your decision clear on your invitations, applying this rule consistently, and making sure your invitations go out in plenty of time so guests with children can make childcare arrangements.

34 Questions to Fall in Love (With Your Venue)

Have you ever read an article that lists or explores “36 Questions to Fall in Love?” It’s a highly popular, enduring topic based on the idea that a strategic list of questions can accelerate intimacy between two strangers or strengthen bonds in an existing relationship.

This theory got its start in 1997 when psychologist Arthur Aron wrote his “36 Questions to Fall in Love” study. If you want to give it a try, the questions and instructions are available online. The questions are all conversation starters, from describing one’s most treasured memory (and even a terrible memory and embarrassing moment) to sharing one’s life story.

We’ve been thinking that if the right questions can, at least in theory, lead to love between two people, why not use strategic questions to help grow another important relationship? We’re talking, of course, about getting to know your prospective wedding venue and selecting the business that will deliver one of the most important days of your life.

So, based on that idea — and some inspiration from our company’s name — we developed 34 Questions to Fall in Love (with your venue). The questions are for you and your partner to ask yourselves, your planner, other wedding-industry representatives, and the venues you’re considering.

Our questions aren’t quite as thought-provoking as “What roles do love and affection play in your life” or “What is your most treasured memory?”

But in the end, you might just “find the one” when it comes to venues.

Here are our questions.

For You and Your Partner

1. What’s our budget for a venue?

2. What amenities are important to us?

3. What geographical area do we want the wedding to take place in?

4. Do we want to get married in an urban setting or a rural one?

5. Do we want to get married outdoors?

6. What kind of atmosphere do we want?

7. Do we want a venue where we can have both our ceremony and our reception?

8. Is wheelchair accessibility a priority?

9. Do we want a venue that will help us with planning?

10. Do we want a venue that provides food service, or a site that will allow an outside catering service to provide food and beverages?

11. Are outdoor surroundings (gardens, scenic surroundings) important to us?

12. Do we need a venue that can accommodate exceptionally large (or small) events?

After tackling these questions, you’ll be ready to begin your research and identify possible candidates.

Once you have a strong candidate or two in mind, talk to other people in the wedding industry about your prospective choices.

Questions to Ask Your Planner and Other Industry Professionals

13. Have you worked with this venue (these venues)?

14. What did you like about working with them?

15. What kinds of challenges, if any, arose, when you worked with them?

16. Would you recommend them?

17. Is there anything we should know about this venue (these venues)?

18. If you haven’t worked with this venue, have you heard anything about it from clients or colleagues?

See if the places you’re considering are available when you’ll need them.

We also recommend checking customer reviews and touring the location(s) you’re interested in. Then you can ask the questions below—and any others that come to mind.

Questions to Ask Prospective Venues

19. How many guests can you accommodate?

20. Can we have our rehearsal here? If so, how much time is available?

21. What is your guest-to-staff ratio?

22. What are your policies on food, beverages, and alcohol?

23. What other rules should we know about?

24. How long have you been in business?

24. Can you provide references?

25. What kind of parking arrangements and capacity do you offer?

26. Tell me about your insurance?

27. What are your contingency plans for extreme weather during outdoor events?

28. Please go over every charge and fee we should expect and what they cover.

29. Tell us about your deposit and payment requirements.

30. Who would our contact be if we worked with you?

31. When is our contact available for calls or questions?

32. How do you handle changes in guest counts and other key event elements?

33. How accessible is your venue for people with disabilities?

34. Please tell us about your changing areas for the bride, groom, and wedding parties.

Toasting Tips for the Best Man

If you spend time on YouTube, it’s not difficult to find examples of “The FUNNIEST Best Man Speech Ever” and “The GREATEST Best Man Speech of All Time.”

If delivering a best man speech is in your future, maybe you’d be happy with simply surviving your moment in the spotlight and avoiding a starring role in a “The Worse Best Man’s Speech Ever!” video.

Anxiety about public speaking is perfectly normal, and the idea of influencing the success of a dear friend or family member’s wedding day can be even more nerve-wracking.

The good news is, not only can you get through this, but with some planning, time, and practice, you can give a wedding speech that truly enhances the joy of the day.

Here’s our advice for delivering a successful best-man speech.

Big Picture

First of all, it helps to know what you can expect and have an overall idea of how to approach your speech.

When the time comes to take the microphone, start by introducing yourself and thanking the bride and groom for the honor of being chosen as the best man. Then share a few personal remarks about the couple, such as how long you’ve known them, how they met, and what qualities make them an ideal match for each other.

You can also share one or two unique stories or anecdotes that will be enjoyable to guests who don’t know the couple well.

After conveying these personal sentiments, you can conclude with a traditional blessing or call to everyone to raise their glasses in a toast.

Your overall tone should be uplifting and optimistic about the couple's future together and their ability to handle what life throws their way.

After that, take your seat and relax. Mission accomplished.

That’s the goal, here are some tips for getting there.

Time to Write: Consider Your Audience

Now that you have the basic elements of your speech — introducing yourself, insights about the couple, thoughts about why they’re a great couple, a brief story, and a blessing or call to raise glasses — write out your thoughts.

If you’re plagued with writer’s block, try to write something—even if you don’t think it’s very good—to get your thoughts on paper. Later, you can go back and play editor, smoothing and enhancing what you’ve written.

A note about humor: It can enhance a speech, but if you’re not comfortable telling jokes, this is not the time to try it. The goal is for you to be comfortable and natural. And if you do want to include a joke or two, make sure they’re appropriate and not potentially hurtful to the bride or groom.

When you re-read your rough draft for the speech, ask yourself a few questions. Does anything need to be explained in more detail for people who don’t know the bride and groom well? Have I written anything that could embarrass or hurt the feelings of the newlyweds or the guests? Is the overall message one of encouragement and wishing the couple well? Does this speech sound like me, or is it overly formal? Am I talking too much about myself instead of the bride and groom? Adjust accordingly.

Remember, you always can run your draft by one or two people you trust for their input and suggestions.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Once you’re satisfied with your speech, start practicing it. The more practice the better: It will boost your confidence and ease your nerves when your moment to speak arrives. That said, we do recommend bringing a printout of the speech with you to the wedding. It will be a lifeline in case you lose your place or go blank.

You’ll also be doing yourself a favor if you make a point of getting a good night’s sleep before the wedding and go easy on the alcohol so you’re not hungover or drunk when you speak. You want to be at your best when you speak.

Keep these guidelines in mind, and your speech—even if it never appears on YouTube—will be remembered in a positive light.

Tips for Planning an Amazing Micro Wedding

The COVID-19 pandemic gave the world a surprisingly long list of words and terms, from “Zoombombing” to WFH (working from home) and “social distancing.”

In our industry, those terms included “micro wedding,” which is a small, intimate wedding with less than 50 people.

Granted, micro weddings weren’t invented during the pandemic, but demand for them, along with private wedding ceremonies, rose significantly during that time. With large gatherings prohibited, micro weddings gave couples a way to go forward with their wedding plans.

Today, while the pandemic is behind us, interest in micro weddings remains strong. 

As Minne Weddings owner Gretchen Culver told Minneapolis news station KARE, micro weddings are not a fad.

“The pandemic has given couples permission to have whatever kind of wedding experience they want,” Culver said. “And they are able to choose the one that feels the best for them and fits their values and lifestyle.”

If the idea of a micro wedding appeals to you, take a look at the information and tips we’ve put together. They could help you decide if this approach is a good fit and get your planning off to a strong start.

Micro Wedding Plusses

Micro weddings can be ceremony-only events, but they certainly don’t have to be. Their primary defining element is their small size.

Some of the plusses of going this route include:

-Affordability: Micro weddings — with fewer invitations, place settings, favors, and other items — tend to be less costly than larger events.

-More quality time with your guests: Instead of limiting yourself to a brief hello, you get to enjoy the people who came to share your special day.

-Less planning stress: Generally, smaller weddings have fewer details for you to figure out and execute, saving you time and minimizing your aggravation.

-A relaxed vibe: The overall feel of the wedding will be up to you, and your small event can be formal if you’d like it to be, but micro weddings also lend themselves to a more casual approach.

Guidelines for Micro Wedding Success

If you do want to go forward with a small wedding, these suggestions can help you plan more effectively.

Have a budget. We mentioned that micro weddings can be more affordable than larger events, but you’ll still need to map out how much you want to spend on your micro wedding venue, vendors, food, transportation, rings, and the many other expenses associated with getting married. Keep in mind that no matter how tiny your event is, you can incorporate all of the elements you want. And, with the savings you’ll be realizing as a result of your minimal guest list, you’ll have more to spend on your priorities, from videography to entertainment.

Put venue research high on your list. Most wedding professionals recommend placing venue selection high on your to-do list, after budgeting, but before finalizing a date. You’ll find a wealth of small wedding venues in Houston, for example, including options specifically for couples planning a micro wedding. Once you have your “where” selected, it will be easier to select your “when” and work out other details like décor and vendors.

Make your guest list thoughtfully. With a scaled-down wedding, every decision counts. We suggest taking time to consider who you want there and talking it over with your partner. One thing to remember is, even if you only have a few guests with you in person, you also have the option of live-streaming the ceremony so some people can join you virtually.

Don’t reject the idea of a planner. Of course, the decision to hire a planner is entirely up to you, but even with a small event, professional planners have value to offer. They can, among other things, help you organize your ideas, stay within your budget, negotiate prices, find quality vendors, answer questions, and turn your vision into reality.

Think Carefully Before Assigning Yourself Do-It-Yourself-Projects. Along the same lines, a small wedding does not necessarily mean you or your family have to take charge of the décor, bake your cake, or handle the photography. Yes, you absolutely can do those things if you want, but we advise clients to work with professionals as much as possible. Their experience, connections —and all-important liability insurance — make them worth the investment.

Embrace the wedding you want. Having a micro wedding does not mean that you can’t have the elements you’ve dreamed of for your big day. There are no rules that state you can’t wear the dress you want, have a first look, include traditions that would be meaningful to you, or enjoy the entertainment you have in mind. The only rule we recommend you impose on yourself is to focus on creating an experience that both you and your guests will cherish.

10 Tips for an Amazing Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor weddings offer a romantic and natural setting, as well as flexibility in creating a unique event tailored to your style.

They also require meticulous planning. We've put together tips to help you plan and execute a magical outdoor wedding day for you and your guests.

Is An Outdoor Wedding Right for You?

Before we get into our tips, let's take a closer look at outdoor weddings. They're not for everyone. Here are a few of their plusses and downsides.

Outdoor Wedding Pros

-You and your guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of natural surroundings and scenery, not to mention the feel of an open-air environment.

-You'll have the freedom to be creative with your decor, lighting, and layout.

-You'll have more accommodation options for larger guest lists.

Outdoor Wedding Cons

-Weather is an uncontrollable factor (rain, wind, heat).

-You'll need backup indoor options.

-Outdoor weddings require careful coordination of rentals like tents, floors, and lighting.

-You could encounter issues with bugs, sun exposure, or noise.

If you decide an outdoor wedding is right for you, follow these tips for a successful outdoor wedding.

1. Have a Rain Plan

One of the biggest concerns that come with outdoor weddings is rain.

Have a backup plan like rental tents, an indoor venue option, or just embracing "rain plan" decorations like clear umbrellas.

2. Prepare for Other Weather Issues

Things like wind, humidity, heat, and bugs can disrupt an outdoor wedding.

Have cooling stations, bug spray, and accessories like parasols or fans. Time the ceremony for mild temperatures.

3. Rent the Right Lighting

As the sun goes down, proper lighting is key.

String lights, lanterns, and candles create a romantic glow.

Bring in professional lighting to make sure no areas are too dark.

4. Keep Your Guests Comfortable

Shaded spaces can contribute greatly to your guests' comfort.

Rent umbrellas, sailcloths, or have a tent where your wedding guests can escape the sun.

We also recommend blankets for colder evenings, and possibly even a station with bug spray and sunscreen.

5. Focus on Ventilation

Even a light breeze can disrupt an outdoor ceremony or dinner.

Use structure tenting to block wind and enhance airflow in key areas.

6. Create Ambiance with Decor

Enhance the natural landscape with decor tailored to your venue. Try wooden pieces, floral installations, hanging greenery, and similar elements.

7. Plan Guest Transportation

If your wedding will take place in a remote location, arrange shuttles or carpools for guests so they don't get lost.

Have parking attendants and golf carts to help everyone get around.

8. Schedule Hair and Makeup Early

Outdoor conditions like humidity and wind can take a toll. Have hair and makeup done very early to look fresh all day.

9. Incorporate Locally Sourced Elements

Use in-season florals and food from local sources. It's eco-friendly and allows you to highlight your locale.

10. Embrace Nature in Photos

An outdoor setting offers endless amazing photography opportunities with natural backdrops, unique perspectives, and gorgeous golden-hour lighting.

The Bell Tower on 34th, an elegant wedding and event venue in Houston, TX, is committed to helping recently engaged couples realize their wedding vision.

Our Instagrammable venue with a chapel on site delivers unforgettable weddings, corporate events, parties, and rehearsal dinners.

Contact us to learn about holding a wedding here.

The Bell Tower on 34th

901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018

(713) 868-2355