The world of men’s wedding bands has done some pretty cool things in recent years. I’m no expert on the subject, but I do love jewelry, and really love having lots of options when it comes to purchasing some!

Now you have so many choices when shopping for your guy’s ring. Not just styles, but the material of which the bands are made! So if gold, silver, and platinum just aren’t your style (or fit in your budget), rejoice and read up on some alternatives!

Tungsten – Tungsten carbide rings are supposed to be the most wear-resistant rings (and since you’ll be married for a long, long, LONG time, this makes them a great option! ). It’s 10 times harder then 18K gold and 4 times harder than titanium, which allows them to keep their shape longer then other available options. They stay shiny and don’t bend!

Titanium – This lightweight metal only weighs about 1/3 as much as gold! Its shiny finish can be marked by abrasive materials, but can easily be polished. (Maybe it’s just me but there is something I love about a worn wedding band.) If you go this route, make sure your finger measurement is perfect – titanium rings can’t be resized.

Cobalt Chrome – This rings boast a metal that is five times harder than gold. It’s unique characteristic is its bright silvery-white color that looks like white gold and platinum. It’s shatter and scratch resistant and sizeable. It’s harder to cut through in emergency situations, but it can be done.

Stainless Steel – Perhaps the best choice for a small budget, stainless steel bands are hypoallergenic and don’t tarnish (like silver).

Ceramic – A new(er)comer to wedding bands, this type of ceramic isn’t the kind that your dishes are made out of! When used for rings, ceramic is combined with zirconium and/or yittra and mixed with special bonding agents which results in an extremely hard, forever-polished material. It’s possible to get ceramic bands in different colors, not just a grey-black!

Wood – This one doesn’t need much explaining! A natural material, wood can be manipulated by hand to create rings. They are definitely not as sturdy as the metals listed above, but they are unique, handmade, and just plain cool!

Tattoo – Another option that doesn’t need much explaining. I have nothing against tattoos (well, I do – I hate needles), but this is the only one I would ever consider getting. There is just something completely awesome about a wedding ring you can’t take off.

Whether you go with tungsten or a tattoo, or anything in between, it’s the reason you’re wearing that ring that really matters! But hey, us ladies have an unimaginable number of options when it comes to our jewelry. I think it’s only fair that the guys have a few more options to pick from!

These days, who pays for what in the wedding get-up can be however you want it to be! Often, the bride and groom pay for the whole thing themselves. But! If you are the traditional type and like to stick to the books, here is a breakdown of who traditionally pays for what in the grand scheme of things.

The Bride and Her Family

Bridal Consultant Fees

Invitations and the rest of the paper ensemble

Floral decorations for the ceremony and reception, bridesmaids and bride’s bouquet

Wedding day photography

Music for ceremony and reception

Transportation for wedding party to and from ceremony

All reception expenses

Bride’s gifts to her attendants

Bride’s gift to the groom

Groom’s wedding ring

Sexton’s service fees

Cost of soloists

Parking attendants if needed

Transportation and lodging for officiant if invited by the bride’s family

Accommodations for the bride’s attendants

Bridesmaid’s luncheon

The Groom and His Family

Bride’s engagement and wedding rings

Groom’s gift to the bride

Gifts for the groom’s attendants

Ties and gloves for the groom’s attendants, if not part of their clothing rental package

The bride’s bouquet (if tradition in that area)

The bride’s going-away corsage

Boutonnieres for groom’s attendants

Corsages for immediate members of both families

The officiant’s fees or donation

Transportation and lodging for officiant if invited by groom’s family

The marriage license

Transportation for the groom and best man to the ceremony

Expenses of the honeymoon

All costs of the rehearsal dinner

Accommodations for the groom’s attendants

Bachelor dinner/party, if he has one

Transportation and lodging expenses for the groom’s family

Bridesmaids/Honor Attendant’s

Purchase of apparel and all accessories

Transportation to and from city of wedding

A contribution to a gift from the bridesmaids to the bride

An individual gift to the couple

A shower or luncheon for the bride (optional)

Ushers/Best Man

Rental of wedding attire

Transportation to and from the city of the wedding

A contribution to a gift from the groom’s attendants to the groom

An individual gift to the couple

A bachelor dinner/party, if given by the groom’s attendants

Out of Town Guests

Transportation to and from city of wedding

Lodging

Wedding gift

I’m not much one for smoking…anything, really. But I do, as much as I may not wish to admit it, like the idea of a cigar bar for a wedding reception.

So what exactly IS a cigar bar? Well, you can kind of fit “it” to your needs. Bring in a cigar roller and have him (or her) work throughout the reception making cigars for your guests (usually the males…). Or, bring in a few cigar humidors stocked with different cigars and set them out, almost like you would a dessert table, and allow guests to brows. If you want to go all out, have an attendant there to assist guests in selecting and preparing the cigars.

Here is an image from NGALA showing a roller in action:

And here is a great example of a very legit cigar bar.  It’s almost like a mini cigar shop!! Image from The Puff Lounge.

Sorry for posting so late in the day! I hope you enjoy. I LOVE this color combination and I think I always will! This color scheme also works well for bridal shower (and baby showers)!

Vida Wedding Dress by Monique Lhuillier, Frill Collar Tunic from Forever 21, Rodarte Pleat Chiffon Dress from Browns Fashion, Light Pink Ombre Beaded Dress and Light Pink Side Sash Dress from Debenhams, Ballet Pink Stretch Linen ‘Mikka’ Shift Dress from Bluefly,Sunset LA Pumps in Green from Raffaello Network, Green Patent Buckle Mary Jane Heel Pump from Ami Club Wear, Kiwi Green Satin ‘Wrap’ Ballet Flats from Bluefly, Topiary Banner from Martha Stewart, Mens’ Suits from Jaeger, Four Tiered Wedding Cake from Enchanted Wedding Cakes, Apple Green Flower Girl Dress from Pink Process, White Lilac, Green-and-White Parrot Tulip, and Ranunculus Arrangement from Better Homes and Gardens, Dandelion Dream Wedding Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas, Silver Glass Charger from Zara Home, Polished Iron Chair from Design Within Reach, Shades of Pink Rose, Lily, and Carnation Arrangement from TeleFlora, Glittra Set of Three Scented Candles from IKEA, Peonie, Fritillaria, Hyacinth, and Sweet Pea Arrangement from Belle Fleur for Vivre.

Sources: Men’s Suits: Jaeger, Merona Bar Stripe Necktie: Target, Wedding Dress: Vera Wang, Cake: Martha Stewart, Green Dresses: kaboodle, Bellas Florida, Net-A-Porter, Liz Claiborne, Navy Shoes: Kate Spade, jildorshoes.com, Candy Says, Dorothy Perkins, Headband:Target Lilly Pulitzer, Stationary: Crane & Co, Tiny Prints, Grosgrain Ribbon: mohop, Vintage Car: Tweed Limousines, Bouquet: Chestnuts in the Tuileries, Candle Arrangement: Crate & Barrel, Chivari Chair: 1 Stackable Chairs, White Flower Arrangement: teleflora, Gold Charger: Crafts Etc!