Wedding Ideas

“For me, Savannah's resistance to change was its saving grace. The city looked inward, sealed off from the noises and distractions of the world at large. It grew inward, too, and in such a way that its people flourished like hothouse plants tended by an indulgent gardener. The ordinary became extraordinary. Eccentrics thrived. Every nuance and quirk of personality achieved greater brilliance in that lush enclosure than would have been possible anywhere else in the world.” 

― John Berendt, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Savannah is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the United States, making it one of the best places to propose to your sweetheart. It has the charm and grace of the Old South and the beauty and convenience of modern urban planning. You will find it easy to fall under the spell of the “Hostess City,” as Savannah is known, with its warm and welcoming environment. Find the perfect spot for a romantic proposal neither of you will forget. 

Best Places to Propose in the "Hostess City"

1. Squares of Savannah

The historic downtown area of Savannah is dotted with 22 gorgeous public squares that date back to the 18th and 19th century. Spend an afternoon walking through a few of these squares, strolling under huge live oak canopies and pausing to sit and people watch by one of the many fountains or statues. Grab some gourmet (and healthy) sandwiches at Brighter Day Natural Foods on the edge of Forsyth Park, and find a secluded spot for a picnic in the beautiful grounds of the park. Under the cover of Spanish moss, get down on one knee and propose with a stunning diamond engagement ring.

2. Horse-Drawn Perfection

Make a reservation with Historic Savannah Carriage Tours for a horse-drawn carriage to pick you up at your hotel. The romantic “proposal tour” will arrange everything for a picture-perfect night for two. Your driver will escort you to a gazebo in Whitefield Square, telling you the local legend of how sharing a kiss in the gazebo promises a lifetime of true love. Then you can share a kiss in the gazebo and pop the question with the perfect ring. When you get back into the carriage, you can toast to your future with a bottle of champagne. 

3. A Noble Meal 

Enjoy an unforgettable meal of fantastic food and wine at Noble Fare, a charming restaurant owned by married couple Jenny and Patrick McNamara. The cuisine focuses on locally sourced ingredients and modern, creative preparation. Go all out with the food and wine tasting menu, and savor every delicious course. Arrange with the restaurant to bring out the chocolate love cake as the final course, and propose over decadent dessert and sparkling wine. 

Where do you think the best places to propose in Savannah are? Share your ideas in the comments! 

Browse our selection of diamond engagement rings

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Whew. You made it through the whirlwind of the holidays, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, and now you are in need of a little rest and relaxation as you get a fresh start to the year. If you are thinking about proposing to that special someone in your life on Valentine’s Day next month, now is the time to start making preparations, but this process doesn’t have to be stressful. Relax, and enjoy planning an unforgettable and romantic Valentine’s Day proposal!

1. Find the right engagement ring.

This is the step that often throws grooms-to-be into an unnecessary panic. Start by thinking back to conversations you and your girlfriend have had about marriage or your friends getting engaged. Did she make admiring comments about her best friend’s diamond engagement ring or drop any subtle hints about her opinions on white gold vs. yellow gold or a solitaire vs. a cluster ring setting? If you are drawing a blank, consult her close friends and family members for some insider info and take her personal style into account. Ask yourself if you can see her wearing a ring that is understated and elegant or a ring that is more glamorous and bold. Find out her ring size on the sly, and breathe a sigh of relief. 

2. Order online.

Save money without sacrificing quality by ordering the perfect diamond engagement ring for your fiancee from an online vendor. My Trio Rings is able to offer beautiful, high-quality wedding jewelry at affordable prices because of lower overhead costs and other expenses than brick-and-mortar stores. Browse different styles on the My Trio Rings website at your leisure, without the high-pressure sales pitches or time constraints. Print out your top contenders and run them by your girlfriend’s sister, mother or best friend to get a reliable second opinion. When you’re ready, place your order online or ask for help from one of our customer service representatives (available via live chat, email or phone).

3. Pop the question (and the bubbly!).

Plan a Valentine’s Day proposal that is just right for you and your girlfriend. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive to be meaningful and memorable. Consider what you like to do together, what your happiest memories are as a couple and what would be most special for her. For example, if you love exploring the outdoors together and she shies away from the limelight, plan a Valentine’s Day hike and picnic lunch to a beautiful spot and ask her to marry you with an audience of only the birds and squirrels. If she loves to share important moments with the people who are important to her, plan a romantic dinner for two... that turns into a surprise engagement party with your friends and family after you propose. Check out some more ideas for how to propose on Valentine’s Day.

Browse My Trio Rings’ selection of diamond engagement rings.

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Puerto Rico isn't called "La Isla del Encanto" (The Isle of Enchantment") for nothing. With its picture-perfect beaches, verdant rainforests, and waterfront cantinas, it lives up to its name. There's a reason why Puerto Rico is so popular for weddings and engagements! When you're ready to propose, consider one of these five ultra-romantic settings: 

1. Culebra

Culebra is a quiet island with a population of less than 2,000. If you're looking for a tropical getaway, you'll find it here. Spend the day at Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco), one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand, calm blue waters, and swaying palm trees. Work up an appetite exploring Culebra National Wildlife Refuge and then dine in the open air at a café on the water. This excellent feature in New York Magazine will help you plan your weekend escape.

2. El Yunque

El Yunque National Forest is truly breathtaking. Drive up the winding road into the rainforest (El Yunque receives more than 200 inches of rain each year) and see gorgeous waterfalls, lush foliage, and an impressive diversity of plants and animals. Within the forest's 28,000 acres, you'll have plenty of room to hike and find the perfect spot to present your sweetheart with a diamond cluster ring. 

3. Vieques

Vieques is the larger sister island to Culebra, and it's just as gorgeous. In addition to its beaches, Vieques is famous for Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. The tiny, harmless organisms light up the water at night, outlining the swimming fish and humans with a blue-green glow. You have to experience it to believe it. You'll find plenty of outdoor activities in this picturesque setting, including horseback riding, scuba diving, hiking, and bicycling.

4. Old San Juan

Old San Juan is full of old-world charm. Walk hand-in-hand through the cobblestone streets, admiring the colorful Spanish colonial architecture and stopping to take pictures of the ocean views from San Juan Gate. Eat at an outdoor cafe and enjoy a night of rumba or salsa dancing. Hotel El Convento, a convent converted into a luxury hotel, has exposed wooden beams and handcrafted tile floors.

5. Orocovis 

If you and your loved one enjoy the great outdoors, Orocovis has a lot to offer you. Sign up for a tour of Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park and choose an adventure experience that suits your fancy. Zipline two-handed over valleys of the deepest green, or fly like a bird (protected by the safety of a harness, of course). You can also rappel down a rugged mountain cliff. The only thing that could make your sweetie's day even more memorable would be a diamond cluster ring!

If you're ready to propose, browse our selection of diamond engagement rings!  

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This post is part of the My Trio Rings Precious Places series, which introduces you to the best places to propose around the country.

Tampa is the laid-back cousin of party city Miami. Located on Florida's west coast, Tampa has plenty of culture and beautiful outdoor spaces. There's a streetcar that runs downtown, beautiful white sand beaches, and plenty of culture. If you're ready to propose, consider one of these settings.

Where to Propose in Tampa

1. On a romantic stroll

Bayshore Boulevard is famous for being the world's longest continuous sidewalk, running six miles along the waterfront. Walk hand-in-hand and take in the views of the city at sunset, then get down on one knee and present her with a diamond cluster ring.

2. During a classy dinner

Take your sweetie out for a candlelit Italian dinner at Bella's Italian Cafe. It's a cozy restaurant located in the popular entertainment district of Tampa called SoHo (short for "South Howard Avenue"). The waitstaff will bring you fresh bruschetta upon seating you, and warm bread and butter throughout the meal. Saangria, wood-fired pizzas, and tiramisu are among the delicious menu options. Enjoy the friendly service and the warm ambience. 

Nothing says romance like a dinner cruise. Reserve a window seat on the Yacht StarShip in advance for a gorgeous view, and an enjoy a three-course meal (a fourth appetizer course is optional) from the seasonal menu. After dinner, enjoy a 360-degree view of Tampa Bay from the Promenade deck as you toast with champagne. 

3. On a lighthearted adventure

If your lady is a kid at heart, she will love the Airheads Trampoline Arena. Laugh yourselves silly as you literally bounce off the walls, because they're made of giant trampolines. On certain days, you can even play dodgeball. Surprise her by popping the question as you step out of the arena with your adrenaline pumping and your faces flushed. 

Another destination to delight your inner child is Gaspar's Grotto. Located in Tampa's historic Latin quarter and entertainment district, the pirate-themed bar was founded by a retired sea captain and his wife. If your lady loves animals, she'll appreciate that the casual outdoor patio encourages dogs (there's even a plate for dogs on the menu!). When you're ready to propose, contact the management and see if they can help you plan a special surprise.

If you're looking for delicious food and drink in a one-of-a-kind environment, consider Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club. Find the unmarked wooden door in the seemingly random location and say the password that you received when you made your reservation. Inside, you'll be transported back to the 1920's. Nestle into a candlelit private booth secluded by curtain,s and order a Prohibition-era cocktail and small plates, like black truffle popcorn or chicken and waffle sliders. As the evening comes to a close, giving your lady a diamond cluster ring will make the experience truly unforgettable.

Ready to propose? Find a trio ring set at My Trio Rings that your bride-to-be will love.

Image courtesy of Flickr user jrzykat.

This post is part of the My Trio Rings Precious Places series, which uses Mashable's Top 10 Cities for Getting Engaged list for inspiration.

Who knew that Hamilton, Ohio, was one of the most popular places in the U.S. to propose? Part of the Cincinnati metropolitan area in Southwestern Ohio, the historically industrial Hamilton is known as "The "City of Sculpture" because it is attempting to revitalize itself through the arts. 

Where to Propose in Hamilton, Ohio

Though it may not be as well known as nearby Cincinnati, Hamilton is a great town in which to carry out your creative proposal idea -- if you know where to look, that is. Here are a few of the coolest places to propose:

1. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

This park is one of the most beautiful highlights Hamilton has to offer. When the weather is nice, take your loved one on a walk (you have 265 acres to choose from!) and admire the many different sculptures that grace the landscape. A particularly unique feature of the park is the 10,000 square foot Ancient Sculpture Museum that displays Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Etruscan sculpture. Pyramid Hill's ultimate goal is to be the only art park in the world to represent the complete history of sculpture of mankind, and it's well on its way. Scout out the grounds in advance to find a sculpture that represents your relationship with your bride-to-be. When you come back with her by your side, present her with a diamond cluster ring and share why you chose this sculpture as your romantic backdrop.     

2. Holiday Auto Theatre 

What could be more romantic than watching a drive-in movie with your sweetheart? Drive-in theaters are hard to come by nowadays, which will make the experience at the Holiday Auto Theatre all the more exciting. Choose a romantic film or a lighthearted comedy, something that you know she'll enjoy. Pay a $5.00 fee to bring in your own food, or stop by the Refreshment Center and buy some popcorn and her favorite kind of candy. Cuddle up during the movie, and as the credits roll, surprise her by popping the question. When you tell the story of your engagement later, you'll receive a lot of compliments for your creative proposal idea!

3. Hanover Winery 

An unexpected find in Hamilton is Hanover Winery, which produces more than 20 wines on site and holds wine tastings and community events on their beautiful grounds. Choose an event -- such as an outdoor concert -- from the schedule on the winery's website. Bring a blanket and picnic, and pick up a bottle of wine in the tasting room. As the sun sets, present your lady with a diamond cluster ring that will sparkle with the fading rays of light.

4. Flub's Dari-Ette 

If your loved one is a kid at heart, consider this creative proposal idea: asking for her hand in marriage at this old-style ice cream shop. Flub's Dari-Ette has been serving up frozen treats for more than 40 years, including soft-serve cones, slushies, and cyclones (with delicious names like "Mike's Chocolaty Marshmallow"). Imagine her surprise when she reaches for her order and turns around to find you on one knee!

5. Hamilton Oktoberfest 

The Oktoberfest celebration in Hamilton is more than 45 years old. It's held by the Liberty Home Association, a German club that brings authenticity to the annual event. Enjoy the freshly made bratwurst, sauerkraut, and other German foods (make sure to bring some breath mints!) and sample the liberally flowing beer. Once you surprise your lady with a diamond cluster ring, you can celebrate by sharing your news with the multi-generational partygoers and dancing to live music. Prost!

Pick out a special engagement ring to add the perfect touch to your creative proposal idea, or save by selecting a trio ring set. 

This post is part of the My Trio Rings Precious Places series, which uses Mashable's Top 10 Cities for Getting Engaged list for inspiration.

Ready to propose? Los Angeles offers a great many romantic settings, and you're sure to find one that suits the personality of your bride-to-be. Whether she's a nature lover, a true romantic, or a gal who loves a good show, you'll find a spot that she'll remember for the rest of her life.

Where to Propose in Los Angeles

1. In a picturesque garden

With 134,000 square feet to choose from at the Central Garden at the Getty Center, you're sure to find a spot for your proposal. The description from the garden website says it all: 

The walkway traverses a stream that winds through a variety of plants and gradually descends to a plaza where bougainvillea arbors provide scale and a sense of intimacy. Continuing through the plaza, the stream cascades over a stone waterfall or "chadar," into a pool with a floating maze of azaleas. Specialty gardens encircle the pool. All of the foliage and materials of the garden have been selected to accentuate the interplay of light, color, and reflection.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is full of quaint proposal spots. The Queen Anne Cottage is set on the edge of a lake and is surrounded by magical-looking Blue Gum Trees. Consider presenting her with a diamond cluster ring in front of Mayberg Waterfall, a relaxing destination surrounded by tropical plants.

2. At a romantic restaurant

Il Cielo Restaurant in Beverly Hills is known as one of the most romantic restaurants in L.A. and often makes "Best Places to Propose" lists. Sit on the garden patio, which glows with tiny white lights. Enjoy decadent Italian food before presenting your sweetheart with a diamond cluster ring after the meal.

Geoffrey's Malibu is a favorite for couples who love an ocean view. Request a table by the rail and breathe in the sea breeze as you dine on fresh seafood and New American cuisine. After dessert and wine, take a walk on the beach below and take a knee on the sand as you pop the question.

3. At a show or theme park

Hollywood is, of course, world famous for its entertainment industry, and nearby Anaheim is well known for its theme parks. When you're ready to propose to a woman who loves arts and entertainment, you have your pick of venues. 

The improv comedy troupe at M.I.'s Westside Comedy Theatre in Santa Monica will actually work your proposal into a sketch if you email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If your lady loves theme parks, think about proposing at Disneyland, "The Happiest Place on Earth." The Sleeping Beauty Castle makes for a beautiful backdrop, and the fireworks show will make her diamond cluster ring sparkle.

If you're ready to propose, choose from our wide selection of high-quality, affordable diamond engagement rings.

This post is part of the "My Trio Rings Precious Places" series.

If you're looking for proposal ideas, take a look at the list recently released by Mashable: the Top 10 Cities for Getting Engaged, according to Facebook. Today we begin a series of posts that profile each city and highlight the best places to get down on one knee and present your love with a beautiful diamond cluster ring. 

Where to Propose in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia, blends big-city culture with relaxed Southern charm. Here are three types of Atlanta proposal ideas for you to consider:

1. An elegant restaurant

During dinner, excuse yourself and secretly slip the diamond cluster ring to your waiter, with a request to bring it out with dessert or champagne. If there's a live band, approach during a break and request that the band play a song that means something to you and your sweetie. Here are a couple of the most romantic restaurants in Atlanta:

Bacchanalia is consistently rated as one of the Top 10 restaurants in Atlanta and has been number one in the Zagat guide since 1996. It's also often mentioned as one of the best places to propose. Relax into the cushy banquettes and enjoy the classy ambience, the friendly waitstaff, and the creative menu (with the chef sending out several small bites called "gifts" throughout the meal).

Set atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza, the Sun Dial Restaurant and Bar rises 73 stories above the city and rotates, offering breathtaking 360-degree views. The top floor revolves completely every half hour, the bottom floor every hour. 

2. A peaceful park

Take a walk hand-in-hand through the 30-acre Atlanta Botanical Garden and admire the beauty of the rare plants and flowers. You'll take your lady's breath away when you present a diamond cluster ring against such a gorgeous natural backdrop. The 10,000 square foot Fuqua Orchid Center is especially romantic. 

Plan a picnic at Centennial Olympic Park and surprise her with strawberries, champagne, and a sweet proposal. Or, if she's the adventurous type, playfully grab her hand and run through the Fountain of Rings. It's the largest interactive foundation in the world and is tiled in the shape of Olympic rings. Once you two are lightly soaked and laughing, get down on one knee in the middle of one of the rings and ask for her hand.

3. A center of culture 

If your bride-to-be loves to see a show, romance her at the theatre or the symphony. Propose at dinner before the show, or during an evening walk afterward, while you're both enraptured by the magic of the stage.

The Fox Theatre is a beloved historical landmark and the perfect place to take in dinner and a show. Dress up for the special occasion, and take in the gorgeous grandeur of the theatre.

The Grammy-award winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs at several venues in town, including the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. With 200 concerts per year to choose from, you're sure to find one that she'll fancy.

Before you propose in Atlanta, find a diamond cluster ring that she'll love. 

Photo credit: j3ku. 

Many couples today are uncertain about whether they should get married and at what point in their relationship it is the appropriate time to do so. There are a lot of practical reasons why couples choose to get married: tax benefits, legal protection for children, expectations of family members and friends, sharing health insurance benefits. But regardless of all of the practical considerations that might encourage some to rush into marriage (or the undeniable excitement of wedding gowns, diamond cluster rings, and honeymoons, the best time to get married is when you both feel ready to commit to spending your lives together – not just when you are ready to plan a budget wedding or when other people are ready to see you walk down the aisle.

How will you know when you are ready? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. You want to spend your lives together, regardless of whether your budget wedding plan involves a simple trip to the courthouse or an extravagant trip to the Mexican Riviera.

2. You are prepared to stay together through thick and thin, regardless of future employment, future health, future lifestyle, or future residence. This is the person you are excited to share your life with, through all the ups and downs.

3. You share important values and are able to compromise and come to consensus on important issues as well as seemingly trivial disagreements. You have discussed everything from religion and children to household chores and spending styles, and you know you are compatible. Remember, no couple has a perfect relationship or a completely smooth road ahead in their lives. The important thing is that you are prepared to support each other and work together in good times and in bad. If you think you are ready for wedding bells to be in your future, keep in mind that the time for choosing diamond cluster rings for a Christmas proposal is drawing near. But if the time isn't quite right, then wait until you both are ready before you jump into planning the budget wedding of your dreams. How did you know you were ready to get married? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Photo Credit: Flickr (mikebaird)

Are you ready to propose? Believe it or not, guys, if a Christmas proposal is what you’ve got in mind, the time to start planning is now. This gives you time to determine whether an affordable trio wedding ring set is right for your budget wedding, learn about the 4 C’s, decide what style ring you prefer, and even learn how to protect and care for your affordable trio wedding ring set.

Really, it isn’t that complicated. It is as easy as deciding on your budget and browsing the My Trio Rings website to choose the rings that you think you and your fiancée will love the best.

You may be a low-key, push-the-ring-box-across-the-dinner-table kind of guy, or maybe you’re a more traditional down-on-one-knee type. If either of those are true, then you may not be looking for creative Christmas proposal ideas. But if you want a more creative Christmas proposal, then here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. When the snow starts falling, get outdoors and participate in a winter sport such as skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, or even just wintry sleigh riding. When you come inside from the cold to warm up with hot chocolate, pull off your girlfriend’s gloves and offer an affordable trio wedding ring set as a way to warm up her fingers.

2. Ask your girlfriend if she would like to open one special gift on Christmas Eve. Pile wrapped gifts under the tree for her to choose from. Leave each box empty except for one that contains the engagement ring. Get her to keep unwrapping boxes until she finds the package with the ring inside.

3. Put the pre-planned proposal ideas aside. Carry the ring around in your pocket as the holiday nears, and just wait for a perfect, memorable Christmas moment to pop the question to the woman of your dreams. Maybe it will be while Christmas shopping, while sipping holiday-flavored coffees, while wrapping gifts, while singing Christmas carols, or even while trying to dig a car out of a snow drift. Trust your intuition and surprise both of you with the perfect proposal!

What are your Christmas proposal ideas?