Shopping together for their wedding rings is one of the most exciting parts of the preparations for their marriage for any engaged couple. As someone who was only recently married, I can remember this part of the run-up to the big day as one of the few chances my wife and I had to put the worries about the organisation of the day itself to one side, and be treated as VIPs by the jewellers as we mulled over our options.

But as the intention is that your wedding will be a one-off occasion, it can be a daunting experience, especially bearing in mind that wedding ring styles do change over time, yet the designs that the happy couple choose will stay with them for many years and symbolise the lasting commitment each one of them made to the other in their wedding-day vows.

This is why, more so than with engagement rings, wedding ring design tends towards the more conservative. After all, the chosen design should be one which will always bring back happy memories to the wearer, and be something in keeping with their own personal style. As organisers of many a wedding event, Crystal Marquees have observed many styles and so have concocted the below styles for you to consider.

Plain rings still number 1

Classic, plain wedding rings remain the most popular choice, not least because they can be enhanced by having a personal message from each half of the couple engraved on them.

Although they have always had a special attraction in engagement rings, diamonds are also gaining in popularity as an element of wedding ring design, especially in styles which feature a row of diamonds running around all of the outside of the ring and enclosed with platinum or gold bands.

For a wedding ring which will stand out and offer a degree of personalisation, you could always go for one with a gemstone set into it. A modern variant on the traditional four-point setting is a tension setting, in which the stone sits flush in a surrounding of tiny diamonds – a very classy look.

And the use of a centrepiece diamond will also be accentuated if you choose one of the vintage-inspired styles which are now gaining in popularity. Many of these retro-look rings are designed to look fine and delicate when worn, and give a look which has a timeless appeal.

A daunting task

A respected professional jeweller will appreciate the daunting task couples face in finding designs which satisfy both their tastes. And the ease a couple have in coming to a consensus over their choice of rings could well set the pattern for the harmony they will enjoy together as a married couple.

Given this, there is no wonder that the choice of wedding rings is imbued with such heavy symbolism.

Finally, of course, the rings will be right in the spotlight on the wedding day itself. The happy couple’s photographer is likely to want to capture them from many angles, and use them as the basis for some creative shots to go into the wedding album. So whether the couple go for matching rings or decide to opt for contrasting styles, serious consideration should be given to how they will sit together in this showpiece event.

When you’re planning your wedding venue, a golf hotel may not be the first thing that comes to mind.  However, there are lots of reasons why a golf hotel could be the perfect venue for your wedding. Like golf courses themselves, golf hotels tend to be set in the midst of beautiful countryside. As they are welcoming guests from around the world all year long, and sometimes hosting the world’s golfing elite during prestigious tournaments, golf hotels are perfectly placed to offer the impeccable cuisine and service you need on your wedding day. 

Golf hotels also offer the ability to plan in a marquee, check out Crystal marquee’s based in Surrey, they offer a tailor made and bespoke marquee hire serive.

Beautiful locations

Most golf hotels are set in beautiful countryside, whether in the rolling hills of Scotland or the stunning coastline of Cornwall. 

• Find an area that looks amazing, often perfect for quiet walks with your loved one, dreaming of your future, picking children’s names or simply squeezing one another’s hand as you stroll by the sea. If you like walks, you’ll love a golf hotel.

• Golf courses are often built near the sea. The name for this is links, deriving from the old Scottish language. So if you’d like to hear the waves and feel sand between your toes, there will be plenty of options available! 

Brilliant facilities

Golf hotels are among the most beautiful in the country. Golf hotels are often very luxurious with everything you could ever need.

• Golf hotels tend to be more luxurious than your average hotel. This is because they usually attract a high calibre of guest: Tiger Woods is playing the Open and needs a place to stay; Simon and Mike are on a golf holiday to close a business deal together. 

• You could arrange golf for you or some of your guests. After all, you are getting married at a golf hotel! 

Top class service

Golf hotels can’t be beaten for service. They are used to servicing the most demanding of guests, so their standards are always high. Take, for example, The Westerwood Hotel and Golf Resort based in Glasgow. Seve Ballesteros designed the course. If you don’t get a chance to play the course, at least find the time to walk over and marvel at the Waterfall Hole, the course’s 15^th.  Hitting from above the green, this tricky little par 3 has a 60ft rock face to contend with. On the course or in the hotel, expect to be treated like a king.