My boyfriend and I have been together for 4 years, and I will start seriously discussing marriage soon. I'm not that girl who has a wedding inspiration Pinterest board and chatted about my dream wedding during recess. The only ring I've ever owned (or tried on) was a plastic freebie. It's not that I don't care now; I just assumed I would never marry and didn't have the money to spend on myself for jewelry. Considering our more traditional families, I don't see us skipping the ring step to marriage. We do have a plan for where to live and how to manage our finances. It just seems unfair to have him start guessing what I like when I don't know myself. I am interested in ethically sourced gemstones, but I don't know how to learn the cut and setting that complements me and feels comfortable. I have very small hands. • Would jewelry stores let a girl like me try on a variety just to get an idea without any intention to buy? • Is there a particular list of "socially acceptable" gemstones I should follow or can it be a personal favorite (opal, moonstone, etc)? • How can I even tell an engagement ring from a "regular" ring, "high fashion ad" ring, or a dollar store ring pop candy? Is there any difference at all besides the finger they are worn on? • Are there any rules about how an engagement ring must relate to a wedding ring for me to keep in mind?

I've been invited to a wedding that I really don't want to go to. I'm single, and the RSVP card said M_____ __ will __ will not attend, and asked for my choice of entree. I assume that I can't bring a guest. I have to accept the invitation for career reasons. A wedding in general isn't my favorite event, and a wedding where I'm solo, and where I won't know many people (if anyone), sounds painful. So: OK to accept the invitation but then just show up at the wedding itself and skip the reception?

Without bustling the train, I like the train and I think it'd be useless if I shortened it for the ceremony. Is there a way to keep my dress from getting all dirty? Runner? Plastic sheet? I don't even know what to do.. and all I think of is that either way, guests will walk all over it anyway and my dress will get as dirty..help?

do you think it takes away from the experience of getting married and what was the process like? What steps did you take to get married in a court house?

I got engaged earlier this year but my fiance only has one brother who lives in the US most of his family live in Europe + they don't even speak english and only my mom lives in the US the rest of my family are in the Caribbeans. At first I settled myself with the idea of not having a wedding but it doesn't feel right I would like to celebrate our union. We both don't have that many friends he's not that social but everyone likes him. What are some suggestions?