8 Reasons it's Okay to Spend Less on Your Engagement Ring (Hello, Honeymoon!)

Reasons to spend less on your engagement ring – Modern Gents Trading Co – Bridal Musings 2

Anyone else find themselves swooning over those dreamy proposal #isaidyes shots on Instagram? You know, the ones with the gorgeous sparkling engagement ring & the couple hazily kissing in the background?

As you swipe, you probably wonder where they found that gem and if it broke the bank. You might also wonder how you might afford an equally gorgeous ring on top of every other expense that comes along with getting married.

We all know that weddings can be expensive, but what if I told you not every part of it had to be? What if I told you you could have an Insta-worthy (& every-moment-worthy) engagement ring under $100? You would probably have a lot of questions so let me break it down for you…

Modern Gents Trading Co. offers a stunning range of rings – with many priced under $100! The Gents pride themselves on rings that are not only affordable but also ethically sourced. Which is a relief and all, but you’re probably still wondering what exactly they’re made of…

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The Lovely Engagement Ring

Reasons to spend less on your engagement ring – Modern Gents Trading Co – Bridal Musings 1

Wedding Bands

Modern Gents rings are made of high-quality materials ranging from 925 Sterling Silver to tungsten carbide (i.e. no green fingers here!). The stones are Diamond simulants which are man-made stones (AAA grade cz) that look and shine like the real thing.

All of their rings come with a lifetime warranty, free returns and exchanges, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you still need more convincing, their pages of customer reviews is a testament to the quality of the rings they offer.

So now that you can count on an extraordinarily affordable ring on your finger, here are a few ways you can treat yourself (and others) with that extra flexibility added back into your wedding budget.

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The Evermore Engagement Ring

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The Lovely Engagement Ring

1. Take an extra luxurious honeymoon

As an unapologetic beach bum, my heart is wherever the sun meets sand and sea. Now imagine with me as we take what you’ve saved on an engagement ring and invest it in a luxurious beachside escape.

Let’s think ‘faraway and magical’ like the island of Fiji. Feel free to join me in a collective sigh over the Outrigger Resort’s Beachside Bungalow. Or perhaps you could invest in the unique blend of history and tropical luxury that Vietnam has to offer.

Dreamy Romantic Formentera Spain Honeymoon and Wedding Inspiration – Sandra Aberg 30

Photo by Sandra Aberg via Bridal Musings

2. Buy your dream couture wedding gown

Handmade wedding dresses come at a premium, but with an added bit of budget, your dreams of walking down the aisle in a high-fashion gown could be realized!

Currently swooning over the latest collections by couture fashion houses like Galia Lahav, Berta or Oscar de la Renta? Swoon no more, sweetie. That dress is ready to be yours.

3. Splurge on the bridal suite at your wedding venue

Forgo the added stress of rushing to the event and enjoy your time to get ready for the big day. Most venues offer a bridal suite for you and your favorites gals (& guys) to dress up, drink and have a bit of pre-wedding fun. You’ve saved and earned the extra time for your grand entrance.

Galia Lahav Gala IX Wedding Dress Collection – Bridal Musings – G-409-side

Dress by Galia Lahav via Bridal Musings

4. Spoil your bridal party to a Bachelorette or Bachelor Getaway

Celebrate the support and love from your bridesmaids (or groomsmen) with a destination spa adventure.

Sedona is known for its mystic and mesmerizing qualities for all who travel there. Mii Amo captures the magic of the desert and encourages visitors to truly reset.

Live closer to the East Coast? Take a trip over to The Lodge at Woodloch tucked away in the Poconos.

For a more unstructured outdoor adventure that everyone will enjoy, check out these chic cabins near Mount Rainier and Big Bear Lake.

And why not bring along little tokens to remember the trip? Modern Gents has accessories for your crew as well!

Glamorous Destination Wedding In Sintra, Portugal – Passionate Photography

Photo by Passionate via Bridal Musings

5. Hire a live band for your wedding reception

Say goodbye to the laptop playlist and hello to your own concert reception! Nothing compares to the electric energy of a live show. (Although I would try to avoid the drunken stage diving.) You can search for different genres and decades musicians in your area on The Bash. You might even consider checking in with your musician friends to see if they’d be interested in being part of your big day in a special way.

6. Invest in deluxe wedding-day desserts

Indulge your sweet tooth with a wide array of decadent desserts! Doughnuts, cupcakes, and maybe some vegan goodies too. Why limit yourself and your guests? Did you know that BM’s own editor Claire had three different tasty dessert caterers (a churro cart, paleta cart AND a wedding cake) at her wedding? Consider that an expert tip!

The Prettiest Wedding Cakes of 2019 – Bridal Musings 4

Cake by Ashley Brown Cake Design via Bridal Musings

7. Treat your wedding party to thoughtful gifts

Chances are your wedding party is made up of people who’ve seen your relationship grow and were supportive through it all. Let’s show them a little love, shall we? Spoil them with personalized gifts or stock up on cozy goodies for a laid back bachelorette party.

8. Donate to a cause that is meaningful to both of you

You two are taking your first step in building a legacy together and I encourage you to think about how you can make an impact in your own community and abroad. Websites like Idealist make it easy to search for nonprofit organizations that match your interests.