Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Get Married in this Economy

GETTING MARRIED IN THIS ECONOMY CAN MAKE FINANCIAL SENSE. Experts Give Reasons Why You SHOULD Get Married in this Economy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Tiffany Guarnaccia
(212) 725-4500 x328
TGuamaccia(at)schwartz.com

Mequon, WI-November 17, 2008—Despite the shaky economy, experts in the wedding industry--an industry that sees 2.7 million nuptials each year - say they’re seeing an increase in wedding planning activity. According to a recent survey conducted by GemEx ® Systems (www.diamondlightperformance.com), 85 % of respondents said they still planned to tie the knot with diamond in hand.

“The big difference now, when times are tough, is that people are more careful with their money, and they want more value,” said GemEx CEO, Randy Wagner. GemEx pioneered the concept of scientifically measuring the light performance of diamonds, adding a consumer-friendly, easy-to-understand standard of measurement to the diamond purchase.

GemEx Presents: The Top Ten Reasons Why You SHOULD Get Married in this Economy.

1. Two can live more cheaply than one. You’ll save on rent, can buy goods in bulk at warehouse clubs, have one Internet/TV connection. At tax time, some couples will be able to receive breaks, but there are other legal and financial benefits that seem to make marriage a pretty good deal, such as lower insurance rates, automatic inheritance rights, workplace health and pension benefits coverage, social security and survival benefits and preferential estate tax treatment.
2. Prices on luxury goods are now more negotiable. “Most of us know about the 4Cs, a good measurement of a diamond’s rarity, “says GemEx CEO Randy Wagner, “but they do very little to address appearance. And, remember, the 4Cs uses a grading system that only jewelers can really understand. It’s so much easier to buy something when you can actually see it—and you’ll find that the most gorgeous ring isn’t necessarily the priciest.” Educate yourself and get more for your money with a GemExrated diamond.
3. You will inspire everyone with your inventiveness in planning a budget-conscious wedding. Gino Filippone, president and owner of Ultimate USA Weddings (www.ultimateusaweddings.com), says he’s actually seen an increase in weddings lately--but has noticed that brides are now opting for all-inclusive packages, as opposed to purchasing each element separately, as an ala carte item. “You can save almost 50% doing it this way,” said Filippone.
4. Housing prices have dropped. Your first house may be more affordable than you ever thought. Some areas are claiming to be a buyer’s market—but don’t forget tax deductions, equity build up and appreciation.
5. Everyone will think it’s trendy that you plan a “staycation” for your honeymoon.
   Price shouldn’t be the only consideration when planning your honeymoon. “You will value the experiences and time you spent with one another more than the location,” says Wagner. If money is tight after all the wedding planning, get in the car and drive. You’ll find very nice bed and breakfast lodges, mountains, beaches, and some charming villages.
6. Friends and family will applaud your creativity and frugality. In fact, on a recent national television show, a financial expert applauded a young couple who decided to trade their lavish honeymoon plans for increased savings in light of recent economic conditions.
7. Solidify relationships. Relationship expert and author Gilda Carle, Ph.D (www.drgilda.com) explains: “Before your economic woes, you enjoyed a certain standard of living. You had a job and career you believed was secure; you took your life and future mate for granted,” she said. “Now suddenly, you are questioning the security of everything—and couples are building a new ‘Merger Muscle’ which defines them as ‘us against the crisis.’”
   She continued: “The threat of a common enemy-- in this case the shaky economy--binds couples closer together and forces them to seek creative resources. And, all the while, their brilliant diamond is a reminder of why they successfully merged in the first place—and, these days, everyone needs a reminder of the things to be grateful for.”
8. If one of you gets laid off, you’ll have emotional—and financial-- support from your spouse/fiancé.
9. You’ll get back to basics, what love and marriage are really all about. The true joys in life come from your relationships and not from material things.
10. Love conquers all!

About GemExGemEx® Systems (www.gemex.com) and (www.diamondlightperformance.com) has been the light performance standard in the diamond industry since 1998. GemEx pioneered the concept of scientifically measuring the beauty of diamonds and consumers have embraced this metric of diamond evaluation as demonstrated by the great success that GemEx customers have had selling diamonds with the GemEx Reports. GemEx rated diamonds are available nationally through jewelers such as Kay Jewelers; Jared, The Galleria of Jewelry; Fred Meyer; Helzberg Diamonds, to name a few.

---