Groomsmen Fab Finds

When it comes to picking out gifts for the groomsmen, we understand that your fiance may need a little help. That's why we have searched for some fabulous gifts for those guys that are sure to please. Enjoy!

(From left to right) Cocktail shaker by Pottery Barn, Croakies by Southern Tide, Bocce ball set by Pottery Barn, Colby leather passport holder by Pottery Barn, Saddle dopp kit by Pottery Barn, IE2 audio headphones by Bose, Whiskey by Knob Creek, Personalized cooler by Polar Bear Coolers.

(From left to right) "How to be a Gentleman" by John Bridges via Brooks Brothers, NFL glassware by Pottery Barn, Needlepoint flask by Smathers and Branson, Monogrammed cuff links by James Avery, Wayfarer sunglasses by Ray-Ban via J. Crew, Bow tie by Southern Proper, Flip flops by Vineyard Vines, Collegiate needlepoint belts by Smathers and Branson, Cigar cutter by Pottery Barn.

What are you planning on giving the guys? We want to know!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Taking "The Plunge"

This week, we're embracing the Groom's role and participation in the wedding festivities. Yes ladies, he's just as important to this event as you are and his thoughts and ideas should matter! This week we've already discussed the Groom's cake and how this thoughtful detail lets your groom know you were considering him throughout the planning process. There are many aspects of the wedding day that can involve your groom, however he may not be so interested himself. Today, we're giving you the scoop on a must-see website and blog that your man can browse through at his leisure that's sure to catch his interest and put your "classy-chic" weddings ideas into "Man Code".

www.theplunge.com

We've all heard of the Knot website, among many others, that provide insight and mounds of information for brides. Everything from the photos, the forums, and the categories is tailored specifically to women. Is there anything out there for guys? Matter of fact, there is! The Plunge (rather appropriately named) is completely tailored to grooms and their groomsmen. The site covers topics such as Ring Buying, Honeymoon planning, Bachelor Party planning (even an article discussing what is appropriate for a bachelor party) and anything else a man would want to know or question in regards to his wedding day. The Plunge is user friendly and very "to the point", so grooms can easily find the answers to their questions without wading through articles and articles of etiquette. Here, grooms will find timelines to keep them on track and checklists so they won't forget anything.

Not only is this website a great read for men, it's rather entertaining for women to read! Think of it as a window into the man's perspective on wedding festivities. You might just learn something new! And for the bride that's not into all the details and advice that most wedding websites and blogs have to offer, this site is for you! Many brides use this site for quick reference to steer clear of "wedding overload".  

**Check out ThePlunge.com and tell us what you think! Will you be passing along this address to your groom?

                          Love,
                     The Emily Weddings Team

The Groom's Cake

We love our grooms. They sit through hours of brides talking about every
little detail going into their wedding day, just to nod their heads,
smile and give the occasional, "yes dear."
Although they may not have much influence on wedding day plans,
there is one aspect of your big event where he can shine - the groom's cake.

Whether he has a hand in the design, or you are making
it a surprise, the groom's cake is sure to make your
man smile. Inspiration for the cake can come from everything
from hobbies to sports teams. Be creative!
Below are some of our favorites.

(From left to right) Michigan cake by Beryl Ann Byrd,
Just Fabulous Pastries, Photo by Jan Garcia Photography.
Alabama cake by Nina's Storybook Wedding, Photo by
Marianne Todd Photography. Chocolate Brownie cake by
Sweet Memories Bakery, Photo by Angela Scott Photography,
Asheville, NC. Doctor cake by Sweet Lisa's Exquisite Cakes,
Greenwich, CT, Photo by Karen Cunningham Photography,
Long Island City. Boston cake by Michelle's Patisserie,
Photo by Photography by Vanessa, Austin, TX. Fish cake
by Cakeism LLC, Austin, TX, Photo by SMS Photography.
Crown Royal cake by Home Bakery, Rochester MI,
Photo by Ksenija Savic Photography, Birmingham, MI.
Tennessee cake by Cakemakers Etc., Dan the Cake Man,
Chattanooga, TN, Photo by Bold Imagery by Jason Connel,
Hixson, TN. All photos via The Knot.

All cakes by Sheri's Edible Designs, Hilton Head Island




What do you have planned for your groom?

We would love to hear about it!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

DIY Friday!: Free Printables!

In light of today's DIY Friday, what better post is there than one that provides you with FREE, yes I said free, printables! These printables will not only save you  money, they will make your DIY projects so much easier. Everything from save-the-dates, wine labels, and favors are provided in the links below. Most wedding design/inspiration sites provide printables every so often, and sites like MarthaStewartWeddings.com are known for their extensive collection of printables for a variety of projects.

Today, we've done some of the work for you and put all these printable links into one convenient post! So enjoy and get your creativity flowing! Here's to a stress free and fun planning process!

Etsy.com

Moustache Save the Date by Stefanie Astronaut	Coral + Blue Save The Date Card by Camille Chung
DIY Love Birds CD sleeve by Green Apple Paperie	Personalized Printable Wine Label by Divine by Design
Printable DIY petal cone template by I Do It Yourself	Custom Cute Pink Save The Date by Crafty Folk

Etsy.com

Mini Pillow Box Damask Collection by Posh Pixels 
Candy buffet labels by Green Apple Paperie
 All printable favors shown can be found HERE



 **Are you using printables and DIY projects throughout your wedding? Tell us how creative you are!

                      Love,
                          The Emily Weddings Team 

Trash the Dress

You spent hours, days, even months finding the perfect wedding dress. You looked through magazines and asks friends and family for opinions. You made sure that the dress fit you like a glove. Now that the big day is over, what do you do? TRASH IT!

Trash the Dress sessions aren't for everyone. If you are the kind of person who wants to preserve your dress for future generations, or donate your dress, (which we also think is a wonderful idea!) this is not for you. If you don't like to get down and dirty, then do not proceed. But for those who want to get a little creative and out of the ordinary, this one is for you.

Sessions usually will take place outdoors on the beach, on city streets, on a farm, or anywhere else you can get dirty!

Talk to your photographer about a possible Trash the Dress session. Just make sure to schedule it after the wedding! Below we have gathered some of our favorite Trash the Dress photos for some inspiration.

Photos by:

(From left to right) Jean Pierre Uys, Jamie M. Swanson, Jackie Cooper, L Photographie, Rochester Photography, Nicole Koester Photography, Jeremy Lawson, Vantage Point Films, Humbled Eyes Photography

Are you planning on doing a Trash the Dress session? We would love to hear about it!

Love,
The Emily Weddings Team

Couture Bridal Bouquets

A bridal bouquet is such a staple of any wedding. It should reflect the bride's personality and match the overall theme of the day. These days, brides are looking for alternatives to make every aspect of their day personalized and unexpected, not to mention saving money!

We absolutely love flowers! Who doesn't? But let's be honest, your bridal bouquet is something you'll want to save and cherish for years to come. Flowers are quick to dry up and require a lot of care and upkeep. Wouldn't it be nice to have a fantastic bouquet that will last a lifetime? We've recently fallen in love with the creative works of Emplume. Their vision for a fashion-forward, unique alternative to standard bouquets is impressive and a wonderful detail for any bride's must have list.

Everything from bouquets, garters and ring pillows are made from the finest materials and real preserved flowers and foliage. Feathers and sparkly gems are used throughout the bouquets for a whimsical and chic look. We just can't get enough of these bouquets!

photos by Nicole Ladonne Photography via Emplume.com

photos by Nicole Ladonne Photography via Emplume.com

photos by Nicole Ladonne Photography via Emplume.com

photos by Nicole Ladonne Photography via Emplume.com

**Considering an alternative to the traditional flower bouquet? What do you think of these?

                 Love,
                    The Emily Weddings Team

Gifts for Every Girl

We know that every girl is different, even when it comes to your bridesmaids. So we have put together some inspiration boards that might appeal to every one of the women standing up with you on your big day. Enjoy!

For the Prepster...

(From left to right) Monogrammed soaps by Marley Lilly, Beach towel by Trina Turk,
Murfee Scarves by Lilly Pulitzer, Slim card case by Tory Burch,
Pearl drop earrings by Kate Spade, Monogrammed sandals by Jack Rogers,
Printed tote by Longchamp, Monogrammed cutting board by Marley Lilly,
Needlepoint headband by Smathers and Branson.

For the City Slicker...

(From left to right) Tortoise watch by Michael Kors,
iPhone 4 cover by Diane Von Furstenberg,
Leanne messenger-style clutch in Zinnia by Hobo International,
Woven fedora by J. Crew, Umbrella by Kate Spade,
Aviator sunglasses by Tory Burch, iPad cover by Burberry,
Patterned glove by Echo

For the Free Spirit...

(From left to right) Scarf by Chan Luu,
Giraffe Recycled Tote by PaisleyMagic on Etsy,
Peace and Nature rope necklace by Gypsy 05,
Signature Tory candle by Tory Burch, Wrap bracelet by Chan Luu,
Assorted teas by Tazo, Jackie zip-up hoodie by Gypsy 05,
Surf Spray by Bumble and Bumble

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team