DIY Friday!!: Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

This week's DIY project idea is all about the bridesmaids! These lovely ladies are hand picked by the bride herself and are a significant person in their life.They'll be responsible for attending all wedding festivities, posing for the camera, and helping the bride in any way on the day of her wedding. What better way to ask these special ladies to be your bridesmaid then a personalized, handmade card or gift!? Check out some of these cute DIY ideas and tell us what you think!

via Wedding Bee

From OnceWed via The Bliss List

 

 

 

via Wedding101

via 2 Hearts Beat As One

 **Are you planning on asking some special ladies to be your bridesmaid in a creative, fun way? Tell us about it! = )

                    Love,
                        The Emily Weddings Team

Citrus-Inspired Weddings

Is it hot enough for you yet? These rising temperatures are making us want to cool off with these citrus-inspired weddings. There is just something about the yellow and lime tones that make you want to grab a glass of lemonade and a fan and watch some "I do's!" We hope you enjoy these colorful weddings as much as we do!

(From left to right) Programs by Paper Source, San Francisco, Photo by Bruce Forrester Photography Inc., Mill Valley. Drinks, Photo by Suzi Q. Varin, Q Weddings, Austin. Invitations, Photo by Michael Saba, Saba Photo, Atlanta. Shoes, Nordstrom, Photo by Kate Triano Photography, Centreville, VA. Bridesmaids, Photo by Agnes Lopez Photography, Jacksonville, FL. Lemons, Photo by W. Scott Chester Photography, Atlanta. Tent, Photo by Flashes Photography. Cake by Martine's, Lexington, KY, Photo by RedTree Photography. All photos via The Knot.


What are you doing to help your guests cool off at your summer wedding? We would love to know!

Love,
The Emily Weddings Team

When One Dress Just Won't Do: Bridal Reception Dresses

www.affairswithelegance.com

Change is constant. One of the beauties of the wedding industry is the ever changing trends and styles. These changes are giving new brides the freedom of true personalization and a plethora of design options that far exceeds what existed in the previous generations. More and more, brides are finding new ways to make their special day a little more memorable or unique. One new trend we are noticing is that brides are choosing to change out of there wedding gown and into something more chic and fun for the reception.

 We love this idea! Your wedding dress is such a staple on the big day but not all brides want to spend top dollar on an elaborate, unforgettable gown that they'll want out of all night. Choosing to cut back in price on your wedding gown and opting for a more simplistic design gives you the financial freedom to purchase a 2nd flirty, fun gown with the money you've saved! Wedding gowns are more prone to stains and damage during the reception, with all the dancing, food and drink. Most brides consider this and by having a second dress, avoid the chance of staining or ruining their bridal gown. Designers such as Priscilla of Boston actually boast an entire collection of wedding gowns and reception dresses to be paired together for your big day. You'll notice most bridal salons are recognizing this growing trend and will offer a wider variety of flirty, cocktail-styled dresses. Personally, we love the dress pictured! It's the best of both worlds! A convertible bridal gown! Simply remove the bottom half and train of the dress to reveal a flirty, but still classy cocktail dress!

David Tutera for Faviana- Eva

You can find more convertible dress options here too!

It all comes down to preference and priority. If you've always envisioned a killer gown that's sure to turn heads, you may just want to relish every moment in that very dress. But if you'd rather get your dancing shoes on and party all night long, choosing to purchase a 2nd comfortable reception dress or a convertible gown might just be in your best interest. We love all the new cute, flirty designs that are out now. Designers like Jessica McClintock have a wonderful selection of dresses for decent prices with a variety of color palettes as well!

**Are you planning on changing for your reception? What do you think about the convertible gowns? Let us hear all about it!

    Love,
       
        The Emily Weddings Team

A Costco Wedding

We've heard of one stop shopping, but finding everything down to your wedding dress right next to the grocery aisle? That's the idea! Leading bargain store Costco has now made your wedding that simple. From the flowers to the honeymoon, they have it covered.

Flowers are available in ready-to-go bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages and bulk centerpieces. Whether you are planning on using roses or hydrangeas, Costco can provide fresh flowers in just about every color.

Invitations and announcements are also available at Costco. By visiting their website, Costco will direct you to a link for Wedding Paper Divas, and a large selection of beautiful invitations and announcements. All Costco members save 20%.

Kirstie Kelly, a couture wedding dress designer, has also teamed up with Costco to help brides save. Kelly has designed six couture wedding gowns for members.

"It's really about creating this concept for the brides so that she understands and knows that she's getting a high quality gown. It is a couture-styled gown. The only difference is the price," says Kelly during an interview with ABC News.

Costco even has your rings. Whether it's the bands or the engagement ring itself, select from a variety of cuts and styles to fit your personality and budget.

Costco will even take care of you after you say your "I do's." With Costco Travel, you can go just about anywhere your heart desires. From the Caribbean to France, to Bora Bora and Mexico, you are sure to find something that you love, even after you see the price tag.

How are you keeping your wedding on budget? We would love to know!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

All photos by Costco, Wedding Paper Divas and Kirstie Kelly

Happy Memorial Day!: Military Weddings

Today, we honor all of our servicemen past, present, and future. Emily Weddings is so blessed to have worked with many military couples and we look forward to working with more! We appreciate all that you do and sacrifice for this country and we would not be the great nation that we are today if it weren't for you! And to the families of military servicemen and women, we recognize all that you sacrifice as well, and we thank you for being the rock and support for these active duty members.

In light of the holiday, we want to share some fun photos of a military wedding. We absolutely love all the details for this wedding and the couples commitment to military tradition.

Military Wedding in San Francisco via Absolutely Charmed
 

                  Happy Memorial Day!!

                               Love,
                                        The Emily Weddings Team

DIY Friday: Writing the Vows

Continuing our week dedicated to the groom, we have come to possibly the scariest part of a wedding for your man - writing the vows. Don't worry boys, we're here for you. We know you love your fiancee, but when it comes to expressing it in front of a crowd, we can see how your words might get a little scrambled. Here are 20 questions that will lead you to writing the perfect vows courtesy of The Knot.

What exactly do you say? To help you think of sentiments to include, take turns answering this list of questions. When you're done, look through your answers for the phrases that best capture your intended message and incorporate them into the structure of your vows.

What did you think when you first saw him/her? Start from the beginning -- you didn't want to go out and now you're grateful your friends dragged you out? How to use: When we met at __________, I knew __________.

When did you realize you were in love? The more specific you are able to be, the more touching the story. Was it when he helped you bring your sick puppy to the vet? How to use: I knew I was in love when ____________. Don't underestimate the power of humor. Throw in at least one more playful sentiment (When she recited Don Mattingly's RBI record...).

What do you have now that you didn't have before you met? Focus on the heart and head, not material possessions. Has she taught you to appreciate beauty differently? Has he helped you learn to savor creating a home-cooked meal? How to use: Before I met you, I ___________. Now I ___________.

How has your worldview changed? Life has likely gotten better since the two of you joined forces, so tell everyone about it. How to use: Because of you, I see the world __________. Having trouble? Think about the new things you've tried with your mate -- what have you experienced together that you never would have on your own?

What do you miss most when you're apart? This will probably be something mundane but powerful -- what about his smile first thing in the morning, or the way she puts out your lucky mug for your morning coffee? How to use: You are such a part of me that when you're gone, I __________.

Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? 20 years? 40 years? Go deeper than Happily married in a big house. What are your long-term hopes, dreams, and goals? How to use: I look forward to __________, laughing and __________ as we __________.

Is there a line from a movie, song, or poem that says it all? It's okay to borrow, as long as it's not too much of a cliche (we're sorry, but You complete me is suffering from overuse). Instead modify something familiar to personalize. How to use: Subtly. I watch you ________, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Do parts of the traditional vows resonate with you? Maybe you're not so sure about the obey part, but can you really go wrong with love, cherish, and...? How to use: Try I promise to cherish and honor you ____________, but add a time frame and funny reference for levity: ...all the days of my life, especially when curled up on the couch with takeout.

Can you think of a funny or touching experience that put your partner in a new light? The way he played with your little cousin or helped your grandmother up the stairs showed you that under his macho exterior is a wittle, bitty bunny wabbit and you love him for it. How to use: When you ____________, I saw you for the _____________ person you are. And that made me want to ____________.

Is there a harrowing experience that strengthened your bond? This one rides tandem with #9. How to use: See #9.

What goals and values do you both have? Stating your common bond may just expose your inner Wordsworth. These ties -- whether your shared faith or your mutual love of wine -- will also help demonstrate why you're a perfect pair. How to use: We share ___________, so together we can ___________.

What about him/her inspires you? What is it about your fiance that you'd like to improve in yourself? What do you most respect about your partner? How to use: Your ___________ has shown me how to be___________.

What promise can you make to codify your devotion? Here's an opportunity to personalize your vows -- many couples pledge their endless love, but how many promise to take the dog out in the morning, even in the snow? How to use: I promise to always ___________.

How will you change together? You know what your goals are -- think about the steps the two of you will need to take together to reach them. How to use: I look forward to ___________ as we __________.

What metaphor (or simile) would capture your love? Think of something that describes or defines your love: Is it strong like a castle? Peaceful like a mountain stream? How to use: Our love is like a ___________ because it ___________.

Why are you entering the bond of marriage? Think about why marrying your fiance is so special. You may be surprised how the answer leads you to the perfect words. How to use: To me, marriage is ___________. With you, it's ___________.

What will keep your marriage strong? Find the bedrock of your relationship. What makes your relationship tick? Is it your resilience? Your shared sense of humor? How to use: Even when ___________, we will have ___________.

What are you most looking forward to about married life? The wedding is just the beginning. How to use: I look forward to ___________ as we embark on ___________.

What do you expect out of married life? Defining your expectations will help you make and keep promises. Think about your dreams, and what you'll have to vow to do to make them come true. How to use: I know our marriage will ___________ and I vow to ___________.

What words do you associate with love? Make a list of romantic terms so you can avoid overusing love -- too many repetitions dilute its power. How to use: My devotion/adoration/ passion is ___________.

We wish all of the grooms out there the best of luck!

Do you have any tips on writing vows? We would love to hear them!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Tem

Photo by Ira Lippke Studios, New York, NY via The Knot

Ultimate Getaway Car!

Sticking with our Groom themed posts this week, let's discuss the infamous getaway car! While some choose a classy limo or their own car, there is room for creativity here! This is one detail of a wedding that is sure to represent the bride and groom's personality to a tee! So have some fun with it!

Does your husband enjoy exotic cars or classic cars? These cars can be rented by the day and often cost just as much if not cheaper than renting a limo with a chauffeur. While your pictures will be unforgettable and your exit truly personalized, you'll have to make sure your groom has not had too much to drink. If willing, giving your husband the opportunity to drive one of these exotic or classic cars is a gift in itself. Check out Exotic Car Rentals for options and pricing. They even have a classic car selection too!

Looking for a classy automobile but don't want the ever popular limo? How about a Rolls Royce? These cars can also be rented but usually come with a chauffeur. So if you're looking to party the night away but have a dependable, classy ride to leave, the Rolls Royce might be your best option. Check out Royal Coach Limousine Company for pricing and availability.

www.daveandcharlotte.com

 

 

 Opting for an eleborate getaway car might just be a gift in itself for your groom. We love the idea of personalizing your wedding and making a statement with this special detail!

**Are you making an unforgettable exit in an eleborate vehicle? Tell us about it!

                  Love,
                        The Emily Weddings Team