Summer is absolutely upon us! With the ever increasing temperatures and blazing sun, there are a few considerations to make when planning a summer wedding. This week we've discussed some tough flowers that will withstand scorching temperatures and steps you can take to ensure your flowers are hydrated throughout the day. Along with flowers, there's another detail to consider for a summer wedding (especially if your wedding is outside)...the cake!
Your wedding cake is most certainly the showpiece of the reception. And every bride has envisioned what their cake might look like, right down to the detailed borders and intricate fondant work. Here are a few tips that every bride should know when dreaming up their perfect summer wedding cake!
1. Choose Your Frosting Wisely- So you have a sweet spot for buttercream and you think it would be perfect for your cake...think again. The word "Buttercream" during the summer months is most always followed by groans and moans of "oh no!" Buttercream, while incredibly tasty, is vulnerable to the summer heat and will melt. Especially if you've planned for intricate piping and designs with buttercream, the heat will ruin it and cause the frosting to run and drip. Fondant is the most acceptable choice for a summer cake. And if you just can't see your wedding cake covered in fondant, find out if your reception location can store your cake inside, or in a cooler until about 30 minutes before you plan on cutting it.
2. Protect Your Cake: Even if you do choose fondant for your cake, it's important to not set it up in direct sunlight or completely exposed to weather. Fondant will crack or split if exposed to too much humidity or heat, and it's much more challenging to fix fondant than frosting. For indoor weddings, be mindful of the location of your cake. The sun can still come blazing through a window. Keep your cake covered under a tent and completely sheltered.
3. Think Light: If your wedding is truly the epitome of all things summer, why not incorporate that theme into your wedding cake as well? Try a key lime flavored cake with coconut frosting or a light angel food cake with a lemon curd filling. Fruit flavors like raspberry and strawberry are always a great filling addition to any cake.
As always, your baker will be informed of the preferred summer options for your cake. If you're not sure that your dream cake will withstand the summer heat, just ask for safe alternatives.
**Summer Brides!! What kind of cake will you be featuring at your wedding? Any creative summer flavors? Share the sweet info!
Love,
The Emily Weddings Team
Photos courtesy of: Antique Wedding Cake via Intricate Icings, Pink and Black Cake of Celestial Cakes, Green Cake via Bridella.com
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Summer Flowers with Staying Power
Planning a summer wedding, but don't know which flowers
will hold up in the heat?
Our team met with the women behind Palette of Petals in
Virginia Beach to learn which blooms are temperature tough.
Our team met with the women behind Palette of Petals in
Virginia Beach to learn which blooms are temperature tough.

retain their necessary water supply.
Match this all-white bouquet with a single orchid boutonniere.
Orchids also come in purples ranging from a
grayish purple to a strong reddish purple.

Tiger Lilies, or any other tropical flower such as
Birds-of-Paradise or Ginger Halcyons are already
used to the warm environment, and will last on a hot summer day.
Birds-of-Paradise or Ginger Halcyons are already
used to the warm environment, and will last on a hot summer day.

Dahlias, a summer/early fall bloom come in a wide variety
of colors including white, yellow, orange, pink, red and purple.
This flower, with a meaning of "forever thine"
is sure to last through the pictures and on into the night.
of colors including white, yellow, orange, pink, red and purple.
This flower, with a meaning of "forever thine"
is sure to last through the pictures and on into the night.

Hybrid tea roses are both durable and widely available.
This classic flower comes in almost every color
and is usually cost efficient.
Mix them in with other flowers for different textures,
or use the same variety for a clean, crisp look.
This classic flower comes in almost every color
and is usually cost efficient.
Mix them in with other flowers for different textures,
or use the same variety for a clean, crisp look.

Carnations are another widely available, inexpensive flower
that will withstand the heat. According to the Palette of Petals girls,
"You can drag them through the dirt and they will still be okay."
Although we don't recommend it! And when bundled,
this flower can resemble a hydrangea without the shriveling effect
that it takes on in the warm weather. Carnations will also hold color
well if you need to have your flowers painted to match your wedding colors.

that will withstand the heat. According to the Palette of Petals girls,
"You can drag them through the dirt and they will still be okay."
Although we don't recommend it! And when bundled,
this flower can resemble a hydrangea without the shriveling effect
that it takes on in the warm weather. Carnations will also hold color
well if you need to have your flowers painted to match your wedding colors.

Button mums are a great filler for a bouquet, or a boutonniere.
This hearty flower can also be paired with Oasis floral foam
to make a ring pillow, or a pomander.
Or, use it as an entire bouquet for a fresh, different look.
This hearty flower can also be paired with Oasis floral foam
to make a ring pillow, or a pomander.
Or, use it as an entire bouquet for a fresh, different look.
Other than these flowers, any flower that is growing in your region during the
summer season should be able to hold up in the heat.
Make sure that your flowers are in water until the last possible
minute to ensure hydration throughout the ceremony and pictures.
And if you're planning one of those cute "jumping in the air" shots,
make sure you don't fling your flowers up with your arms.
These blooms are durable, but they're not indestructible!
Tell your boys to be careful with hugs as well so
boutonnieres don't get smashed in between the well wishes.
What flowers are you using in your summer wedding?
We would love to know!
Love,
The Emily Weddings Team
summer season should be able to hold up in the heat.
Make sure that your flowers are in water until the last possible
minute to ensure hydration throughout the ceremony and pictures.
And if you're planning one of those cute "jumping in the air" shots,
make sure you don't fling your flowers up with your arms.
These blooms are durable, but they're not indestructible!
Tell your boys to be careful with hugs as well so
boutonnieres don't get smashed in between the well wishes.
What flowers are you using in your summer wedding?
We would love to know!
Love,
The Emily Weddings Team
Photo Credits: 1. Orchids, Bouquet by KBY Designs New York, Photo by Ira Lippke Studios New York and Los Angeles. Tiger Lilies, Photo by SimplyBloom Photography LLC. Dahlias, Bouquets by Romanza Floral, Aimee Pelligrini Seattle, WA, Photo by Angie Burke and Ashley DeLatour, One Thousandwords Photography, Seattle, WA. Roses, Bouquet by Ray Hom at Scented Gardens, Los Angeles, Photo by Andrena Photography. Carnations, Bouquet by Judy Bourgeois, Flora Fauna, Portland, Photo by Emilie Inc., Portland. Mums, Bouquets by Pedestals Floral Decorators, Garden City Park, Photo by Silk Studio, New York. All photos via The Knot.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Antique Bridal Adornments
You've always imagined a wedding filled with timeless details that truly exudes elegance and class. From the favors, centerpieces, flowers and linens, every facet of your big day suggests "old world" tradition and a chic timelessness unlike any other. We truly believe that every wedding should be representative of the bride and groom's relationship and personalities and that it's the details that make your big day stand out among the rest. Why not carry this "everlasting" theme over into your attire and jewelry? Below are a few of our favorite antique adornments for the most classic bride.
Pictured: LARGE Antique Rhinestone BRIDAL BOW Pin BROOCH Stunning, Antique Wedding Ring, 1920's inspired Headpiece, VINTAGE INSPIRED LACE AND CRYSTAL WEDDING SHOES....Swarovski crystals and pearls, Astra--Crystal and Pearl Bracelet by Belle Nouvelle Designs, Wedding Locket, Antique Wedding Ring, Creme Necklace with fresh water/glass pearls and lemon quartz beads, Bridal GLASS PEARL & DIAMANTE RHINESTONE DROP EARRINGS
**Are you wearing any antique inspired or old-fashioned jewelry for your wedding? A "something borrowed" or 'something old?" Share the details!
The Emily Weddings Team
Pictured: LARGE Antique Rhinestone BRIDAL BOW Pin BROOCH Stunning, Antique Wedding Ring, 1920's inspired Headpiece, VINTAGE INSPIRED LACE AND CRYSTAL WEDDING SHOES....Swarovski crystals and pearls, Astra--Crystal and Pearl Bracelet by Belle Nouvelle Designs, Wedding Locket, Antique Wedding Ring, Creme Necklace with fresh water/glass pearls and lemon quartz beads, Bridal GLASS PEARL & DIAMANTE RHINESTONE DROP EARRINGS
**Are you wearing any antique inspired or old-fashioned jewelry for your wedding? A "something borrowed" or 'something old?" Share the details!
Love,
The Emily Weddings Team
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Veil Alternative
You have found the perfect dress, but you're not a veil kind of gal. No problem! There are plenty of other options besides a veil. From headbands to hairpieces you're bound to find something that fits both your dress style and your personality. Below we have highlighted some of our favorites from fabulous to understated. Enjoy!
(From left to right) The Ophelia Plus Sabine Hair Flower by Serephine, Photo by Kali Lu Photo. Shimmer Rhinestone Applique Headband by BeautifulBlossoms, Photo by Kiwi Ashby Photography. Sunshine Daydream Natural Flower Headband by HeadCaseByG, Photo by Katie at Clairealyse Photography. Ivory Bridal Hair Clip with Swarovski Crystals and Pearls by ivoryONwhite. Ellie Bridal Fascinator Headpiece by portobello. The Kaia Rhinestone Forehead Band with Feather Accent by Serephine. Double Dahlia Triple Silk Headpiece by HuideDevore.
(From left to right) Bianca Deco Glamour Crystal Headpiece by FeathersandFrills, Photo by Brooke Courtney Photography. Bridal Bandeau by DolorisPetunia, Photo by Aaron Delesie. Feather Fascinator with Vintage Broach by RachelLarraine, Photo by Joielala Photographie. The Anya by ChinnyLuLu, Photo by Hoffmann Photographer. Double Sheer Silk Flowers Style 137 by myrakim, Photo by Elizabeth Messina. Vivian Wedding Fascinator by Curly Girly couture via ikandiphotography.
Are you going veil-less? What does your headpiece or hairpiece look like?
Love,
The Emily Weddings Team
(From left to right) The Ophelia Plus Sabine Hair Flower by Serephine, Photo by Kali Lu Photo. Shimmer Rhinestone Applique Headband by BeautifulBlossoms, Photo by Kiwi Ashby Photography. Sunshine Daydream Natural Flower Headband by HeadCaseByG, Photo by Katie at Clairealyse Photography. Ivory Bridal Hair Clip with Swarovski Crystals and Pearls by ivoryONwhite. Ellie Bridal Fascinator Headpiece by portobello. The Kaia Rhinestone Forehead Band with Feather Accent by Serephine. Double Dahlia Triple Silk Headpiece by HuideDevore.
(From left to right) Bianca Deco Glamour Crystal Headpiece by FeathersandFrills, Photo by Brooke Courtney Photography. Bridal Bandeau by DolorisPetunia, Photo by Aaron Delesie. Feather Fascinator with Vintage Broach by RachelLarraine, Photo by Joielala Photographie. The Anya by ChinnyLuLu, Photo by Hoffmann Photographer. Double Sheer Silk Flowers Style 137 by myrakim, Photo by Elizabeth Messina. Vivian Wedding Fascinator by Curly Girly couture via ikandiphotography.
Are you going veil-less? What does your headpiece or hairpiece look like?
Love,
The Emily Weddings Team
Friday, June 3, 2011
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!
**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
via Wedding Bee |
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From OnceWed via The Bliss List |
via Wedding101 |
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via 2 Hearts Beat As One |
Love,
The Emily Weddings Team
Thursday, June 2, 2011
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
What are you doing to help your guests cool off at your summer wedding? We would love to know!
Love,
The Emily Weddings Team
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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 |
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
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