More Than Just a Signature

We know that buying a plain old guest book for signatures is easy, but it's a little, well, plain! There are so many options on how to get creative with documenting the friends and family that attend your big event. Here are a few inspiring ideas that we just love!

1. Display a calendar and have your guests sign their name on their birthdate. That way you know who showed up, AND when to send them a birthday card! 2. Guests write their well wishes on wine corks for a Tuscan-themed wedding. 3. A photographer takes photos of guests after they write their own message on a chalkboard. 4. The couple made use of an old dictionary for guests to go through and circle words that applied to the big day. 5. A sign is placed in front of a "tip jar" for guests to give their best advice for a happy marriage. 6. A vintage typewriter is ready for guests to fill in their messages for the couple. 7. Guests write their notes on a pair of skis to go along with a winter wedding.

1. A large version of an invitation is framed and matted for guests to sign. 2. The couple had everyone sign a record version of their first dance song with a metallic paint pen. 3. Signed guest book plates make for a great addition to your home decor long after the wedding. 4. The couple invites the guests to doodle and draw in their guest book with the markers and pens provided. 5. Colorado postcards are displayed for the guests to write their messages. The couple read them on the plane ride to their honeymoon! 6. Notes are written on puzzle pieces to later be reassembled and framed. 7. A guest book version of Mad Libs entertains guests.

Are you getting creative with your guest book? We would love to hear about it!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photo Credits

1-3. Pinterest

4. Brides.com

5. Brandon Kidd Photography via The Knot

6. The Wiebners Photography via The Knot

7. The Knot

8. Etsy

9. Studio Capture via The Knot

10. Pinterest

11. Julia Newman Photography via The Knot

12. Real Photography via The Knot

13. Pinterest

14. Pinterest

Honeymooning on a Budget

For the bride on a budget, you may have already found crafty ways to save money on your upcoming wedding. Whether you're taking on DIY projects or just plain going without, there's another way to save money on your wedding festivities all around. While most newlyweds venture off on a honeymoon, few consider their trip into the budget. We say, "Why Not?" If you and your hubby are considering a honeymoon but you're not quite sure how to pay for it, there are ways to save money without skimping.

Honeymoon Registry

Yes! you can register for you honeymoon! Sites such as Honeymoon Wishes, and The Honeymoon are set up specifically for couples to "register" for their honeymoon of choice. Instead of coffee makers and glassware, give your guests the opportunity to contribute to your perfect honeymoon getaway. Guests can search these sites for your registry and put money towards your trip is a gift. In addition, there are no set-up fees, and the site will even keep track of who has contributed to your honeymoon so you can write thank you cards.

Groupon Getaways

Most of us are familiar with Groupon and the many outstanding offers they advertise on their site. Recently, members can sign up to receive Groupon Getaways which include vacation deals so cheap, you just can't help but purchase them! These deals include vacation packages all over the world from all-inclusive resorts to amazing 5-star hotels! Not sure where to honeymoon? Leave it up to chance! Be spontaneous! Let the deals on Groupon influence you with their hard to resist prices!

Ask Questions...

Have you already booked your honeymoon or you've already decided exactly where you want to go? It helps to ask questions when booking or upon arrival. Believe it or not, some hotels and resorts offer discounts and deals to newlyweds! They won't advertise these deals, you have to ask for them. It never hurts to inquire when booking travel plans for honeymoons. More often than not you'll find that people are willing to give you a deal simply because you're a newlywed! Even airlines, upon availability, will bump you to first class simply because you're a newlywed. So ask questions...it's not being cheap or frugal. Honeymoons are a privilege, and if you can afford to go on one, make it the best it can be!

**How are you planning on saving money? Did you get an upgrade or a special deal simply because you were a newlywed? Share your tips and info here for current and future brides!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photo Credits:

Groupon.com

Honeymoonwishes.com

Favor Trend: Macarons

Every guest loves a favor that is either useful, or consumable. In the case of macarons, make that very, very consumable. What's better than a sweet snack that your guest can enjoy when they get home? Macarons, available in many colors and flavors, make for one parting gift that is sure to please. This little baked confection is taking over weddings one delicious bite at a time.

To order, try Petites Bouchees in Richmond, Virginia, (we love the vanilla buttercream and the pistachio flavors) or Michel Patisserie in Washington, D.C.

Are you using edible favors? Try some macarons! We sure do love them!!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photos:

1. Etsy

2. The Knot

3. Pinterest

4. The Knot

All About the Bride: The Shoes

When it comes to your wedding, an amazing dress can steal the show. But don't forget to keep your fashion statement going all the way down to your toes. Your shoes can make a big impact on your overall look. We have featured some beautiful options below that are sure to make your wedding guests drool.

Enjoy!

Are you planning on wearing some fabulous shoes on your wedding day?

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

1. Jimmy Choo

2. Alexander McQueen

3. Manolo Blahnik

4. Giuseppe Zanotti

5. Christian Louboutin

6. Rosamosario

7. Valentino

8. Jimmy Choo

9. Christian Louboutin

10. Christian Louboutin

11. Badgley Mischka

12. Kate Spade

13. Kate Spade

14. Christian Louboutin

15. Christian Louboutin

16. Jimmy Choo

Something Borrowed & Something Extraordinary!

You've heard the timeless phrase.."Something borrowed, something blue" and for decades brides have followed this age old tradition. Sometimes, however, finding the items to fulfill this tradition are harder to come by than you originally thought. You're in luck! Today, we'd like to introduce you to a site that actually lets brides borrow or rent designer bridal accessories for a fraction of the retail price! Featured designers include Justine M. Couture, Enchanted Atelier, and Stephanie Browne.

For the classy and sophisticated bride who just wants to wear exquisite pieces on her wedding day, but would never dream of actually purchasing these pieces or wearing them ever again, Something Borrowed NY is your saving grace. While their collection isn't extremely extensive, the items featured are gorgeous!! Accessories from veils, jewelry, and headpieces/adornments  are all available for your borrowing pleasure. Not only will you look fabulous on your special day, but you can fulfill the "something borrowed'" tradition and keep your wallet happy.

**Are you planning on borrowing an item for your wedding day? What items do you think are most sentimental for a bride to borrow?

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photo Credits:
Something Borrowed NY

All About the Bride: The Hair

Between your reception decor, the cake, the music, and all of the other hundreds of to-do's, your hair is one detail that can easily be overlooked. Don't wait until the last minute to have your hairdresser throw it up into whatever she thinks may look good. You could end up looking like a flashback from an 80's prom night. Instead, browse photos for inspiration, and have your hairdresser do a trial run so you can make sure to get it right. Your hair style should compliment your dress and accessories without being distracting or taking away from your overall look. We have included photos of some of our favorite hairstyles for the big day.

Do you know how you're styling your hair for the big day?

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photo credits:

(from left to right)

1. Paul Johnson Photo

2. Kiss the Groom

3. Pinterest

4. One Wed

5. The Knot

6. The Knot

7. Flickr

8. The Knot

He Registered For What?...

A wedding registry is one important task on any planning checklist. It gives a couple the opportunity to register or "request" specific items that may or may not be necessary to begin a marriage and furnish a new life/home. For many brides, the usual kitchen utensils or appliances, china, flatware even home decor are enough to overwhelm any registry list. For grooms, Mikasa and Waterford are meaningless names in a sea of "I don't cares". And to be perfectly honest, it's quite normal for a man to shutter at the thought of spending his entire afternoon parading through aisles of home decor and linen.

We've all heard the story...a couple creates a registry, the bride usually controls what items are ultimately scanned for the list, but the groom would rather find enjoyment scanning random and miscellaneous items just for the fun of it. In the end, the bride may or may not realize what her hubby-to-be has done until it's too late...Items can include (but are in NO WAY limited to...)

Toilet Paper....lots and lots of it...

PlayStation/Xbox...

That sweet Margarita machine..(while amazing, it's very expensive and a little unorthodox)

Motor Oil...

Condoms..(yes, it does happen)

Books for Advice (such as.."How to Deal With Your Crazy In-Laws!")

Overall, it's important to keep it classy. Believe it or not, people make judgements about a relationship based off of the items registered (it truly says a lot about a person's priorities). It's important to figure out what you "need" as a couple and what you would just "like" to have. And if you're going to let your honey hold the scanner...you may want to double check the registry print out = )


** We love hearing about funny items that "just happened" to wind up on your registry. = ) Share your funny stories here!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team