Spring and Summer Wedding Styles

Today is the first day of summer, and what better topic to present then one about seasonal styles for your wedding guests. When hosting a summer wedding, especially outdoors, it's important to consider your guests and ways to make them comfortable. Choosing the attire for your wedding, such as formal, semi-formal, casual, (and possibly mentioning it in the invitation) will allow your guests to gauge what's most appropriate to wear for your wedding festivities.


Today we're featuring an article that discusses the current spring and summer styles that are not only weather appropriate for your guests, but also a great source for chic bridesmaids dresses as well.


Written By: Shannon McCarthy via MSN.com


These warmer months are the most popular time of the year to tie the knot, and with an average of 7,000 couples marrying each day in this country, odds are you're going to be invited to a wedding. We'll help you navigate those nuptials in style.

Photos by:

Alvina Valenta, Jim Hjelm Occasions, Kathy Ireland Weddings by 2be, Liz Fields, Sophia Tolli , The Dessy Group

Formal: Glam Gatherings

A formal wedding is by definition a swanky affair, so bring out all the glam you can. The only rule? Don't wear white as that's solely the bride's domain. Consider long, streamlined sheath dresses in matte metallics, or a universally flattering jewel hue like ruby or sapphire blue. Soft column gowns in gossamer silk, especially those with a bit of ruching at the bodice or a jewel-trimmed neckline, look especially divine by candlelight at the reception. Hem length is best worn long, just floating above the floor. If you prefer it higher (perhaps a hem that hits mid-calf) be sure the outfit is extra luxe, like a glowing taffeta skirt and fancy jacket combo or an all-over lace fit-and-flare dress. 

Deck yourself out in a few sparkling baubles. Bold jewelry happens to be very in right now, so there's lots of super-sized cocktail rings, breathtaking pendants and chunky, large-stone necklaces to choose from. A red-carpet-worthy minaudiere is the perfect purse choice, but an oversize envelope clutch in metallic leather or gleaming satin works beautifully, too. Footwear should follow form and bedazzle. Closed-toe pumps and slingbacks can sport either skinny stilettos or easy-dancing mid-height heels and be perfectly proper. Only wear flats? Make sure they're saturated with faux-gemstone embellishment to continue your luxurious line. 

Photos by:

Ashley Dru Wedding & Portrait Photography, Belle Meade Plantation, Bridesmaid Trade.com, Kathy Ireland Weddings by 2be, Siri Bridesmaids, Sophia Tolli , The Dessy Group

Semi-Formal: Perfect Parties

Semi-formal weddings hit the sweet spot between fancy and relaxed, so there's lots of gorgeous and really wearable outfit choices to choose from. Aim for a pretty and put-together look, but save darker colors for cooler-weather nuptials. Of-the-moment floral prints and lighter, brighter colors are seasonably fresh—just avoid cartoony designs or loud neon hues. Go higher on the hemline with knee-length fit-and-flare or sheath dresses in refined and substantial fabrics like silk charmeuse, metallic brocade or heavier-weight rayon blends. Or try the ease of a body-skimming maxi dress, but steer clear of too-casual cotton and go for sophisticated silk in a solid color

Glitz is still welcomed at semi-formal ceremonies, but it's better to express that through accessories instead of too-glam gowns. Long fringe earrings and lengthy draped necklaces are both gorgeous and trend-right, while chain-handle mini bags are portable yet pack a lot of style. Satin scarves cover bare shoulders and décolleté if need be, say, during a church service. High slender heels are flattering, but consider a pair of reptile-embossed or bejeweled flats for those hours of celebratory booty shaking on the dance floor. Still like a lift? Dressy platform and wedge sandals provide height without fright.

Photos by:

Jenny Yoo Collection-Los Angeles, Jim Hjelm Occasions, Siri Bridesmaids, Sophia Tolli , The Dessy Group

Outdoor and Destination: Sunny Ceremonies

Bare and beautiful are the major style points to hit when attending a vow-taking outdoors. For those invites that mention a garden, backyard or beach, consider a cool halter-strap maxi dress or knee-length frock in a breathable fabric like cotton sateen, crisp linen or our favorite warm-weather pick; a linen-silk blend. Now's the time to indulge in all the big, bright prints and colors so popular this season—sleeveless and strapless sheaths and shifts look extra modern when they sport slightly retro floral fields. Comfy sundresses can even be wedding-appropriate if they're made of silk-cotton blends, cotton broadcloth or other materials more refined than, say, lightweight jersey or velour.

Add an extra hit of embellishment to your more casual dresses with the right accessories. Take your jewelry inspiration from the natural surroundings and sport turquoise-rich cuff bracelets or wood bangles, rough-hewn necklaces and pearl-happy earrings. Straw clutches are hot this year, so carry one of these little natural wonders. Your shoes should take into account what's underfoot. High spiky heels may not be ideal—consider shell- or floral-bedecked flats or demi-wedges for easier walking. If you need a height boost, strap into a totally trendy espadrille wedge sandal. 

**We love all these summer styles, from the patterns to the fashionable details. Are you going to be a bridesmaid or guests at a summer wedding? How will you sport these summer fashions?


                           Love,
                              The Emily Weddings Team

A Sweet Soiree

Dylan Lauren, owner of Dylan's Candy Bar
and daughter of designer Ralph Lauren,

was recently featured in Martha Stewart Weddings with her
candy-themed bridal shower. The photos were so adorable
and inspiring that we had to share.

One of the many favors included these pink
Ring Pops wrapped and finished off with a bow.



Darcy, editor of Martha Stewart Weddings, poses with Dylan,
wearing a gumball and jawbreaker necklace and candy ring.



Personalized strawberry chocolate bars and
wrappers were sent to guests as invites.
Chocolate bars by Mary & Matt,
wrapper design by Darcy Miller,
and personal stamp by Zazzle.


The ultimate candy bar featured all pink and red candy
in Lucite containers for guests to scoop and enjoy.
The initials and heart were made by
Love Lucite (310-966-0740), but you can recreate this look
by arranging small glass bowls into the shape of your letters.




Lemon Drop cocktails were adorned with personalized
swizzle sticks and served on a tray lined with jelly beans.



Even the staircase carried on the candy theme with gumball garland.


Are you planning a themed shower?
We would love to hear about it!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team







Photos by Martha Stewart Weddings.
To view all of the photos from Dylan's shower,
visit Martha Stewart Weddings.

DIY Friday!!: Doily Chandelier

TGIF!! And we have another crafty but gorgeous DIY project for all of you "go-getter" brides out there! Are you planning a stylish and romantic wedding with whimsical DIY touches? Today's DIY project comes to us courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings. We absolutely love this chandelier! Made from paper doilies, this creative centerpiece truly stands on its own. It's simplistic, eye-catching, but chic.

Here's the low-down on this amazing DIY centerpiece:

via Martha Stewart Weddings

Paper doilies can add high drama (without the schmaltz) and stylish elegance (without the stuffiness) to your reception tables.

Create this chandelier with a waterfall of ruffles out of doilies for a visual high. Make garlands, and tie to a large and a small wreath form. Hang with ribbon, placing the smaller ring lower than the larger. (Use pushpins or adhesive hooks to secure to ceiling.) 24- and 12-inch doublerail wreath rings, Maine Wreath Co.

1. Fold 4-inch doilies in half twice. Open them, and scrunch them up a little at the center to give them the ruffled appearance of flowers. 

2. Thread flowers onto yarn to make strands 12 to 16 inches long, and tie to wreath. Attach extra flowers to wire with double-sided tape to fill in gaps.

***Are you testing out your creative side for your wedding? Tell us all about your DIY project ideas! 

               Love,

             

                    The Emily Weddings Team

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Corinne and Pete: May 14, 2011

Today we would like to celebrate the marriage of Corinne West and Pete Geyer, married May 14, 2011, with their beautiful pictures by Dee Akright. We truly enjoyed celebrating their wedding day with them at The Water Table.

Congratulations Corinne and Pete!

We wish you all the happiness in the world.

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

How to Be a Successful Newlywed

Here at Emily Weddings, we're all about the planning and thinking ahead towards your big day, and we're with you every step of the way. But what about after the wedding, when it's all said and done? We've worked with some amazing couples who truly deserve all the happiness in the world and we care just as much about your new lives together as we do about planning your special day. Getting married is truly a milestone in anyone's life, but whoever said it would be a walk in the park, clearly has never been married before. Though your marriage will be full of fun memories, it will have it's bumps along the way. It's all about how well you handle them, not individually but together.

Courtesy of Mojuba Wedding:

Let’s face-it, sometimes it’s hard to think beyond the wedding, but it’s important for the engaged and the newly married to plan for success. Our resident wedding expert, and Mojuba Team Ring-Leader, Jackie James, has some tips for newlyweds that she has learned from years of wedding planning (and marriage) that will help you get your marriage started off on the right foot.

Avoid Getting Yourself Into Debt:

Starting your happily ever after with a stack of bills can add an incredible strain to your relationship. In these hard times, debt can often be a difficult thing to avoid… but, fights over your finances are avoidable if you and your hubby are on the same page about budget and spending. Your budget and spending styles should be discussed before you tie the knot, and communication about money should be maintained throughout your marriage. Remember, pretending money issues don’t exist doesn’t actually make them disappear.

Don’t Stop Dating…Each Other:

Keeping romance in your marriage takes work, and dates are a great way to spend time together. Getting married doesn’t mean that the wooing is over- Why should date nights end after you say “I Do”? All too often people confuse the quantity of time they spend with their partner as quality time, but they’re different- simply seeing more of each other does not build a lasting marriage. So, sync up your Blackberries and schedule a date night at least once a week  (but put them away at dinner, texting while eating is rude!).

Be Sure To Give Each Other Enough Space :

We all need time for ourselves, but sometimes newlyweds confuse “alone time” with an imaginary rift in their relationship. Try not to be too sensitive about your partner wanting a little me-time, and make sure you take some time as well. It’s important to give each other some space in order to maintain a sense of self-identity- after all, it’s what your partner found attractive in the first place.

Don’t Feel Rushed Into Having Children:

Make sure you and your “new roommate” spend enough time being married before you start adding to your list of new life-roles. Children can add stress and new challenges to a relationship – although well worth it! So, it’s important that couples spend time adjusting to marriage before they start giving out their address to all the local storks. If you’re really eager to get your family underway consider testing the responsibility waters by starting with a puppy. Puppies are great because they rarely get caught smoking behind the gym after school.

Use Your Words:

We’ve all heard it countless times in grade school: “use your words”; and yet, we often neglect this crucial piece of advice as we mature. When you are your partner disagree make sure that you are avoiding emotionally driven arguments that quickly become competitions over who can scream the loudest, or be the first to cry. The two of you should take little breaks when emotions begin to steer the conversation…you know, count to 10….or 100…. Or maybe even to a 1000 with a little counting cocktail if that’s what you need to relax and think clearly.

*   “counting cocktails” are effective after fights as well!!

Keeping The Balance In Family Ties:

Most people don’t merge their families flawlessly. It’s important that new couples have a balance with their in-laws that works. If that means establishing boundaries about how much and when you see family, or trying harder to smile when your mother-in-law gives helpful, but not asked for, bits of advice, they key is to find a balance that works. The two of you should have a talk about family time with in-laws. Even things as little as where to go on Thanksgiving, can become sources of stress in a relationship- really work hard to compromise with each other even if that means dinner at one house and dessert at another.

We love our past, present, and future couples! And we wish you all the happiness your marriage and new life together brings. Keep these tips in mind! <3

Love,

 The Emily Weddings Team

Get Pinterested.

If you're like us, you love a little creative inspiration. Have you ever ripped out a page of Coastal Living because you liked the colors or decor? Did you put it away for safe keeping until you were ready to redecorate and then, a few months later, forget where you put it?

Have you ever gone to make your fiance's favorite pie and lost the recipe among the piles of clippings from Martha Stewart and Williams-Sonoma?

Is your bridal inspiration notebook busting at the seams because of all of the pictures of flowers, dresses and cakes that you have attempted to shove in there?

Are you getting frustrated just reading this?!?

Take a deep breath and prepare to throw all of it out the window, because Pinterest is here to save the day. Pinterest is a place to catalog the things you love whether it be home decor, wedding inspirations, fashion or recipes. It's a virtual pinboard that allows you to categorize all of the beautiful things that you love on the internet. Best of all you can browse inspiration boards created by other Pinterest users. Follow users that you know, or just people that pin really cool stuff! Pinterest can also be connected with your Twitter and Facebook accounts to share your pins with the rest of your social network. Just request an invite and start pinning!

Follow us to see all of our favorite inspirations for weddings. Are we planning your wedding? Make an inspiration board and share it with us!

Happy pinning!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Host and Toast!

Photos by:

The Casa Monica Hotel, WeddingWire

Engagement parties and bridal showers are notorious for their various themes, filled with games and gift giving specific to the bride and groom. Many of these themes have been replicated again and again, with little room for creativity and thought. Which is why we're introducing you to "Host and Toast", an engagement party/bridal shower theme for the bride and groom who love to entertain and are clearly natural hosts.

 This themed celebration is the perfect opportunity for guests to contribute to the couple's entertaining tool box. Most couples accumulate these items over time, such as board games or a set of horseshoes. And a good majority of these items are not usually considered wedding appropriate gifts to give. For the couple who may already have a lot of household items, guests can give them the gift of entertainment.

You can even make it nostalgic! Games such as Twister or Battleship, even Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots, these games were probably childhood favorites for the couple. Let the whole party be a throwback of yesteryear!


**We love the idea of creative engagement party themes! Have you heard of one and want to share it? Tell us about it! We're always looking for new and creative ways for our couples to celebrate their engagement!

              Love,
                  The Emily Weddings Team