Don't Do It Yourself Friday

We have recently turned Friday into a "Do it Yourself" tradition,
but we would like to remind you that there are just some things
that you shouldn't attempt on your own. To avoid a day full of stress,
you might want to leave these things to the professionals...

THE CAKE.
Whether it's a missed teaspoon of sugar or a tilted tier,
a wedding cake disaster is hard to fix. Yes, it would be much less expensive to buy
a few boxes of cake mix and do it yourself, but the quality in the
end could be lacking. Decorating and transporting a wedding cake is
quite difficult and best left to someone with the knowledge of how
to handle your confection without damaging it.

PHOTOS.
Your wedding photographs are one of the few tangible things you'll
have to remember your wedding. All of your loved ones may promise
to capture every moment, but what happens if they get distracted or
have a camera malfunction? If it's important for you to have high-quality
images and hundreds of great shots, hire a pro. You'll be glad you did
when you see your picture-perfect album.

COORDINATION.
You've organized every minute detail so far, so why shouldn't you
be in charge on the wedding day? Because you won't be able to relax.
Hiring a coordinator for the day can be a lifesaver. While you're getting
pampered, they'll be setting up and averting any crisis that may occur.
When everything isn't going perfectly, you'll be none the wiser.
Trust us - peace of mind is worth the extra expense.

CENTERPIECES
A beautiful centerpiece sets the mood of the reception.
From sophisticated to fun, you can create a setup that will wow your guests -
with a florist's help, of course! Flowers can cost upward of $3,000,
depending on your taste and the season. Although it's a larger
part of the budget, it's worth every penny. Your wedding florist
will ensure that you get exquisite displays filled with the freshest blooms.

CATERING
Catering a large-scale party is a huge undertaking, even for a culinary whiz.
You'll be hard-pressed to get enough food together for a hundred people
and keep it hot - even if you make the best dish in town. And, once you get
it made, you'll need a reliable staff to serve it.
Caterers are trained to make it happen;
they have the support staff to
serve you and your guests in a timely manner.

MUSIC.
It's tempting to rock out to your favorite tunes, and you
might think it's easy to do so with an iPod. Not quite.
You'll be limited to the music you love as a couple, not necessarily
what everyone else will like, and you'll be stuck with the premade playlist.
Music pros are trained to read the dance floor.
They can speed it up or slow it down so that your
guests are footloose into the wee hours.



We love a good DIY project, but we agree that there
are some things that shouldn't be attempted.
Keep reading for more inspired Friday projects!



Love,
The Emily Weddings Team

Thanks to Tia Albright from The Knot for these six tips.
Photo courtesy of The Pink Book.

Let them eat...pie???

Yes. Pie. For those brides and grooms who aren't too keen on cake,
the new pie trend might be for you. From a pie bar to pie pops,
or a full pie wedding cake, pies are making their way
into more and more weddings this year.

Whether it's your baker that supplies the delicious dessert
or your families pitch in to bring back passed down recipes,
you guests are bound to love the twist on tradition.
Stick to one flavor, or mix it up with a little something for everyone.

Create a pie bar with everyone helping themselves to the slice of their choice,

or serve mini versions of the fabulous treat.





Or, try pie pops -
perfectly portioned tiny pies on lollipop sticks.


Even get a little creative with your pie display...

Are you trying an alternative to the traditional wedding cake?
We would love to hear about it!



Love,
The Emily Weddings Team

Photo Credits:
1. Photo via Style Me Pretty
2. Pie by Hoosier Mama Pie Company,
Photo by Jeremy Lawson Photography via The Knot
3. Photo via Once Wed
4. Photo by Sweet Monday Photography
5. Photo via Brides Magazine
6. Photo via Style Me Pretty
7. Photo via Love and Lavendar

Bridal Fashion: TOMS!

We've all seen them around. The newest fashion craze for comfortable shoes...Toms! And these incredibly comfortable shoes are making a splash in the bridal fashion industry. With styles including wedged heels, men's styles, as well as a chic, glittery style, these shoes are sure to keep your feet happy all night long.

 

Looking for your something blue?? Check these out!

 

But it gets better...... 

TOMS is responsible for the amazing "One for One" Movement, which will match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of shoes for a child in need.

           

We love these cute and comfortable shoes! We love even more that by purchasing a pair, you're contributing to a wonderful cause. Are you a TOMS lover already?  Do you have your eye on a pair of TOMS for your wedding?

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Pieces of Pemberley

If you are looking for that special headpiece for your wedding day,
look no further. The wonderful Mia Byrd, event coordinator
at the Chrysler Museum of Art, has started making beautiful custom pieces.
Mia began creating costumes and and accessories for stage performers
while studying English and Foreign Languages. She started making her own
cocktail hats, fascinators and hair accessories in 2007 while working at the museum.
Mia's love for bits of flair and eclectic additions to an everyday
wardrobe inspired her design motif. Her desire for something very distinct,
something she could not find premade, became her passion.

Her company, Pieces of Pemberley, features cocktail hats, fascinators,
hair pins, headbands and more. All of the pieces are handmade by the one
and only Mia. The colors, fabric and accoutrements are carefully selected
by the bride and Mia to create a one-of-a-kind look that will not be duplicated.
Mia says that she "will never grow tired of creating the perfect final touch to
complete someone else's vision. The thrill of others is terribly exciting and inspiring."

We hope that you fall in love with Mia and her pieces as much as we have!
We would love to see some of our future brides with these fabulous pieces.

To contact Mia, visit Pieces of Pemberley.

Love,
The Emily Weddings Team

DIY Friday: The Pillow Alternative

We're all familiar with the traditional pillow that is used to present the wedding rings during the ceremony. Ring bearers used to actually hold the rings on these pillows, however many learned quickly that young ring bearers can not always be trusted to keep track of them. Nowadays, fake rings are actually placed on the pillows and the tradition is still carried on (with the real rings being secured with either the best man or maid of honor). Ever thought of switching out the old pillow for something new, crafty and more personable? Today's post is all about DIY and personable pillow alternatives you can use to compliment your special day( it will also make for beautiful pictures as well!)

Personalized Porcelain Dish

Palomas Nest

      These personalized porcelain dishes can serve as a special alternative to the classic pillow and can also be cherished in your home for years to come.


Nautilus Shell 

Silver Beads and Clay

    This alternative is perfect for any beach wedding and is truly beautiful in its own way.

Tuffed Moss

Once Wed

If your wedding is the essence of rustic/chic, then this pillow is perfect for you! Find out how to make this gorgeous pillow HERE


 Wedding Ring Nest with Birds

La Belle Bride

  This cute pillow alternative is super easy to make and very affordable to make as well! We love the nest idea and truly see the creativity within this project. How cute will your ring bearer look walking down the aisle with one of these?!

Coconut Ring Bowl

Wedding Bee

We adore this coconut ring bowl! For a tropical themed/beach themed wedding, this alternative is fun and creative.

Harvest Wedding Pumpkin 

 

Esty

What a perfect detail to incorporate into your fall wedding ceremony!

Etsy

By far our favorite pillow alternative! What a fun way to add the extra cute factor to your already adorable ring bearer. This is perfect if you plan on securing the actual rings with your best man or maid of honor, but still want to include a ring bearer in your ceremony. We love the flag, which can also be personalized with your initials on the reverse side. How cute!

Are you planning on using a creative alternative to the traditional ring pillow? We want to hear all about it!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Top Food Trends

Article courtesy of The Knot.

Make sure your guests remember your wedding food
for all the right reasons. Try out one of these creative ideas for a
fresh take on some delicious food, cocktail, and serving options.


SAVORY CUPCAKES

Thought the cupcake craze was going away? Think again.
Caterers have taken our fascination with all things round to a new level
by offering up savory cupcakes during cocktail hour (or even as a light entree!).
That means mashed potato icing, a mini meat loaf topped with rosemary,
or even a tomato basil Parmesan mix topped with freshly grated cheese.


EDIBLE VESSELS

Think: an appetizer served on an edible spoon,
or even a small bite between courses inside a
mini bread bowl. Being able to literally eat everything on your
plate can be a great way to add some creativity to a more casual reception.


INTERNATIONAL STREET FOODS

Put a new twist on your love for global cuisine by serving it
up street style. Some of our favorite ideas: Chinese dim sum,
mini Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, or even socca -
a crispy chickpea pancake - for French-food lovers.
Or go all out and bring in an actual food truck or
food stand for your outdoor reception.


THEMED REHEARSAL DINNERS

Since rehearsal dinners often have more flexibility than the
actual wedding day, you can easily take the food to a whole new
level by adding a culinary theme. Skip the pinatas and sombreros
at your "Mexican Fiesta" to keep it sophisticated, but do add classic
dishes like burritos, fajitas, and churros for dessert. Other hot ideas
could be a New England beach clambake, or a "Southern Comfort"
dinner with fresh biscuits, fried chicken, and, of course,
lots of cocktails with the party's namesake liquor.

TIKI BAR COCKTAILS

It doesn't have to be summer for you to embrace this trend of
serving up fruity, tropical cocktails. Go for classics like tequila
sunrises and mai tais, or work with your caterer for newer variations
on old-school favorites like Singapore slings or planter's punch.
You could really get into the theme by designating a separate bar to
serve the tropical punches in coconut shell cups with
colorful straws and fruit garnishes.

NITROGEN BARS

For the ultimate in showmanship and presentation, try this: an
ice cream bar where a chef instantly whips up a cold treat using liquid nitrogen.
Not only will it make for some amazing photos, but for summer weddings,
its a great way to keep the dessert from melting, since its made and served right away.

A LA CARTE SELECTIONS

Take a page from the French for this old-school style of service
where you'll dine with your eyes first. At dinner, waiters offer selections
from large trays (or carts) that are wheeled from table to table. Guests can
pick from a variety of proteins, grains, and vegetables, ensuring that everyone
gets exactly what they want.

SHOT AND MARTINI GLASS OPTIONS

Whether it's food or liquid, serving it in a shot or martini glass
makes the dish an instant hit with guests. Several caterers we talked with
said they loved the creativity and flexibility this option gave them, while guests
enjoy the amuse-bouche style of dining that lets them have a
quick bite and then get back on the dance floor.

DUET (AND TRIO!) ENTREES

Two is better than one, right? That's the idea behind this luxe trend,
which puts two or even three entrees onto every guest's plate. The idea is simple:
Why pick between chicken and fish options when you can give
your guests both in smaller appetizer sizes?

VIP WAITER SERVICE

Give your guests the ultimate luxury by hiring extra waiters for a
real VIP experience. Waiters are assigned ahead of time to just a few
guests and stick with that group the entire night. They provide the basics -
like serving the food - but also add that extra something,
like taking cocktail orders from the dance floor and modifying the
menu on the spot to accommodate special requests.

INDIVIDUAL WEDDING CAKES

Rather than a single wedding cake, have an individual wedding
cake in a different flavor at each of your reception tables. It's
all about the presentation with these hand-decorated cakes, and guests
will love getting to cut their own dessert
(rather than having something pre-sliced on a plate.

SPECIAL DIETS

Whether you've opted to go vegan for social concerns or stick to
a gluten-free diet for health reasons, you don't have to sacrifice when
it comes to your wedding menu. More and more caterers now
offer menus for special diets - whether it's raw foods, dairy-free,
pescatarian, or some other variation specific to the foods you love.

TAPAS GALORE

Go with a lounge setting for this heavy-appetizer style of reception.
Tapas are a great way to offer your guests a variety of flavors while still
keeping the menu tied together - since its all Spanish food.
Try paella cups, lime fish, and shrimp skewers. It's perfect for a
relaxed wedding, where guests can easily mingle without having to sit
at the same table all night.

CANNING IT

For a simple, edible DIY favor, try canning something for your guests.
You and your groom may can or preserve just about anything - from pickles to
jam - and top it all off with a pretty ribbon or scrap of patterned fabric.
(Just make sure you start the project with several months to go,
since some preserves take months to make.)


SPICE AND HOT BARS

We've seen bars of all types grow in popularity over the past year,
but we're really loving this one because it puts a new (and classy) spin
on the old-school condiment bar. At a separate bar,
serve up hot sauces in varying levels
of spices, plus other condiments, peppers, and anything else you'll need to
heat up a dish. Trust us, your guests (and groomsmen) will love the
"dare you to try it" game of picking the hottest thing available.

Are you including any of these food trends in your reception? Tell us about it!



Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photo credits:
1. Tara Maxey
2. Scott Thompson Photography
3. Rachel McGinn Photography
4. Nicole Hill Gerulat
5. Ben Vigil
6. Kristian Olson
7. Heather Saunders and Kristen Taylor/Heather Saunders Photography
8. Sarah Bastille Photography
9. Elizabeth Messina
10. Danny Weiss Photography
11. Kate Mathis/The Knot
12. Amber Stricklin Photography
13. Heather Waraksa
14. Red Loft Studios
15. Faith West Photography

When Couture Inspires Us...

 Couture. We've heard this word thrown around at times. But what does it truly mean? When something is considered "couture" it's a high quality, hand-made and designed product. We love couture within the wedding industry because it allows brides to be creative and unique on their special day. Anything from the bridal gown to decor can be couture inspired. We've collected some of our favorite couture inspired details to share with you. Go ahead..swoon over them!

1. Custom Wedding painted shoes from Figgie Shoes
2. Marie Antoinette couture heels from Arbie Goodfellow ($1,080)
3. Custom wedding painted shoes from Figgie Shoes
4. Tudor Rose embellished wedding flats from Arbie Goodfellow ($315)
5. Crystalized wedding heels found on Marquisha and Joseph
6. I do hand painted pumps from Nora Karen on etsy ($225)
7. Blue Danube hand painted heels from Nora Karen on etsy ($225)
8. Cinderella’s Wish glass and pearl  bridal shoes from TLCcreationsUK on etsy ($470)
9. Fleur shoes Arbie Goodfellow ($405)

  Photos Courtesy of: Emplume, David Tutera, Birdcage Veils, Papercrave, Paris Chic Brides, Pure English Couture Bridal House, Wed Candy

Do you consider your wedding style to be couture? Or have some couture ideas you'd love to share! Please do! We'd love some couture inspiration!

Love,

 The Emily Weddings Team