Designer Inspired Weddings: Kate Spade

When future brides are imagining the decor that will go along with their dream wedding, they may refer to a favorite color, pattern, or style. Designing weddings can be very similar to designing clothing. Inspiration is needed, along with a defining sense of what the overall look will be. Fashion designers most often have a certain look or feel about their lines. Whether it be the bright colors and patterns of Palm Beach that inspire Lilly Pulitzer, or the geometric designs that most often accompany the couture of Missoni, a piece can likely be identified by its designer's unique style. Some brides may even to refer to a designer's personal style to inspire their wedding. Today, we highlight designer Kate Spade, as we create a preppy-chic inspiration board.

While Kate Spade began by making simple and sophisticated handbags, her fashion world has now grown into bold and stylish clothing and more. In our inspiration board we highlight her original clean and simple lines while adding her more recent pops of color and whimsical style.

Are your wedding details designer inspired? We would love to know.

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

All photos via Pinterest

Falling in Love with October

Feel that chill in the air? It's October, and here at Emily Weddings, we can't believe how fast fall is flying by! We are so excited to see our October brides walk down the aisle. Of course, there will be pictures to come, but until then we will leave you with some spooky October wedding inspiration to "fall" for!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photos 1-6 via Pinterest

Photo 7 via The Knot

Photo 8 via Pottery Barn

Ashley and Ben: July 16, 2011

As we take a small breather from our packed September schedule, we would like to celebrate Ashley Ninness and Ben Sanders, married July 16, 2011. This beautiful summer wedding at the Contemporary Art Center in Virginia Beach was photographed by Eleise Theuer Photography. Other amazing vendors included Catering Concepts, Botanique, Digital Dreammakers, Live Love Paper!, and Carrie's Cakes. We hope you enjoy Ashley and Ben's wedding as much as we all did!

Is your wedding next? We would love to be there for you.

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

A "Something Blue" Hue

Traditionally, wedding gowns are found in various shades of white, ivory, and creams. It symbolizes purity and brides have long followed this tradition. Some brides, however, have taken a more unique or expressive approach in regards to the color of their gown. Whether it's simply a pop of color on a white dress or the dress itself is a color other than white, brides are taking the leap and straying from the norm to truly make their wedding gowns a statement on the big day.




Alfred Angelo has made the transition from traditional white dresses to more modern, color infused dresses desirable for some brides. With options to color coordinate in style and color between bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, incorporating your wedding's color scheme into the attire has never been easier.
















Even the most simplistic of gowns can be transformed into a gorgeous and elegant eye-catcher with the addition of a colored bow.

Recently, we've seen a new trend in bridal gowns that doesn't just feature a pop of color...the entire dress is a different color! How could we forget celebrity Gwen Stefani in her gorgeous pink gown! She truly set the tone for colored wedding dresses and took tradition by the horns.

 

Now, we're seeing not pink dresses, but blue dresses! What a way to fulfill your something blue! These blue hues are making a statement in the bridal fashion industry.

 

**What do you think of a blue wedding gown? Would you sport the blue hue on your wedding day?

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photo Credits:

1. Alfred Angelo

2. Social Pop
3. Creative Theme Wedding.com
4. Shibawi.com

Farewell Priscilla

Priscilla of Boston, the high-end bridal boutique that got its start on Newbury Street in 1945 and shot to prominence after making Grace Kelly’s wedding gown, is closing.

Its parent company, David’s Bridal, announced yesterday that it will shutter the store’s 19 national locations, including its store on Boylston Street, on Dec. 31. A corporate office in Charlestown will also be closed.

A David’s Bridal spokesman said the stores are being shut so the company can invest more resources into its 307 David’s Bridal stores.

“At the end of the day, the decision is really based on looking at our resources and capital investments and looking to invest in Priscilla’s sister division, David’s Bridal,’’ said Brian Beitler, chief marketing officer for David’s Bridal.

Priscilla employs 61 people in Massachusetts - 21 in the store and 40 in the corporate office. Priscilla employees could apply for jobs at David’s Bridal, Beitler said, but there is no guarantee, and those jobs are scarce.

Orders for dresses will be fulfilled as promised, according to a Q&A posted on Priscilla’s website. Anyone whose dress is scheduled to be delivered after Dec. 31 should call the store to make arrangements.

Although Beitler would not say that the economy was a factor in the closing, bridal specialists and analysts say the business of weddings has changed in recent years, with many brides scaling back their budgets.

“They’re probably closing because they failed to realize how the market has shifted and changed,’’ said Shane McMurray, CEO and founder of The Wedding Report, a website that follows wedding trends. “Several of the big designers have already created lower price lines in different markets so they can penetrate down into new markets. That’s really what you have to do.’’

Priscilla is seen as the posh older sister to the less expensive David’s Bridal. The priciest dress at David’s retails for $1,400, while the most expensive dress at Priscilla costs $10,000. A study by the websites The Knot and the Wedding Channel found that the national average that brides spend on their dresses has changed little between 2008 and 2010 - just over $1,000, a number more in line with David’s price point.

Others say the company lost its vision after multiple sales and acquisitions. Federated Department Stores bought Priscilla in 2002, then sold it to David’s Bridal in 2007.

“You really need to have someone to steer the direction,’’ said Rachel Leonard, fashion director of Brides Magazine. “I’m surprised to hear it, but I think that’s what happens when a company becomes more corporate.’’

The closing of Priscilla marks the end of an important chapter of Boston fashion history.

Priscilla of Boston started after Priscilla Kidder graduated from the New England School of Design. She opened her shop on Newbury Street and quickly rose to become an internationally recognized expert.

“She really changed the way that people look at the wedding industry,’’ said Salwa Khoory, co-owner of L’Elite on Newbury Street. “She was Vera Wang before there was Vera Wang. The closest comparison I could make now is Oscar de la Renta. That’s how respected her work was.’’

Kidder cemented her reputation when she designed the 1956 wedding of Grace Kelly to Monaco‘s Prince Rainier. She went on to design dresses for presidential daughters Luci Baines Johnson, and Julie and Tricia Nixon. She died in 2003 at 86.

But that rich history may have come back to hurt the company. Party planner Bryan Rafanelli said that as Wang and other superstar fashion designers rose to fame, Priscilla came to be seen as stuffy and old fashioned.

“When I first started 15 years ago, pretty much every one of the brides at least considered a Priscilla dress,’’ he said. “Now it’s much more rare. I think a lot of people, including myself, put Priscilla in a box. Some people didn’t see it as cutting edge.’’

Yolanda Cellucci, a former wedding dress magnate who closed her Waltham salon two years ago, was surprised at the news of the closing because of the tremendous growth of the company over the years. But she has also noticed that brides are spending far less than they did before the economic downturn.

“I used to carry Bob Mackie wedding dresses that cost up to $25,000,’’ Cellucci said. “We had a baby grand piano in the foyer with a pianist. There were models, and we served champagne. People don’t have time for that anymore. Everyone is rushing.’’

We'll miss you Priscilla of Boston. Cheers to your many years of beautiful gowns.

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Article by Christopher Muther for the Boston Globe

Photo by Priscilla of Boston

Hurricane Irene made its presence known to practically everyone along the East coast. Now that she's gone and sunny skies have emerged, we here at Emily Weddings can't help but count our lucky stars that we did not have any weddings this past weekend. But believe it or not, there were weddings that did in fact take place during this crazy weekend, even if Hurricane Irene threatened to postpone it all.

Meet Erica Sternin Weiss. This bride was faced with the ultimate wedding nightmare. She and her now husband, Brett Weiss, had the ultimate face-off with Irene herself and made some worthwhile and game changing decisions just hours before Irene was expected to make landfall. After realizing that their Saturday wedding in New Rochelle, NY would not be taking place, the couple made a last minute decision. They had a rehearsal dinner planned for Friday night at Elmwood Country Club in White Plains, NY, and managed to coordinate with the club to be married that night! Within hours, they managed to find an officiant and called all guests to attend. With a makeshift bouquet of hydrangeas and music playing from a laptop, Erica made her way down the aisle and began the festivities of her perfect wedding day.

Inclement weather can have drastic effects on any special event or wedding. It's important to always have a back-up plan in case weather threatens to postpone your event. When choosing a wedding date, be mindful of any associated weather that comes with the season. If you live in the southeast, consider the chance of hurricanes. And if you live in the north, then you're already aware of the issues that can arise from snow storms. Always be prepared and consider the 'what-ifs". See our post on Wedding Insurance.

**Do you know of someone whose wedding was almost cancelled altogether due to weather? How did they, or their planners, continue to keep the event as scheduled?

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Wedding Insurance 101

With Hurricane Irene on its way, we thought it would be a good time to discuss what wedding insurance is, and how it can help.

Though you might not want to think about it, disasters can strike your wedding day. From a sudden cancellation to stolen gifts to a damaged gown, wedding insurance can help protect you against the unforseen, and can also afford you great peace of mind. But what exactly is wedding insurance - and how does it work? Here's the inside scoop.

What is wedding insurance?

Basically, wedding insurance protects a couple's investment from circumstances beyond their control, and reimburses expenses incurred. For example, what if your limo driver doesn't show up and you have to book another one the morning of the wedding - for three times the price? Or what if the groom's custom-made tuxedo is lost in airport baggage, and he has to buy a new one the day before the wedding? What if your reception space goes out of business a month before the wedding, and you lose your deposit and have to book another space? These are the types of big-day financial losses that wedding insurance can help to protect.

How much does wedding insurance cost?

A basic insurance policy that covers loss of photos, videos, attire, presents, rings and deposits usually costs anywhere between $155 and $550, depending on the amount of coverage you want. General liability insurance, which covers up to $1,000,000 for accidents, costs around $185.

Do you really need wedding insurance?

Before you buy wedding insurance, check with each of your vendors to see how well they're covered - your reception site or your caterer may already have their own insurance, so you wouldn't want to pay for overlapping coverage out of your own pocket. Ask your vendors for a copy of their policy, and then figure out where you aren't fully covered.

When should you get wedding insurance?

The sooner the better. Let's say you put a deposit on your wedding reception hall 12 months prior to your wedding date and then it burns to the ground a few weeks before the big day. With your wedding insurance, you'll be sure to get your deposit back. But note: most insurance companies have limitations on how far in advance you can purchase insurance.

What does wedding insurance cover?

Problems with the site, weather, vendors, key people, sickness, or injury are the top concerns come wedding day. There is usually a specified maximum amount, which can be claimed under each section, and a deductible also applies. Be sure to find out the details of your insurance plan.

-Site: Check to see if your ceremony and reception site is already insured. If it's not, wedding insurance can cover the cost arising out of unavoidable cancellation (such as damage or inaccessibility to the ceremony site), if your reception hall is unable to honor your reservation because it has burned in a fire, experienced an electrical outage, or just plain closed down. Sometimes this policy covers the rehearsal dinner site, too.

-Weather: Any weather conditions which prevent the bride, groom, any relative whose presence at the wedding is essential, or the majority of the guests from reaching the premises where the wedding is to take place. Insurance covers rescheduling the wedding and all the details involved - such as ceremony flowers, tent rental, and reception food.

-Vendor No-Show: What if essential wedding people - the caterer or the officiant, for example - fail to show up? A wedding insurance policy usually covers cancellation or postponement of the wedding for these reasons.

-Sickness or injury: Wedding insurance may also include sickness or injury to the bride, groom, or anyone essential to the wedding.

-Military or Job: It's true, military personnel may be shipped out at a moment's notice. Wedding insurance can cover postponement of the wedding due to the bride or groom suddenly getting called to military duty. This can also apply to a last-minute corporate move - i.e. the bride's company suddenly relocates her to another city.

Wedding insurance doesn't cover...

-A change of heart, in other words, cold feet don't count.

-Watches, jewelry, or semi-precious gemstones or pearls (even if they are attached to clothing) may not be covered.

-While your wedding rings may be covered by the policy, your engagement ring probably will not.

Additional Coverage

Couples can take out supplemental policies to defend against damages incurred by other wedding-related items such as photography, videography, and gifts.

-Photography: Some policies pay to retake photographs after the fact if the photographer fails to appear or the original negatives are lost, damaged, stolen, or not properly developed. Some policies will pay to re-stage the event - with the principal participants so that pictures can be retaken. A policy may also pay costs for rehiring a photographer, buying a new wedding cake, and new flowers.

-Videographer: When a videotape produced by a professional videographer is damaged (he or she used faulty materials for example), a policy usually pays a certain amount to have either a video montage created, a video compilation made of the photographs and other wedding memorabilia, or, if possible, a retaking of the official video at a re-staging.

-Gifts: Whether they're mailed to your home or handed to you on your wedding day, valuable items like gifts are something else you might want to consider insuring. Think about a party crasher lifting unattended presents from your reception. Gift coverage pays to repair or replace non-monetary gifts that are lost, stolen, or damaged. A police report is usually required for stolen gifts. The damage or theft generally has to take place within a limited time period (ranging from 24 hours to seven days depending on the specific policy) before or after the wedding, in order to be covered.

-Attire: This coverage pays to repair or replace the bridal gown or other special attire when it is in your possession and is lost, stolen, or damaged (including financial failure of the bridal store). Special attire usually includes the clothing and accessories bought or rented that are to be worn by the bride, the groom and attendants at the ceremony.

-Personal liability: Personal liability covers bodily injury or property damage caused by an accident that occurs during the course of the wedding.

-Medical Coverage: This covers reasonable medical expenses (up to the policy's limits) for each person who is injured during the covered events from a cause of loss, which would be covered by your personal liability.

-Honeymoon: Your honeymoon can cost as much as a new car. But before buying travel insurance to protect your investment, see if your credit card and/or homeowner's policy covers you if your luggage gets lost, your trip is delayed, or you have to cancel. If not, you can buy a separate, trip-only policy. Call your insurer, or ask your travel agent for details. Also, certain wedding insurance packages include optional travel insurance for your honeymoon.

Things to consider...

Every insurance policy and every wedding scenario is different. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent - and have him or her explain the nuts and bolts to you. You want to make sure you and your sweetie understand every detail of your policy.

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Article by Julie Komorn from The Knot