Fashion Forward: Timeless Wedding Day Hats

2011 was filled with many new beginnings for new trends and we're sure 2012 will be just the same. We briefly saw the start of a growing fashion trend for brides that strays away from traditional veils and embraces the beauty of a perfectly placed hat. Chalk it up to the royal wedding if you will, but these chic and stylish hats are making a come back in bridal fashion and we LOVE it! Just this small touch of timeless elegance added to your already fabulous gown will make all the difference! Check out the photos below to see what we mean:

*Would you wear one of these hats for your wedding? We dare you to stray from the norm and don one of these stylish and elegant hats!

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photo Credits:

Aubrey Joy Photography

Simply Bloom

Avery House Photography

Braedon Photography

Stephanie Williams

Fresh in Love Photography

Harwell Photography

Stacy Jacobson

Uninvited:Test Your Etiquette

Every bride has been faced with some sort of etiquette challenge at one point or another. Handling it is half the battle, but tackling it appropriately is quite another. So what is a bride to do when someone actually RSPVs to a wedding they weren't originially invited to? We've got you covered!

First: don't dodge

Clearly, there's been a misunderstanding. There are very few people who are rude enough that they bully their way into your wedding by RSVPing when they weren't invited. Not saying that there aren't folks like that, of course — but chances are pretty good that somehow this person really did think they were invited, likely because of something a family member or friend said to them.

The worst thing you can do when there's been a misunderstanding is propagate it by not being up-front in how you deal with it. Yes, it's going to suck, but you can't put it off. When you hear from Aunt Madge that she's coming to the wedding you didn't invite her to, you need to address the situation quickly and directly. Don't put it off, and don't use platitudes.

Second: stand your ground

Be genuine, but be firm. Here's an example of something you could say:

"Oh, no! I'm so sorry: there's clearly been a miscommunication. Due to budget/venue size/whatever limitations, we're keeping the guestlist quite small. This means we just can't invite everyone we'd like, as much as we'd love to — we do not have room for you on the guestlist. I'm so terribly sorry that we can't extend an invitation, and even more sorry about this miscommunication. I hope you can understand."

You can also try genuinely expressing your surprise. Own up the awkwardness of the situation, while also standing firm: THIS IS NOT HAPPENING.

"Oh my goodness, this is catching me off-guard! This is awkward and difficult, and I'm so sorry to have to say this, but we don't have space on our limited guestlist for all the family and friends we'd love to have there — we aren't able to invite you to the wedding. I'm so sorry — I feel just awful about this situation, and I wish there's something I could do, but the venue size/catering arrangements/whatever are fixed, and I'm afraid it's just not going to work. I hope you can understand."

Third: be gracious and appreciative

Remember that these people want to come to your wedding because, well, THEY PROBABLY LOVE YOU. Sure, sometimes there are weird family power dynamics at play that have nothing to do with you, but ultimately, these people are people who care about you — and who presumably you care about, too.
Find as many ways as possible to be loving, appreciative, and gracious in your conversation. Repeating, "It means so much to both of us that you want to be at the wedding" and "It's so disappointing that this won't work out — I'm so glad you got in touch" can go a long way towards softening the blow of what boils down to, "You can't come."

*Have you ever had to tell someone that they weren't invited to your wedding? How did you do it and how did the "uninvited" take it?

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team



Article courtesy of: Offbeat Bride

Meeting the Team: Emily Petersen

Emily got her start in weddings through singing. "I had been in or sung in over 50 weddings before I started planning them." She was a singer at Walt Disney World for 5 1/2 years in the Tarzan Rocks show at Animal Kingdom so music is in her blood.

She started working with ceremonies and music and it just grew from there. "I had seen when things had gone right and when they had gone wrong, and I really wanted everyone to have the wedding of their dreams without stress." Having worked at Disney really influenced her desire to conduct a smooth event while at the same time giving any girl what she has dreamed about...it's the combination that truly makes for a magical day...Disney really rubbed off on her!

Emily moved from Orlando, Florida to Virginia Beach, Virginia when she met the love of her life. (Cue the awwww's.) Emily and Tim got married in Virginia Beach in 2005 and she has called it home ever since.

Tim is a doctor at Norfolk General (finishing up his residency). They have two amazing sons Sammy, who is 5, and Miles who is 2 1/2. Emily still gets her singing in during church, she is part of the worship band at Crosscurrent Church.

"Emily Weddings has grown beyond my wildest dreams. We immerse ourselves in our bride's vision and in her day, and as word has spread about our weddings we truly have been blessed with more and more brides." Emily is grateful for the talented women of the Emily Weddings Team. "We each bring something so different to the table and we are so much better because of each other."

What are your favorite wedding colors?

"Most importantly I love that a couple translates their personality in the colors and decor that they choose. I love timeless colors, and I love trendy choices. I love colors that accent a season from bright summery colors, soft spring tones, warm fall hues, and the vast combinations of winter shades...I love it all!"

What is your favorite wedding tradition?

"I love the first dance. Getting to see the bride and groom finally take a moment to breathe and to look into each other's eyes as husband and wife is so special. It really is a great moment at each wedding we do!"

What is your favorite part of a wedding?

"I love all of it, but what really drives me is at the end of the day seeing how relaxed and how much fun the bride and groom had. Knowing that they didn't have to worry about the details and that they really got to revel in one of the best days of their lives."

Go Nude!: An inspiring color palette

We've seen and been inspired by just about every color out there for a wedding palette. Everything from black, brown, neon green and yellow, colors are a fabulous way to pull a wedding's theme together. Today, we have a new color to share with you...nude! This neutral color is making a statement in such elegant ways and we'd love to share some inspiration with you! Check out our nude design board and tell us what you think! And yes...it's tasteful :-)

Photos by:

Essense of Australia, Storkie Express, WeddingWire

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Hottest Wedding Trends for 2012

We couldn't help but share this amazing article on the hottest wedding trends for 2012! Are you incorporating any of these into your special day?

Courtesy of: Bridal Guide

Want to get a headstart on your wedding planning in the New Year? We've got an exclusive sneak peek at the best new trends from A-list celeb party pros.

1. Incorporate Color Into Your Gown

At New York Bridal Fashion Week, we saw gorgeous gowns in a variety of hues, from pink to icy blue to black for 2012. If you're dead-set on wearing a white dress, you can still find ways to include a pop of color in your bridal ensemble.

"Consider asking your seamstress to sew your favorite colorful fabric to your wedding dress' crinoline petticoat; as you walk down the aisle, everyone will catch glimpses of your favorite color beneath your long white gown," said Preston Bailey.

Photo Credit: {Sequins and Candy} Photography

2. Photo Finish

You may have heard of brides and grooms renting photo booths, but "back drops" (where guests use a variety of props and backgrounds to take snapshots) are an emerging trend.

The possibilities are endless-planner Bryan Rafanelli suggests individual handheld photo frames in a variety of colors, a favorite quilt, or setting up in front of a great architectural element at your venue.

Photo Credit: Renaissance Studios

3. Go Natural

Hearty flowers in subdued hues and even trees (see: Royal Wedding Ceremony) add a clean, fresh feel to your fête. Rafanelli recommends miniature calla lillies in white, green, lavender, or brown for receptions outdoors.

Photo Credit: Matt Teuten Photography

4. Mix, Match and Miniaturize

Smaller centerpieces will reign supreme in 2012, especially in multiple container shapes and sizes. Consider a combination of exotic flowers mixed with the classics (roses, orchids, calla lillies) to add a modern feel to your wedding décor.

"Tight bunches of hot pink carnations in square containers, coupled with orchids in another holder can look great, even with mini English roses in another container. It's all about balance," said Rafanelli.

Photo Credit: Genevieve DeManio Photography

Also don't be afraid to mix a couple of vibrant colors ("Tangerine Tango" was revealed as the new Color of the Year by Pantone). This eye-catching aisle was created by Nikki Khan.

5. The Truck Stops Here

The food truck revolution caught our attention this past year, and experts predict that it's going to pick up steam in the coming months.

"Old-fashioned ice cream trucks, crème brûlée trucks or even bacon trucks offer a fun addition to the end of the night or the after party," said Sasha Souza.

Photo Credit: Evin Photography

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

"Forever Hold Your Peace"

Weddings are an absolute exciting time for family and friends to get together and celebrate the beginning of a new life. You would think the room would be filled with well wishes and sincere joy for the newlyweds, but believe it or not we know of a few "whoops" moments where guests have said too much. Be a respectful and modest guest by avoiding these conversational faux pas.

Courtesy of the Knot:

"This must have cost you a fortune!"

The way celebrities' wedding costs are blasted all over the news can make it seem like it's appropriate to put a price tag on the dress, the cake, and everything in between. But money is often a sticky subject for brides and grooms who don't have a millionaire's budget, so it's better to keep mum. And just ignore that old "pay for your plate" rule -- it's more appropriate to choose a wedding gift that reflects the closeness of your relationship to the couple than the cost of your reception meal.

"So baby comes next, right?"

We know, we know -- first comes love, then comes marriage. But you know what? Next comes whatever the bride and groom want, which may be buying a home, working toward a big promotion, or something else entirely. Everyone's got their own schedule and life goals, which may or may not include the pitter-patter of little feet. Most brides and grooms are already pretty overwhelmed by the wedding planning, so the last thing they want to talk about is making another big life change.

"I can't believe you're settling down! I remember when..."

Just because you remember the bride when she was a total wild child or can provide the story behind the groom's fraternity nickname doesn't mean you should. This goes double for any conversation you have with other wedding guests who know the bride or groom from a different time in their lives (for example, a coworker or an older relative). Yes, they might still be the crazy kids you remember -- but given the formality of the day (not to mention the many relatives likely on the guest list), it's not the best time to air out their dirty laundry.

"Can you help me with...?"

When you're at a wedding, it's pretty easy to look to the bride and groom as the ones who are in charge and running the show -- after all, it's their big day. For the same reason though, they're going to be pretty busy (and by "pretty busy," we mean "really busy"). If you've got some minor issue -- the caterers brought you the wrong entree, or you think some of the seating should be switched -- don't take it to the bride and groom. Instead, talk to the wedding planner or coordinator, one of the caterers, or, if you really feel it's something the bride or groom needs to deal with personally, one of the bridesmaids or groomsmen who can pass along the message. The bride and groom already have a lot on their plates, so it's important to respect the difference between an actual emergency and what just seems like one at the time.

"Why wasn't so-and-so invited?"

Word to the wise: If you notice that someone you thought would be at the wedding isn't there, there's usually a reason. Option A is that their RSVP said they couldn't make it, but Option B is that there's a distinct reason they were left off the guest list. Either way, the most tactful approach is to keep mum about it. If the bride and groom have chosen not to include a family member or friend, chances are there was at least one long conversation that went into making that decision -- and the wedding day is definitely not the time to bring it up.

"Wow, when you think about how many couples divorce..."

Today of all days, the D-word is off limits. No matter what you might think about statistics, or the bride's or groom's past or family life, or your own experiences, just don't go there. Instead of focusing on the negative, think about the positive -- yes, in spite of the odds, these two people are genuinely committed to each other and are making a public vow saying so! Don't they deserve only your best wishes?

"Tonight's going to be a big night for you, huh?"

Please, no speculation about the bride and groom's after-hours activities. If you want to talk about what a big night it is, focus on what's already happening -- the fabulous food, the killer band, the great time all the guests are having. Lose the innuendo and congratulate the bride and groom on pulling off an amazing wedding.

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Friday Freebies

We promised, we delivered...and TGIF! Today's post is all about freebies so we're featuring some of the cutest design templates for the ambitious DIY bride. Thank you to everyone who spread the word about Emily Weddings and for your continued interest in our adventures! We love what we do and the people we work with.

Enjoy these free templates and downloads that we've put together for you!


~Vintage Labels~ 


~Printable Favor Boxes~



~Pinwheel Party Favor/Decor~



~Brownie Favor Wrappers~ (yummo!)

~Wedding Heart Save-the-Date~

Love,

The Emily Weddings Team

Photos Courtesy of: The Knot, DIY Wedding, Oh Happy Day, Style Me Pretty, My DIY Wedding Day