Save the Date!

Your engaged! You set the date, booked your ceremony and reception sites and now you want to tell everyone you know to mark their calendars. Whether you are planning a destination wedding, a formal and elaborate affair, or a small casual gathering, sending a Save the Date is a great way to let your family and friends know about your big day while reflecting your own unique style.

A vintage Save the Date Card from Lasso'd Moon Designs

A unique map Save the Date Card from Lasso'd Moon Designs

A bright and cheery magnet memento Save the Date Card from Fin + Roe

A damask Save the Date Card from Designed By M.E. Stationery

Before you send those Save the Dates out, there are some etiquette guidelines you'll want to consider:

• Send Save the Dates only to guests you are positive you will be inviting to the wedding. You don't need to send a Save the Date to everyone you are inviting, but everyone who receives a Save the Date should also receive a wedding invitation.
• Your Save the Dates should be mailed 6 to 9 months in advance. If you are planning a destination wedding, it is acceptable to send Save the Dates one year in advance. This will give guests plenty of time to plan for and make travel arrangements.
• Keep in simple but be sure to include all the necessary information such as date, location and accommodations, if available.
• Let your guests know they will be receiving a wedding invitation. Many Save the Dates include the phrase "formal invitation to follow".
• Wait until you have your date and location finalized. If your plans do change, you'll want to pick up the phone and let your guests know about the change.

Your wedding day is going to be unforgettable to you. Sending a Save the Date helps provide insurance that your loved ones will be able to attend and help make all of those wonderful memories!

Cards of the Year

As we head into the holiday weekend, we thought we'd leave you with a little stationery eye candy. Below are the two winners of "Card of the Year." The awards were presented in two price points at the 2008 LOUIE Awards, held this past week in New York City in conjunction with the National Stationery Show.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday everyone!


Compendium Ink, Winner Card of the Year (Under $3.00)

Tam Tam Design Studio, Winner Card of the Year (Over $3.00)

Stationery Guide Shakespeare's Bride Nominated for a LOUIE Award

Stationery Guide, Shakespeare's Bride has been nominated for the Greeting Card Association’s highest honor, a LOUIE Award - the “Oscars” of the Greeting Card Industry.

Nominated in the Best Thank You Card Category (budget priced under $3.00), Shakespeare's Bride’s nominated card was a humorous “Thank You for Being My Bridesmaid” card entitled Helpful Bridesmaid , pictured below.


Out of the thousands of cards and invitations published each year, 176 made it to the final round in the 21st Annual International Greeting Card Awards competition, better known as the LOUIEs. The competition drew over 800 entries in 58 categories from nearly 140 U.S. and international publishing companies, including those in Brazil, Canada, England and India.

The awards are named after German lithographer Louis Prang who is credited with the birth of the U.S. greeting card industry in the 1870s. The LOUIEs are presented in conjunction with the National Stationery Show taking place in New York City this week, May 17-20.

You might have noticed that posts have been light here at the Guides this past week or two, as many of the Guides are busy prepping their stationery show exhibits. We wish them luck as they roll out all their great new products! And we wish Shakespeare's Bride good luck with the competition!

Baby: From Diapers to Dresses

There are few things more adorable than all the little sweaters, booties, outfits and accessories that come with a newborn baby. Well except maybe the baby itself! And I believe that's why images of children's clothing—from the iconic cloth diaper, to ruffle-rich dresses—are a favorite among stationers and customers, when they create or purchase announcements, greeting cards, or other baby-related special occasion invitations. Here are just a few selections to show the type of stationery available and the variety of designs you can find, along the baby clothing motif.

A new set of twins means a lot more diapers. That's why I love this clever greeting card from marizipan inc..

Diapers were also the inspiration for these custom birth announcements I created at Bride Design. They are a unique way to let loved ones know just how much a family's world has "changed" thanks to their new arrival.

This sweet baby boy pocket greeting card by Specialty Cards 4U has been selected as a finalist for a coveted Louie Award, bestowed by The Greeting Card Association each year in May. Rough and tumble overalls definitely say baby boy to me!

This Rock Scissor Paper exclusive design can be had as a fill-in invitation, or custom printed. One might think the cute little dolly is the star of this invite, but I think her sweet, mod dress steals this show. I can't think of a more stylish way to invite friends and family to a future fashionista's first birthday!

~ Erin, Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique