Reader Question: What's the Best Format for Multiple Ceremony Invitations?

I'm having trouble finding the right wording for my wedding invitation. My fiance is Hindu and I'm Catholic, so we're having a 2-day ceremony in Costa Rica! Friday is the Hindu Ceremony which will be the more casual affair and followed by dinner. Saturday is the Catholic ceremony and will be more formal, followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing. All of you guests will be invited to both ceremonies. I'm not sure how to word the events on the invitation without being too wordy or it looking crowded, and I would prefer to avoid doing 2 separate inserts....please help!

Stationery Guide Cathe of Feterie suggests doing a double sided invitation that lists all of the events, starting with Friday.

Stationery Guide Carey of Lasso'd Moon suggested a gatefold invitation. This would allow you 6 printed panels (one for Friday, Saturday, Reception Info and then directions or other info your guests might need), so that each event could have its own section. You could have it designed so that when folded your names and date are on the front, and then when opened, the other info would be on the inside.

Don't forget to use your RSVP to figure out who is coming to what.

Best of luck and thanks for writing in!

Wooden Invitations: Grainy Goodness

When choosing wedding invitations why not think out of the paper box? Wooden invitations are a perfect choice for the nature loving couple. These eco-friendly invitations are sure to stand out in your guests' mailboxes, while at the same time providing a wonderful keepsake for years to come.

I adore these unique wedding invitations from Oslo Press.


I love how they mix wood engravings with letterpress elements for a complete tactile experience. Each of their wood veneer invitations is laser engraved, then hand sanded for a smooth finish. Don't be fooled by the term veneer - it is in fact real wood, just very thin layers of wood. For durability their invitations are actually made from several layers of wood veneer. They only offer domestically grown wood species - nothing imported and nothing from a rain forest.

Wood not only makes for great wedding invitations, but other wedding elements as well. Set the tone for your event with these fabulous zinnia themed Save-The-Dates from Night Owl Paper Goods. Made from eco-friendly sustainably harvested yellow birch wood, you can also find invitations on their website that match.


Gorgeous and green what's not to love about these wooden stationery treats!

Images Night Owl Paper Goods, and Oslo Press.


-Diane, Shakespeare's Bride

This Wedding Invitation Has A Life of It's Own

Have you seen this yet? It's cropping up on blogs left and right. I keep seeing it EVERYWHERE. A wedding invitation gone viral. Click on the image, you have to read the whole thing.

Seriously clever. Seriously original. Designed by the groom himself, Matt Dorfman. Enjoy!

Diane, Shakespeare's Bride

Show Me the PURPLE (wedding invitations, that is)

Purple is a hot color this year for weddings and wedding invitations- here are some beautiful purple invitations from around the stationery-sphere:

From Bride Design- stunning letterpress invitations with a custom geometric border and a coordinating pocketfold

From Brown Sugar Design: The invitation was foil-embossed on metallic purple paper . The additional pieces were offset printed in deep purple ink on thick white cardstock.

From Tulaloo- a deep purple folder with a custom bright lime green swirly design.

From Oslo Press- their beautiful "Garden" design letterpressed in a lavender ink-

From Lasso'd Moon Designs (left) Two coordinating shades of purple topped with a soft white cardstock and font to match the bottom purple. On the right- an eco-friendly gatefold made with lavender plantable paper, with the invitation being layered in deep purple and soft white. Custom drawn maps were printed on coordinating lavender metallic paper.

The beauty of purple, and all of its many shades is that it goes with tons of colors- orange, greens, silver, black... the sky is the limit when designing with this color.

~Carey, Lasso'd Moon Designs
All designs are copyrighted by their creators.

Falling Leaves: Fresh Wedding Invitations Featuring a Seasonal Favorite

Since I started designing invitations I've watched fall weddings increase in popularity. In fact, when I planned my own November nuptials almost six years ago, I had one wedding vendor tell me "October is the new June!" and I think he was on to something there. While the rest of North America is just starting spring, autumn 2009 brides are already thinking about crisp breezes, warm and rich colors, and of course...falling leaves. Below is a feast for the eyes featuring a variety of interpretations on the seasonal autumn leaf theme beloved by many brides.

A pair of gold skeleton leaves combine with wine-colored hues and a modern horizontal layout in this Wedding Invitation from Bride Design.

This Autumn leaf stationery (at left) from Lasso'd Moon Designs seamlessly coordinates with a gorgeous pocket fold invitation suite (at right) also from Lasso'd Moon. These note cards would make perfect thank you notes for sending after your fall event.

The unexpected pairing of orange and blue adds a punch of color to this invitation suite from Evenstar Paperie, which also features a three-dimensional fall leaf in a subtle bronze.

Often under-used in an autumn wedding color palette, I think green is making a big comeback this year. I love Good Girl Gifts' take on fall leaves which highlights the company's signature stitched look. For me, the graceful stitch pattern evokes a vine at harvest time, or a gust of wind blowing the leaves this way and that.

Speaking of harvest time, I think the inclusion of autumn fruit and the catchy wording on these invitations from Just Another Day, offer another unique twist on the traditional fall leaf theme. They are offered in a variety of colors including this lovely green.

When it comes to themes, I think it's important to carry whatever motif you choose through the entire event. These gorgeous programs from Tulaloo, would perfectly infuse any wedding with a distinct autumn flair.

~Erin, Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique

The Envelopes, Please...

For any special event, the envelope that your invitations or save-the-dates are mailed in is the first indication your friends and family will see of your event. From traditional white to colored envelopes and colored ink — there are a plethora of options to work with. What's also important to keep in mind is the technical aspect of the envelope as well, since it is a working item that must also work within the confines of the United States Postal Service's requirements. After all, you do want to have each and every envelope arrive safely to their destinations.

Take into consideration some of these tips when choosing colored inks and/or colored envelopes. If you are not located in the U.S., make sure to check with your local post office on your country's postal requirements.

1) Make sure that there is enough contrast between the ink of the addresses and the envelope color.

2) Our trusty USPS would much prefers that black ink is used, however they do allow for some flexibility in using these inks colors: Brown, Gold, Crimson, Blue, Grey and Purple.

3) If your envelopes are dark in color, consider a white or light-colored calligraphy.

4) Remember that hand-canceling is an option if your envelope contains invitations with delicate details. It's important to check with your local post office if they are willing to do this for your invitations.

The following are samples of colored envelopes and inks that works with the USPS' addressing requirements.

--Cathe (Feterie)

{Image courtesy of Lassod Moon Designs}

{Image courtesy of Feterie}


{Image courtesy of Tulaloo}

Funny and Unique RSVPs

Even though wedding invitations tend to be more formal, the RSVP is one place you can have a little fun, particularly if your invitation is already infused with your personality. Here are some fun RSVPs that might peak your creativity!

From Lasso'd Moon Designs



Yes, that does save "evil pony" and yes, it was a real, biting pony (and a long-standing family joke)


From Brown Sugar Design:


I would have loved to see how that was filled out!

and from Robin Beth Designs:




This is great because it leaves space for the guests to write their own notes. I remember loving it when I was getting married and the guests wrote little notes about how excited they were to come. The notes will make a great keepsake.

Whatever your wedding style, don't be afraid to inject a little humor into it. It's a good way to show your guests how much fun they're going to have (or miss, due to biting evil ponies).

{Carey, Lasso'd Moon Designs}

New Things

If you have seen any of my previous posts, you must know that my lines of invitations are quite expensive. Often, I have had stores and their customers tell me, "Your designs are beautiful, but they are not in my price range." Which I certainly understood when I created them. But in these shaky economic times, I knew that I wanted to give brides some additional options. I knew that I could create a line that still has that fabulous look, but at a more economical price. I actually started planning this line last May, way before the economic downturn was readily apparent. While it still may be beyond some budgets, I knew that it didn't take silk ribbons and five layers to have great design, so I went to work and tried to make sure that I had fabulous designs in a much lower price range than my current line. So while there aren't many layers, ribbons or embellishments, there is still beautiful letterpress printing on luxurious cotton cardstocks. Often in fabulous two color combinations. And these designs can be customized to make them very economical. Most of the designs can be printed in one color with your choice of several different sizes. I will be launching the new line at the National Stationery Show in May and they will be in stores soon after that. With that, I would like to give you a sneak peak at Robin Beth's "The New Classic" wedding invitation line.

Thanks for looking.  --Robin Beth

Monograms: Why not brand your personal event?

Everyday corporate branding can be seen everywhere, so it's not a surprise to think about how to brand your own special event? Afterall, it'll tie everything together for a neat, well-thoughtout look and feel.

Wedding monograms have been en vogue for quite some time and it's wonderful to see how much fun can be added to the flavor of the event's stationery. From simple and modern to fun... there's definitely enough style to go around that will fit every nearlywed couple's dream day and it doesn't have to end when the wedding is over. You can even extend it to the morning after brunch as well and use it for the Thank You cards.

{Modern & Simple Monogram from Bride Design}



{Fun and Event-Inspired Monogram from Feterie}



{Ornate and Iconic Monograms from Lucky Designs}

2009 Hot Wedding Motifs- Birds and Trees

This year seems to be the year of birds and trees. Both designs are popular for garden and outdoor weddings, providing a casual and natural feel to your invitations. The birds are symbolic of love (and the old saying "love birds") and togetherness. Trees have different meanings depending on type, from the Oak, which means family, strength and loyalty, to the Palm Tree, standing for Unification, Warmth and Fertility.


Image Credits (going clockwise):
Bird with Berries, Blue Birds of Happiness and "Something Blue" (with tree): Lasso'd Moon Designs
Bottom rightLetterpress Tree:Paper Stories Letterpress
Ornate Bird graphic Blush Paperie

The First Look, to the Last Bite: Cakes Inspired by Wedding Invitations

Every bride strives to make her wedding her own, and most lovingly infuse their day with graphics, colors, and motifs that speak to their unique style and tastes. When choosing your invitations, consider how certain elements from your wedding stationery may be used throughout the event. You can also ask your stationer to refer other trustworthy vendors who they have experience working with. Experts who will capably capture your vision and enhance the tone you've already set with your save the dates and invitations. One sweet way to keep your guests engaged and entertained throughout the wedding experience is to carry your design style through from the first look to the last bite. Here are some examples of just that: cakes inspired by invites!

This modern, letterpressed, invitation suite by Brown Sugar Design Studio, provided some tasteful inspiration for a five-tiered cake featuring its graphic circle motif.

This She Takes The Cake creation complete with marzipan cherries, is also embellished with hand-painted fruit that mimics the custom illustrations from a pocket fold invite by Bride Design.



~Erin, Bride Design

Custom Designed or Personalized Wedding Invitations: What's the Difference?

If you are a bride to be and are looking for a unique wedding invitation, you have surely come across many fabulous stationery designers by now. Some designers offer custom invitations, some offer personalized invitations, some offer both. But what does that mean? Let me help explain!

There are three main aspects in which a custom invitations and a personalized invitation will differ: design, timeline and pricing.

Design:
A custom invitation begins with a blank canvas and is truly a work of art. You and your stationery designer will work together using your visions to create the perfect invitation for you. Your designer may begin by making sketches of your ideas and gathering the pricing for all of the paper and embellishments you envision for your invitation. The end result will be a one of a kind invitation that will be sure to wow your guests. Most stationery designers love their custom orders because it's a great way for them to express themselves as an artist.

A personalized invitation begins with a design that already exists. The design is then fine-tuned with your preferences. Most designers allow you to personalize the wording, paper and ink colors with your preferences. Your guests will be delighted to receive a personalized invitation, as it is also a unique work of art. However, it is a design that has been used previously and will be used again in the future.

Timeline:
Stationery designers will differ with their timelines depending on their printing and assembly methods and production volume. For a custom design, I suggest to my brides that we begin designing at least eight weeks prior to when the need to have their invitations in hand. It may take more or less time, depending on the overall design, quantity and time of year.

A personalized invitation will take less time because the design already exists. However, the design does need to be modified. Again, the timeline will differ from stationer to stationer. I suggest that brides begin the personalized invitation process about five to six weeks prior to their deadline.

Pricing:
Hours upon hours are involved in creating and revising a custom design, therefore, a custom invitation is going to be more expensive than a personalized invitation. If you are a bride on a tight budget, this may not be the path you want to travel. While you can reduce pricing by using a simple invitation style, such as a flat panel invitation instead of a pocket fold with ribbon, embellishments and all of the enclosures, your stationery designer will need to charge for their time.

Personalized invitations are the way to go if you are a bride with a budget, but still want a unique and beautiful invitation. While your stationery designer will still be charging a fee for revising the invitation with your preferences, the time is cut down considerably. I know that many stationers can also adapt their designs according to your budget by adding or eliminating style elements.

Whether you choose a custom or personalized invitation is a matter of preference. By sharing your budget and visions with your stationery designer, she/he should be able to guide you in the right direction!

~Maria Elena Designed By M.E. Stationery

Photo credits: Designed By M.E. Stationery
Note: Top photo is provided courtesy of Steve Burns, Bella Pictures

Make your mark using eco-friendly inks

Most people think “eco-friendly stationery” has everything to do with the paper. Just as important (and often overlooked) is the ink used to create the images and impressions we see on paper.

However, not all inks are created equal! “Traditional” inks are considered toxic to the environment because they don't decompose in landfills, they emit air pollution in the form of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and are based on petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Unfortunately, these inks are commonly used in printing processes because they are readily available and considered to be cost-effective. Thankfully, there are alternatives. Here are some suggestions on how make a 'green' impression on paper:

Use vegetable-based inks (soy, flax, canola or safflower)

- emit low VOCs
- derived from renewable resources
- easily stripped from paper in the recycling process
- biodegradable
- available for commercial and personal printing equipment
- provide high-quality, vibrant prints

Remember that less is more

Source short-run printing using solid wax ink or by digital press using liquid ink. These processes can print small quantities with less setup and chemical clean-up required.

Lasso’d Moon Designs: eco-friendly printer, uses wax based solid ink.

Even better: print only what you need. Source stationers who print by hand using block print, silkscreen or letterpress.

(left) Feterie: Eco-Luxe Gift Wrap is hand silkscreen-printed with soy/veg-based ink | (right) Artful Sentiments: Each card is an original work of art, hand printed

Hire a calligrapher for your stationery package or envelope addressing (you can also do it yourself).

Betsy Dunlap: calligraphy by hand

Design considerations: choose designs that use less ink or none at all. Look for minimalist designs or letterpress that incorporates ‘embossing’, where the impression into the paper creates the design without ink.

Paper stories: embossed letterpress design

Go digital: where possible, eliminate the ink altogether. Use wedding websites for wedding day information (such as Accommodation or Direction details) and send “Save the Date” notifications via email.

Eco-saavy consumers on a quest for eco-friendly stationery should look beyond recycled paper. Work with stationers who resource low-VOC ink solutions with the capacity to run small quantities and you'll be doing your part to support sustainability!

- Lianne Tokey, baron*cards

Beauty at any cost

You can get beautiful invitations in many price ranges.  The price depends on what goes into the invitation, not necessarily how beautifully designed it is.  Take these two for comparison.  The first one is understated elegance.  




A 5x7 invite, letterpress printed in two color inks, one layer of ultra luxurious cotton card stock, beautiful design that extends onto the response card and the outer envelope.

The next invite, also incredible letterpress, but with a 6x9 size, two layers, hand dyed silk ribbons and a metallic colored oversized envelope, this one comes in at a price that is more than 50% higher than the first.  Depending on your budget, think about what elements are important to you, but know that you can get great design at all costs. 

Seating Charts!

Seating Charts are a fabulous way to direct guests to a particular table without using a lot of paper. Often, they are almost works of art that you could hang on your wall after. But do you need one? If you want to assign tables, but not seating, a chart is a great way to go. Your stationer may be able to design you one that will match your invitation suite:



or



In the first example, we used a monogram/damask design on not only the invitations, table cards and place cards, but on the seating chart as well. The bride used a very different theme of green and blue- each table was named after a different shade of the color (Celadon, Peacock, etc) and then the table cards were printed in the opposite shade. The images from Blush Paperie incoroporate a pretty flourish design throughout that bride's menus, seating chart and table numbers.

Seating Charts can take a few weeks to complete. One, typically because there are many names involved (and no one wants to spell Grandma's name wrong), seating assignments change quickly and there's just a lot of room for error. And, not all stationers have the ability to print them in house as typically they are a wider format than most stationer's have in-house, so this can add to your turn-around time as well. If you do think you'll need a seating chart, mention it to your stationer in your initial consultation so that you can be sure to have plenty of time to complete it.

~Carey, Lasso'd Moon Designs

The Usual Suspects-Wedding Invitation Inserts

You’ve finally decide on your invitation design, so what’s next? The inserts! Here’s a breakdown of the usual information that’s included on the inserts that go with your invitation:

Response card: Whether your design includes a postcard or a small card with an envelope, a response card is important so that you know how many guests to expect at your wedding. Be sure to apply the appropriate postage so guests can return these to you quickly and easily (let’s hope!). Your response card should have the date to reply by (usually a month before your wedding is recommended), an area to include the guests’ name, and an area to select whether they are accepting or declining. Some may choose to include a choice of entrée on the reply card as well. Depending on the formality of your wedding, sometimes guests may be given the opportunity to RSVP on your wedding website. Though not traditional, this can be noted as an option on the response card.

Reception card: If the reception information is not included on the invitation itself, and a reception is being held in a different location than the ceremony, a reception card should be included. This insert informs guests where and when the reception will take place. You may also wish to note attire on this insert, especially if the reception is black tie.

Maps and Directions: It’s a good idea to include a map or directions with your invitation as a courtesy for guests, especially if they are far apart or complex to find. They should outline the route guests would take from the ceremony to the reception. Including parking information, if applicable, is also helpful. Ideally the map and/or directions should be printed on the same paper as the invitation.

Accommodations: If you are inviting a lot of out of town guests, it’s often a good idea to include accommodation recommendations with the invitation as well. These details can easily be combined with the map and directions insert. A website can also be noted on this insert.

Stay tuned for information on additional enclosures in the coming weeks!

~Christina, paperzest

Images with * from Lasso'd Moon Designs, other images from paperzest