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}

Spring Fever!

The first day of spring upon us at long last (tomorrow- YAY!) so now is the perfect time to take a peek some lovely stationery that reflects this beautiful time of year.

1. Butterfly Garden Personalized Stationery from Rock Scissor Paper exclusively for Goods for Goodness' Sake.

2. Peekaboo Sunshine Personalized Folded Note Cards from Tulaloo
3. Blossom Stationery from Feterie.

4. Owl Hand Block Printed Note Card from Artful Sentiments exclusively for Goods for Goodness Sake.

5. Floral Collection Boxed Note Cards from Specialty Cards 4U.

6. You Don't Bring Me Flowers Note Cards from Lasso'd Moon Designs / Jitterbug Stationery .

7. Mandala Series Letterpress Stationery from Shimmer Studio.
8. Spring Note Cards from Jilly Jack Designs.

I hope you're now as inspired as I am to celebrate the coming of spring with some delightful new stationery!

Photos courtesy of their respective owners.

- Molly, Artful Sentiments