Merry Christmas

A Christmas wish from our house to your house: may your holidays bring you happiness, good health and abundant wealth.

~Nique

3 Wedding Hair and Makeup Trends That'll Be Big in 2014

We've talked about a lot of wedding hair and makeup trends this year, ladies—so now that New Year's is nearing, let's predict what looks will be the most popular for brides in 2014.

Here's what I think we'll be seeing a lot of during this coming year.

1. Braids!
We've talked about wedding braids for a while, but I think more brides are actually going to wear them in 2014. A mainstay on the red carpet in recent times, braids are no longer just a cute option for casual days—women are realizing that they can look totally glamorous and dressed-up. I think brides who are looking for something really romantic and a little bit different will be wearing braids in 2014, whether that means one long simple braid or several smaller ones woven into an updo (like the braid crown shown here, which are supposed to be a big trend next spring).





2. Cat-eye makeup

This is another makeup trend that's been going strong for a while now and will finally become popular with brides (who as a group don't tend to embrace beauty trends that are too fleeting). The great thing about cat-eye liner is that while it's so popular right now, it's also a retro look, so it reads as totally classic in your photos and works with almost any wedding gown. Also, we saw lots of cat-eyes on the spring 2014 runways, so you'll be right on target if you go this route.







3. Pretty pink lips

Notice-me berry and baby-pink lips were a big makeup trend on the spring 2014 runways, and I think pink will be the favorite statement lipstick color of brides next year. Not only are they a bit less committal and bold than red, they go perfectly with favorite wedding flowers like peonies—and feel simultaneously fun and romantic (like any good wedding should!).




Those are my 2014 wedding hair and makeup trend predictions—now share yours below! What beauty ideas do you think will be big for brides this coming year?

Steampunk Clock New Years Eve Party Invitation

There is no better way to start each new year than a New Year's Eve party! Let your choice of invitation set the mood for your guests - from fresh and funky to classic elegance. This design has a black background. In the center is a cool steam-punk gold clock to countdown to the New Year! Your invitation text is on the back.

Steampunk Clock New Years Eve Party Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Product Details

Size: 5.25" x 5.25" Invitation

Make personalized announcements and invitations for every occasion! Customize both sides of this flat card for free.

• 5.25" x 5.25" – A square alternative!
• High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
• 20 unique paper types and colors.
• Standard white envelope included.
• Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz.) is $0.66.
• Printed in California.

Paper Type: Basic

A crisp professional paper with a smooth matte finish designed for vibrant full-color printing. 110lb cover-weight. 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and 40% pre-consumer waste).

  

11 Wedding Terms Explained

Have you ever wondered what on earth your wedding planner or florist was talking about when he or she used the word "dragee" or "grosgrain"?

Before you get started with your planning, read our glossary of wedding terms to see what you need to know and brush up on before your big day. You'll be a wedding expert in no time!

Dragees

Chocolate- and candy-covered almonds that are often served at wedding receptions or given out as favors. In many cultures, they represent fertility!

 
 




Place Setting

The table service for a single diner: a napkin, salad fork, dinner fork, dessert fork, service plate or charger, soup bowl, bread-and-butter plate, butter spreader, dinner knife, teaspoon, soup spoon, water goblet, red wine glass, and white wine glass.

 

Charger

A large decorative plate that's placed under the dinner plate to bring color and texture to the table.

 

Tablescape

Another word for table arrangement or centerpiece. It's most often used when each table has multiple components.

 

Escort Cards

Printed cards that inform guests of what table they'll be seated at. They are typically displayed as guests enter the reception, or at cocktail hour.

 

Place Cards

Printed cards that are placed at each seat at the reception to let guests know which chair they will be sitting at.

 

 

Stationery Suite

A term to describe all of the stationery, including the save-the-dates, invitations, reply cards, reception cards, and any other invitation enclosures.

Vellum

Heavy, transparent paper that is often used as an overlay on wedding invitations. It can also be used for a variety of other things, including these favor boxes.

 

Grosgrain

A silk or silk-like fabric with a ribbed appearance. It's often used in trims, belts, and handle wraps.

Dyeables

Shoes or fabric that can be dyed to match a specific color swatch.

 

Fondant

A hard frosting made of sugar and water that's mixed together, cooked, and cooled. Like buttercream, it is traditionally used on wedding cakes.








Any other terms that have you in a quandry? Let me know!

Champagne Confetti New Years Eve Party Invitation

There is no better way to start each new year than a New Year's Eve party! Let your choice of invitation set the mood for your guests - from fresh and funky to classic elegance. This design has a black background with brightly colored confetti. To the right side and across the top it says, It's a New Years Eve Celebration. Your text is justified to the right side.

Champagne Confetti New Years Eve Party Invitation by NoteableExpressions

 

Product Details

5" x 7" Invitation

Make custom invitations and announcements for every special occasion! Add photos and text to both sides of this flat card for free.

• 5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape). Additional sizes available.
• High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
• 20 unique paper types and colors.
• Standard white envelope included.
• Premium Envelopments pocket folds, colored envelopes, and envelope liners available.
• Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz.) is $0.46.
• Printed in California.

Basic

A crisp professional paper with a smooth matte finish designed for vibrant full-color printing. 110lb cover-weight. 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and 40% pre-consumer waste).

The Ultimate Guide to the Bridal Party

So how do you go about selecting your bridal party?

First, list everyone in the running, then narrow it down keeping these things in mind.

Pros: Siblings (even those of your fiance')
         You've been BFFs forever
         Being around her, just makes you happy
         You'd trust her opinion in any dressing room
         You were a bridesmaid at her wedding
         She has enviable DIY skills
         She works in the beauty, fashion, or bridal industry
         You could call her to bail you out of jail at 3am

Cons: She was a bridezilla at her own wedding

Next, find something for them to wear.
        You hold in your hands the power to make your friends look like a bouquet of coordinating loveliness - or a herd of headache inducing taffeta. So choose something flattering - A-line silhouettes, ruched bodices, and chiffon gowns are favorites.
        Or set more flexible parameters and let them rock their own styles - just pick the color(s) and your bridal party will be beautiful.

Make sure you can afford them.
     Since you will have expenses for them as well (bouquets, gifts, shoes, etc.) Keep in mind that you may not want 14 bridesmaids.

Know who pays for what.
     - Bridesmaid's attire
        Who pays: Bridesmaid (But if you require them to wear a particular accessory, like shoes, it's your obligation)
    - The Shower
       Who pays: Your MOH and bridesmaids, unless there is a ricj aunt who can hel pout
    - Hair and Makeup for the Wedding
      Who pays: Bridesmiads if it is optional, the Bride if it is not
    - Bachlorette Bash
      Who pays: Entire bridal party. The MOH should see that drinks, food, entertainment, and travel are split evenly.

Micromanage Their Toasts - Just a Smidge
     To prevent reception carnage, ask sweetly that certain topics be off-limits, like exes and sex. Don't ask someone who is terrified of public speaking.
     Here are some guidelines:

1. Do It Alone. You don't need backup. You're a grown-up and the crowd is on your side.
2. Keep It Short. A toast shouldn't take longer that it takes to make actual toast.
3. Be Specific. Don't say, "These two are perfect for each other." Back it up: "They're perfect because they spent their first date exploding Mentos and Diet Cokes on the sidewalk."
4. It's ok to get Emotional. But if you find yourself sobbing into the mic, rein it in.
5. When in doubt, follow this formula: Introduce yourself > funny story about your friend and why you love her > why the spouse is such a great match > larger sentimental thought, and "Cheers!"

Gold Feather Scroll New Years Eve Party Invitation

There is no better way to start each new year than a New Year's Eve party! Let your choice of invitation set the mood for your guests - from fresh and funky to classic elegance. This design has a black background. To the left side and across the top is a gold feather style scroll design creating an elegant invitation, perfect fr your black tie event.. Your text is centered towards the bottom.

Gold Feather Scroll New Years Eve Party Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Product Details

5" x 7" Invitation

Make custom invitations and announcements for every special occasion! Add photos and text to both sides of this flat card for free.

• 5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape). Additional sizes available.
• High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
• 20 unique paper types and colors.
• Standard white envelope included.
• Premium Envelopments pocket folds, colored envelopes, and envelope liners available.
• Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz.) is $0.46.
• Printed in California.

Basic

A crisp professional paper with a smooth matte finish designed for vibrant full-color printing. 110lb cover-weight. 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and 40% pre-consumer waste).

 

What I have Learned from the (275) Wedding Invitations

I have Designed...(This Year)

~ Don't lowball your Save-the-Date.
          A lot of people say, "Meh, I'll put that money in the invitations." I disagree! Save the Dates can be so fun - and they are your guest's first glimpse of the wedding to come.

~ Perfectly matched is perfectly boring.
          You don't want your handbag and your shoes to match but to complement each other. Same for your wedding stationery. Here's the test: spread it all out on the table. Does it all look like it belongs to the same couple? You're good.

~ Gold is not gaudy.
          My favorite palette is black and white with pops of gold. Or stem green and peachy coral with gold. See a pattern? Gold is perfect for weddings and parties.

~ Your stationer has clever cost cutters up their sleeve. Just ask.
          Here is one of mine: It's free to add your monogram or a witty phrase to the outer envelope. In a small font, it look great!

~ A colored envelope is the cheapest way to dress up your invite.

~ Break some rules.
          It's okay for the bride to collect the reply cards even though tradition says they should be sent to the host parents. Instead of listing divorced or step-parents on the invitation, go with, "Together with their families" to make everyone happy.

~ While decor is important, music  rules.
         Keep your guests dancing and hydrated and everyone will remember it as the wedding of the century.     

Steampunk Clock New Years Eve Party Invitation

There is no better way to start each new year than a New Year's Eve party! Let your choice of invitation set the mood for your guests - from fresh and funky to classic elegance. This design has a black background. In the center is a cool steampunk gold clock to countdown to the New Year! Your invitation text is on the back.

Steampunk Clock New Years Eve Party Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Product Details

5.25" x 5.25" Invitation

Make personalized announcements and invitations for every occasion! Customize both sides of this flat card for free.

• 5.25" x 5.25" – A square alternative!
• High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
• 20 unique paper types and colors.
• Standard white envelope included.
• Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz.) is $0.66.
• Printed in California.

Basic

A crisp professional paper with a smooth matte finish designed for vibrant full-color printing. 110lb cover-weight. 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and 40% pre-consumer waste).

A Day in the Life of a Designer

It may not be glamorous, but I love my busy life! You know my designs, you know what I 'do,' but here is a peak 'behind the scenes.'

6:30am - My alarm clock wakes me after what is usually a short night. I throw on some clothes - usually something 'handy.'

6:45am - I head to my youngest daughter's room to wake her for a school. Waking her up is like going in to combat - it usually takes tickles to wake her so I've got to have my ninja moves ready to dodge pillows, feet, and any stuffed animals that didn't fall to the floor during the night. Thankfully, after that she takes care of getting ready for school by herself.

6:50am - Head downstairs and brew that "oh-so-good" first cup of coffee

7:00-7:30am - I start checking emails and look at over-night sales. Answer requests for custom designs and check in on Facebook - all while listening to CNN on my computer. (I don't watch TV - not on the TV at any rate)

7:30am - Take care of any last minute to-do's for Morgan - check that her backpack is ready, etc

7:40am - Run her to school. She attends a wonderful charter school but the one downside is that there is no bussing and the parking lot adventure can take an hour in the afternoon!

8:15am - Home again. Grab a quick breakfast and then head to the shower.

9:00-11:00am - By now I am on my 2nd or 3rd cup of coffee and I'm back at the computer. For the next two hours I blog, email and work on marketing.

11:00-12:00 - Talk to my Mom. She lives 1/2 way across the country and without this little break I would go stir crazy!

12:00pm - Back at the computer - this time I'm usually working on custom orders

2:15pm - Leave to pick up Morgan from school

3:15pm - Home again. Settle Morgan in with her homework and a little snack and I start working on new designs

5:00pm - Start prepping/cooking dinner and spend time with the family

8:00pm - Morgan heads to bed and I head back to work. The bulk of my new designs are done between now and midnight

11-12am - Blessed sleep!

Of course, in between all of this, I pick up and clean the house, do the laundry, grocery shopping, and take care of three dogs, a lizard, and a chinchilla! I love my life <3

Things to consider when choosing invitations

Wedding invitations often provide guests with a first glimpse of a wedding's style. Invitations also may serve as the means by which distant friends and relatives find out about a couple's pending nuptials if a formal announcement was not made.

Amid the flourishes of calligraphy and impressive paper stock is information that speaks to the importance of the day when two people will be joining their lives together. Guests will learn not only the time and the place of the wedding from the invitation, but also the formality of the event and the scope of the party that will follow.

Couples should keep certain things in mind as they begin to design their wedding invitations.

Have a good idea of your potential guest list. Before shopping for wedding invitations, it is key to have a strong idea of just how big the wedding will be and how many guests will be invited. This way you will know how many invitations you will need. Invitations vary in price, so cost may be a consideration if your guest list is extensive.

Decide on the formality of the wedding. Will you be hosting a black tie affair, or will it be a casual gathering at the shore? Guests infer many things about the wedding from the invitations, which should match the formality of the event in style and the sentiments expressed. An ornate invitation written with classic wording suggests a more formal affair, while a whimsical invitation with less formal wording could indicate a more laid-back event.

Dare to be different by playing with invitation sizes and shapes. Rectangular cards are standard for wedding invitations, but you can explore your creativity by choosing more modern, artsy invitations. Circular invites or scalloped edges can add some whimsy to the wedding mood. Invitations that fold out or are embellished with ribbon or other decorations can be appealing. Just keep in mind that cards that are not the standard shape and size could be more costly to send. Always have the entire wedding invitation weighed and priced at the post office so you will know what the postage will cost.

Choose a legible font and text color. Your invitation may look beautiful, but it may prove ineffective if it is difficult to read. Do not risk guests misinterpreting the date or the location because they cannot read the writing on the invitation. Steer clear of pastel or yellow text colors, and remember to have a high contrast between the color of the invitation and the text you are using for easy reading.

Keep the invitation simple. It may be tempting to load the invitation with lots of information, but all you really need are the key pieces of information, such as the "who," "what," "where," and "when." Crowding the card will take away from its aesthetic appeal. Most stationers will suggest a separate, smaller insert in the wedding invitation for the reception information and response card. Never put information such as where you are registered or "no kids allowed." This is material better reserved for word of mouth or on a wedding website.

Do some math. It is important to know your dates so you can receive the invitations on time, mail them out, and give guests enough time to respond. A good rule of thumb is to mail out the invitations at least two months before the wedding. Have an RSVP date of no more than three to four weeks before the wedding, giving ample time to the caterers and accommodating anyone who procrastinates in sending in a response. You will need the final headcount in order to confirm seating arrangements and plan for centerpieces and favors.

Handwrite the envelopes. Your invitation will look more impressive if you address them by hand, rather than printing them off of a computer. If your handwriting is not very neat, consider hiring a professional calligrapher to write out your envelopes.

Make it easy for guests to respond. Be sure to place a stamp on the response card envelope and have that envelope already addressed with your home address so that guests will have no excuses not to mail a response back promptly.

Always order extra. Mistakes happen, and you may need to send out a few extra invitations that you hadn't originally counted. Always order extra invitations just to be on the safe side. And don't forget you will probably want to keep one as a keepsake for yourself.

Shop Wedding Invitations at Noteable Expressions

Courtesy of Metro Creative

How do you Adress Wedding Invtations?

Q: What are the general rules for addressing wedding invitations?

A: Addressing wedding invitations can seem a bit confusing, but the rules are relatively simple for most of the people on your guest list. Spell out titles and degrees (“Doctor”), and always use “Mr. and Mrs.” for married couples. If a couple is unmarried but living together, or is married but uses different last names, put their names on separate lines in alphabetical order. (Unmarried couples who do not live together should receive two separate invitations.) And, if a guest is in the military, the title of an officer whose rank is equal to or higher than a captain in the army or a lieutenant in the navy is placed next to his or her name with the branch of service below. You should also include titles for retired high-ranking officers, inserting (Ret.) after their names. And the branch of service should always be listed below the names of reserve officers on active duty, noncommissioned officers and enlisted persons.

As for children, it is unnecessary to include their names on the outer envelope of a wedding invitation. Instead, list them on the inner envelope with their parents (“Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien and Peter”). The absence of a child’s name altogether implies that he or she is not invited. However, many guests may not realize this and assume their children are invited. If you don’t want kids to come, be sure to spread the word that you can only accommodate adults at your reception, and do not leave a space with “Number of guests” to be filled in.

Finally, inner envelopes should be addressed to “Mr. and Mrs. Markham” without first names or addresses. Close relatives can be addressed as “Aunt Sue” or “Grandmother Smith” on the inner envelope only. And if a single person is invited with an unspecified guest, add “and Guest” to the inner envelope to indicate that he or she may bring a date (however, it’s always preferable to send an individual invitation to someone’s guest if you know who the guest will be).

Patriotic Ornaments and Flag Christmas Card

A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Happy Holidays. The background for this card is a bright white to set off the red, white, and blue ornaments that are just above the red and white stripes of the flag. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.

Patriotic Ornaments and Flag Christmas Card by NoteableExpressions

Product Details

Greeting Card

Keep in touch with Zazzle custom greeting cards. Customize all parts of this folded card – inside and out, front and back – for free!

• 5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape).
• Printed on ultra-heavyweight (120 lb.) card stock with a gloss finish.
• Each card comes with a white envelope.
• No minimum order.
• May be available on Note Card size
• Postage rate for this size card (up to 1 oz) is $0.45

 

Sending Wedding Thank You Cards

Q 

How much time do we have to send out thank-you notes for our wedding gifts? My fiance' thinks it's six months but I believe it's sooner than that. Who's right?
                                                                                      Canton, Michigan

A

You are. Wedding gift thank-yous should be sent within three months of the wedding date, so be sure to acknowledge any presets you receive before then immediately. That way, you won't be overwhelmed after the wedding. I recently received a thank-you note eight months after the wedding had taken place and it seemed a little pointless. So, be sure to put pen to paper soon after you return from your honeymoon and share the writing duties and you'll have your thank-you notes out in no time!

To shop some gorgeous Thank You cards - visit Noteable Expressions

New Customer Reviews

Good morning!

I updated my website last night with some new reviews. I love it when my clients and customers take the time to let me know how much they love their wedding stationary - whether it is a full suite, wine bottle labels, or just invitations.

Here is a sneak peak:

**** "Beautiful invites"

10/10/2013

Reviewed by: backpkr
Black White Silver Art Deco Frame Wedding Invites
Product Quality: Good
Print Quality: Excellent
Recommended: Yes
Recommended for: Weddings
Shipped on time: Yes
About the product:
Nice paper and font. Really like the art deco look of the piece and it fit in well with our 80th anniversary theme.
About the print:
Printing was great. The ink laid really well on the page and suited the paper well.

Stop by Noteable Expressions to see them all and get some great inspirations!

Winter White and Blue Music Christmas Party Invitation

This modern party invitation is perfect for your winter event. This beautiful and elegant winter design, called Winter White and Blue Music, has a beautiful off-white or light cream background. On the invitation, there is a blue fiddle or violin graphic with sheet music and poinsettias drawing.

Winter White and Blue Music Christmas Party Personalized Announcement by NoteableExpressions

Product Details
5.25" x 5.25" Invitation

Make personalized announcements and invitations for every occasion! Customize both sides of this flat card for free.

    5.25" x 5.25" – A square alternative!
    High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
    20 unique paper types and colors.
    Standard white envelope included.
    Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz.) is $0.66.
    Printed in California.

Basic
A crisp professional paper with a smooth matte finish designed for vibrant full-color printing. 110lb cover-weight. 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and 40% pre-consumer waste).
 

Holiday Card Give Away!

Because I am so thankful to all of my customers, friends and family for their support and encouragement - I am going to have a little give away!

All you have to do is visit Noteable Expressions and choose your favorite Holiday card design - come back here and leave a comment with the name or link to your design.

What do you get? 10 Holidays cards of your choice for FREE! (and who can't use free goodies at this time of year?) You can choose from Christmas cards, photo cards, Holiday cards, Patriotic Christmas - whatever you like. On December 7th I will draw a random entry and contact the winner!

So get to hunting out your favorite Christmas card!

Red and Gold Glitter Frame Photo Greeting Cards by NoteableExpressions

4 Ideas for Your Family Christmas Card Photos

Since we’re officially past Thanksgiving and into the holiday season, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas cards.  Can you believe it?  Here are some great tips, in case you plan on taking your own family photos.

Stay away from the traditional family-photo-in-front-of-the-mantel-shot by using one of these fun ideas for a more creative Christmas card:

 

1. Photo-Booth Props

Photobooth props are all the rage at weddings and events.  Why not pep up your own family shoot and get in on the action with Holiday-themed photobooth props? To get you started, here’s a great link to some fun freebies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Snowy Confetti

Snowy sessions can gorgeous this time of year!  Don't live in a winter wonderland or don't want to brave the cold?  Try snowy faux confetti (Party City is a great source) or Flora Craft artificial snow (can be found online at Oriental Trading.)  A handful with a blow can be just as beautiful.  And, speaking of snow. . .

3. Family Snowflake

Why not create the perfect family snow flake?  Inspired by a Gap winter ad campaign, playing around with angles and shapes can add creativity, fun and interest to your photo.  Plus who doesn't want to lay down during pictures?!

4. Big Letters

If you’re feeling extra joyful, spell it out!  Home Depot sells the perfect 23" oversized wood letters from A-Z. My advice? Grab a can of gold spray paint and make them sparkle even more.

Decorating Trends For Christmas

I have had this post SOOOOO close to being ready to be done for so long.  I care way more about the photos than I do whatever witty words I may or may not be able to come up with.  So, it sits, waiting for me to be witty.  Which I am not.  So, you get it anyways.

 

Christmas Decorating.  Some like it trendy, some like it classic, some like to change it every year, and some keep it the same.  I fall in the middle, every year doing basically the same.  While searching for ideas to change up my own holiday decor this year, I found a few common themes.

 

Pretty Plaid Patterns

 

The plaid trend is moving from fashion and is starting to move its way over into homes.  While it is a bit too traditional for every day in MY home, for a temporary addition it totally works.  I love plaid on dishes, table cloths, ribbon, and in blankets.

 

Fantastic Front Doors

Breaking from tradition, I like the idea of adding a garland on your front step!  I like mittens as stockings, on the front door??  Its different, and it works.  The third wreath is a different in that its horizontal instead of round or square.  Interesting, but I like it.

Marvelous Mantels

 

Just pretty.  Thats all I got.

What do you like to see in your holiday decor?

FolkArt Blocks in Red Cream Photo Christmas Card

A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background is a folk art block pattern in cream and red. In the blocks are hearts, Christmas trees, and stars. To the left side is a place for your own photo and to the right side is a place for a custom greeting. The template is set up to read Merry Christmas, from 'the family name', and to the bottom is the year. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.

FolkArt Blocks in Red Cream Photo Christmas Card by NoteableExpressions

 

Product Details

Note Card

Stay in touch with Zazzle custom note cards. Customize all parts of this folded card – front and back, inside and out – for free!

• 4" x 5.6" (portrait) or 5.6" x 4" (landscape).
• Printed on ultra-heavyweight (120 lb.) card stock with a gloss finish.
• Each card comes with a white envelope.
• No minimum order.
• May be available on Greeting Card size
• Postage rate for this size card (up to 1 oz) is $0.45

Christmas & Holiday Photo Cards for 2013 Season

If you’re like me, you enjoy looking at all the photo cards you receive at the holidays, not just from families with kids, but from couples as well. In fact, I’d say at least three-quarters, if not more, of the cards my husband and I receive at Christmas are of the photo card variety, not standard, store-bought cards. It’s fun to see how creative people get with their photos and designs, too.

Speaking of designs, I’m seeing some really cool stuff this year, so I wanted to share with you the latest trends for the season.

 Card Sizes

You can get cards in a range of sizes and styles. The most popular are flat cards, which are usually offered in 5×7 and 5×5 for those printed on card stock, and 4×8 for those printed on photo paper.  Folded cards are most often in 5×7 format but can be set to 4x5.6" or 8.5x11". Not surprisingly, flat cards are less expensive than folded cards, and photo paper cards are the least expensive of all. You  can often order photo paper cards online for local in-store pick-up, sometimes with 1-hour or next-day printing. Zazzle has already offered sales from 20%-75% off this year - so check back frequently for sales!

Red and Gold Glitter Frame Photo Greeting Cards by NoteableExpressions

Vintage Purple Snowflakes Christmas Photo Card by NoteableExpressions

Cute Penguin Christmas Tree Greeting Card by NoteableExpressions

Rounded Corners

Rounded corners add a pretty look.

People who do card stamping know that rounding the corners on cards adds a nice finishing touch. I just tried this myself last week with some friends at a card-making party and it does make them look special. Last year I began seeing this trend with the online photo card services and it has grown in popularity this year. Now Zazzle has a rounded corner option for flat cards that measure 5x7". You can choose this as an extra option during the card customization process.

Celebrate the Season Holiday Photo Card by NoteableExpressions

Personalizing the Back

Zazzle is now offering 5×7 photo cards and you can add text and photos to the back.

It used to be that you could only put photos and text on the front and insides of photo cards, now most companies allow you to personalize the back side as well, which is great when you have so much you want to share. I am also seeing colorful designs on the back vs plain white.

Cute Penguin Christmas Tree Greeting Card by NoteableExpressions

Tips For Creating Your Card

• It helps to peruse card styles early so you have in mind the layouts, colors and styles you like. That will help you plan your photo shoot if you are taking new photos for your card, or help you pick out images with the right orientation and colors.

• You can find lots of beautiful cards that don’t say “Christmas” if you prefer. You can find Hanukkah and “Seasons Greetings” style cards and many that simply say “joy.” I have friends who don’t celebrate Christmas but they like to send a family photo card in December, so they send Happy New Year cards, which you will also find aplenty online.

• If you don’t want to pay extra for address printing and you’re short on time, do what I do. I use all those free return address labels I get in the mail (the simple ones printed in gold or silver look nice) and print the recipient addresses on a sheet of clear labels in a pretty font and stick them on the envelopes. I save my list to use year-after-year and make updates to it as needed.

• Square cards can be beautiful but they do cost extra postage, so be aware before you order.

Red Holly Jolly Photo Holiday Greeting Card

A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background is a bright red. It says "Oh by gosh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas this year." The O in Oh is actually a bordered frame for a photo that you upload - it can be of you, your family, your kids, your pets or anything else you like. Above the O there is a white Santa and Reindeer flying over. The temp;ate is set up to read, "warmest holiday wishes - Your Family Name - Individual names" You can personalize it any way you like. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.

Red Holly Jolly Photo Holiday Greeting Card by NoteableExpressions

Product Details

Greeting Card

Keep in touch with Zazzle custom greeting cards. Customize all parts of this folded card – inside and out, front and back – for free!

• 5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape).
• Printed on ultra-heavyweight (120 lb.) card stock with a gloss finish.
• Each card comes with a white envelope.
• No minimum order.
• May be available on Note Card size
• Postage rate for this size card (up to 1 oz) is $0.45

 

Celebrity Wedding Trends to Steal This Fall

Who says Summer is the most popular time to get married? If you notice how many celebs have gotten hitched since September, you’d think there was one every other day. We can count Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Kate Bosworth — and that’s just the beginning! All weddings have been beautiful in their own right, and we’re stealing some major inspiration for how to throw a paparazzi-worthy wedding before Winter rolls around. Ready, set, check out these five great ideas.

Cozy Outdoors

From Bosworth to Seth Meyers, a handful of celebs took a chance on the chill and got married outside on bluffs and in vineyards. With the right additions, an outdoor wedding can go from cold to cozy.

Photo by Birds of a Feather via Green Wedding Shoes

For outdoor wedding ceremony decor, look to Meyers or Rose McGowan, who both exchanged vows with their partners under an adorned chuppah. It’s a lovely way to make the wedding celebration feel more intimate.

Photo by Karen Wise via Style Me Pretty

In October, Clarkson had a small wedding ceremony when she eloped with Brandon Blackstock. For one of their photos, the pair posed in front of a wooden bridge decorated with string lights, which would make a dazzling Fall touch.
Keep reading for even more star-powered wedding ideas!

Plaid Touches

When Pharrell Williams got married recently, he and wife Helen Lasichanh celebrated on a yacht, both wearing plaid outerwear. Leave it to the music mogul to incorporate one of the season’s most popular wedding trends and totally nail it.

 

Photo by Best Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

We love the idea of bringing in some subtle plaid elements, like appetizer plates . . .

Covered Up

Did you see how gorgeous Clarkson and Christina Ricci looked on their wedding days? Each wore showstopping wedding dresses with delicate, long lace sleeves.

 

 This article was written by Lisette Mejia and you can read the rest of it and see it at POPSUGAR

Make a Statement with these 2014 wedding invitation trends

Here is a hot topic: upcoming 2014 wedding invitation trends!

Many engaged couples are now looking to establish a distinctive look and feel across the entire wedding day so that their guests will immediately say, "That wedding was so 'them.' From the first Save the Date to the last Thank You card, think about how you can incorporate your personalities into every aspect of your wedding. This provides continuity so that each time your guests will have a 'touch point' with your wedding your guests will get to know you as a couple and share this experience with you. As you and your fiance begin thinking about inspiration ideas and the theme of your wedding, remember that the style, color, and feel of your Save the Dates and invitations will set the tone of your wedding for your guests.

Let's take a look at what will be trending in terms of wedding invites in 2014.

Lace and Damask

Bridal dress trends fr 2014 have also influenced stationery designs using classic materials and fabrics that are reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties glam style. Lace is a classic material and design that has always been synonymous with weddings. Rather than overindulging in the trend, many are electing for a more subtle homage to lace wth hints of lace surrounding the invitation. Damask is another classic look that has become increasingly popular for those who want a traditional look with a modern edge.

White Black and Silver Damask Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Floral Designs

Floral designs are timeless like lace and invitation designs are now including your favorite flower within the design. It's one of those themes that never goes out of fashion and seems to be reinvented each season. Think romantic florals, big blooms and shabby chic patterns for the coming yer. Pink a flower, pick a range and run with it. You can incorporate florals into other themes, too, like vintage, retro, rustic, to thoroughly modern. The only limit is your imagination.

Peach Orchid Watercolor Posh Wedding Personalized Invites by NoteableExpressions

Vintage Luxe

The vintage wedding trends is still going strong! It is no surprise - there is just somethng that feels so romantic and nostalgic with this theme. In stationery design, is is a mixed bag of lace, pearls, and brooches that defines vintage for the upper classs. We are talking vintage Glamour! In terms of design elements, think monochrome, gold, brooches, pearls and satin ribbons.

Elegant Vintage Peacock Posh Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions

10 Wedding Invitation Etiquette Mistakes To Avoid

10 Wedding Invitation Etiquette Mistakes To Avoid

Elegant Vintage Peacock Posh
Wedding Invitation
by NoteableExpressions

1. Forgetting to print “Please RSVP by ….” on your invites. Admittedly up to thirty percent of your wedding invite list may forget to RSVP, but don’t be an enabler. Put a date on the card so that when you call them you can say that they should have known better.

2. Neglecting save the date cards if you have a good reason to send them. For instance, say that you are scheduling your wedding the week of Christmas or new years or Easter. If you don’t send your cards out WELL in advance you can plan on many of your close friends and family getting stuck caught between plans. Or if your wedding is coming up fast and you are in the time period to send invites, but you don’t have the details ready, you can send the cards out so that people at least get the date on their calendars.

3. Never list any gift registries on your invitation itself. Save that for personal correspondences and your website, or include a second, smaller card in with your invitation. It seems needy.

4. It is impolite to invite anyone to a pre-wedding event that you will not invite to the wedding. There are some exceptions, such as if a religious or school or work group decides to host a celebration for you—but even then they must invite you, not the other way around. You shouldn’t expect someone to come to your shower and give you a gift if you don’t expect to return the favor.

5. Never forget to weight and measure your wedding stationery so that you are absolutely sure about the correct postage. Getting 400 invites back in the mail can ruin your day and a lot of wedding stationery is deceptively heavy.

6. If you don’t want kids at your wedding, make sure to say so. Write the number of individuals allowed for each recipient or put a small, ‘please no children’ note. Just be consistent.

7. Don’t be late! Invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. The RSVP date should be four weeks before the wedding date.

8. Don’t go freestyle. Wedding invitation wording is highly formalized, with distinct rules that change depending on who is paying for the wedding, whether the location is religious or secular, if families are blended… Check with an expert and be sure.

9. Match styles across all your wedding stationery. You can get kits or simply stick with one color scheme, but consistency is good and makes your wedding seem much more formal and well-planned.

10. Don’t play it by ear! Have a master list that you can use to check off for each recipient for each piece of stationery as needed. It will make your life infinitely better—and back it up.

How to Buy Wedding Invitations Online

In the past, everyone could go to the local wedding request store and examine books of invitations until they found one they liked. Buying wedding invites online gives up a much greater selection for you to pick from and you can compare prices within the privacy of one’s home. You can also search for invitations that WOW!

Here’s a little inside info, even the local wedding store requires information from you then they go online to the invitation designers for invitations to be created. Why not do this yourself and cut out the middle-man? If you’re now considering buying your invitations online, here are some tips.

Get Samples: This really is always a good thing to do. Don’t be disappointed as soon as your expensive box of customized wedding invitations shows up and they were not what you expected.

Check it, then re-check it, then have another person check it. Ensure the time and the places are especially correct.

Pick a Style that matches your wedding style and colors. You’ll find an incredible selection of types on line. Find something which matches your tastes and see if they have matching response cards, reception cards, thank you cards, and so on.

Shop Invitations now at:

Light Blue Ribbon Snowflake Photo Holiday Greeting Card

I just couldn't resist sharing this 'hot off the presses' Christmas greeting card that I made yesterday. I had so much fun creating this card - it looks like a gift all wrapped up for you!

Light Blue Ribbon Snowflake Photo Holiday Greeting Greeting Card by NoteableExpressions

  A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background is a bright white with a light blue ribbon border that creates a frame for a photo that you upload - it can be of you, your family, your kids, your pets or anything else you like. In the upper left corner there is a bow with a silver snowflake accent. The temp;ate is set up to read, "warmest holiday wishes - Your Family Name - Individual names" You can personalize it any way you like. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.

Wedding Trends: Colored Suits

When it comes to options in wedding attire, grooms seem to get the short end of the stick with few color options available to them beyond black, grey, and navy; that is, of course, until now and the sudden advent of the brightly colored suit. While we’ll never tire of the classic black tuxedo, we love seeing grooms up their fashion game and add pops of color and personality to their wedding garb.
For guys looking to step outside the box, but not too far, a blue suit is a great place to start. Everyone loves (and looks good in) blue and it’s just bold enough to be interesting without being too in your face.

 Jewel tones are hot for weddings right now, making purples, greens, and reds, all excellent on-trend color choices.

 To see more, click here

Celebrate the Season Photo Holiday Greeting Card

Believe it or not-
I have already done a photoshoot with my girls, designed our Christmas cards, received them, written hand-written notes in them, addressed and stamped. Yes, you read that right - for two weeks now, I have had my cards ready to go for this year! That is a record, even for me!

I love the whole tradition of holiday cards. I love checking the mail each day and finding notes, pictures, and pretty cards from my family and friends because we (like a lot of Americans) are spread all over the U.S. It almost like getting a hug long-distance. I've passed on that love and now my girls fight to see who gets to check the mail first! I love it!

Almost as much fun as getting cards is making them for others. I love what I do!

Celebrate the Season Photo Holiday Greeting Card by NoteableExpressions

This is one I made yesterday and it would look great with any style of photo but I love it with this sepia toned image.  A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background is a photo that you upload - it can be of you, your family, your kids, your pets or anything else you like. To the left side it says, "Celebrate the Season". Towards the bottoms is a faded white rectangle for a short greeting from you. The temp;ate is set up to read, "warmest holiday wishes - Your Family Name - Individual names" You can personalize it any way you like. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.

So what are your favorite traditions with Greeting cards? Do you still send them? Do you intentionally decorate with them? (I do!)

Festive Christmas Wedding Ideas

Christmas brings out my wildest wedding fantasies. I'm drawn to its technicolor lights, grand sense of tradition and elaborate ornamentation. Above all, the holiday spirit of togetherness magnifies what's already supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life.

These amazing photos from real weddings submissions really speak for themselves. Enjoy—consider them a gift from us to you. Good luck to all of our holiday brides!

Bridal Looks

Dramatic lashes, scarlet lips, and a high neckline with just the right amount of skin (keyhole backs are on-trend for 2013): This bride pulls it all off effortlessly.

 Float down the aisle in a gown with textured tiers that are light as snow.

 A gilded gown with intricate embroidery is a regal choice for Christmastime brides.

 It's hard to say what caught our attention first—the ruched bodice-embellished skirt combo or those unexpected pine cones! I call a tie.

Put the finishing touch on your gown with a ribbon belt featuring clusters of crystals.

 Or, if you prefer a more understated look, consider this chic floral sash. The silver beads give it extra flair.

According to ancient folklore, the Druids regarded holly as a sacred plant and believed it had magical powers of protection. What better plant to include in your groom's boutonniere?

To see the rest of this article, visit http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/real-brides-speak-out/christmas-wedding-ideas