- 5" x 7" (portrait) or 7" x 5" (landscape)
- Choose from six paper types and nine colors
- High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides
- Each invitation comes with a white envelope
- Additional sizes available
- Postage rate for this size invitation (up to 1 oz) is $0.46
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Lily Love: Orange Lily on Black Wedding Invitations
This sophisticated invitation is sure to set the tone for your special
day. A classically elegant orange lily design adorns this black
background. Your
party invites, announcements and promotional materials will have a
crisp professional look on this smooth, vibrant, matte, 110lb
cover-weight paper. Contains 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and
40% pre-consumer waste).
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Easy Outdoor Wedding Decor and Trends
This year weddings have taken on a whole new look – hotel banquets have
been replaced with rustic locations, cupcake towers have exchanged
traditional wedding cakes, and even brides have swapped their white
gowns for vibrant hues every color of the rainbow. The right choice of
décor has also taken a huge leap with creative and exciting finishing
touches that can make or break the success of wedding. Weddings are
wonderful events that should be remembered, so make your big day stand
out from the rest with the newest wedding trends of 2013. Read the rest of the story here.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Lilac Branch Watercolor Wedding Invitations
This beautiful design is modern but has a classic touch - called Lilac
Branch Watercolor Wedding, it has a bright white background with a
greyish purple border. In the lower left there is a watercolor
illustration of a beautiful lilac branch with purple and lavender.
Lilac Branch Watercolor Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
View Wedding Invitations online at zazzle
Lilac Branch Watercolor Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
View Wedding Invitations online at zazzle
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Going Country - Weddings that is...
Hey y’all, I’ve ‘gone country! In case you haven’t noticed – WESTERN is the new black! Whether you’re dressing up for a concert, singing to one of Taylor Swift’s country songs on a pop radio station or simply taking a vacation down south, it seems like the western fad is sweeping the country.
One of my favorite wedding themes is elegant country. From rustic country barns to lush outdoor garden venues you can incorporate so much of your personality with these themes.
Ready to kick-it in style and celebrate your wedding? Shop my entire collection of western wedding invitations!
One of my favorite wedding themes is elegant country. From rustic country barns to lush outdoor garden venues you can incorporate so much of your personality with these themes.
Ready to kick-it in style and celebrate your wedding? Shop my entire collection of western wedding invitations!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Floral Wedding Invitations
If you are looking for some floral inspiration for your wedding, this design is a great place to start.
Grey and Eggplant Plumeria Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Browse more Wedding Invitations at Zazzle
Grey and Eggplant Plumeria Wedding Invitation
This elegant invitation set has a beautiful grey background and an
eggplant toned plumeria at the top right corner and the lower left
corner. It also has a thin classic border frame around the outside. Your
customizable text goes in the center in dark pink.
Grey and Eggplant Plumeria Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Browse more Wedding Invitations at Zazzle
Your invites, announcements and promotional materials will have a
crisp professional look on this smooth, vibrant, matte, 110lb
cover-weight paper. Contains 50% recycled content (10% post-consumer and
40% pre-consumer waste). Choose from six different paper styles from basic or linen to felt.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
French Deco Rose Black Cream Wedding Invitation
This beautiful and elegant design, called French Deco Rose in Black on
Cream Wedding, has a cream or ecru background. There is a thin black
border and across the top there are geometric lines that come down. In
the upper right corner there is a deco style rose graphic. Incredibly
elegant and fit for a royal.
French Deco Rose Black Cream Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Check out more Deco wedding Invitations at Zazzle
French Deco Rose Black Cream Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Check out more Deco wedding Invitations at Zazzle
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
A Wedding Style Quiz
What kind of bride are you?
Do you march to the beat of a different drum? Are you budget-minded? Will you stop at nothing to have the best? Or do you like to keep it simple and traditional? Have a little fun by taking our short quiz to see what your wedding style is! Your answers should give you a clearer picture and head you in the right direction as you plan the wedding of your dreams!
1. The look I love can be best described by the phrase:
A. Traditional beauty.
B. Upscale elegance.
C. Simple charm.
D. Wild and spirited.
2. While planning my wedding, my first priority is:
A. Honoring the true meaning of the celebration.
B. Creating the perfect look.
C. Sticking to my budget.
D. Having the time of my life.
3. My favorite dining establishment is:
A. A casual bar and grill restaurant.
B. A formal restaurant with delicacies galore.
C. A local deli.
D. A ''hole in the wall'' with to-die-for food.
4. The statement that best describes my attitude toward my hairstyle is:
A. I like to have the latest cut.
B. I never leave the house without my hair completely styled.
C. I like my hair short or pulled back and out of my way.
D. I like my hair flowing free.
5. I would describe my personality as:
A. Traditional.
B. Perfectionist.
C. Laid back and easy-going.
D. Eclectic.
6. I think my fiance looks best when he wears:
A. Khaki pants and a button-down shirt.
B. Formal wear.
C. Jeans and a t-shirt.
D. Who cares what he wears!
7. When unexpected things happen, I usually:
A. Adjust fairly well.
B. Freak out!
C. Go with the flow.
D. Sit back and enjoy the surprises.
8. When choosing a gown, my priority will be:
A. The color and style.
B. The exclusive look or name brand.
C. The price tag.
D. The originality/uniqueness.
9. When I have a disagreement with my fiance, I usually:
A. Pout a little, but eventually get over it.
B. Pester or nag until he gives me what I want.
C. Try to compromise.
D. Find a third solution that works for both of us.
10. At my wedding, I want guests to be:
A. A part of the meaningful traditions we’ve upheld.
B. Surrounded by lavish beauty and an ambiance of sheer elegance.
C. Relaxed, happy and loved.
D. Entertained to the max.
Tally up the totals for each letter (A’s, B’s C’s, D’s) chosen and see below for some interesting information based on your results.
If you chose mostly A’s
Your Style: Your emphasis is on the deep significance of the wedding celebration. Even though you desire a wedding that is striking and elegant, and you like to keep up with the latest trends in fashion, the meaning of the day is what truly matters to you.
Ideas: A wedding theme based on traditional symbols of love and marriage such as roses, wedding bells or doves might be your pleasure when deciding on a wedding theme. For a beautiful look without causing distraction, add class by decorating with tulle and white lights. Popular flowers that add touches of class and color without overwhelming the room include roses, hydrangeas and lilies. Look for fresh ways to honor some of those familiar wedding practices in a more modern way.
If you chose mostly B’s
Your Style: If it’s stunning and beautiful, you like it! Sure, you believe strongly in committing to your love and the vows of marriage, but you see your wedding as an opportunity to plan and execute the ultimate extravaganza!
Ideas: You might consider an upscale wedding theme such as one that features gold or platinum. You can put forward richness and finery with simple accessories and accents of a precious metal. Beautiful, large calla lilies are an excellent flower choice. For great conversation pieces and a very special touch, you might consider placing some classy black-and-white photos of you and your spouse in silver- or gold-plated frames and using them to accent your guest book and gift table.
If you chose mostly C’s
Your Style: You are careful when it comes to spending and keeping within your budget is at the forefront of your wedding planning. However, you are not willing to sacrifice beauty or style. You easily realize you can have a perfectly beautiful wedding without overspending.
Ideas: Opt for a theme of simple beauty such as one that features wildflowers, daisies, hearts, snowflakes or autumn leaves. These types of themes allow you to decorate inexpensively with items like fall foliage, apples, pine cones, wheat stalks, seeds, etc. Add fullness and color to bouquets of your favorite flowers with inexpensive daisies and greens added throughout. Research additional ways to decorate on a budget; there are plenty!
If you chose mostly D’s
Your Style: You zig when most people zag. You don’t mind that some might consider you eccentric, crazy and off-the-wall. You’d rather have that then to be called ordinary. As you march to the beat of a different drum, your goal is that your wedding guests have the ultimate fun as they share your special day. You want your wedding to be one they’ll not only remember, but will talk about for years to come!
Ideas: Who says weddings have to be white, anyway? You’re daring and carefree, so you might relish in the thought of decorating with bold colors and/or patterns. Since you think outside the box naturally, and you’re not afraid to color outside the lines, you might consider themes such as a Vegas-style casino party or an outdoor Woodstock-like/flower child festival. You might decorate with groupings of wildflowers or even cattails in large corner vases. Perhaps you don’t want flowers at all (too predictable), you might consider ribbons and muslin wall hangings instead. You’re creativity will lead the way, and as you always do, follow it!
Do you march to the beat of a different drum? Are you budget-minded? Will you stop at nothing to have the best? Or do you like to keep it simple and traditional? Have a little fun by taking our short quiz to see what your wedding style is! Your answers should give you a clearer picture and head you in the right direction as you plan the wedding of your dreams!
1. The look I love can be best described by the phrase:
A. Traditional beauty.
B. Upscale elegance.
C. Simple charm.
D. Wild and spirited.
2. While planning my wedding, my first priority is:
A. Honoring the true meaning of the celebration.
B. Creating the perfect look.
C. Sticking to my budget.
D. Having the time of my life.
3. My favorite dining establishment is:
A. A casual bar and grill restaurant.
B. A formal restaurant with delicacies galore.
C. A local deli.
D. A ''hole in the wall'' with to-die-for food.
4. The statement that best describes my attitude toward my hairstyle is:
A. I like to have the latest cut.
B. I never leave the house without my hair completely styled.
C. I like my hair short or pulled back and out of my way.
D. I like my hair flowing free.
5. I would describe my personality as:
A. Traditional.
B. Perfectionist.
C. Laid back and easy-going.
D. Eclectic.
6. I think my fiance looks best when he wears:
A. Khaki pants and a button-down shirt.
B. Formal wear.
C. Jeans and a t-shirt.
D. Who cares what he wears!
7. When unexpected things happen, I usually:
A. Adjust fairly well.
B. Freak out!
C. Go with the flow.
D. Sit back and enjoy the surprises.
8. When choosing a gown, my priority will be:
A. The color and style.
B. The exclusive look or name brand.
C. The price tag.
D. The originality/uniqueness.
9. When I have a disagreement with my fiance, I usually:
A. Pout a little, but eventually get over it.
B. Pester or nag until he gives me what I want.
C. Try to compromise.
D. Find a third solution that works for both of us.
10. At my wedding, I want guests to be:
A. A part of the meaningful traditions we’ve upheld.
B. Surrounded by lavish beauty and an ambiance of sheer elegance.
C. Relaxed, happy and loved.
D. Entertained to the max.
Tally up the totals for each letter (A’s, B’s C’s, D’s) chosen and see below for some interesting information based on your results.
If you chose mostly A’s
Your Style: Your emphasis is on the deep significance of the wedding celebration. Even though you desire a wedding that is striking and elegant, and you like to keep up with the latest trends in fashion, the meaning of the day is what truly matters to you.
Ideas: A wedding theme based on traditional symbols of love and marriage such as roses, wedding bells or doves might be your pleasure when deciding on a wedding theme. For a beautiful look without causing distraction, add class by decorating with tulle and white lights. Popular flowers that add touches of class and color without overwhelming the room include roses, hydrangeas and lilies. Look for fresh ways to honor some of those familiar wedding practices in a more modern way.
If you chose mostly B’s
Your Style: If it’s stunning and beautiful, you like it! Sure, you believe strongly in committing to your love and the vows of marriage, but you see your wedding as an opportunity to plan and execute the ultimate extravaganza!
Ideas: You might consider an upscale wedding theme such as one that features gold or platinum. You can put forward richness and finery with simple accessories and accents of a precious metal. Beautiful, large calla lilies are an excellent flower choice. For great conversation pieces and a very special touch, you might consider placing some classy black-and-white photos of you and your spouse in silver- or gold-plated frames and using them to accent your guest book and gift table.
If you chose mostly C’s
Your Style: You are careful when it comes to spending and keeping within your budget is at the forefront of your wedding planning. However, you are not willing to sacrifice beauty or style. You easily realize you can have a perfectly beautiful wedding without overspending.
Ideas: Opt for a theme of simple beauty such as one that features wildflowers, daisies, hearts, snowflakes or autumn leaves. These types of themes allow you to decorate inexpensively with items like fall foliage, apples, pine cones, wheat stalks, seeds, etc. Add fullness and color to bouquets of your favorite flowers with inexpensive daisies and greens added throughout. Research additional ways to decorate on a budget; there are plenty!
If you chose mostly D’s
Your Style: You zig when most people zag. You don’t mind that some might consider you eccentric, crazy and off-the-wall. You’d rather have that then to be called ordinary. As you march to the beat of a different drum, your goal is that your wedding guests have the ultimate fun as they share your special day. You want your wedding to be one they’ll not only remember, but will talk about for years to come!
Ideas: Who says weddings have to be white, anyway? You’re daring and carefree, so you might relish in the thought of decorating with bold colors and/or patterns. Since you think outside the box naturally, and you’re not afraid to color outside the lines, you might consider themes such as a Vegas-style casino party or an outdoor Woodstock-like/flower child festival. You might decorate with groupings of wildflowers or even cattails in large corner vases. Perhaps you don’t want flowers at all (too predictable), you might consider ribbons and muslin wall hangings instead. You’re creativity will lead the way, and as you always do, follow it!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Blue Bronze Art Deco Stripes and Tower Wedding Invitations
This beautiful and elegant design, called Blue and Bronze Art Deco
Stripes and Tower Wedding, has a light blue background. There is a
pattern of small blue gradient tower style buildings. There are two sets
of metallic looking stripes and a blue tower.
Blue Bronze Art Deco Stripes and Tower Wedding Personalized Invite by NoteableExpressions
See other Art deco wedding Invitations at zazzle
Blue Bronze Art Deco Stripes and Tower Wedding Personalized Invite by NoteableExpressions
See other Art deco wedding Invitations at zazzle
Monday, March 18, 2013
All About Mailing for Weddings
Q: My fiancé and I live in a different state from where the wedding will be held. We are sending the invitations ourselves. Is it absolutely necessary to mail the invites from my parents’ hometown? They live six hours away!
A: Even if your parents’ names are on the invites as the wedding’s official hosts, you can still mail the invites from -- and ask guests to respond to -- your own out-of-state address. If you’ll be the ones keeping track of the guest list, this makes sense and is absolutely appropriate.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q: I’m 26 years old and have been living on my own for a few years now. Is it OK to put my return address on our wedding invitation and respond card envelopes, or should I still use my parents?
A: This is a question we get asked quite often. Technically, invite responses should be sent to the wedding hosts, and the hosts are traditionally the people whose names are at the top of your invite. So if your parents’ names appear before ''request your presence'' or other words of invitation, tradition dictates that the return address be theirs and the respond cards should also be sent to them. If you and your fiancé are hosting, use your return address on the envelopes.
While this is partly a matter of tradition, it may also be one of practicality. Perhaps you’re holding the guest list and would like to check off names as the responses come in, it would make more sense if the cards were sent directly to you. If your mom is going to keep track of the guest list, it makes more sense for responses to go to her, even if you’re ''hosting'' the wedding. Look at your situation and do what makes the most sense and is most efficient -- it won’t make a bit of difference to your guests.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q: We are inviting approximately 200 people to our wedding this June. Although a majority of our guests live locally, there are about 15 percent who do not. My question is: Should I send invitations to the ''out-of-towners'' prior to sending to our local friends and family? I am also considering sending save-the-date cards, but wonder if everyone on the guest list should receive one of these or just those who will have to travel long distances to share our day with us?
A: The fact that you’re thinking of these things, shows you are very considerate and pay attention to the details; just don’t run yourself ragged with worry. There is no reason to have two separate mailing dates for your invitations, especially if only a small number of your guests live out-of-state. Our recommendation here is to send save-the-dates to those you feel need the extra notice. These should be sent four to six months prior to your wedding. Send your formal invitations to all on your guest list eight weeks before the big day.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q: I know that you normally send out invitations at least six weeks before the wedding, but a majority of our guests will be coming from out of town. How early should I send invites to give them time to get the lowest airfares and hotel rates? Also, how should I handle reserving hotel rooms for our guests? We are getting married in Florida in April, the time of year considered "peak season" -- how can I save our guests some money? Considering the cost, should I pay for my bridesmaid dresses, accommodations or airfare?
A: Kudos to you for being so on top of things! You’re guests and wedding party will be grateful. The best thing for you to do in your case -- especially if your wedding is being held in a tourist destination -- is to send out save-the-date announcements with travel and accommodation information as soon as possible. A save-the-date should be simplistic and offer only the necessary information. Because your wedding is during peak season, you should contact hotels that would serve well as a home base for your guests. Inquire about discounted group rates and reserving blocks of rooms. Once you have nailed down the accommodation details, simply let your guests know they should mention your wedding when they call to make their reservations.
Paying for airfare, accommodations or wedding party attire is totally up to you. Doing so is a wonderful gesture if you can afford it, but it is not mandatory. Footing the bill for all three would be costly, so you might consider covering just one of the expenses. For example, you could pay for their plane tickets or find inexpensive accommodations for them (i.e., staying with local friends or relatives), and let them pay for their dresses.
A: Even if your parents’ names are on the invites as the wedding’s official hosts, you can still mail the invites from -- and ask guests to respond to -- your own out-of-state address. If you’ll be the ones keeping track of the guest list, this makes sense and is absolutely appropriate.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q: I’m 26 years old and have been living on my own for a few years now. Is it OK to put my return address on our wedding invitation and respond card envelopes, or should I still use my parents?
A: This is a question we get asked quite often. Technically, invite responses should be sent to the wedding hosts, and the hosts are traditionally the people whose names are at the top of your invite. So if your parents’ names appear before ''request your presence'' or other words of invitation, tradition dictates that the return address be theirs and the respond cards should also be sent to them. If you and your fiancé are hosting, use your return address on the envelopes.
While this is partly a matter of tradition, it may also be one of practicality. Perhaps you’re holding the guest list and would like to check off names as the responses come in, it would make more sense if the cards were sent directly to you. If your mom is going to keep track of the guest list, it makes more sense for responses to go to her, even if you’re ''hosting'' the wedding. Look at your situation and do what makes the most sense and is most efficient -- it won’t make a bit of difference to your guests.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q: We are inviting approximately 200 people to our wedding this June. Although a majority of our guests live locally, there are about 15 percent who do not. My question is: Should I send invitations to the ''out-of-towners'' prior to sending to our local friends and family? I am also considering sending save-the-date cards, but wonder if everyone on the guest list should receive one of these or just those who will have to travel long distances to share our day with us?
A: The fact that you’re thinking of these things, shows you are very considerate and pay attention to the details; just don’t run yourself ragged with worry. There is no reason to have two separate mailing dates for your invitations, especially if only a small number of your guests live out-of-state. Our recommendation here is to send save-the-dates to those you feel need the extra notice. These should be sent four to six months prior to your wedding. Send your formal invitations to all on your guest list eight weeks before the big day.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q: I know that you normally send out invitations at least six weeks before the wedding, but a majority of our guests will be coming from out of town. How early should I send invites to give them time to get the lowest airfares and hotel rates? Also, how should I handle reserving hotel rooms for our guests? We are getting married in Florida in April, the time of year considered "peak season" -- how can I save our guests some money? Considering the cost, should I pay for my bridesmaid dresses, accommodations or airfare?
A: Kudos to you for being so on top of things! You’re guests and wedding party will be grateful. The best thing for you to do in your case -- especially if your wedding is being held in a tourist destination -- is to send out save-the-date announcements with travel and accommodation information as soon as possible. A save-the-date should be simplistic and offer only the necessary information. Because your wedding is during peak season, you should contact hotels that would serve well as a home base for your guests. Inquire about discounted group rates and reserving blocks of rooms. Once you have nailed down the accommodation details, simply let your guests know they should mention your wedding when they call to make their reservations.
Paying for airfare, accommodations or wedding party attire is totally up to you. Doing so is a wonderful gesture if you can afford it, but it is not mandatory. Footing the bill for all three would be costly, so you might consider covering just one of the expenses. For example, you could pay for their plane tickets or find inexpensive accommodations for them (i.e., staying with local friends or relatives), and let them pay for their dresses.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Black White Silver Art Deco Frame Wedding Invitations
This beautiful and elegant design, called Black White and Silver Art
Deco Frame Wedding Invitation, has a black background. There are
alternating borders in black, white, and silver and a beautiful black
frame. Your text goes in the middle.
Black White Silver Art Deco Frame Wedding Invites by NoteableExpressions
View more invitations on line at zazzle.com
Black White Silver Art Deco Frame Wedding Invites by NoteableExpressions
View more invitations on line at zazzle.com
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Addressing Wedding Envelopes and Other Questions
Q: We are inviting approximately 200 people to our wedding this June. Although a majority of our guests live locally, there are about 15 percent who do not. My question is: Should I send invitations to the ''out-of-towners'' prior to sending to our local friends and family? I am also considering sending save-the-date cards, but wonder if everyone on the guest list should receive one of these or just those who will have to travel long distances to share our day with us?
A: The fact that you’re thinking of these things, shows you are very considerate and pay attention to the details; just don’t run yourself ragged with worry. There is no reason to have two separate mailing dates for your invitations, especially if only a small number of your guests live out-of-state. Our recommendation here is to send save-the-dates to those you feel need the extra notice. These should be sent four to six months prior to your wedding. Send your formal invitations to all on your guest list eight weeks before the big day.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q: I know that you normally send out invitations at least six weeks before the wedding, but a majority of our guests will be coming from out of town. How early should I send invites to give them time to get the lowest airfares and hotel rates? Also, how should I handle reserving hotel rooms for our guests? We are getting married in Florida in April, the time of year considered "peak season" -- how can I save our guests some money? Considering the cost, should I pay for my bridesmaid dresses, accommodations or airfare?
A: Kudos to you for being so on top of things! You’re guests and wedding party will be grateful. The best thing for you to do in your case -- especially if your wedding is being held in a tourist destination -- is to send out save-the-date announcements with travel and accommodation information as soon as possible. A save-the-date should be simplistic and offer only the necessary information. Because your wedding is during peak season, you should contact hotels that would serve well as a home base for your guests. Inquire about discounted group rates and reserving blocks of rooms. Once you have nailed down the accommodation details, simply let your guests know they should mention your wedding when they call to make their reservations.
Paying for airfare, accommodations or wedding party attire is totally up to you. Doing so is a wonderful gesture if you can afford it, but it is not mandatory. Footing the bill for all three would be costly, so you might consider covering just one of the expenses. For example, you could pay for their plane tickets or find inexpensive accommodations for them (i.e., staying with local friends or relatives), and let them pay for their dresses.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q: A cousin of mine got married recently (her first, his second). Her husband has a son from his previous marriage. We are hosting a major event and would like to invite his son, as there will be other kids attending that are about his age. How should we address the envelope to include him, or should he receive his own, separate invitation?
A: A separate invitation for kids is only required if they are 18 years old or older. Traditional addressing of the outer envelope would be ''Mr. and Mrs. John Doe'' (or John and Jane Doe). The children’s names are not shown on the outer envelope. Addressing of the inner envelope would be ''Mr. and Mrs. John Doe'' with the children’s first names beneath their parents. There is nothing wrong with putting ''The Doe Family'' on the outer envelope, but the recipient may not interpret ''family'' the way you intend it to be, so therefore it would be best to stick to traditional addressing.
A: The fact that you’re thinking of these things, shows you are very considerate and pay attention to the details; just don’t run yourself ragged with worry. There is no reason to have two separate mailing dates for your invitations, especially if only a small number of your guests live out-of-state. Our recommendation here is to send save-the-dates to those you feel need the extra notice. These should be sent four to six months prior to your wedding. Send your formal invitations to all on your guest list eight weeks before the big day.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q: I know that you normally send out invitations at least six weeks before the wedding, but a majority of our guests will be coming from out of town. How early should I send invites to give them time to get the lowest airfares and hotel rates? Also, how should I handle reserving hotel rooms for our guests? We are getting married in Florida in April, the time of year considered "peak season" -- how can I save our guests some money? Considering the cost, should I pay for my bridesmaid dresses, accommodations or airfare?
A: Kudos to you for being so on top of things! You’re guests and wedding party will be grateful. The best thing for you to do in your case -- especially if your wedding is being held in a tourist destination -- is to send out save-the-date announcements with travel and accommodation information as soon as possible. A save-the-date should be simplistic and offer only the necessary information. Because your wedding is during peak season, you should contact hotels that would serve well as a home base for your guests. Inquire about discounted group rates and reserving blocks of rooms. Once you have nailed down the accommodation details, simply let your guests know they should mention your wedding when they call to make their reservations.
Paying for airfare, accommodations or wedding party attire is totally up to you. Doing so is a wonderful gesture if you can afford it, but it is not mandatory. Footing the bill for all three would be costly, so you might consider covering just one of the expenses. For example, you could pay for their plane tickets or find inexpensive accommodations for them (i.e., staying with local friends or relatives), and let them pay for their dresses.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Q: A cousin of mine got married recently (her first, his second). Her husband has a son from his previous marriage. We are hosting a major event and would like to invite his son, as there will be other kids attending that are about his age. How should we address the envelope to include him, or should he receive his own, separate invitation?
A: A separate invitation for kids is only required if they are 18 years old or older. Traditional addressing of the outer envelope would be ''Mr. and Mrs. John Doe'' (or John and Jane Doe). The children’s names are not shown on the outer envelope. Addressing of the inner envelope would be ''Mr. and Mrs. John Doe'' with the children’s first names beneath their parents. There is nothing wrong with putting ''The Doe Family'' on the outer envelope, but the recipient may not interpret ''family'' the way you intend it to be, so therefore it would be best to stick to traditional addressing.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Black and Bronze Art Deco Tower Wedding Invitation
This beautiful and elegant design, called Black and Bronze Art Deco
Tower Building Wedding, has a black background. In the center there are
two bands in alternating gradient bronze. Centered on the bands is a
bronze deco style triangle with a black tower building. Your text goes
on the back.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Wedding Stationery Checklist
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming if you're just starting out and are unfamiliar with this territory. There are things to do before, during, and even after the wedding, so where do you start?
Listed below is a brief overview of each piece of stationery that a bride or couple might need for their big day. This is one of the most important experiences of a couple's life, so get involved and really enjoy it. Stick with traditions or throw them to the side; the main thing is to have fun, be creative, and really put your personality into it!
Before the Wedding
Engagement Announcements/Party Invitations
Hosting an engagement party is a great way to announce the big news to your friends and family and include them in your celebration. Engagement party invitations can take on a style of their own and do not need to reflect the colors or theme of a couple's upcoming wedding, as most couples will not know these details at this early point in time. When considering the wording of the invitation for your engagement party, it is nice to include some of the actual engagement details (be creative!), then lead into the party specifics. Be sure to include all of the information that pertains to the event itself, such as the date, time, place, city, state, and attire request, if any. If you have had your engagement photos taken, it is nice to include one of these with the invitation or announcement. Be sure to only invite those guests who you plan to invite to the wedding.
Save the Date Cards
A "Save the Date" is a card that is mailed to and informs your guests ahead of time of your chosen wedding date. This also signifies to the guest(s) that they are invited to attend your event and should "save the date". This allows for your guests to make preparations in advance so that they are able to attend your event.
Generally, this information is mailed out 6-12 months prior to the wedding and is in the form of a card, but Save the Dates can also be in a more creative form of a magnetic keepsake, which guests can remove and hang on display until the formal invitations arrive months later. If the bride and groom have their invitation colors or theme chosen already, it is a nice touch to have the Save the Dates coordinate with those colors or theme. This is a hint of what is to come when the formal invitation is mailed.
The amount of information that is included with a couple's Save the Date is dependent on how much they know at that point. Sometimes they send only the basics involved with the upcoming wedding, such as the date, the location, city and state. For destination weddings where the guests will be traveling a far distance, it is recommended that the couple send as much information as possible to allow the guests to make their travel arrangements ahead of time. This information could include, but is not limited to, travel, accommodations, activities, times, events, and more.
Formal wedding invitations are then mailed 6-10 weeks before the wedding, which gives all of the information pertinent to the big day.
Bridal Shower Invitations
Bridal shower invitations generally hint at the shower's theme or colors and include all of the information pertaining to the party, such as date, time, place, and location. Hosts may also include small "memories" or "wishes" cards, which can then be presented to the bride as a collective gift from the group.
Bachelorette (Bachelor) Party Invitations
Bachelorette parties are tons of fun and usually have some sort of a theme to them. Carry this theme through to your invitations and get creatively funky with the designs! Invitations can be wild, vivid colors and should be a wonderfully fun keepsake for the bride (or groom) and her/his closest friends. These would contain all of the information that is needed for the actual bachelorette/bachelor party (date, time, place, etc.), plus any additional information needed for the party goers (travel, accommodations, instructions, etc.) This is (usually) a once in a lifetime experience, so go all out!
Bridesmaids' / Groomsmen's Day Invitations
The bridal party is generally an intimate group of your closest friends or family and an important part of your big day. A nice way to show your appreciation for their love and support is to host a special luncheon or outing for them. This could be anything from a girl's day at the spa to a boy's day on the golf course. Invitations can be colored and themed to match the special event and should include all of the information needed for that day (date, time, place, attire, etc.)
Bride's Thank You Cards / Personal Stationery
During the months leading up to a wedding, there are ample opportunities for a bride to send out personal thank you cards. This might be in response to bridal shower gifts or even just a helpful friend. This is generally the last set of stationery that a bride will use with her maiden name, so this set of cards should be designed to be as fun and elaborate as she wishes.
For the Wedding
Wedding Invitation Set
The wedding invitation is a card or set of cards that formally invites a person, couple, or family to a wedding. They are typically mailed out 6-10 weeks prior to the event date. Wedding invitations can be as simple as one invitation sent in a hand-addressed envelope or as detailed as a set of embellished matching cards sent out in a presentation box. The level of formality and detail really all depends on the couple's event, style, taste, and budget.
• Invitation: This card is the formal portion of the set and informs the guests of the details pertaining to the ceremony itself. Couples generally choose wording that flows well with their distinct personalities, the level of formality of their event, or the event's theme. This wording will let the guests know who is hosting the event, the names of the bride and groom, plus the details of the ceremony (date, year, time, venue, city, and state). If the reception is held in the same venue, a line is usually printed at the bottom of the invitation that states "Reception to immediately follow" or something similar.
• Reception Card: A reception card is generally used if the wedding reception does not immediately follow the ceremony or if the guests will need to travel to a different location. The card will list the address of the new location, the time that the event begins, and any details about the reception itself (cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, etc.)
• Wedding Website Card: A wedding website card notifies the guests of a couple's wedding website. These are very popular for destination weddings, as it allows the couple to post their detailed and current travel and accommodations information on the website. Guests can then easily access their webpage to find everything in one place. Guests can also visit the wedding website after the event has passed to view any wedding photos that the couple posts following their big day.
• Weekend Events Insert: This card lets the guests know if there are other activities planned prior to or following the wedding ceremony and reception. This could include such events as a Welcome Party, a Golf Outing, a Wedding Day Luncheon, a Late Night Barbeque, or a Goodbye Brunch. Generally, the specifics of each event are listed with it so that your guests can plan their travels accordingly.
• Travel Information Insert: This insert contains any pertinent travel information for the guests, including directions to a hotel, from an airport, or to a reception venue.
• Accommodations Insert: This insert informs the guests of the couple's hotel and lodging recommendations. This is a great way to notify and instruct the guests on any type of room blocks or discounts that are reserved with a specific hotel.
• Map Insert: Maps sometimes accompany a directional insert and are helpful for guests that are unfamiliar with an area. This provides even more detail about the wedding and reception location and could also include the locations for other venues being used for weekend activities.
• Response Card (with envelope): This card is used to gather information from your guests. The amount and type of information that a couple gathers is up to them and could be as simple as just asking whether the guests are attending or not. Couples that are hosting a large wedding or an entire weekend of activities prior to and following the wedding might want to make their planning easier by asking for more information, such as: the number attending, a choice of entrée, what day the guests are arriving, where they are staying, whether they will attend any of the extra activities that are planned, etc. These details are quite helpful when finalizing plans with caterers and vendors. A response date is determined by the couple; this date guides the guests and informs them by when to reply. Inevitably, there will be some who do not send it back on time. Generally, a quick phone call will solve this problem.
Rehearsal Dinner/Welcome Party Invitations
Rehearsal dinner or welcome party invitations can either match the style of the wedding, or they can take on a look of their own, so as not to upstage the wedding invitations. If an event is being held at a themed restaurant such as Italian, Moroccan, or Greek, the invitations can reflect that theme with colors and style. All information pertaining to the event itself should be included, such as date, time, place, and location. It is also helpful to include directional information for your guests in case they are not familiar with the area. These invitations are generally mailed out after the wedding invitations and 3-4 weeks prior to the wedding.
Ceremonial Wedding Programs
A wedding program is a wonderful way of including and informing your guests of your order of ceremony, plus it provides them with a beautiful and memorable keepsake from your big day. These can range from very simple to very elaborate with the amount of information that is included. The purpose of a program is to let the guests know the exact order of the ceremony, but it can also acknowledge those friends and family that are particularly special to the couple.
The basic information includes the couple's names, wedding date, ceremony location, and order of events. Additional information that could be added to make the program even more memorable could be: the names, relationships, and bios of the bridal party, special quotes or poems, family history, name of the officiant, directions to the reception, a thank you to the guests, "in memory of" tributes to loved ones who have passed, and a thank you to the hosts of the wedding.
Reception Menus
A reception menu is generally placed at the plate of each guest in attendance and informs them of the details of the meal they are about to enjoy. These can be as simple or as elaborate as the couple would like. Adding details to the names of the dishes not only gives your guests something to read and discuss with the other people while waiting, but also adds to their lovely set of keepsakes from your wedding.
Escort Cards
An escort card escorts your guests to their designated table. These are generally placed somewhere near the main entrance to your reception room. Guests look for their names, pick up their card, and take it to their table. These are a wonderful way with which to carry on your wedding theme, as they can be styled and decorated to match the rest of your wedding stationery. Escort cards can also be combined with the wedding favors so that they serve two purposes!
Place Cards
Place cards are placed at the seat of each guest and inform him or her where to sit. Place cards are also a great way to signify to the servers the guest's choice of entrée. This can be done subtly with varying colors, embellishments, or symbols. These cards can also be combined with the wedding favors, so guests would not only know where to sit, they would also have a small gift waiting for them with their name on it!
Table Cards
A table card is used to identify the table to your guests, so that when they pick up their escort card, they can immediately recognize a table card that matches it. Traditionally, tables are numbered, but couples can also be more creative with their naming system by using flowers, sea shells, places traveled, pet names, and more.
Wedding Guestbook/Scrapbook
A wedding guestbook gives guests an area in which to leave their best wishes and congratulations. These books can range from basic sign-in books to elaborate wedding scrapbooks, which hold not only the guests creativity, but also candid wedding photos, keepsakes, and wedding memorabilia. When all is said and done, this is one of the most treasured keepsakes a bride and groom will have in their collection.
After the Wedding
Thank You Cards
Thank you cards are the perfect way to let your guests know that you appreciated their attendance to your wedding and any gifts that you may have received from them. This is also the couple's first stationery that includes their newly shared last name. When designed to match the rest of the wedding stationery, these are a wonderful way to finish out your guest's collection of keepsakes from your wedding. Combined with their save the date, formal invitation, program, menu, and wedding favor, the personalized collection is a gift in itself!
Wedding Announcements
Wedding announcements are generally needed for couples who hosted a small and intimate wedding and were not able to invite all of their family and friends. Announcements are only mailed to family and friends who were not invited to the wedding. These announcements inform people of the couple's recent marriage and they are generally sent out the same day as the ceremony or the following mailing day (if married on a Sunday). Wedding announcements should include the day, month, and year on which the ceremony took place and also the name of the city and state.
Personal Stationery
After the wedding is over, personal stationery for the married couple is a nice gift, either ordered by the bride and groom for themselves, or given as a gift from a loved one. This stationery generally does not match the couple's wedding theme and takes on a style that represents the newly married couple and their new life together.
Listed below is a brief overview of each piece of stationery that a bride or couple might need for their big day. This is one of the most important experiences of a couple's life, so get involved and really enjoy it. Stick with traditions or throw them to the side; the main thing is to have fun, be creative, and really put your personality into it!
Before the Wedding
Engagement Announcements/Party Invitations
Hosting an engagement party is a great way to announce the big news to your friends and family and include them in your celebration. Engagement party invitations can take on a style of their own and do not need to reflect the colors or theme of a couple's upcoming wedding, as most couples will not know these details at this early point in time. When considering the wording of the invitation for your engagement party, it is nice to include some of the actual engagement details (be creative!), then lead into the party specifics. Be sure to include all of the information that pertains to the event itself, such as the date, time, place, city, state, and attire request, if any. If you have had your engagement photos taken, it is nice to include one of these with the invitation or announcement. Be sure to only invite those guests who you plan to invite to the wedding.
Save the Date Cards
A "Save the Date" is a card that is mailed to and informs your guests ahead of time of your chosen wedding date. This also signifies to the guest(s) that they are invited to attend your event and should "save the date". This allows for your guests to make preparations in advance so that they are able to attend your event.
Generally, this information is mailed out 6-12 months prior to the wedding and is in the form of a card, but Save the Dates can also be in a more creative form of a magnetic keepsake, which guests can remove and hang on display until the formal invitations arrive months later. If the bride and groom have their invitation colors or theme chosen already, it is a nice touch to have the Save the Dates coordinate with those colors or theme. This is a hint of what is to come when the formal invitation is mailed.
The amount of information that is included with a couple's Save the Date is dependent on how much they know at that point. Sometimes they send only the basics involved with the upcoming wedding, such as the date, the location, city and state. For destination weddings where the guests will be traveling a far distance, it is recommended that the couple send as much information as possible to allow the guests to make their travel arrangements ahead of time. This information could include, but is not limited to, travel, accommodations, activities, times, events, and more.
Formal wedding invitations are then mailed 6-10 weeks before the wedding, which gives all of the information pertinent to the big day.
Bridal Shower Invitations
Bridal shower invitations generally hint at the shower's theme or colors and include all of the information pertaining to the party, such as date, time, place, and location. Hosts may also include small "memories" or "wishes" cards, which can then be presented to the bride as a collective gift from the group.
Bachelorette (Bachelor) Party Invitations
Bachelorette parties are tons of fun and usually have some sort of a theme to them. Carry this theme through to your invitations and get creatively funky with the designs! Invitations can be wild, vivid colors and should be a wonderfully fun keepsake for the bride (or groom) and her/his closest friends. These would contain all of the information that is needed for the actual bachelorette/bachelor party (date, time, place, etc.), plus any additional information needed for the party goers (travel, accommodations, instructions, etc.) This is (usually) a once in a lifetime experience, so go all out!
Bridesmaids' / Groomsmen's Day Invitations
The bridal party is generally an intimate group of your closest friends or family and an important part of your big day. A nice way to show your appreciation for their love and support is to host a special luncheon or outing for them. This could be anything from a girl's day at the spa to a boy's day on the golf course. Invitations can be colored and themed to match the special event and should include all of the information needed for that day (date, time, place, attire, etc.)
Bride's Thank You Cards / Personal Stationery
During the months leading up to a wedding, there are ample opportunities for a bride to send out personal thank you cards. This might be in response to bridal shower gifts or even just a helpful friend. This is generally the last set of stationery that a bride will use with her maiden name, so this set of cards should be designed to be as fun and elaborate as she wishes.
For the Wedding
Wedding Invitation Set
The wedding invitation is a card or set of cards that formally invites a person, couple, or family to a wedding. They are typically mailed out 6-10 weeks prior to the event date. Wedding invitations can be as simple as one invitation sent in a hand-addressed envelope or as detailed as a set of embellished matching cards sent out in a presentation box. The level of formality and detail really all depends on the couple's event, style, taste, and budget.
• Invitation: This card is the formal portion of the set and informs the guests of the details pertaining to the ceremony itself. Couples generally choose wording that flows well with their distinct personalities, the level of formality of their event, or the event's theme. This wording will let the guests know who is hosting the event, the names of the bride and groom, plus the details of the ceremony (date, year, time, venue, city, and state). If the reception is held in the same venue, a line is usually printed at the bottom of the invitation that states "Reception to immediately follow" or something similar.
• Reception Card: A reception card is generally used if the wedding reception does not immediately follow the ceremony or if the guests will need to travel to a different location. The card will list the address of the new location, the time that the event begins, and any details about the reception itself (cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, etc.)
• Wedding Website Card: A wedding website card notifies the guests of a couple's wedding website. These are very popular for destination weddings, as it allows the couple to post their detailed and current travel and accommodations information on the website. Guests can then easily access their webpage to find everything in one place. Guests can also visit the wedding website after the event has passed to view any wedding photos that the couple posts following their big day.
• Weekend Events Insert: This card lets the guests know if there are other activities planned prior to or following the wedding ceremony and reception. This could include such events as a Welcome Party, a Golf Outing, a Wedding Day Luncheon, a Late Night Barbeque, or a Goodbye Brunch. Generally, the specifics of each event are listed with it so that your guests can plan their travels accordingly.
• Travel Information Insert: This insert contains any pertinent travel information for the guests, including directions to a hotel, from an airport, or to a reception venue.
• Accommodations Insert: This insert informs the guests of the couple's hotel and lodging recommendations. This is a great way to notify and instruct the guests on any type of room blocks or discounts that are reserved with a specific hotel.
• Map Insert: Maps sometimes accompany a directional insert and are helpful for guests that are unfamiliar with an area. This provides even more detail about the wedding and reception location and could also include the locations for other venues being used for weekend activities.
• Response Card (with envelope): This card is used to gather information from your guests. The amount and type of information that a couple gathers is up to them and could be as simple as just asking whether the guests are attending or not. Couples that are hosting a large wedding or an entire weekend of activities prior to and following the wedding might want to make their planning easier by asking for more information, such as: the number attending, a choice of entrée, what day the guests are arriving, where they are staying, whether they will attend any of the extra activities that are planned, etc. These details are quite helpful when finalizing plans with caterers and vendors. A response date is determined by the couple; this date guides the guests and informs them by when to reply. Inevitably, there will be some who do not send it back on time. Generally, a quick phone call will solve this problem.
Rehearsal Dinner/Welcome Party Invitations
Rehearsal dinner or welcome party invitations can either match the style of the wedding, or they can take on a look of their own, so as not to upstage the wedding invitations. If an event is being held at a themed restaurant such as Italian, Moroccan, or Greek, the invitations can reflect that theme with colors and style. All information pertaining to the event itself should be included, such as date, time, place, and location. It is also helpful to include directional information for your guests in case they are not familiar with the area. These invitations are generally mailed out after the wedding invitations and 3-4 weeks prior to the wedding.
Ceremonial Wedding Programs
A wedding program is a wonderful way of including and informing your guests of your order of ceremony, plus it provides them with a beautiful and memorable keepsake from your big day. These can range from very simple to very elaborate with the amount of information that is included. The purpose of a program is to let the guests know the exact order of the ceremony, but it can also acknowledge those friends and family that are particularly special to the couple.
The basic information includes the couple's names, wedding date, ceremony location, and order of events. Additional information that could be added to make the program even more memorable could be: the names, relationships, and bios of the bridal party, special quotes or poems, family history, name of the officiant, directions to the reception, a thank you to the guests, "in memory of" tributes to loved ones who have passed, and a thank you to the hosts of the wedding.
Reception Menus
A reception menu is generally placed at the plate of each guest in attendance and informs them of the details of the meal they are about to enjoy. These can be as simple or as elaborate as the couple would like. Adding details to the names of the dishes not only gives your guests something to read and discuss with the other people while waiting, but also adds to their lovely set of keepsakes from your wedding.
Escort Cards
An escort card escorts your guests to their designated table. These are generally placed somewhere near the main entrance to your reception room. Guests look for their names, pick up their card, and take it to their table. These are a wonderful way with which to carry on your wedding theme, as they can be styled and decorated to match the rest of your wedding stationery. Escort cards can also be combined with the wedding favors so that they serve two purposes!
Place Cards
Place cards are placed at the seat of each guest and inform him or her where to sit. Place cards are also a great way to signify to the servers the guest's choice of entrée. This can be done subtly with varying colors, embellishments, or symbols. These cards can also be combined with the wedding favors, so guests would not only know where to sit, they would also have a small gift waiting for them with their name on it!
Table Cards
A table card is used to identify the table to your guests, so that when they pick up their escort card, they can immediately recognize a table card that matches it. Traditionally, tables are numbered, but couples can also be more creative with their naming system by using flowers, sea shells, places traveled, pet names, and more.
Wedding Guestbook/Scrapbook
A wedding guestbook gives guests an area in which to leave their best wishes and congratulations. These books can range from basic sign-in books to elaborate wedding scrapbooks, which hold not only the guests creativity, but also candid wedding photos, keepsakes, and wedding memorabilia. When all is said and done, this is one of the most treasured keepsakes a bride and groom will have in their collection.
After the Wedding
Thank You Cards
Thank you cards are the perfect way to let your guests know that you appreciated their attendance to your wedding and any gifts that you may have received from them. This is also the couple's first stationery that includes their newly shared last name. When designed to match the rest of the wedding stationery, these are a wonderful way to finish out your guest's collection of keepsakes from your wedding. Combined with their save the date, formal invitation, program, menu, and wedding favor, the personalized collection is a gift in itself!
Wedding Announcements
Wedding announcements are generally needed for couples who hosted a small and intimate wedding and were not able to invite all of their family and friends. Announcements are only mailed to family and friends who were not invited to the wedding. These announcements inform people of the couple's recent marriage and they are generally sent out the same day as the ceremony or the following mailing day (if married on a Sunday). Wedding announcements should include the day, month, and year on which the ceremony took place and also the name of the city and state.
Personal Stationery
After the wedding is over, personal stationery for the married couple is a nice gift, either ordered by the bride and groom for themselves, or given as a gift from a loved one. This stationery generally does not match the couple's wedding theme and takes on a style that represents the newly married couple and their new life together.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Art Deco Tower Ray Wedding Invitations
This beautiful and elegant design, called Art Deco Tower Ray Wedding,
has a black background. In the center there are rays of sunlight and an
art deco tower in a bronze color. Below that on the front is a diamond
to frame your initials. Your text goes on the back.
Art Deco Tower Ray Wedding Custom Announcement by NoteableExpressions
Look at Art deco wedding Invitations online at Zazzle.com
Art Deco Tower Ray Wedding Custom Announcement by NoteableExpressions
Look at Art deco wedding Invitations online at Zazzle.com
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Blue and Silver Plumeria Wedding Invitation
This elegant invitation set has a beautiful blue background and a silver
or grey toned plumeria at the top right corner and the lower left
corner. It also has a thin classic border frame around the outside. Your
customizable text goes in the center in silver grey.
Wedding Traditions and Trivia
Traditions and customs... weddings are filled with them. "Something old, something blue..." and all that stuff! It's more than just trivia; Have you ever stopped to wonder what on earth all of these wedding traditions and rituals actually mean and where or how they originated?
Most of these rituals and traditions have endured the test of time, having emerged centuries ago. How fascinating is that? How is it that they survive?
These wedding traditions and customs have historically been maintained over the years and handed down through the centuries because such traditions carry with them the promise that they will bring happiness and good fortune to the couple at this transitional time in their life - and who could be brave enough to tamper with that?
But more than this, by including wedding traditions, customs, or rituals in your wedding, you can make it more meaningful by choosing traditions that speak to you in some personal way. It's almost magical to include traditions and customs in your wedding that date back hundreds of years, knowing that couples for generation upon generation before you have included the same rituals in their weddings. These traditions are the thread that ties us to history. They are like a gift from the past. Including some of these wedding traditions in your wedding will enhance your wedding experience, and at the very least, reading about them will fascinate, amaze, and maybe even amuse you...
Did you know that:
For centuries the month of June has been the most popular choice for weddings - but the original reason might surprise you. You see, during the 1400 -1500s, May was the month in which the "annual bath" occurred. Yes, just as it sounds, back then people were only able to bathe thoroughly once each year. As such, since the over-all population was smelling relatively fresh in June, it was a good time to hold a special event like a wedding! Further, the month of June is named after the goddess Juno, who was the Roman counterpart to Hera, the goddess of the hearth and home, and patron of wives.
Ancient tradition thought it was unlucky to marry in the month of May because in Romans times the Feast of the Dead and the Festival of the Goddess of Chastity both occurred in May.
To practice writing your new name prior to the wedding (and what bride doesn't do this?) is believed to tempt fate and thus, is also believed to result in bad luck during the marriage!
According to an old legend, the month in which you marry may have some bearing on the fate of the marriage:
"Married when the year is new, he'll be loving, kind and true;
When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate;
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know;
Marry in April when you can, joy for Maiden and for Man;
Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day;
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you will go;
Those who in July do wed, must labor for their daily bred;
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see;
Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine;
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry;
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember;
When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last".
It was thought that misfortune would come to those who married during lent - "Marry in Lent, live to repent" - because lent was a time for abstinence.
The tradition for the bride to wear white began in the 16th century and is still commonly followed today. This is a symbol of the bride's purity and her worthiness of her groom. The tradition became solidified during the time of Queen Victoria who rebelled against the royal tradition for Royal brides to wear silver. Instead, the queen preferred the symbolism which is expressed by wearing white. The brides of the time quickly emulated the queen, and the tradition has continued in full force to this day.
There is an old saying that "the bride wore a green gown". This implies the belief that she was promiscuous before marriage and refers to the image of her rolling around in grassy fields with a young man.
Traditionally brides have been thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits. Many wedding customs and traditions were originated as an attempt to fight away such evil. The veil was worn with the belief that it would disguise the bride and fool the evil spirits. It was not until 1800 in Britain that the veil came to symbolize modesty and chastity. Today, the veil remains the ultimate symbol of virginity.
It is believed to be bad luck for the bride to wear her complete outfit before the wedding day. As an extension to this, some brides leave a final stitch on the dress undone until the day of the wedding for good luck.
The tradition of tying tin cans to the back of the newlywed's vehicle originated long ago when items which would produce noise were tied to the back of the couple's carriage to scare away evil spirits.
Cakes have played a part of weddings all through history. The Romans shared a plain cake of flour, salt and water during the wedding ceremony itself, as Native Americans still do today. The traditional fruit cake originated in Britain, with the fruit and nuts being a symbol of fertility.
Cutting the wedding cake together, still a predominant ritual at weddings, symbolizes the couple's unity, their shared future, and their life together as one.
In old England it was traditional to bake a ring into the wedding cake as a symbol of bliss and happiness. The guest whose piece of cake contained the ring, it was said, could look forward to a full year of uninterrupted happiness.
The custom of throwing rice at the newlywed couple was to symbolize fertility. In some cultures, it was not rice which was thrown, but rather small cakes or pieces of a crumbled cake. Today some still throw rice, but more commonly confetti or rose petals are thrown in place of rice due to a number of practical and environmental reasons - the symbolism remains the same! [Rice can be hazardous and often fatal to birds who frequently attempt to eat it off the ground. It is also very easy to slip upon, presenting potential for injury.]
It is customary, near the end of the reception, for the single female guests to gather around the bride who will throw her bouquet over her shoulder for one of them to catch. Originally, the bride would actually throw one of her shoes over her shoulder during this ritual. Tradition says that whoever catches the bouquet shall be the next to marry. She keeps the bouquet to ensure this destiny.
A parallel custom is for the groom to remove the garter worn by the bride and throw it back over his shoulder toward the unmarried male guests. Whoever catches it will reportedly be the next gentleman to marry.
"Something old, something new, Something borrowed, Something blue, And a silver sixpence in your shoe". This well known little rhyme originated during Victorian times and is still commonly practiced for good luck. Traditionally, the "old" would have been the garter of a happily married woman, with the thought being that her good fortune would be passed down along with it. The "new" stood for the couple's new bright and happy future together. "Something borrowed" was usually a much valued item from the bride's family. It symbolized prosperity within the new union, but would bring that good fortune only if it was returned to the family. "Something blue" came from an ancient tradition in which the bride would wear a blue ribbon in her hair as a symbol for fidelity. Placing a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe was to ensure wealth in the couple's life. Today brides often slip a penny inside their shoe before the ceremony in place of the difficult to acquire silver sixpence. As such, the rhyme is often adapted to "...And a lucky penny in your shoe".
Most of these rituals and traditions have endured the test of time, having emerged centuries ago. How fascinating is that? How is it that they survive?
These wedding traditions and customs have historically been maintained over the years and handed down through the centuries because such traditions carry with them the promise that they will bring happiness and good fortune to the couple at this transitional time in their life - and who could be brave enough to tamper with that?
But more than this, by including wedding traditions, customs, or rituals in your wedding, you can make it more meaningful by choosing traditions that speak to you in some personal way. It's almost magical to include traditions and customs in your wedding that date back hundreds of years, knowing that couples for generation upon generation before you have included the same rituals in their weddings. These traditions are the thread that ties us to history. They are like a gift from the past. Including some of these wedding traditions in your wedding will enhance your wedding experience, and at the very least, reading about them will fascinate, amaze, and maybe even amuse you...
Did you know that:
For centuries the month of June has been the most popular choice for weddings - but the original reason might surprise you. You see, during the 1400 -1500s, May was the month in which the "annual bath" occurred. Yes, just as it sounds, back then people were only able to bathe thoroughly once each year. As such, since the over-all population was smelling relatively fresh in June, it was a good time to hold a special event like a wedding! Further, the month of June is named after the goddess Juno, who was the Roman counterpart to Hera, the goddess of the hearth and home, and patron of wives.
Ancient tradition thought it was unlucky to marry in the month of May because in Romans times the Feast of the Dead and the Festival of the Goddess of Chastity both occurred in May.
To practice writing your new name prior to the wedding (and what bride doesn't do this?) is believed to tempt fate and thus, is also believed to result in bad luck during the marriage!
According to an old legend, the month in which you marry may have some bearing on the fate of the marriage:
"Married when the year is new, he'll be loving, kind and true;
When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate;
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know;
Marry in April when you can, joy for Maiden and for Man;
Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day;
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you will go;
Those who in July do wed, must labor for their daily bred;
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see;
Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine;
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry;
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember;
When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last".
It was thought that misfortune would come to those who married during lent - "Marry in Lent, live to repent" - because lent was a time for abstinence.
The tradition for the bride to wear white began in the 16th century and is still commonly followed today. This is a symbol of the bride's purity and her worthiness of her groom. The tradition became solidified during the time of Queen Victoria who rebelled against the royal tradition for Royal brides to wear silver. Instead, the queen preferred the symbolism which is expressed by wearing white. The brides of the time quickly emulated the queen, and the tradition has continued in full force to this day.
There is an old saying that "the bride wore a green gown". This implies the belief that she was promiscuous before marriage and refers to the image of her rolling around in grassy fields with a young man.
Traditionally brides have been thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits. Many wedding customs and traditions were originated as an attempt to fight away such evil. The veil was worn with the belief that it would disguise the bride and fool the evil spirits. It was not until 1800 in Britain that the veil came to symbolize modesty and chastity. Today, the veil remains the ultimate symbol of virginity.
It is believed to be bad luck for the bride to wear her complete outfit before the wedding day. As an extension to this, some brides leave a final stitch on the dress undone until the day of the wedding for good luck.
The tradition of tying tin cans to the back of the newlywed's vehicle originated long ago when items which would produce noise were tied to the back of the couple's carriage to scare away evil spirits.
Cakes have played a part of weddings all through history. The Romans shared a plain cake of flour, salt and water during the wedding ceremony itself, as Native Americans still do today. The traditional fruit cake originated in Britain, with the fruit and nuts being a symbol of fertility.
Cutting the wedding cake together, still a predominant ritual at weddings, symbolizes the couple's unity, their shared future, and their life together as one.
In old England it was traditional to bake a ring into the wedding cake as a symbol of bliss and happiness. The guest whose piece of cake contained the ring, it was said, could look forward to a full year of uninterrupted happiness.
The custom of throwing rice at the newlywed couple was to symbolize fertility. In some cultures, it was not rice which was thrown, but rather small cakes or pieces of a crumbled cake. Today some still throw rice, but more commonly confetti or rose petals are thrown in place of rice due to a number of practical and environmental reasons - the symbolism remains the same! [Rice can be hazardous and often fatal to birds who frequently attempt to eat it off the ground. It is also very easy to slip upon, presenting potential for injury.]
It is customary, near the end of the reception, for the single female guests to gather around the bride who will throw her bouquet over her shoulder for one of them to catch. Originally, the bride would actually throw one of her shoes over her shoulder during this ritual. Tradition says that whoever catches the bouquet shall be the next to marry. She keeps the bouquet to ensure this destiny.
A parallel custom is for the groom to remove the garter worn by the bride and throw it back over his shoulder toward the unmarried male guests. Whoever catches it will reportedly be the next gentleman to marry.
"Something old, something new, Something borrowed, Something blue, And a silver sixpence in your shoe". This well known little rhyme originated during Victorian times and is still commonly practiced for good luck. Traditionally, the "old" would have been the garter of a happily married woman, with the thought being that her good fortune would be passed down along with it. The "new" stood for the couple's new bright and happy future together. "Something borrowed" was usually a much valued item from the bride's family. It symbolized prosperity within the new union, but would bring that good fortune only if it was returned to the family. "Something blue" came from an ancient tradition in which the bride would wear a blue ribbon in her hair as a symbol for fidelity. Placing a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe was to ensure wealth in the couple's life. Today brides often slip a penny inside their shoe before the ceremony in place of the difficult to acquire silver sixpence. As such, the rhyme is often adapted to "...And a lucky penny in your shoe".
Monday, March 11, 2013
Art Deco Tower Wedding Invitation
Predicted to continue as a popular wedding trend is the art deco theme.
This design has a black background with a bronze colored border.
Centered at the top is an art deco detail of a tower in bronze.
Art Deco Tower Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Find other Art deco wedding Invitations at zazzle.com
Art Deco Tower Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Find other Art deco wedding Invitations at zazzle.com
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Who Gets a Wedding Gift?
As your wedding draws near, you've undoubtedly felt a glimmer of anticipation at the thought of the mountain of gifts you are likely to receive from guests and well-wishers on your wedding day. Kind of makes you feel like a kid at Christmas time, no?
But what about all those fine folks to whom you, as the bride and groom, need to give gifts? Yes, that's right - in case you've forgotten, apart from being the recipient of gifts as your wedding approaches, proper etiquette requires that you'll need to give a few, too.
Put your most gracious foot forward and show your appreciation to every individual who deserves it with a clear-cut gift giving guide. Read on to ensure that you don't overlook anyone who should be on your gift list. And if you start feeling a little frustrated and exhausted at the mere thought of having to shop for gifts, worry not -- I've got some excellent tips and ideas which will take the guess work out of gift giving, making it much easier than you likely ever imagined it could be.
Who Gets a Gift?
Attendants
Tradition requires that you acknowledge each of your bridal party attendants with a thoughtful gift of appreciation for their time, effort, and participation. This means you will need to purchase gifts for the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, honor attendants, flower girl, ring bearer, page boys if you have them, junior bridesmaids, and anyone else who is part of the bridal party. Remember that the members of your bridal party incur costs, invest time, and sometimes even work hard to be a part of your wedding - a gracious bride and groom knows to treat them with kindness and gratitude.
Parents
Unfortunately, in this busy hustle bustle world, more and more couples are forgetting about a very special set of people who are very deserving of gifts of love and appreciation on the wedding day - their parents! Children of all ages sometimes have a habit of taking their parents for granted and failing to appreciate them. Regrettably, many couples make this same mistake even at a time as special as a wedding. It is traditional to present your parents with a gift of appreciation on, or very near, your wedding day - and it is also an important show of consideration and respect. Don't be neglectful - honor them with a gift which communicates the affection you feel for them, and let's them know that they remain an important part of your world, even now, that you are all grown up and starting a brand new life as a married person.
Hosts / Hostesses of Parties & Showers
Good manners require you to present a gift of appreciation to any individual who has been thoughtful, gracious, and generous enough to host a celebration in your honor. This includes events like engagement parties and bridal showers, as well as any other gathering at which you are the honored guests. You can approach this in one of two ways: Bring along a gift to present to the host/hostess either when you arrive at the event, at some point during the festivities, or at the conclusion of the celebration; or, send a gift, along with a note of thanks, immediately following the party or shower (no later than one week after). Either way, be sure to verbally thank your host/hostess for his or her hospitality and kindness on the day of the event as well.
Special Helpers
At any wedding, there are bound to be people who have gone out of their way to provide their assistance, or who have given generously of themselves, either at your request, or without ever being asked. Of course, we are not referring to hired service providers who are being paid, but rather, to Aunt Sally who insisted on baking your wedding cake. Or your crafty cousin Katie who enthusiastically agreed to help make your bouquets and floral decorations. Or your mother's best friend Maimie who offered to arrive at the reception hall hours before the event in order to put her decorating talents to good use. These helpful souls are all well deserving of an expression of your appreciation, so select a special gift to let them know their effort and kindness has not gone un-noticed.
Special Guests
You may have certain extra-special guests at your wedding who have earned this title either because they have put in considerable effort to be in attendance, or because they hold a very special place in your life or in your heart. It may be fitting to express your fondness for them by honoring them on this very special day, just as you will do for your parents. Your old room mate and her husband from Detroit, who have driven 2000 miles in sweltering July heat, may be worthy of a welcome gift when they arrive. Think along the lines of a gift basket or a bottle of wine. A childhood nanny who holds a special spot in your heart, a special aunt or uncle, Godparent, or grandparent.... All of precious people may be worthy of a gift which says "you matter" on this important right of passage in your life.
Wedding Guests
Wedding guests get gifts too? You bet! They're called favors, and they are small token gifts traditionally given by the bride and groom to say "thanks for taking the time out of your busy lives to be here on our wedding day!".
Last But Not Least...Each other!
Had you thought of that? Don't feel bad if it hadn't occurred to you - sometimes we are all so oblivious to the obvious! It's not uncommon for couples to get so caught up in all of the "ins and outs" of wedding planning, that they forget this is a gift-giving occasion to be shared by the two of them!
But then, the big question... What in heaven's name do you get for the love of your life on this most important of all occasions? Many brides and grooms struggle with this very dilemma. Of course, it has to be something extra special... and very romantic... but somehow the ideas just don't seem to flow.
Your gifts to one another should be of a very long lasting nature - something with solid 'keepsake' value. A pair of socks or some kitchen gadget may be fine beneath the Christmas tree, but you'll want to shoot for something with a little more impact on your wedding day.
But what about all those fine folks to whom you, as the bride and groom, need to give gifts? Yes, that's right - in case you've forgotten, apart from being the recipient of gifts as your wedding approaches, proper etiquette requires that you'll need to give a few, too.
Put your most gracious foot forward and show your appreciation to every individual who deserves it with a clear-cut gift giving guide. Read on to ensure that you don't overlook anyone who should be on your gift list. And if you start feeling a little frustrated and exhausted at the mere thought of having to shop for gifts, worry not -- I've got some excellent tips and ideas which will take the guess work out of gift giving, making it much easier than you likely ever imagined it could be.
Who Gets a Gift?
Attendants
Tradition requires that you acknowledge each of your bridal party attendants with a thoughtful gift of appreciation for their time, effort, and participation. This means you will need to purchase gifts for the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, honor attendants, flower girl, ring bearer, page boys if you have them, junior bridesmaids, and anyone else who is part of the bridal party. Remember that the members of your bridal party incur costs, invest time, and sometimes even work hard to be a part of your wedding - a gracious bride and groom knows to treat them with kindness and gratitude.
Parents
Unfortunately, in this busy hustle bustle world, more and more couples are forgetting about a very special set of people who are very deserving of gifts of love and appreciation on the wedding day - their parents! Children of all ages sometimes have a habit of taking their parents for granted and failing to appreciate them. Regrettably, many couples make this same mistake even at a time as special as a wedding. It is traditional to present your parents with a gift of appreciation on, or very near, your wedding day - and it is also an important show of consideration and respect. Don't be neglectful - honor them with a gift which communicates the affection you feel for them, and let's them know that they remain an important part of your world, even now, that you are all grown up and starting a brand new life as a married person.
Hosts / Hostesses of Parties & Showers
Good manners require you to present a gift of appreciation to any individual who has been thoughtful, gracious, and generous enough to host a celebration in your honor. This includes events like engagement parties and bridal showers, as well as any other gathering at which you are the honored guests. You can approach this in one of two ways: Bring along a gift to present to the host/hostess either when you arrive at the event, at some point during the festivities, or at the conclusion of the celebration; or, send a gift, along with a note of thanks, immediately following the party or shower (no later than one week after). Either way, be sure to verbally thank your host/hostess for his or her hospitality and kindness on the day of the event as well.
Special Helpers
At any wedding, there are bound to be people who have gone out of their way to provide their assistance, or who have given generously of themselves, either at your request, or without ever being asked. Of course, we are not referring to hired service providers who are being paid, but rather, to Aunt Sally who insisted on baking your wedding cake. Or your crafty cousin Katie who enthusiastically agreed to help make your bouquets and floral decorations. Or your mother's best friend Maimie who offered to arrive at the reception hall hours before the event in order to put her decorating talents to good use. These helpful souls are all well deserving of an expression of your appreciation, so select a special gift to let them know their effort and kindness has not gone un-noticed.
Special Guests
You may have certain extra-special guests at your wedding who have earned this title either because they have put in considerable effort to be in attendance, or because they hold a very special place in your life or in your heart. It may be fitting to express your fondness for them by honoring them on this very special day, just as you will do for your parents. Your old room mate and her husband from Detroit, who have driven 2000 miles in sweltering July heat, may be worthy of a welcome gift when they arrive. Think along the lines of a gift basket or a bottle of wine. A childhood nanny who holds a special spot in your heart, a special aunt or uncle, Godparent, or grandparent.... All of precious people may be worthy of a gift which says "you matter" on this important right of passage in your life.
Wedding Guests
Wedding guests get gifts too? You bet! They're called favors, and they are small token gifts traditionally given by the bride and groom to say "thanks for taking the time out of your busy lives to be here on our wedding day!".
Last But Not Least...Each other!
Had you thought of that? Don't feel bad if it hadn't occurred to you - sometimes we are all so oblivious to the obvious! It's not uncommon for couples to get so caught up in all of the "ins and outs" of wedding planning, that they forget this is a gift-giving occasion to be shared by the two of them!
But then, the big question... What in heaven's name do you get for the love of your life on this most important of all occasions? Many brides and grooms struggle with this very dilemma. Of course, it has to be something extra special... and very romantic... but somehow the ideas just don't seem to flow.
Your gifts to one another should be of a very long lasting nature - something with solid 'keepsake' value. A pair of socks or some kitchen gadget may be fine beneath the Christmas tree, but you'll want to shoot for something with a little more impact on your wedding day.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Art Deco Delight Wedding Invitation
Predicted to continue as a popular wedding trend is the art deco theme.
This design has a gray background with a purple and green border.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
How to Honor a Deceased Loved One at Your Wedding
Question: Five months ago my dad whom I was extremely close to passed away at the young age of 52. I am looking for a very special yet unique idea as to how to honor him at my wedding. Any suggestions would be of great help because I am not sure what to do when one of the most important people that is supposed to be at the wedding is not going to be there. I am 22 years old if that helps with the ideas, and he was my best friend. Oh, and what about the father-daughter dance??? Thanks ~ Erica
NEAnswer: Its wonderful that you are intending to honor your dad at your wedding in order to make him a part of your day, and to serve as a reminder that his spirit is there with you.
1. For starters, you'll want to mention his name on your wedding invitation (example: Erica, daughter of Mrs.__________and the late Mr.________ ).
2. You might want to include a framed photo of him at the guest sign-in table at the reception to honor him and keep him remembered on the bid day.
3. Mention him in your after-dinner speech (if you intend to make one).
4. Make an "In Memory of" notation in your wedding ceremony program (towards the end) and include a brief one or two line verse about how athough he is no longer here in physical form, his presence remains with you, or something equally appropriate.
5. If he passed away of a particular cause, you might want to make a donation in each of your guests names to support the cause instead of giving away traditional wedding favors. Give each guest a printed piece of paper that says, "In Memory of ______________, a donation has been made to the American Heart Association in your name".
6. A growing trend is to include a photo charm in your bridal bouquet - it's a beautiful way to incorporate your loved one's memory into your special day. If you would like to see my selection of photo charms visit Noteable Expressions.
In regards to the father-daughter dance, keep in mind that not every bride does this at her wedding. Today, there are plenty of brides out there who didn't grow up with fathers in their lives, for one reason or another, so they simply eliminate the daughter-father dance. But if you prefer, if you have someone (older brother, favorite uncle, godfather, etc) who you feel is worthy of stepping into your dad's shoes on his behalf for the dance, you could ask them to do the honors, and just have the MC or DJ make mention of this when it is time for the dance. This again will help keep your dad's memory alive throughout this important day.
NEAnswer: Its wonderful that you are intending to honor your dad at your wedding in order to make him a part of your day, and to serve as a reminder that his spirit is there with you.
1. For starters, you'll want to mention his name on your wedding invitation (example: Erica, daughter of Mrs.__________and the late Mr.________ ).
2. You might want to include a framed photo of him at the guest sign-in table at the reception to honor him and keep him remembered on the bid day.
3. Mention him in your after-dinner speech (if you intend to make one).
4. Make an "In Memory of" notation in your wedding ceremony program (towards the end) and include a brief one or two line verse about how athough he is no longer here in physical form, his presence remains with you, or something equally appropriate.
5. If he passed away of a particular cause, you might want to make a donation in each of your guests names to support the cause instead of giving away traditional wedding favors. Give each guest a printed piece of paper that says, "In Memory of ______________, a donation has been made to the American Heart Association in your name".
6. A growing trend is to include a photo charm in your bridal bouquet - it's a beautiful way to incorporate your loved one's memory into your special day. If you would like to see my selection of photo charms visit Noteable Expressions.
In regards to the father-daughter dance, keep in mind that not every bride does this at her wedding. Today, there are plenty of brides out there who didn't grow up with fathers in their lives, for one reason or another, so they simply eliminate the daughter-father dance. But if you prefer, if you have someone (older brother, favorite uncle, godfather, etc) who you feel is worthy of stepping into your dad's shoes on his behalf for the dance, you could ask them to do the honors, and just have the MC or DJ make mention of this when it is time for the dance. This again will help keep your dad's memory alive throughout this important day.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Art Deco Bride Wedding Invitation
Predicted to continue as a popular trend is the art deco theme. This
design has a gray background with a blue border. To the left side on the
invitation there is a hand-drawn graphic representing a bride.
Art Deco Bride Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Browse Art deco wedding Invitations online at Zazzle.com
Art Deco Bride Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Browse Art deco wedding Invitations online at Zazzle.com
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
The Dos and Don'ts of Reception Cards
I’ve received a fair amount of inquiries lately about reception cards and what purpose they serve as part of your wedding ensemble, thus I thought I’d share my reception card etiquette with my dedicated wedding bloggers.
When planning your wedding, you have two options for your reception – your reception will either be at the same location as your ceremony or at a separate location following the ceremony. When your reception immediately follows your wedding ceremony at the same location, a simple “reception to follow” or “reception immediately following” at the end of your wedding invitation is appropriate, and you won’t need an enclosure card with additional details.
If your reception and ceremony are at two different locations you will want, (and likely need), a separate reception card, which you can include with your wedding invitation. It should list “reception to follow” followed by the time of the reception, (if not immediately following), as well as the name and address of the reception location. You can even choose to include attire information, parking information or age requirements, (adult reception), at the bottom of the reception card. The reception card is great because you can keep your wedding invitation about the ceremonial love, vows and commitment you’ll be making, and add any little extra important details to your reception card. Just be sure that you don’t list wedding registry information on this card.
When you assemble your wedding invitations, your reply set will be placed on top of your wedding invitation, and the reception card on top of that, so that the reception card is immediately noticed by your guests. You don’t want to put it behind the invitation in case they miss it. Your guests may want to bring the reception card with them to your ceremony so that they are able to find your reception location easily. Be sure it is a small card that coordinates with your wedding ensemble.
To shop my Reception Cards visit me!
When planning your wedding, you have two options for your reception – your reception will either be at the same location as your ceremony or at a separate location following the ceremony. When your reception immediately follows your wedding ceremony at the same location, a simple “reception to follow” or “reception immediately following” at the end of your wedding invitation is appropriate, and you won’t need an enclosure card with additional details.
If your reception and ceremony are at two different locations you will want, (and likely need), a separate reception card, which you can include with your wedding invitation. It should list “reception to follow” followed by the time of the reception, (if not immediately following), as well as the name and address of the reception location. You can even choose to include attire information, parking information or age requirements, (adult reception), at the bottom of the reception card. The reception card is great because you can keep your wedding invitation about the ceremonial love, vows and commitment you’ll be making, and add any little extra important details to your reception card. Just be sure that you don’t list wedding registry information on this card.
When you assemble your wedding invitations, your reply set will be placed on top of your wedding invitation, and the reception card on top of that, so that the reception card is immediately noticed by your guests. You don’t want to put it behind the invitation in case they miss it. Your guests may want to bring the reception card with them to your ceremony so that they are able to find your reception location easily. Be sure it is a small card that coordinates with your wedding ensemble.
To shop my Reception Cards visit me!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Art Deco Black White Silver Medallion Wedding Invitation
This beautiful and elegant design, called Art Deco Black White Silver
Medallion Wedding, has a black background. There is a pattern of small
white diamond shapes. There are three sets of metallic looking stripes
and a medallion in the center with a white background.
Art Deco Black White Silver Medallion Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Check out Art deco wedding Invitations online at zazzle
Art Deco Black White Silver Medallion Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Check out Art deco wedding Invitations online at zazzle
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Perfect Postage for Wedding Invitations
It’s what everyone fears. You spend $200 on the perfect party invitations, another $75 on having a calligrapher hand-write your envelopes, and then you put the invitations in the envelopes and mail them and then realize later that you haven’t yet had one RSVP. The next day you receive all your invitations returned to you with hideous markings all over them from the post office for insufficient postage. Now not only did you waste money on stamps, you now have to re-stamp them, add extra postage and purchase new envelopes, putting you another week behind. It happens to the best of us!
Make sure your next party mailing isn’t a postage catastrophe by checking the required postage requirements prior to mailing out your invitations. At Noteable Expressions I do my best to alert customers when an item automatically will require postage, be it due to size, weight or bulk. There are so many factors that go into postage that you may not think of. It’s not just the size of the item. It can be the size, for example, a square envelope, which adds 20 cents to your normal postage fee. It can be the weight, which adds another 20 cents, or the size, which can start at 80 cents an envelope, plus 20 cents an ounce for weight. Remember that things like rhinestones, bows or pockets also increase your postage costs due to the “bulk” of the envelope when mailing. Many of these types of invitations may need to be “hand cancelled” at the post office, which means someone, (or you), hand stamp the envelope for mailing, rather than having the invitation envelope run through a machine, as with a normal bill or mailing envelope.
So how do you avoid a postage disaster? I always say, if you are concerned or have the slightest feeling that your envelope may be too heavy or too large, go to the post office and have the postman check for you before you mail them – especially if you are sending multiple cards in one envelope, like an invitation with a registry card or a directions card. Remember that even the slightest thing, like the humidity, can affect the weight of your paper, especially if you have a textured or particularly porous stationery. When in doubt, add on an extra stamp or two, it may just save you from a return postage mishap.
Stop by to shop my designer postage stamps!
Make sure your next party mailing isn’t a postage catastrophe by checking the required postage requirements prior to mailing out your invitations. At Noteable Expressions I do my best to alert customers when an item automatically will require postage, be it due to size, weight or bulk. There are so many factors that go into postage that you may not think of. It’s not just the size of the item. It can be the size, for example, a square envelope, which adds 20 cents to your normal postage fee. It can be the weight, which adds another 20 cents, or the size, which can start at 80 cents an envelope, plus 20 cents an ounce for weight. Remember that things like rhinestones, bows or pockets also increase your postage costs due to the “bulk” of the envelope when mailing. Many of these types of invitations may need to be “hand cancelled” at the post office, which means someone, (or you), hand stamp the envelope for mailing, rather than having the invitation envelope run through a machine, as with a normal bill or mailing envelope.
So how do you avoid a postage disaster? I always say, if you are concerned or have the slightest feeling that your envelope may be too heavy or too large, go to the post office and have the postman check for you before you mail them – especially if you are sending multiple cards in one envelope, like an invitation with a registry card or a directions card. Remember that even the slightest thing, like the humidity, can affect the weight of your paper, especially if you have a textured or particularly porous stationery. When in doubt, add on an extra stamp or two, it may just save you from a return postage mishap.
Stop by to shop my designer postage stamps!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Art Deco Band Wedding Invitation
Predicted to continue as a popular trend is the art deco theme. This
design has a gray textured background with a white inset. There is a
silver and black band going across the design highlighting your words.
Art Deco Band Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Browse more Art deco wedding Invitations at Zazzle
Art Deco Band Wedding Invitation by NoteableExpressions
Browse more Art deco wedding Invitations at Zazzle
Friday, March 1, 2013
Party Invitations vs. E-Vites
It’s the word that makes me cringe when I hear someone suggest it…the
dreaded e-vite. Of course I understand the coolness factor of the
e-vite, it’s convenient, quick and cost-effective. However, it also can
be so impersonal. When did things switch from the hand-made, crafty and
creative days over to the quick, need-it-now society that we all
(self-admittedly) adore?
A printed party invitation is the perfect way to create a memento for your event, before the party, at the party and after. From the moment your guest opens their party envelope, your printed invitations say a little bit about you, the host, being that you took the time to find the perfect invitation to coordinate with your event. Your invitation will set the scene for your event by reflecting your party theme and being elegantly printed with your party details. Guests will post your invitation on their fridge to save the date and get excited before the party date arrives.
At your party your invitation will come to life with your party theme, and afterwards you can save your party invitation for scrapbooking or framing to commemorate the event. Whether it’s your child’s birthday party invitation, graduation invitation or a wedding invitation, I know that just glancing at your invitation will bring back memories. Something tells me that a printout from your e-vite or facebook party page can’t do that.
Let your next party invitation stand out and grab the attention of your guests…years from now you’ll remember how much fun you had picking out your special invitation, the rave reviews you received from your guests, and how much fun it is to relive your party every time you glance at that party invitation page in your scrapbook.
A printed party invitation is the perfect way to create a memento for your event, before the party, at the party and after. From the moment your guest opens their party envelope, your printed invitations say a little bit about you, the host, being that you took the time to find the perfect invitation to coordinate with your event. Your invitation will set the scene for your event by reflecting your party theme and being elegantly printed with your party details. Guests will post your invitation on their fridge to save the date and get excited before the party date arrives.
At your party your invitation will come to life with your party theme, and afterwards you can save your party invitation for scrapbooking or framing to commemorate the event. Whether it’s your child’s birthday party invitation, graduation invitation or a wedding invitation, I know that just glancing at your invitation will bring back memories. Something tells me that a printout from your e-vite or facebook party page can’t do that.
Let your next party invitation stand out and grab the attention of your guests…years from now you’ll remember how much fun you had picking out your special invitation, the rave reviews you received from your guests, and how much fun it is to relive your party every time you glance at that party invitation page in your scrapbook.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)