Merry Christmas

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

~Nique

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

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

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

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





2. Cat-eye makeup

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







3. Pretty pink lips

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




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

Steampunk Clock New Years Eve Party Invitation

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

Steampunk Clock New Years Eve Party Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Product Details

Size: 5.25" x 5.25" Invitation

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

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

Paper Type: Basic

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

  

11 Wedding Terms Explained

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

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

Dragees

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

 
 




Place Setting

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

 

Charger

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

 

Tablescape

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

 

Escort Cards

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

 

Place Cards

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

 

 

Stationery Suite

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

Vellum

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

 

Grosgrain

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

Dyeables

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

 

Fondant

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








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

Champagne Confetti New Years Eve Party Invitation

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

Champagne Confetti New Years Eve Party Invitation by NoteableExpressions

 

Product Details

5" x 7" Invitation

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

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

Basic

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

The Ultimate Guide to the Bridal Party

So how do you go about selecting your bridal party?

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

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

Cons: She was a bridezilla at her own wedding

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

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

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

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

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

Gold Feather Scroll New Years Eve Party Invitation

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

Gold Feather Scroll New Years Eve Party Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Product Details

5" x 7" Invitation

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

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

Basic

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

 

What I have Learned from the (275) Wedding Invitations

I have Designed...(This Year)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steampunk Clock New Years Eve Party Invitation

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

Steampunk Clock New Years Eve Party Invitation by NoteableExpressions

Product Details

5.25" x 5.25" Invitation

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

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

Basic

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

A Day in the Life of a Designer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11-12am - Blessed sleep!

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

Things to consider when choosing invitations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop Wedding Invitations at Noteable Expressions

Courtesy of Metro Creative

How do you Adress Wedding Invtations?

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

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

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

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

Patriotic Ornaments and Flag Christmas Card

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

Patriotic Ornaments and Flag Christmas Card by NoteableExpressions

Product Details

Greeting Card

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

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

 

Sending Wedding Thank You Cards

Q 

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

A

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

To shop some gorgeous Thank You cards - visit Noteable Expressions

New Customer Reviews

Good morning!

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

Here is a sneak peak:

**** "Beautiful invites"

10/10/2013

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

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

Winter White and Blue Music Christmas Party Invitation

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

Winter White and Blue Music Christmas Party Personalized Announcement by NoteableExpressions

Product Details
5.25" x 5.25" Invitation

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

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

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

Holiday Card Give Away!

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

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

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

So get to hunting out your favorite Christmas card!

Red and Gold Glitter Frame Photo Greeting Cards by NoteableExpressions