Catalog Invitation Pick of the Week

(Each week I pick one of my favorites and share it with you!)

This week I'm straying off course a little bit by sharing with you not just one catalog invitation, but an entire catalog we've recently received! Lots of people ask us about incorporating a photograph into their wedding invitation. We have always been able to do this on the custom design side of the business, but up until now, the catalogs have not offered a very good selection of photo invitations. So I am pleased to introduce the newest member of our invitation catalog collection - Elegant Reflections by Stylart.

This catalog offers more than 50 styles of Photo Invitations! Plus, choose from a large selection of Photo Save the Dates, Photo Magnets, Photo Envelope Seals, Photo Envelope Liners, and Photo Thank You Cards! Here's a sampling of options:

Invitations:






Save the Dates with matching Envelope Seals:

Envelope Liners:





Pricing for invitations from this catalog range from approximately $2.00 to $4.50 per ensemble (for 100 ensembles).

Our Plantable Invitation Project

At the urging of Brooke we decided to put our seed impregnated papers to the test. For those of you who have't heard, seed impregnated papers are made with wildflower seeds so that when you are through with the notecard, invitation, favor box etc., you simply plant the paper in shallow soil and wildflowers will grow. With so many brides 'going green' plantable invitations are a great alternative or addition to other recycled papers. We also offer plantable favor boxes, notecards, gift bags and inkjet printable paper. Coordinating guestbooks made out of 100% recycled material and pressed to match the plantable papers (minus the seeds) are also available.

Two weeks ago Stacy and I planted some pieces of each of the items we carry. We tore the Paper, notecard and bag into smaller pieces before planting. The favor box instructed us to plant the entire thing.

We planted everything in this lovely window box that we bought at Lowes. We really wanted a plant stand to go in front of the big window, but their selection of garden stuff was just being unloaded and sorted so we couldn't access the goods.

Our first sprouts came after about 5 days and they came from the Notecard. A few days later we got a similar sprout from the printable paper and a HUGE different sprout from the gift bag. We still haven't seen anything from the favor box yet - but I suspect we will soon! ( I have been poking around in the dirt and the paper is just about broken down so the seeds are freeing up. ) At the two week mark we have a total of 22 sprouts in all!

So there you have it....invitations that grow when planted! They really work! We'll blog in a couple more weeks with updates on the growths.

Etiquette Question of the Week

Q: If my cousin is in college but still lives at home, do I need to send him a separate invitation to my wedding or can I just include his name with my Aunt's name?


A: Adult children should receive their own invitation whether or not they still live at home.


Ask the experts! Submit your very own question on our website - you will receive an email response with the answer within 48 hours - plus your question could be featured in an upcoming blog or newsletter.

Catalog Invitation Pick of the Week

(Each week I pick one of my favorites and share it with you!)

This week's pick: Beach Themed Ensemble




If you are getting married this July or August, now is the time to be picking out your invitations. If you're getting married in June...stop procrastinating! You need to send your invitations out in April - which is less than a month away! Lots of people getting married in June are having their ceremony on the beach, or are incorporating that great summer feel into the theme, so I decided to highlight one of my favorite beach-themed ensembles this week. Plus, the gloomy Ohio weather has really got me wishing it was summer...

This casual invitation is made of 3 panels shaped like a starfish, a seashell and a sanddollar, then strung on 1/8" satin ribbon. It's perfect for shorter invitation verses and when the reception is immediately following. It would also be great for the couple planning a reception in their hometown following their return from their destination wedding! The traditional 3.5x5 response cards with envelopes are included in the ensemble.

Catalog: By Request - Fall, Winter, and Destination Invitations by NuArt
Price Points:
75 Ensembles: $3.15
100 Ensembles: $2.57
150 Ensembles: $2.25
200 Ensembles: $2.10
(Approximate price points per ensemble INCLUDING proofing, tax and shipping)
Ensembles include 3 panels for invitation and reception wording, response card with printed envelope, and return address printed on back flap of mailing envelope.


Paper Persuasions is proud to support Domestic Violence Project, Inc of Stark County. Help us help them! Donate 5 different items from their list of needs and receive an additional 5% off your catalog invitation order!

Etiquette Question of the Week 3/9/09

Q: My mom and dad are divorced. My mom is remarried and she wants both hers and my step-dads name on the invitation. I don't necessarily want his name on there, but since she (i.e. they) are paying for more than half of everything, I don't want to upset her. At the same time, my real dad is giving us money too and I know he will be upset if my step-dads name is on the invitation. How should I word this? Thanks for your help! - Carrie

A: Hi Carrie. I wish I could offer a solution that will keep all parties happy, but if your mom is dead-set on including your step-dads name, she probably expects the invitation to read something like this:

Mr. and Mrs. Brides mom and Step-dad
and
Mr. Brides Dad
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of
Bride
to
Groom

Notice we did not use the phrase "at the marriage of their daughter". No matter how close you are to your step-dad, you are the daughter of two people: your mom and your dad. It's okay to list every ones names...you should just steer clear of using "daughter" to describe yourself.


Now, if your mom is willing to reconsider the wording in order to spare your real dad's feelings, then the appropriate way to word the invitation would be:

Mrs. Brides moms name and
Mr. Brides dads name
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Bride
and
Groom

Your mom could even consider meeting in the middle and wording the invitation something like this:

The Smith family and the Jones family
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of
Bride
and
Groom
(Smith family being your step-dads last name & Jones being your dad's last name)
This would include your step dad (assuming your mom took his name) and your dad without specifically naming each man. It helps soften the blow...a little!

Hope that helps!

Stephanie

Ask the experts! Submit your very own question on our website - you will receive an email response with the answer within 48 hours - plus your question could be featured in an upcoming blog or newsletter.

Weekly Recap times two! 2/22 - 3/6/2009

I couldn't squeeze the weekly recap blog in last week...so you get a double dose today. This week has been great! We finally had an opportunity to catch our breath from January's bridal show...and Stacy even took the day off today! We have a feeling this is the calm before the storm with spring break quickly approaching. Based on appointment activity the week of the 16th, I'm guessing that we will be swamped. If you are thinking of coming in to finalize your order or start browsing for invites, just know that we expect to be busier than normal that week. As always, appointments are suggested but not necessary.

Here are some photos of what we have been working on these last two weeks:


Custom Wedding Invitation: 4x5 Pyrite Pocketfold with Taos and Reef Accents
This pocket was designed for a bride trying to match & blend Alfred Angelo Shrimp, Spice and Raisin dress colors.


Custom Baby Shower Invitation: Sage and Pink with Onesie on hanger
This baby shower invite was for a delightful bride who purchased her DIY invitation materials through us when she was planning her 2008 wedding. We were excited to work with her again to create these custom baby shower invites (in the color of baby's room) - and of course to see her adorable belly!


Custom Bridal Shower Invitations: Black and White Kitch Pattern
We enjoyed working with the maid of honor and her mother to design invitations for an upcoming wedding shower. The two initially thought of making the invites themselves but decided it to be too much of an undertaking..so they turned to us to customize 'something fun'.



Catalog Wedding Invitations: White tri-fold with Burgundy


Custom Wedding Invitations: Sage and Pink pocketfold

Catalog Invitations - with embossed floral pattern on paper

A gorgeous invitation with a subtle floral design! This came from the Tru (by Carlson Craft) Flowers album.

Catalog Invitations: Calla Lily Seal-n-Send

An 'all-in-one' invitation from the Affordably Inviting Catalog by McPhersons.

Catalog Invitations: Colorful Daisy Seal-n-Send

Another 'all-in-one' selection from the Affordably Inviting catalog. The pink and green daisies are super cute for a summer wedding!



Custom Wedding Invitations: Brown and Copper Plume / Fall Leaves Pocketfold

We designed these two invitations for a bride who is having a lovely fall wedding. The only problem she's having is deciding when invitation she likes better!

Custom Wedding Invitation: Navy Blue and Powder Blue with Starfish

We designed this invitation for a bride who is having a huge local wedding with a beach theme. We incorporated the starfish into the invitation copy and added a layer of Ababca printed cardstock to tie in the theme.

Mommy Cards!
Becoming quite the rage...mommy cards are like business cards for busy moms. The cards usually contain the names of the kid(s) and contact information for the parent(s) and make it easy to network with other parents!

Custom Baby Announcement: Photo Announcement in Pink and White with Polka Dot border
We had fun creating this photo baby announcement for a local new mom! She really wanted to work in polka dots....but still keep a formal feel to the announcement....so we used three different photos and cropped them into 'dots' then printed the announcement and layered it on fun pink polka dot stock.

Custom Wedding Invitation: 6x6 Pocketfold in Coral and Willow
This invitation was Stacy's creation and was started back in October for a bride we met at our open house. We put the finishing touches on the order this week and WOW do I just love this color combination!

Catalog Invitation Pick of the Week

(Each week I pick one of my favorites and share it with you!)

This week's pick: Mix n' Match 5x7 Pocketfold Invitation

I know we've been talking a lot about pocketfolds lately, but when something's hot it's HOT! The choices keep getting updated and the deals keep getting better, so we have to keep sharing it with you.


This pocketfold ensemble has just been updated with lots of new colors, including shimmer stocks. You get to mix n' match every piece of the ensemble - so I'm gonna go step-by-step through the process and at the end of this blog, you'll see the finished product!

STEP 1: Choose your pocket color from 4 choices. For the finished sample I used Brown.


STEP 2: Choose your color layer for invitation panel and front tab panel from 15 choices. For the finished sample I used Olive.


STEP 3: Choose your printed layer color from White or Ecru. For the finished sample I used White.

STEP 4: Choose your layout/design for the invitation panel and inserts from 8 choices. For the finished sample I used Layout 4.


STEP 5: Choose your ink color(s) from 15 choices. For the finished sample I used Chocolate and Kiwi.


STEP 6: Choose your font(s) from 22 choices. For the finished sample I used PAR and CZR.

Here's the finished product:




Isn't that a great looking pocketfold invitation? We have a kit in the studio of all the colors available, so come in and see us!

Catalog: Pockets by Carlson Craft
Price Points:
75 Ensembles: $6.36
100 Ensembles: $5.19
150 Ensembles: $4.75
200 Ensembles: $4.59
(Approximate price per ensemble INCLUDING proofing, shipping, and tax)
Ensembles include invitation, response card with printed envelope, reception card, tag on front with guest names printed, color ink, and return address printed on mailing envelope.

Paper Persuasions is proud to support Domestic Violence Project, Inc of Stark County. Help us help them! Donate 5 different items from their list of needs and receive an additional 5% off your catalog invitation order!

Etiquette Question of the Week

Q: My Grandma told me that I should list the time on my invitation as the actual ceremony time. My dad says that everyone on his side of the family will be late and that I should list the time as the time the music begins. I've asked all my friends and half agree with my dad and half with my Grandma. Which is it?



A: Your Grandmother is correct. The time listed on your invitation should be the time the Ceremony begins. Your guests should know to arrive 15-30 minutes early. If you were to list the time the music begins (usually 30 minutes prior) the guests who behave appropriately and arrive 30 minuets early will not only wonder what happened to cause the wedding to start late...they will be a little mad that they had to wait an hour for the Ceremony to begin. If your dad is concerned with particular family members being late, perhaps he should contact them personally to offer directions to the Ceremony. At that time, he could stress how important their presence is to you and that late guests will not be permitted to enter the after the ceremony begins.

Ask the experts! Submit your very own question on our website - you will receive an email response with the answer within 48 hours - plus your question could be featured in an upcoming blog or newsletter.

Real Brides: Brooke and Chuck are 'Going Green' with Plantable Invitations

We are mixing things up a bit and featuring a couple who isn't married....yet! I am simply too excited to get some of our seed impregnated designs up on the blog! We have been offering and displaying plantable products since early last year - but we haven't had a chance to design this many coordinating pieces for a single event until now, which is why I wanted to feature their wedding.

The bride and groom met in 2001 while both working at Magic Mountain. When Chuck transferred back to Ohio, Brooke soon followed and has been enjoying Ohio ever since! While Chuck and Brooke currently reside in Stow, they are planning an outdoor wedding and reception in Aqua Dulce, California (near LA) on Brooke's family's estate. The ceremony will be at sunset on grounds overlooking the canyon on May 16th. In keeping with the outdoor theme, Chuck and Brooke have made many 'green' decisions - including sending out handmade plantable invitations made by us! We are delighted to be a part of this event...an event fit for celebrities (literally)!

Seed Impregnated, Plantable Wedding Invitations

This photo shows the plantable booklet invitation both closed and open with the insert cards AND the mailing envelope. Notice the cute little pressed daisy envelope sticker seal. Thats a real daisy in there and it was the prefect finishing touch to this ensemble!

Seed Impregnated Plantable Favor Box

Chuck and Brooke incorporated a mongoram on the front page of the invitation insert (shown in a photo below). We carried that monogram through to the tag on this favor box which was tied with a 3/8" satin buttercream ribbon wrap. The bottom of each box has planting information so that the guests know that they are plantable.

Seed Impregnated Plantable Gift Bags

Perfect for your OOT (out of town) Guests! We again incorporated the monogram into the design on the front of the gift bag. The couple also included a short greeting to their guests and a list of the items in this bag. They went all "Ohio" themed on this one!

Handmade Guest Book to match Invitation Booklet

Made from 100% recycled handmade papers (but not seed impregnated) this guestbook perfectly matches the invitations.

Isn't it all so beautiful?!?! We had so much fun working on this order! Chuck and Brooke - we can't wait to hear what your guests think about the invitations...by the time you read this - they should be postmarked and on their way! You two have taken major consideration for the environment into your wedding planning and we just can't wait to hear how it all turned out. Best of luck to you guys! And Brooke - just for you - we are planting one of everything in the studio. Keep your eyes on the blog as we follow the growth of the stationery!

Here are a few more pics of the invites:

We printed a little blurb on the back of the invite that says "These handmade invitations use plantable stationery. Plant the booklet in shallow soil, keep it moist and tend it with love - wildflowers will grow."

This shows a stack of the invites closed, the invite opened, the response card and envelope, and the reception card.

More of the same...except this shot also shows the monogram used on the very front page of the invitation insert.

Catalog Invitation Pick of the Week

(Each week I pick one of my favorites and share it with you!)

This week's pick: Letterpress Ensemble Metallic

This invitation defines elegance, and is quite possibly my most favorite invitation we offer. It's crafted from the finest quality paper products and presents itself as both regal and romantic. The ensemble is shown with a base of off-white metallic stock featuring a rich floral letterpress design carried through to all pieces. Pictures simply cannot capture the beauty of this invitation!

Catalog: ES by Encore Studios

Price Points:
75 ensembles: $8.72
100 ensembles: $7.09
150 ensembles: $6.58
200 ensembles: $6.35
(Approximate price per ensemble INCLUDING proofing, shipping, and tax)
Ensembles include invitation, response card with printed envelope, reception card, and return address printed on mailing envelope.

Paper Persuasions is proud to support Domestic Violence Project, Inc of Stark County. Help us help them! Donate 5 different items from their list of needs and receive an additional 5% off your catalog invitation order!

Eitquette Question of the Week

Question: I am most likely ordering a petite pocket (4x5) invitation ensemble from you but I am worried that my wording won't fit. What words can I abbreviate? Can we use our middle initials to save on space? Anon - Akron, Ohio

Answer:There are only two words that are considered acceptable to abbreviate on a formal invitation and those are: Mount (Mt.) and Saint (St.). As far as using your middle initials, traditional etiquette suggests that you either use the full middle name or leave it out. Initials are not considered acceptable.

Side Note to "Anon": Drop us an email or give us a call to discuss the wording you'd like to use. We can often get creative with the layout which helps with spacing. We would also be happy to offer suggestions on how to condense the wording to better fit. - Steph

Ask the experts! Submit your very own question on our website - you will receive an email response with the answer within 48 hours - plus your question could be featured in an upcoming blog or newsletter.