Maybe its just me, but when I think of lasers, I think of the good old days of laser tag and sci fi novels where aliens shoot lasers at us from space. Well, lasers are everywhere now and when it comes to invitations, its a great way to really showcase your vision and standout!

Here are some of my favorite laser cut invitations, starting with the gorgeous, vintage shape invites with calligraphy pictured above. I do. From the geniuses at Wedding Chicks.
http://www.weddingchicks.com/2011/07/11/scandinavian-chic-bride/

Magical Garden invitations by B Wedding Invitations.

http://www.bweddinginvitations.com/WeddingInvitations/WeddingInvitationsDetail.aspx?id=GP0558&type=0&pcd=BH1648&color=2

Super rad and rustic pop up, laser cut invitations by Wood and Grain.

http://woodandgrain.com/post/8722900564/invitations

or

Put a ring on all your single friends with these creative Save the Dates by Melbourne Laser Cutter.

http://thebridaldetective.com/rsvplasercutinvitationsbymelbournelasercutter/

Gorgeous wedding stationary from Ceci New York. Swoon.

http://www.cecinewyork.com/wedding/couture.php?c=styles&s=botanical

Papel Picado style invitations by Sweet Magnolia Paper for a Fiesta themed 3rd Birthday Party!

www.sweetmagnoliapaper.com

Sources: see above

I have fond memories of craft days at school where we were all given a set of Crayola water color palettes and some thick white textured paper and told to make some variety of trite family portrait where everyone’s head is too big and girls and boys can only be determined by the addition of a skirt.

In fact, my mom still has mine from kindergarten framed and hanging in the bathroom. Maybe is the nostalgia of those homemade art projects long past, or the simply the softness of the colors as the delicately swirl together, one thing is certain, however; watercolor is definitely the new must have design element in paper.

This trend is great for weddings and events because of its versatility; it can be modern, romantic, or just down right fun! It’s perfect for destination/beach weddings as well as rustic/homespun themed events, and even baby showers! Here are some examples of my personal favorite new designs, including the absolutely stunning succulent and flower wedding suite above!

Super fun Southwest-Americana design by Pitbulls and Posies!

These would be perfect for a late summer or fall wedding!

Obsessed with these mod faceted invites from Spencer Studio. Perfect for a fun, modern wedding!

These pretties are from Oh My Deer and would be lovely for an outdoor/garden wedding!

Love is in the air? Adorable! And they scream destination wedding to me. And for the DIY’ers out there, this save the date tutorial from Oh So Beautiful Paper gives you the run down on how to make your own!

Sources: Julie Song Ink, Pitbulls and Posies, Smitten on Paper, Spencer Studio, Oh My Deer, Wedding Paper DivasOh So Beautiful Paper

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{  erin boyce – paper  } 

On a lovely day in March two years ago in Dallas, Texas, I married my wonderful husband Jack surrounded by our family and close friends. The wedding was held in a sweet old chapel in downtown and the reception afterwards at the Filter Building overlooking White Rock Lake. Our wedding was full of color, diy projects, southern food, great music, and lots of dancing! It was an absolutely perfect day!

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Last week we talked about when to send a thank you note… but what should it say? If you’re not Emily Post it can be hard to get the words flowing. Here are some quick tips on Thank You note etiquette.

Greet the thank-you-note recipient: “Dear _________,” (People like to hear their own name.)

First Sentence: Don’t state the obvious…. “I am just writing to say…” (Duh.) Just say it.

Actual First Sentence – Thanks: “Thank you for the ______________.”

The gift of money is a touchy subject – you should refer to it as ”your generosity” or “your kindness” instead of “Thanks for the cash.” Sounds better doesn’t it?

Use: Mention how you will use (or have already used) the gift. “I wore the blouse the very next day.”  If it’s cash/check/gift certificate - say how you plan to use the money. “It will be a great help in fixing up the new house.” Don’t exaggerate – you’ll insult their intellect. i.e. “It’s the best gift ever!”

Wrap It Up: Say how great it was to see them at Aunt Sally’s tea party, how you hope to meet again soon, or (if it’s someone you barely know) hope they are doing well.

Be Redundant: ”Thanks again for your gift.”

Sign It: (duh)

Overall: Be genuine, hand write it, and make it personal. Don’t use wording that could be photo copied for each guest – “Thank you for the gift. It’s great.” People will probably assume you paid someone to write the same note over and over. Which you can do, by the way… a lot of calligraphers provide that service. Just make sure they’re specific.

xoxo,

Photo credits: SugarPaper, Crane,