Edge painting is a beautiful way to add a subtle splash of color to your invitation. The process involves hand painting color on just the edge of the printed piece. Thicker papers and bolder colors give the most dramatic results.
A savvy bride’s guide
on what to send and when
6-8 months out: mail your save the date (destination wedding save the dates can be sent up to a year in advance)
4-6 months: Prepare to order invitations (Custom invitations can take up to 6 weeks to design and produce)
3 months: Get envelopes to the calligrapher and start assembling invitations (Note* handwritten addresses are best but computer printed calligraphy is ok too. DO NOT use office labels and be sure to spell out street/avenue, state names, etc. No abbreviations please.)
6-8 weeks: mail formal invitations
3 weeks: collect RSVPs (Response cards are typically requested back 3 weeks before the wedding.)
2 weeks: If you still haven’t received a response 2 to 3 weeks before the event that’s when you can start making those polite reminder calls to the stragglers.
Thank you notes – you typically have a 3-4 week grace period after the wedding or shower to send a note… but better late than never.
Remember, the more time you give your guests the more accurate your head count will be!
Check out the links at the bottom for a freebie timing worksheet!
How to assemble your invitation:
The invitation is on the bottom, print side up. (A sheet of tissue paper can be placed over it.) Stack all other inserts on top of the invitation in order of size (smallest on top). The reply card goes under the (stamped) reply envelope’s flap. Everything goes into the envelope with the printed sides facing up. If you are using an inner envelope, place it, unsealed, into the outer envelope with the names facing the back flap.
Great reads for more info:
Emily Post’s Etiquette: Emily Post and The Emily Post Institute have been a great resource for brides for almost 100 years. So you could say she knows her stuff.
Derek BlasBerg’s “Very Classy”
Download the “Timing is Everything” Worksheet: PDF | XLS | ZIP
xoxo,
Photo Sources: Soolip, Bridal Musings, Beast Pieces
Although we have Google maps and GPS readily available, a printed map is always appreciated (especially when our other half is unlikely to stop for directions.) A hand illustrated or personalized map is just as much a piece of art as it is a travel guide.
Adding local landmarks is a fun way to guide your guests to their destination.
Rifle Paper Co
Custom silhouettes have been making a comeback. Didn’t we all sit in grade school to have ours drawn? Silhouettes are a classic, nostaglic and, as of late, a hip way to add a personal touch to an invitation. The design gives you icons that can easily be added to everything from goodie bags to cookies! I also love the idea of having a professional hand cut silhouettes as favors for your guests during the reception. What a fun and interactive treat! Above invitation found here
Hailey and Nathan invitation found here
Invitation by Southern Fried Paper
Melissa and Jordan’s invitation found here
Written by Stefanie Miles of Lavender Joy Weddings-
We gathered a knock-out team of talent to put together this fun and sparkly New Year’s Eve inspiration shoot! The festive touch of sequins and confetti was the starting point for our concept – perfect for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Next, we softened up the look for a simple but glamorous daytime wedding with a color palette of whites, pinks, blushes, and golds.
Bows & Arrows created gorgeous florals that incorporated a touch of the unexpected in the painted gold log & vases filled with sequins and glitter. We kept the table setting clean and uncomplicated to allow the flowers to take center stage. Mostly white china and sleek flatware kept the functional elements of the tables cape streamlined. Sequin trim and gold ribbon, with a few scattered paillettes (penny-size sequins) added a layer of texture in lieu of a table linen or runner.
{ marfa in martha } paper — part III of IV
March 1st, 2012 | Posted by in Beauty | Paper - (Comments Off)
The details of Emily and Colby’s wedding were nothing short of amazing. The four panel invitation by Southern Fried Paper was inspired by the Mexican folk art of papel picado. (Which literally translates to “punched paper”.) The elaborate designs are traditionally cut from tissue paper using a guide and small chisels, creating as many as forty banners at a time. The invitation panels were laser cut and strung, then folded into the envelope. The escort cards and table numbers were made with paper tags and vintage stamps to continue the handmade theme of the wedding. And who can resist the adorable paper straws and flag stir sticks?
Invitation by Lilia DeGregory // Photo by Sean Flanigan
One of my favorite printing processes is the art of foil stamping. It adds a metallic shine and additional wow factor that’s hard to get with ink. Foil stamping uses pressure from a die or carved metal plate, thin foil sheets and heat to bond the foil to paper. It comes in a variety of colors from gold to bright turquoise and glossy to matte. Look what this process can do!
Calligraphy + Photography by Plurabelle Calligraphy // Invitation design by the bride, Kate Allen
by the lovely Marian Bantjes and The Morbid Fashion
via Dig by Rose
the ever inspiring Kate Spade via felt and wire
Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved.
Designed by 