Wedding Wednesday - Saying NO to children at your wedding

One might think that wedding invitation and reply card wording is simple and straightforward. For the most part it can be. What happens when you decided that you don't want children to attend your wedding? Everyone has different reasons for requesting there not to be children at their wedding. How do you communicate that to your guests without sounding completely rude?

Source | Little girls reaction to kiss at the wedding...Priceless! 

A few ways to graciously communicate your "no children" policy...

1. On your reply card, communicate how many seats are reserved for the guests.

Example:

We have reserved _____ seats in your honor. (In that blank you would fill in how many seats are reserved for them)

2. Be sure to write out the names of the specific people invited to the wedding. This lets your guests know who you are expecting.

Note: Despite all your efforts you might still get reply cards with the number of seats crossed out where they replace a number "2" to "4" and/or write in additional names. This can be a very tricky situation, but in this case it might be best to make a phone call.

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A few tactful explanations for not wanting children at the wedding..

- Venue capacity
- Efforts to maintain a certain budget
- Want to give guest a night off from the kids to celebrate

Stay tuned as next week we will talk about all of those people who want to say YES to children being at their weddings! I have some great tips and ideas to make your wedding and reception "kid-friendly!"

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Packaging Inspiration

Last week I was so impressed with the work Stitch Design Co. did for Produce Candles that I wanted to share some more packaging design inspiration. 

I have always loved packaging (My mom and  I both agree that wrapping a present is definitely the best part of gift giving). The possibilities are truly endless! Enjoy these packaging inspiration images. 

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1. I absolutely love this timeless Mint + Black/White Combo. The color combination is timeless, but the patterns sure do give it a modern flare. 

2. These carnival inspired birthday invitations are designed to perfection by themselves. However, the lollipop and gum balls take the invitation to the next level. How fun would it be to get this invitation in the mail? 

3. How beautiful is the lettering on the labels for Bonnie's Jams? The script font and design makes the packaging scream homemade. I love it's simplicity.

4. Glittery Gold Ribbon + Kraft paper are usually not seen together, which is exactly why I like this packaging combination. You have a perfect marriage of rustic and glitz. 

All of these packaging designs can be a great source of inspiration for whatever it is you are putting together; whether it be jazzing up an invitation or giving a present that little extra something. 

 

Monogram Etiquette

Whether designing a shower invitation, wedding invitation, or stationery, I am often asked the proper etiquette for monograms. It can be a tricky thing, so I hope to clear the air with this post.

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Three Letter Monogram – Women

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As seen in the image above, these Jack Rogers there are three letters. The proper order of the initials would be First Name Initial, Last Name Initial – usually this is larger than the others,  Middle Name Initial or if married the Maiden Name Initial Would be used.

Three Letter Monogram – Men
Different than for women, a man's monogram goes in the order of their name. The proper order of the initials would be First Name Initial, Middle Name Initial, then Last Name Initial. Also, unlike a woman's monogram, the letters are typically all the same size.

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Now, when buying or ordering wedding gifts or preparing invitations, people often ask what the monogram should look like for a married couple.

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Three Letter Monogram – Couple
For a married couple the proper order of initials would be Brides's First Name Initials, Couples Last Name Initial, then Groom's First Name Initial.

If your specific question about monogram etiquette was not answered please leave a comment or check out this great resource "Monogram Etiquette."

Currently loving...

With Summer right around the corner or already here (depending on what part of the country you live in), there has been an abundance of beautiful things popping up everywhere. From watermelons and pineapples to popsicles and bright colors – I am loving it all.

Here are a few things that I am currently loving...

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1. I have been in love with Belle & Union Co.'s work for quite some time. Their tea towels and wrapping paper are absolutely to die for. Everything they design has a whimsical feel and the color palates they choose are right up my alley. Go check their stuff out right now!


2 & 3. Both of these images come from the packaging designer, Stitch Design Co., for Produce Candles. I cannot speak (yet!) to the scent of the candles but if packaging design is any indication of the product I need to run to the store right now!


4. I stumbled upon this top on Pinterest and had to hunt down where to find it. Boden, a british company sells this top. The international shipping may be a little much, but how adorable is this top. I love the mixture of patterns with the polka dots and stripes as well as the two colors.




When I put all of these images together I loved the colors together and thought they would create a beautiful color palate. Looking forward to implementing these colors in a new design soon!

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