Invitations

Wedding Guest List Etiquette Questions

Wedding planning sometimes feels a bit like a minefield, right? The constant dodging to the right and left, avoiding offending someone or making some sort of grave social faux pas can leave you feeling frustrated and exhausted. We have compiled some of our most requested guest list etiquette questions here:

When should I send my save-the-dates?

Do I have to invite an estranged family member?

How can I cut my guest list?

Prioritizing your guest list

Can I invite guests to just the reception?

Who should receive a “plus one” and who can I invite solo?

For more etiquette answers check out Planning & Etiquette!

Photo Credit: K and K Photography

Classic Calligraphy Inspiration Board

Maybe it is because my own handwriting rivals a physician’s scrawl, but I love calligraphy. It is hard not to have a little bit of admiration for something so very pretty. The best part is that there are so many varieties that it can easily fit into the style of any wedding, no matter how modern or classic. If you don’t want to have calligraphy invitations or envelopes, try using touches on your programs or place cards.

Credits (clockwise from top left):

Wooden place cards

Heart invitation

Calligraphy close-up

String calligraphy invite

Green envelope

Cut Paper Inspiration Board

I am nuts about all things paper and particularly all things cut paper. It’s a wonder I still do after a harrowing experience of creating almost 100 cut paper paddle fan programs with cut paper accoutrements for a friend’s wedding some years back. Still have the scars to prove it. But, I still have the same love despite those tearful moments. Oh yeah, there were tears. Now, however, I’d leave it to the professionals like the ones featured here.

Credits (clockwise from top left):

Papel Picado Laser Cut Wedding Invitations

Mexican Wedding Banners

Ruby Red Double Cut Paper Luminary

Butterfly Cut Out Favor Box

Kissing Couple Cut Paper Silhouette

Love Birds Cut Out Favor Box

Invitations by Apartment One

The wedding invitation sets the tone for what guests can expect on the wedding day. Some have said to me, “Eh, doesn’t the Save the Date do that?” No. Sure, it makes an initial impression, but the invite is what tells your guests, “All right, everyone, get ready!” That is precisely what these invitations say from creative agency Apartment One. (Or, better yet, these say, “Booyah!”) Once I saw these babies on Apartment One’s “News” page, I knew I had to share! And, thankfully, the fine folks over there were more than willing.

These were the invitations for Partner and Creative Director, Spencer Bagley and his wife, Melissa. Situated at a private home in upstate New York, they wanted their big day to be relaxed and non-formal. There…

Benign Objects

be-nign, adj. – 1.Of a kind and gentle disposition. And, how! I mean, what could be more genteel than these uniquely lovely wedding invitation handerchiefs by Rachel Wiles of Benign Objects? (Who also just got married this past October! Congratulations, Rachel!)

These custom screenprinted, vintage-style handkerchiefs can serve as wedding invitations (as seen above) or Save the Dates, or for a “Be My Bridesmaid” request, or any other occasion for that matter. In any case, they’ll have people crying tears of joy when they receive them. And, hey, at least they’ll be prepared when that moment strikes.

You can also purchase reply cards and decorative ‘belly bands’ to accompany the handkerchiefs.

What bridesmaid-to-be would say no to this kind of request?

And, what would help carry out the design theme better than custom personalized muslin bags? Great for favors, flower petals, confetti, and more.

Courtney Khail Handmade Stationery

With all of the creative elements that go into planning a wedding, it’s no surprise the number of wedding-related businesses that are born from brides themselves. Courtney Khail is one of those former brides who, when planning her own wedding in 2008, couldn’t find stationery that had that handmade, fine art feeling. So, being an artist herself, she put ink (and watercolor) to paper designing her own wedding stationery and Courtney Khail Stationery & Design was born!

Whether choosing a style from her gallery or having Courtney create a custom design, each piece is hand cut and hand painted onto 100% rag cotton paper and comes with a matching recycled paper envelope. There are a multitude of gorgeous design offerings inspired by her love…

Something Old: Vintage Stamp Packs from The Paper Nickel

By now, it’s become pretty apparent that I’m as much on the vintage bandwagon as anyone else these days. But, how can you resist the charm of yesteryear? Clearly, that is not an answer I have because I cannot resist the charm. Not one bit! So, it should come as no surprise that I’d be touting the wares of The Paper Nickel Stamp Company.

Started by graphic designer and former art director Holly Bedell, The Paper Nickel Stamp Company features the very best in vintage stamps. Holly handpicks and curates colorful and charming collections for every pack of stamps, pulling from an inventory which spans from the early 1900s through the late 1980s. Whether the fun of a mixed packet or a custom color mix…