Our customers are smart cookies...

At InvitationConsultants, we are lucky to get a little glance into each and every customer's wedding or event while preparing their invitations. Sometimes an invitation makes me smile, like those for a spontaneous Vegas wedding or an adventurous destination wedding. Other times, I feel nostalgic over a 50th wedding anniversary reminiscent of my grandparent's or an invitation for a high school dance much like my own homecoming or prom. Regardless of the event, one thing is certain- they are all unique and personal for the invitee. 

Today, I had an order for response cards with the wording:

Please respond by May 5, 2008

M ________________________

Accepts with pleasure_____

Declines with regret_______

You pick the music! What's your favorite song?

_______________________________________

Including a blank line on your response card for a favorite song to be listed is such a smart way to involve your guests in your celebration! I was so excited when I saw this, I just had to share. If you plan to have a DJ at your wedding or event, all you would have to do is ask them in advance if they can accommodate requests if you give them a list of songs your guests would like to hear. Most DJ's will be willing to do so if they have the song in their music library. Your guests will look forward to hearing their favorite tune, and it really will encourage dancing!

This got me thinking of other ways to engage your guests in the event to make it as personal to them as it is to you. You could include a few lines on your response card for your guest to write in their favorite memory of spending time with the bride and groom. You can encourage them to bring photos or keepsakes to the event to show other guests.

I love details that add to the personality of a celebration! Share your ideas by commenting below- the possibilities are endless! 

Guest Blog on Masterpiece Weddings

I am happy to share my guest post on Adventures In Wedding Planning, the blog of event designer extraordinaire Melissa DiStefano and her crew at Masterpiece Weddings. Click here to check out some very exciting predictions for stationery trends in 2008!

From left to right: My Sailor You by William Arthur, Black Photo Floral by Krepe Kraft, Letterpess Little Dahlia by William Arthur, Vinery by Checkerboard, All from Invitation Consultants.

Wedding Invitations to Match your Wedding

If you are like most customers of InvitationConsultants.com, you want your wedding invitations to match the theme of your wedding.  After all, your wedding invitation is going to be the first glimpse of your wedding for your guests. 

But what if you are not sure what category of invitations would best suite your wedding?  You know the vision that you have of your wedding, but are not sure how that translates into the right wedding invitation. 

Not to worry- we have the perfect quiz for you!  Click here to take our quiz to help you find the right wedding invitations for your wedding!

Radiance Palatte

To me, orange and turquoise go together as well as black and white. However, while planning a wedding, these colors may feel like a leap. I hope after seeing my Radiance palette, inspired by our invitation of the same name, you will be excited to dive right in to color.

Left to right: 1. Radiance Wedding Invitation by Invitation Consultants 2. Bridal Gown by Watters from Brides.com 3. Detailed Motif Place Card by Invitation Consultants 4. Ranunculus Image from Brides.com 5. Coral Thank You Note by Invitation Consultants 

No Buzz About It!

As a big fan of blog www.weddingbee.com, I am thrilled that we have the opportunity to offer Weddingbee readers a chance to win a $50 gift card.

Click Here and fly on over to the hive- you've got to enter before 8 pm EST to win!

Wedding invitation wording that won't make you barf

Offbeat Bride's take on non-traditional wedding invitation wording. An interesting read from, Ariel Meadow Stallings, the author of the book by the same name (Offbeat Bride).

Holiday cleaning tips for those wishing for a little magic.

How to prepare for a clean holiday season!

Holiday cleaning tips for those wishing for a little magic.

The Holidays are officially upon us. Thanksgiving has passed, and we’ve survived and flourished through Black Friday, and the exciting new Cyber Monday trend. Soon, many of you may be hosting out-of-town guests, decorating your homes with the season’s finest  or preparing for a quiet but lovely holiday season. I was browsing our selection of Holiday Cards today and found Office Cleaning Elves. I was immediately amused, but even more so, inspired. How can you decorate your home, host a party or enjoy the holidays if your snowflakes are mingling with your dust bunnies? I don’t have a staff  of magic elves to vacuum my floors and wash my windows (I wished for one last year, but Santa didn’t deliver), and I’m guessing you don’t either. So, here’s my list of Holiday Cleaning Tips you don’t need elfin assistance to accomplish!

1.       Start from top to bottom- Santa doesn’t bounce all over the globe and expect to finish in time. He has a strategy and he delivers swiftly by going in order of time zone. You should do the same. Start at your front door with a broom or a mop and dust all the corners of the ceiling, removing any cobwebs. Wipe down the walls briskly with any mutli-purpose surface cleaner to remove any dullness . Then, take care of your floors so you can sweep away any dust or dirt that may have fallen while tending to the ceilings and walls.

2.       Pay particular attention to key areas- Your guests will frequent your kitchen, dining area and bathrooms so make sure these areas are delightfully clean. Wash floors and wax any wooden areas  for maximum shine. Finally, make your bathrooms smell clean and festive with evergreen scented candles.

3.       Empty out that fridge- It’s a daunting task, but those year old Tupperware’s have got to go. Make room for your holiday feast by categorizing shelves. Leave one shelf open for foods that won’t be used for entertaining or for your holiday meal. Then, anticipate large dishes that may need to be stored the day before an event and designate space for them. Add a box of baking soda so the scents of your dishes don’t linger.

4.       Optimize the magic of a dryer sheet- With the holidays approaching, things need to be done fast, and you may not have time to buy a variety of cleaning supplies. If you have a box of dryer sheets handy you can use them in several ways. Leave one soaking overnight in warm water inside a dish or pan that has  food stuck to it. It will clear the debris off of even the stickiest of casseroles. Simple dusting can be accomplished by using a dryer sheet to wipe down your air conditioning vents, television, or furniture. Insert a dryer sheet into your vacuum to spread a fresh smell around your home.

5.       Give belongings you no longer use to charity- ‘Tis the season for giving, so consider cleaning out your storage areas and donating items you no longer need to Good Will or the Salvation Army. This will clear room for new things you receive during the season, and will also de-clutter your living space.

If Santa sends you some cleaning elves, send them my way! If not, try out my tips for a happy and healthy holiday season!

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