Eventfully Yours

Creative Invites by Bird and Banner

While visiting one of my favorite blogs, Style Me Pretty, I was introduced to the work of Bird and Banner.  As I have shared before on this blog I am such a fan of paper and invitations, so this company has me excited!

From their website:
Each couple has a unique story to tell of how they fell for each other. First date details, engagement stories and the first time you met are just some of the elements that we love to fold into the design of your wedding stationary. We combine unique materials with beautiful typography to share your unique personality with your guests all the while setting the tone for your day.

Erin and Nicole, both graphic designers, founded Bird and Banner in 2006 because as brides-to-be they were excited by the seemingly endless possibilities of expressing their personality and style in every detail.

Here are some photos from their website of some recent projects:

Oh Baby

Yes, those are actual cloth diapers!  How adorable, but wait, there's more..............

French Flea Market

This invitation uses handkerchiefs and postcards.  Yes, I said handkerchiefs!  I love it!  Be sure to visit their website to view more of their delightful creations by clicking here.

Friday Find! - Cards and Pockets

If you are new to this blog, you have missed how much I love paper.  And not just plain paper, I am obsessed with cardstocks, envelopes, metallics, etc.  One of my fabulous clients, just introduced me to a new website that will surely take up plenty of my money and time.

Head on over to www.cardsandpockets.com.  It is a DIYer's dream!  Pocketfolds for as little as 28 cents each!  They also offer gateway folds, zig zags and more.  Need custom cut papers for your insert cards?  They have those too!  They even carry one of my favorite brands of paper.  Yes, I have a favorite brand of paper.

I always say that invitations set the tone.  This website will help you accomplish that finished and elegant look.  As my youngest likes to say, GO SHOPPING! GO SHOPPING!

Invitations 102

     

The other night on Event Talk, I covered my second in a series of shows on invitations.  You can listen to the show in its entirety by clicking on the show player in right sidebar.  I wanted to share some of the more important points (in my opinion) when dealing with invitations.

• Order invitations early, after you have secured your venue(s), but before the stress of planning your event sets in
• Always get a proof

• Be prepared by knowing the correct spelling of names, streets and places

• Send invites to out of town guests 8 to 12 weeks in advance

• Never send out more invitations than your alloted number of guests, for example your guest list totals 100 people, you won't need 100 invitations.  Typically, you'll need 50 invitations as people tend to come as couples, give or take a few.

• Always order more 25 additional invitations in case of mistakes, mailing errors, etc. 

To Buy or Not to Buy

More and more people are channeling their inner Martha Stewart these days and making their invitations.  They want to give their events a special touch and want to save money.  But are you really saving money with hand made invitations?

Not really when you examine all the costs.

First, you must purchase all the papers and materials.  If you are doing a simple invite , then one sheet per invite won't break the bank.  If you get more elaborate, vellum overlays, etc. your costs for paper alone can get out of control.  Then there are size issues.  What if your paper needs to be cut.  That means every invitation has to be cut to size.  Printing copies to ensure that the set up and lettering is okay.

Even after all that some of you are saying that's nothing, I can handle that.  But the biggest cost to you is your TIME.  Creating anywhere from 50 to 100 invitations by hand can take countless hours depending on your design.

Buying an invitation is as simple as opening a catalog and choosing your favorite.  You can order a proof and know that the rest of the work is left in capable hands.  In fact my company, Signature Soirees offers invitations by Carlson Craft and we'll come to you and help you select and order your invitations.  Call us at 866-880-7902 to schedule a free appointment.

I am in no means saying don't make your own invitations, but before you take the plunge, consider your design, the number of invites needed and most importantly your time!