fun wedding facts and ideas

Wedding Paper Divas Road to Bliss Inforgraphic

Invites by Jen customer comment

I love being a part of such a special day in so many people’s lives; but I love it even more when they tell me how much they loved having me be a part of their special day!

I recently worked with a sweet girl named Caitlin on her wedding invitations.

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Here is what Caitlin had to say:

“I received my invitations on Thursday and I couldn’t be happier with them! They look amazing!! I have to say that I ordered many different samples through various websites and Etsy shops and none of these even came close to how beautiful these look!

I am very thankful I came across your Etsy shop and I will definitely be writing you an excellent review and telling all my friends and family about your shop!”

Caitlin chose to customize my Amber design with white and dark grey textured cardstocks along with the new blush (light pink) smooth cardstock I offer.  I love that she added a matching envelope liner to her set….this always add so much more to the invitations!

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Once Caitlin received her invitations, she used some of my “Blossom” bakers twine and added a cute monogram letter she had previously purchased.  She was kind enough to share this picture she snapped once they were put together:

Caitlin Kenney Pic

Thanks so much to Caitlin and Matthew for letting me be a part of their big day!

customizing invites versus custom invite design

Informational button

While you are planning your wedding, you will inevitably hear the word custom quite a bit.  But, the definition of what custom {or customizing} means to every vendor can vary quite a bit.

For example, one DJ may let you customize a package by picking and choosing from a defined set of options, while another DJ will let you customize a package by having you stipulate the inclusions based on your own needs and wants {not having to choose from a pre-determined list}.

Both offer customizable packages, but the process of creating the final  customized package is different with both DJs.

When working with Invites by Jen to create wedding invitations, there is essentially two different customization options:

1.  Customize a design Invites by Jen already has

2.  Ask Invites by Jen to create a custom design {a bespoke design}

Invites by Jen is proud to offer both types of customization services.  However, even though both options include the word custom as a part of the definition, just like with the DJ example above, they are two very different things.

Let me start by going over the first option ::

Customizing a design Invites by Jen already has

This option allows you choose from one of the MANY designs Invites by Jen has to offer and then customize it by choosing your own colors, fonts, cardstocks, numbers of layers, style {ie if you want a flat invitation style or a pocketfold invitation style}, embellishments, etc.

Jen has literally hundreds of designs for you to choose from.  You can pick from anything shown on her website, in her design inspiration look book, on her blog, or in-person on display at her studio.

After looking through the vast array of designs Invites by Jen has, let’s say that you decide you like the look of the “Jennifer” design best.

{side note:  when Invites by Jen says “design”, she is referring to the printed portion of the invitation}

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With the “customizing a design Invites by Jen already has” option, you then have free reign to change any of the colors, fonts, wording, cardstocks, style, embellishments, and so on.  Therefore, the yellow and grey invitation design you see above can look completely “custom” once you apply a few changes that make the design better fit your weddingil_fullxfull_222299728

As you can see from this picture, simply by using a different color palette, different cardstocks, and changing the invitation to a pocketfold style {instead of a flat style} you have an invitation that looks completely custom….and it is because you customized it!

However, if after looking through all of the different designs that Invites by Jen has to offer, you still aren’t seeing THE design…..I am guessing it is because you already had THE design pictured in your mind and you would like Jen to create it for you.

This is when the second service option Invites by Jen offers comes into play ::

Have Jen create a bespoke design, which is a design created just for you!

As an example, very recently I was asked to create a wedding invitation design that incorporated leopard print.  The bride knew exactly what she wanted, she just needed someone to create it for her.

So now you may be wondering, “Is there a price difference between customizing a design Invites by Jen already has and requesting she create a custom design?”

Yes.

All of the pricing you see in the Invites by Jen style and pricing guide would remain the same for the two different services, however, with a bespoke {just for you} design you will also be charged a design fee.

To sum it all up, whichever way you would like to have your wedding invitations created, Invites by Jen is here to help!

Make an appointment to stop into her studio for a complimentary consultation, or simply shoot Jen an email requesting a personalized quote!

{color combo} the garden party || coral and lime

When paired with a citrusy green, coral takes on the brightness of a summer’s day.  This color combo would be perfect for an outdoor ceremony in a lush, natural setting.

Coral & Green Bouquet by FH Weddings, A Fly on the Wall Photography - UNIQUE Event Design

{image via + || Photo by A Fly on the Wall Photography || Bouquet by FH Weddings || Event Designed by Unique Event Design}

A Better Cheesecake Wedding Cake with FH Wedding Flowers, A Fly on the Wall Photography - UNIQUE Event Design

{image via + || Photo by A Fly on the Wall Photography || Cake by A Better Cheesecake || Event Designed by Unique Event Design}

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{image via + || Photo by Garrett Photography}258967-large

{image via + || Photo by Garrett Photography}

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{image via + || Photo by Garrett Photography}

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{image via + || Photo by Elizabeth in Love || Flowers by De Rose Designs and Floral Boutique || Stationery by Hip Ink || Event Designed by Ginger’s Closet}

wogreen-and-orange-coral-tablescape

{image via + || Photo by Elizabeth in Love || Flowers by De Rose Designs and Floral Boutique || Stationery by Hip Ink || Event Designed by Ginger’s Closet}

wosilver-orange-coral-green-wedding-decor

{image via + || Photo by Elizabeth in Love || Flowers by De Rose Designs and Floral Boutique || Stationery by Hip Ink || Event Designed by Ginger’s Closet}

how wedding invites are printed

I am frequently asked how Invites by Jen prints her wedding invitations.  The simple answer is that there is no one answer to this question! 

How are Invites Printed button

Invites by Jen is proud to offer multiple cardstock and medium options for her designs.  This means she also utilizes multiple printing methods!

I hope this post gives you a good look at the different cardstock and printing methods you can choose from when working with Invites by Jen.  However, if you have something specific in mind, do not hesitate to ask.  I love challenges and taking on a custom project!

First, let us start by taking a peek at the Invites by Jen Style and Pricing Guide.  Within the first couple of pages in the guide, you will see the different styles of invitations IBJ offers.  Basically speaking, you have three different styles to choose from:  a flat invitation, a back pocketfold, or a signature pocketfold.  Once you have chosen the style of invitation you desire, we can then decide upon your cardstock and printing preferences.

All of the prices shown in the guide, for all three invitation styles, includes the following cardstock and printing methods:

1.  Premium Textured Cardstock

This is, by far, Invites by Jen’s most popular cardstock option.  The cardstock features a beautiful texture and the prints can be done on many different color options.  The standard printing included is a flat printing method. 

One significant point in regards to choosing this cardstock is that it is only available for use on layered items.  In other words, if you would like a single layered response card, you would need to choose a different type of cardstock.

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2.  Smooth Cardstock

Printing on smooth, matte cardstock is available on heavy white, cream, or select colored cardstocks using a flat printing method.  To add additional color to your invitation suite, we can add colored cardstock layers, embellishments such as ribbons or crystals, matching colored envelopes, and printing!

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The following cardstock and upgraded printing options are available at an additional charge {over and above the prices you see in the style and pricing guide}.  If you would like to discuss pricing on any of the following options, specifically for your order {or see samples of all printing methods and cardstocks} please schedule a complimentary in-studio consultation here or email me to begin discussing your order {for those long distance brides, I can chat via Skype as well}.

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3.  Metallic Pearlescent Cardstocks

I love the look of prints done on metallic cardstocks.  It gives the text a shimmery look and feel even with the flat printing option!  Printing is available on heavy white, cream, or select colored cardstocks.

4.  Extra Heavy Smooth White Cardstock

This is the mac-daddy of cardstock thicknesses!  If you have ever thought about having your invitations edge painted, this would be the stock to use.

5.  Lux Cotton Cardstock

This is Invites by Jen’s personal favorite!  Using this cardstock allows you the look of letterpress, without the added expense.

6.  Lux Linen Cardstock

This would be the best substitute for the textured cardstock when wanting a single layered piece.  It features a slightly woven linen finish, but is available in a white option only.

7.  Foil printing – upgraded printing method

Foil printing can be completed on a variety of cardstocks {some of which are listed above}.  We would utilize this printing method when you want to include metallic ink on your invitation suite.

8.  Letterpress printing – upgraded printing method

We’ve all seen it….a luxurious piece of stationery with indented printing.  Every letterpress piece created is swoon-worthy and will surely get the attention of your guests when they receive your invites.

9.  Thermography printing – upgraded printing method

Have you ever run your finger across an artfully designed piece of correspondence and be pleasantly surprised to find that the writing is raised?  That, my friends, can be achieved with thermography printing.

10.  Embossing – upgraded printing method

This method also adds dimension to your invitation.  When an item is embossed, the image or text is impressed into the cardstock, thus reshaping the surface of the cardstock to create the image.  No color is applied, it simply raises or indents the cardstock itself.

11.  Die Cutting – upgraded printing method

If you would like to cut your names or an image out of the middle of the cardstock, this is how you would do it!

12.  Envelopments products

Invites by Jen is proud to be a designer of {and be able to offer} Envelopments products.  If you have ever seen an Envelopments envelope, you know what I am talking about….that exclusive signature flap is to die for!  Envelopments also has colors and cardstocks not available anywhere else.  However, with choosing any Envelopments product, there will be a slight increase in price {over what is currently included in my pricing guide} depending on which Envelopments cardstocks or envelopes you choose.

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What about colored printing?  As I mentioned above, one of the best ways to add color to your invitation suite is by utilizing colored printing.  There is no additional charge to choose a color versus black with a flat printing method….here is a good chart that shows colors that you can choose from {the chart is for flat printing reference only, colors available on upgraded printing methods can be discussed for your order specifically}.

And how long do invitations take to print?  Simply put, I tell my clients they can expect their order to be ready for pick up, or ship out, 15 business days after they approve their proofs.  The 15 business days are used to order in the supplies, get the items printed, get all of the cutting and assembly done, and get everything packaged up and ready for you.  Please note that I said 15 business days {ie this is different than calendar days}.  Business days are Monday-Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.  Typically speaking, 15 business days is about three calendar weeks {unless a holiday falls within the timeframe, then it is a bit longer}.

Need your invites completed quicker?  Rush processing is available for an additional fee and has limited availability.  Just shoot me an email prior to placing your order to check on the timing and any possible additional costs for your order.

free save the dates or wedding invitations!

As some of you have already heard, Invites by Jen will be closed at the end of May and into early June.  I will be celebrating at my brother-in-law’s wedding in Maui!

With that being said, when I return I want to get right back up to speed!

Therefore, I am having a summer contest where one lucky winner will win their choice of 50 free save the dates or 50 free wedding invitations…..it is really simple to get yourself entered: 

Have a consultation anytime in the month of June and you will be entered into a drawing for the grand prize {winner will get to choose between receiving free save the dates or free wedding invitations}.

In-person consultations are held at my studio in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  To schedule a consultation at my studio, please visit my booking calendar here.

Not local to Beaver Dam?  Not a problem!  Invites by Jen also offers consultations via Skype.  To schedule a Skype consultation, please email me at:  jennifer@invitesbyjen.com 

Consultations {either in-person or via Skype} are complimentary, of course!

To have a chance at winning this fabulous promotion, make sure to get your consultation {in June} booked right away….dates and times are limited and will fill up fast! 

Again, IBJ will be closed at the end of May into the first week of June, so I am not kidding when I say consultation times are limited in June….hurry and get your June consultation booked today!

The only other requirement to be entered into the drawing is to make sure you note that you saw the promotion here on the blog when you schedule your time.

To view some of my work, make sure to check out the Invites by Jen website.

Here is the nitty gritty details of the promotion:

1.  Entries will only be considered for new consultations, not ones for previously discussed orders or follow-up consultations

2.  Consultation must be booked and held between June 10th and June 30th, 2013 – your entry will be officially entered once your consultation is held

3.  Winner will be drawn and contacted via email on July 1st, 2013

4.  50 free items {save the dates or invitation sets} are awarded after the minimum purchase quantity of 75 is met

5.  Order must be placed within six months of consultation date

6.  Offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts

DIY Wedding Invite Recipe–Kennedy and Gregory

DIY Recipe Blog Post Icon - Kennedy and Gregory

I thought it was about time to take my DIY invitation post just a bit further.  It was one thing to let you know DIY invitation options were available, but it is another to lay out those options detail…by…detail!

{if you haven’t read about ordering DIY invitations with Invites by Jen, I would suggest doing so before taking in all of the following information}

Today I will be walking you through what you would need to order to complete one of Envelopment’s newest design inspirations, the Kennedy wedding invitation ensemble.

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Invitation:

Gate Card – Classic 5x7L in Shadow

Card Stock [for layering] 5.125 x 7.125 in River Rock 
Card Stock [for layering] 5.0 x 7.0 in Chartreuse

Card Stock [printed layer] 4.75 x 6.75 in Classic White

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Enclosure [Additional Information] Card

Card Stock 5.125 x 7.125 in Classic White

 

Response Card

Card Stock 3.5 x 5.0 in Classic White

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Envelopes

Signature Paper [for response card] 3.5 x 5 in London Fog

Signature Paper [outer invitation envelope] 5 x 7 inLondon Fog

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View my inspiration board that features the DIY supplies related to the Kennedy and Gregory ensemble.header

 

A couple of things to keep in mind when purchasing the above DIY options:

1.  The cardstock linked to {above} for purchasing is 8.5 x 11 inches in size.  If you purchase this size cardstock, you will need to cut it down to size.  Alternatively, you can purchase the cardstock already cut down to size from Envelopments {for an additional fee}.  Just choose the custom cut size option when placing the appropriate cardstock colors into your shopping cart.

2.  None of the items above include the actual design work or printing {only blank items are available for purchase from Envelopments}.  If you plan to design the invitations yourself, and print them yourself, purchase the items blank. 

However, if you need someone to design your invitations {here is where Invites by Jen comes to the rescue}, not a problem!  Simply purchase any of my invitation or envelope design and print options below {you will need to purchase these design and print services separately from purchasing supplies at Envelopments as it is an exclusive Invites by Jen service and not through Envelopments}.

Note:  If you are going to have Invites by Jen design and print any of your items, do NOT purchase the blank supplies from Envelopments first…..the supply cost is already included in the price of the design and print services below.  Only purchase the supplies you will need other than those that Invites by Jen will be printing for you.

Additional items suggested by IBJ:

Although these items are not pictured above, they would love amazing with the ensemble!

Envelope Liner [for invitation] in River Rock

Envelope Liner [for response] in River Rock

Vintage Ornate - RSVP - Black Postage Stamp

 

IBJ’s Design and Printing Services for the Kennedy and Gregory design:

4.75 x 6.75 inch invitations designed and printed (includes blank envelopes):
Quantities of Kennedy design
Cardstock Color

5.125 x 7.125 inch enclosure cards designed and printed:  
Quantities of Kennedy design
Cardstock Color

3.5 x 5 inch response cards designed and printed (includes blank envelopes):  
Kennedy Response Card
Cardstock Color

3.5 x 5 envelopes (response card) designed and printed with return address:  

Quantities of Kennedy design
Envelope Color

5 x 7 envelopes (invitation) designed and printed incl guest addressing:  

Quantities of Kennedy design
Envelope Color

 

Design and Print service process, policies, and general FAQs:

1.  After purchasing a design and print service item, email the appropriate wording to:  jennifer@invitesbyjen.com  Please send the wording for invitations, enclosure cards, and response cards in a Word document and guest addressing {name, street address, city/state/zip} in an Excel document.

2.  Once Invites by Jen has received your payment and wording, a PDF proof will be emailed to you within three business days.

3.  Price includes up to three rounds of proofs {including the initial proof}, if needed.  Additional proofs will be charged at $25 per each.

4.  Printed items will be shipped out within 10-15 business days after you have sent the approval of your proofs.  Please allow for the full fifteen business days during the busy wedding season.  Business days are Monday-Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.

To read all of IBJ’s polices please visit the website here.  Payment of any above service assumes you have read and understand all policies listed here and on the IBJ website.

matching postage for your invitations

Every now and then, as clients are looking through design options during consultations, they will ask about matching postage.

Did you know that you can purchase postage that matches any of the Envelopments designs from their store on Zazzle?  A lot of my clients like to customize an Envelopment’s design to fit their own needs, but the postage on Zazzle would still coordinate beautifully with the new customized design.

The following are a few of my new favorites!

From the Trellis pattern collection:

From the Luxe collection:

upcoming bridal fairs–spring/summer 2013

After this past January, I am really looking forward to the bridal fairs for this spring and summer.  I love meeting the future brides and grooms and it is always a treat to see someone from the show schedule a consultation.

Come and visit Invites by Jen at two bridal fairs for this upcoming season!

The first one is in Madison on May 22nd.  It is the Bridal Event held by the Wedding Planner and Guide.  The show will be held at the Marriott Madison West.

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The second show I will be doing this summer will be in Green Bay on July 21st.  The Wedding Show Summer Edition is held at Shopko Hall {right across from Lambeau Field}.

I look forward to seeing everyone!

It’s Martini Time– Emerald Green Wedding Cocktail

Today I am delighted to share a fun recipe, shared by Michelle Pino, that you can use as a signature drink at your wedding.  It is perfect for the upcoming spring and summer weddings.  The best part is that the recipe is really adaptable and you can adjust it {very easily} to fit your needs.  Plus, it is tasty, so you cannot go wrong!

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Everyone who’s ever been to a wedding knows how awesome the cocktails are. During spring and summer weddings, people usually drink emerald cocktails.  When you picture an emerald cocktail, you picture yourself at a wedding dancing like a maniac and acting like a goof. But, you don’t have to wait for a wedding to enjoy this yummy cocktail. All you need is a few ingredients and you’re good to go. This recipe is so easy to make; it’s practically goof proof.

This recipe is also amazing for a green-themed wedding because it will go along swimmingly with your wedding décor. Remember, you only get married once, so make it special. This recipe will totally make your wedding one for the books, and the guests will keep on pestering you to give them another round.

Check out this yummy spring cocktail from the expert event planners at the Turning Stone Resort. This particular signature cocktail was served at a golf themed wedding reception, held at the famed Shenendoah New York Golf Resort.

 

Emerald Green Spring Cocktail Recipe

Spring Cocktail - Emerald Green

Ingredients:

1. 2 oz vodka

2. 2 oz melon liqueur

3. Lemon lime soda like Sprite or Z-up

4. Green food coloring; now, this is optional, but it makes your cocktail more fun and festive.

5. Cute cocktail umbrella; this isn’t necessary, but accessorizing your cocktail makes it festive.

6. Create your own name for the signature drink!

Directions:
Step one: First, find a blender cup or mixing bowl where you can mix your cocktail. Next, fill the bowl with ice because this is the base of your cocktail. You can use cubed or crushed ice. Although, I must say that it’s better to use crushed ice because it makes the martini smooth and creamy.

Step two:  Once you have your bowl with ice, add the vodka and the melon liquor. Mix them together until they are incorporated. Once you do that, it’s time to add the lemon-lime soda. Here’s a tip: don’t pour the soda too quickly; if you do, it will fizz and explode all over the place, thus making a huge mess.

Step three: Stir the mix together. Add a few drops of food coloring, and viola, you’re done, my friend. Go find a festive glass and reap the benefits of your hard work. You deserve it.

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