Invitation Maven

Fun with Postage – Dress up your envelopes with vintage stamps

Picture of envelope showing selection of vintage stamps

One of my favorite ways to complete an invitation suite is with a custom postage stamp. It tells guests that there is something special inside the envelope and gets them excited to see what it is. Unfortunately, the United States Postal Service will be discontinuing its personalized postage program. According to a May 7, 2020 … Read more

Glossary of Invitation Terms

Words you should know when designing your party invitations and event stationery

When I meet with clients to design their custom invitations, I use a variety of terms to describe the different elements of an invitation suite and other pieces of event stationery. There are also terms relating to different printing techniques and different types of paper. Some terms are self explanatory and most people understand what they mean. Sometimes, however, there are terms that are common in my industry that some clients don’t know. To help make sure you’re an informed consumer, I created this glossary of terms that you can use when designing or ordering your party invitations and event stationery. The terms are divided into the following categories:

  • Printing Techniques and Treatments
  • Invitation Design
  • Invitation Suite, Stationery and Event Signage
  • Typeface and Fonts
  • Paper
  • Presentation, Binding and Packaging

Use this glossary to help you understand what it is you’re getting before you place your invitation order. It’s also useful to help explain what the different elements of an invitation suite are, and whether or not you should add something to your invitation ensemble.

If you have any questions about any of the terms in this glossary, or if you want help designing and ordering custom invitations, event stationery and signage for your event, I invite you to contact me at [email protected]

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Do It Yourself (DIY) versus Professional Invitations: Pros and Cons to Help You Decide What’s Best for You

Last month, I wrote about how to add unique and personal touches to your wedding or party décor with projects you do yourself (known as Do It Yourself, or DIY). The article was actually about how you can hire a professional to help you if you don’t think you can or don’t want to do the work yourself, but still want that personal touch at your party. This month, I thought I’d delve a little deeper into the Do It Yourself decision as it pertains to invitations, and present some pros and cons to help you decide whether or not you should make your own or hire a professional. This article will help you figure that out so you can set the right tone for your event.

INVITATION STYLE AND DESIGN

The invitation you choose for your event is largely based on how formal your event is and what tone and expectations you want to set for your guests. If you are throwing an elegant affair, you’ll probably want to have an invitation that imparts the formality of the event. Fancier invitations such as letterpress, foil stamping, laser cut designs, and printing on things other than paper (like plastic or wood), are not easily done from home. Ordering invitations from a professional company expands the range of papers and printing styles you can choose from. Also, if you have a specific design in mind, the best option is to

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Making Sure Your Invitation is Functional, Not Just “Pretty”

Why Invitation Design is Important

This beginning post isn’t really about invitations, per se. It is about how what may become the most infamous design flaw in the print world ruined such an important and special moment for many people anticipating a crowning achievement in their careers. This story highlights the importance of a good, functional design and demonstrates why function and clarity are more important that looks.

Here’s what happened:

It’s Oscar Sunday, 2017, Hollywood’s most important night of the year. They save the biggest and most anticipated Oscar for the end of the show: BEST PICTURE. Anticipation builds throughout the evening, and the moment everyone is waiting for arrives. 

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Number One Event Planning Tip: Enjoy the Process

Planning a special event can be a daunting task, whether it’s a small, intimate gathering of friends to celebrate a milestone birthday or a large life cycle event such as a wedding, bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah. There are thousands of choices to make and a myriad of details to keep track of. Sometimes, the … Read more