Archive for the ‘Advice’ Category

Be Unique, Be out of the Box! Guest Blog by Amy Morelli, The 2u Collection

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

I am so very excited to “introduce” to you an absolute favorite stationer of mine, Amy Morelli of The 2u Collection! As you will soon see, as you read below, her work is so creative and fun.  Because of this, we asked Amy to write a guest blog for us on a topic I know “our type of brides” would love: How to be unique, and out of the box!  She’s the perfect person to speak on this because I see a looooooooooooot of invites and save the dates, so it’s rare when I get excited when seeing another; but Amy wows me every, single time with her unique work!  Ok OK, enough from me….here’s Amy! :)

photography below courtesy of Liga Photography & stationery designs below by The 2u Collection

Be Unique, Be out of the Box! Guest Blog by Amy Morelli, The 2u Collection

Every bride that comes to me says the same thing, ‘I want to be different and OUT OF THE BOX, I don’t want my wedding stationery to be boring, or look just like an ordinary birthday or holiday card.

So, how do you make your Wedding Stationery unique and different?  Well here are some tips.

UNIQUE SIZE AND SHAPE: Have your stationery company create something that isn’t the standard shape, or size. Whether it’s your Save the Date, Invitation, or pieces of your Reception Collateral, different sizes and shapes can really give your stationery an added wow factor!

DOES Invitation and Wedding Collateral HAVE TO BE PAPER?: Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE paper. Some who know me would say I’m addicted! (and I wouldn’t disagree) However, it’s always fun to use Paper as the compliment to some other element to WOW your guests. See some of the pieces below.

This was a fun project.. Did you know that Breathalyzer tests in their infancy involved a balloon? Well I didn’t until I did research for this Stock the Bar, Housewarming Party. The invite required guests instead of bringing a housewarming gift, to bring a bottle of something to help stock their bar.  What a fun idea. So we followed with the invite, The invite was a balloon attached to and insert card. All the details were on the balloon once you blew it up!

This was an amazing table number. The wedding was all about pearls, so instead of a standard Square or Rectangular piece of cover stock with a number, we used a glass vase, filled it with pearls and wooden numbers that had been pearlized with paint!

This is also very fun!! Try sending food!! Of course make sure it’s food that won’t spoil to much, in this case, we sent nuts, pop corn, dates and ritz crackers! It was a hit, nothing better than receiving snacks in the mail!

 

Don’t want to use paper? Try Fabric! This invitation was unique and beautiful Printed Fabric with Satin Ribbon edges.

Here is another fun one.. Want something different.  How about a video invitation?  In this great invitation, a video invite was created and we presented it with paper as the accent in this great organic natural pocket!


USE TEXTURE: Another great way to be unique is to use texture and embellishments when you can. Texture and use of interesting elements that aren’t “NORMAL” for invitations always are a wow for the guests.

Using different textures can really bring the WOW to your guests. Textured AND colored paper is always a wow.. Adding Lace, ribbon and crystals bring depth and excitement, Also seen above, we took silk flowers and guilded them in metallic silver. It really brought drama to the invitations. Lastly, incorporating different colored and textured paper with elements like Raffia and Wood, also can bring life to any ordinary stationery set.


Make 2D into 3D: Do something unique, think outside the box, incorporate a 3-dimensional gift with your invitation, make your place cards stand out by placing them on the wine glass at the setting, protect your invitation or card from the BIG BAD Post office, with an origami hand made box.



 

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THE HOT SEAT: Molly Brown, Cinematique Films

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

“Molly, what would you tell a bride that wasn’t sold on having a videographer at her wedding?”

Well, I would tell her I once felt the same way!  Ten years ago when I got married, I thought that my photographer was enough and didn’t even entertain the idea of hiring a professional videographer to capture my day.  It was a decision I have regretted ever since.  Not only did I have my dream wedding with 200+ guests but my father (who was an intrical part of my day) has since passed away just 2 years ago.  If I had hired a videographer, I would have professional footage of my father tearing up as he walked me down the aisle, crystal clear audio of him giving his tender and loving toast, and I could relive our our Father/Daughter dance whenever I wanted.  None of this footage was caught and the pictures unfortunately did not tell our story. 

Ok, so aside from the obvious reason of preserving our loved ones through video, another great reason is you get a MOVIE of your wedding day!  What is cooler than that?  With the technology and editing styles available today, the sky is the limit when it comes to producing an amazing cinematic film that captures all the romance, excitement, and SOUNDS of your big day that, let’s face it, will fly by faster than you can stop to smell your bouquet!

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Molly is the owner and creativity mastermind behind Cinematique Films,  view a sampling of her video clips in our website gallery.

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THE HOT SEAT: Michele Davis Lowery, Blush Paperie

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

“Michele, What tips about invitations and wedding stationary can you share with new brides?”

When thinking about your paper needs for your wedding, there are 3 main categories to consider – the save the date, the invitations, and the reception stationery. One of the best ways to view your paper needs is to look at these 3 categories as a package. In doing so, you can create a cohesive look and almost certainly save money.

 Save the Dates

If you are using a print method that requires a printing plate be made (offset, thermography, etc.) you will almost definitely be able to save money by printing your save the dates with your invitation. Ask your stationer about this. A beautifully designed and printed save the date  is a great opportunity to really set the wow factor for your event.

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Invitations

The choices and possibilities for invitations are absolutely endless. Whatever you can dream up is possible. However, if you don’t have an endless budget, there are several ways to get more bang for your buck when choosing invitations.

Colors – One way to save big is to print in all black. I recently printed an invitation in all black thermography (raised printing) and it is absolutely stunning! When you have a textured type of print (like thermography) and the design literally pops off the page, the all black looks incredibly sharp.

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 Consider printing your invitations in just 1 color, especially if you are using letterpress for your invitations. This will significantly decrease your cost.

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 Self assembly – The simple touch of adding a card stock backing to your invitation, creating a layered look, completely elevates the invitation. If you decide to add these, save money by assembling them yourself.

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Reception stationery

Bringing the look from your wedding invitations into your reception is a great way to create a cohesive feel. This is also a fun time to use your new married name!

Some elements to consider…

Seating – If you are having a very large wedding, seating charts often work very well. You can fit hundreds of guests on one chart, but the price of the chart stays the same.

 If you use escort cards, put couples on one card to cut down on how many cards you need to order.

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 Menus – Menus at every seat are lovely, but some times this just isn’t in the budget. Combine your table number and menu in one piece that you display on the table in a frame.

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Finding the right stationer for you

When it is time for you to find a stationer, make sure you see samples in person. That doesn’t mean you are limited to your local area. Almost all online invitation sites will mail you samples. Check reviews on weddingwire.com or similar review sites. Pay attention to how long it takes them to get back to you when you are in the research stage. This will likely be indicative of how their communication will be once you order. If you need a very specific color, ask about color matching in your research stage. Some stationers charge a steep price for this, others offer it as part of their service. Once you have placed your order and your proofs are ready, make sure to ask several people to proofread them with you because one of the worst thing that can happen is an error on your printed materials.

 

Michele is the owner and creative force behind Blush Paperie.  Her designs have pleased many StyleHouse brides, and her clientele list has reached across the country.

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THE HOT SEAT: Aaron Vieri, Flowers of Winter Park

Sunday, August 16th, 2009
“Aaron, What tips would you give brides that are starting the florist search?”

When it comes to choose the flowers of your wedding day, there are various facts to consider:
Color scheme.
Are the flowers I want available in those colors?
Are they in season?
What is the expense for a peony? Rose? Hydrangea?

Let’s begin with choosing the florist for your wedding. Do your research! You usually will hear about a great florist from a friend or perhaps experienced someone’s work at a wedding you attended. Call or email the florist to set up an appointment. Once it’s time to meet with your floral designer, bring pictures, sashes, or even a color palette of the flowers you are interested in. These tips will make the meeting process easier and more fun because your florist will get an idea of what you are looking for and the idea you want to portray.
In your first meeting, make sure to ask to see photos of their previous wedding work. This will ensure the capabilities of your florist. Feel out the vibe the florist gives you. If your florist pays attention to your wants and needs, you are probably in good hands.
If your florist says your choices are no good, not available, or out of season, without giving you options; perhaps take a second look elsewhere.
Your florist should make you feel comfortable. They should aid your ideas and expand them with a professional touch. Never let a florist take over. Remember, it’s about blending your vision with theirs to create a unique event. If the flowers you seek are not in season, make sure you’re given options that can be substituted and yet create a similar look. Be realistic about your wants and needs in terms of your wedding budget. Mention to your florist you have a specific total budget and they will work it out with you. You do not need to spend an exorbitant amount of money to create the florals for your wedding as long as you are realistic. A small centerpiece can still be beautiful and create a statement.

When you do receive a proposal from your florist, ensure that you have details of everything from the flowers that will be used, colors , rental items, and that delivery/setup/strike are mentioned. This will help eliminate a miscommunication.

Once you made the decision to book your florist make sure you or your coordinator keep constant contact. If you were recommended a florist, like their work, and you click well – book them. If you wish to shop around, pick the floral designer that gives you options and a good price. A few tips from a professional:
1- Take consideration that some of your wedding colors may not have a “perfect match” in flowers. However consider creating some contrast with coordinating flower colors to mix and match.

2- If your big day is going to be outdoors in the middle of summer (you might think it is crazy bit it really happens!) make sure your florist gives you the best choices for a hot summer day. Your look should be unique, but not wilting in the heat. Select long lasting blooms.

3- Sometimes brides react with a laugh, and say, “that’s too much” or “that’s outrageous.” I’d like to provide the behind the scenes reasons why your floral budget may have you bummed. First, many brides do not take into consideration the “labor” of their project. Brides see a bouquet in the magazine and they think they’re paying for some blooms and that’s it. Unfortunately, sometimes preparation for a wedding can takes hours and even days. Take this into consideration when you see the bottom line. Perhaps ask your florist how much labor will be required to pull together your dream wedding and be understanding if you have a unique design. Most florists will also charge a delivery and setup fee to ensure the floral pieces are perfectly in place and ready for the big show. They also may be on site to accurately move ceremony décor to the reception. If you do the math, think of what you save by reusing flowers. Any florist that will not move flowers isn’t interested in your business. Many of your items are not purchased either. Rentals account for much of a centerpiece or ceremony setup. Vases, candles, accessories are things that are rented, while the flowers can be removed at the end of the evening to share with guests.

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The HOT SEAT: Celebrity DJ Carl

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

  “Hey DJ Carl, What tips would you give brides that are looking for a top notch wedding DJ?”

Planning a wedding is a lot of work and one of the most daunting tasks is securing a reputable and entertaining music source. Due to the vast number of disc jockey’s serving Orlando, it can be difficult to narrow down the selection and choose the one who will provide a unique experience for your special event.

In any professional field, there are those who excel and those who act unethically; disappointing the client and ruining the event. Awareness and knowledge are the key to finding the right professional in the wedding entertainment field. It is important to do research on every DJ that you are considering. After gathering all of the necessary materials needed to make an educated purchasing decision, there are a couple of important questions you should consider asking your prospective disc jockey.

1. Meet the prospective DJ in person. A simple meeting will help in determining whether the DJ has the personality and most importantly entertaining style to manage your reception in a professional manner.

2. Ask the DJ/MC to vocalize how they would announce your wedding party introductions. Give them a couple names and have them prove to you that they can generate excitement and introduce your friends and family in an appropriate way.

3. Discuss the DJ’s typical interaction with the guests. Ask them to explain how they involve your family and friends in the celebration. Ask about specific instances where they have encountered “unresponsive” wedding parties and how they revved up the energy of the party.

4. Ask the DJ how they typically work requests, dedications or special announcements into their program. Are they flexible during the reception? Think of different scenarios and have them explain their ideas and styles in working to keep the party moving smooth and effortlessly.

5. Ask about the music transitions. The DJ is vital to the flow of your reception music. A great DJ not only plays a variety of music, but the DJ should also play the right music at the right time. A great DJ can mix the music seamlessly and never allows any dead air unless someone is giving a toast or blessing.

Keep these 5 points in mind when meeting with all prospective DJs and you should feel confident in your final selection. The most important factor is that you feel comfortable and at ease while working with your DJ. Remember, it is your celebration. A professional and responsible disc jockey always respects and appreciates that and will go out of their way to help throw that perfect celebration!

photo of DJ Carl by Garrett Nudd photography

DJ Carl Williams is a highly sought after professional disc jockey and music trend specialist. He has been involved in the music industry for over fifteen years as a leading professional DJ and top Nightclub Entertainment Consultant. His extensive music industry knowledge and entertainment experience are extensive and well known in the industry. Learn more about Carl at http://www.djcarl.com/.

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Introducing…THE HOT SEAT

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

As Sharia and I were chatting this week, we decided that the hot summer months would be an excellent opportunity to open up our blog to our favorite vendors. We’re calling these guest blog entries our “HOT Seat.” A chance for us to grill our favorite vendors on their expertise in their field. We’ve chosen several of Florida’s finest and we can’t wait to hear what they have to say. Stay tuned for tips on music, videography, flowers, decor, photography, and picking the ideal location.

 

at 6:48 PM 2 comments  

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