So your invitation comes back from the printer, now what?  Is there a special order they should go in when assembling them?  Turns out, there is.  Some printers will include a mock-up for you.  But in case yours didn’t, here’s my instruction sheet.  You can download it in pdf format here.

1. Address outer (mailing) envelopes with the guest names and full address.
2. Address inner envelopes (if any) with guest names only.
3. Lay invitation face up.
4. Place tissue over the writing.  Using tissue is optional.  Tissue was originally used to keep ink from smudging.  No longer a concern today, it is completely up to the couple if they want to adhere to the tradition.
5. Layer enclosures (if any) large to small and face up, on top of tissue (the largest enclosure would be closest to the invitation).
6. Put a stamp on the response envelope.
7. Tuck response card, face up, under the flap of the response envelope (the flap will cover part of the writing).  Place on top of the enclosures (or tissue) with the response card face up.
8. If using an inner envelope: slip the resulting stack inside the inner envelope.  The back of the invitation should rest on the inside of the flap as you insert the stack.  Folded edge first (or left edge first if invitations are not folded).  Fold the flap, but do not seal the inner envelope.  OR If you are not using an inner envelope: slip the resulting stack inside the outer envelope.  The back of the invitation should rest on the inside of the flap as you insert the stack.  Folded edge first (or left edge first if invitations are not folded).  Seal, stamp and mail!
9. Place inner envelope inside the outer (mailing) envelope with the names on the inner envelope facing up.  When the outer envelope is opened, guests will see their names.  Seal, stamp and mail!

TIPS:

• Keep in mind, the actual assembly of your invitations may vary depending upon how traditional they are.  Overall, your guests should see their names on the inner envelope as the mailing envelope is opened, and should read the response card when the inner envelope is opened.
• Take one invitation to the post office and have it metered!  Fully assembled invitations are heavier than a standard letter and odd shapes (ie: square) may require extra postage.

It’s true, the third week of March is American Chocolate Week.  I don’t know why we need an entire week, but who am I to judge any excuse to indulge!!  Here are a few ways to celebrate:

1. Read a book:

The Bride Wore Chocolate, by Shirley Jump

2. Rent a movie:

Chocolat, Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp

3. Play a game:

Truth, Dare or Chocolate, available at Red Envelope

4. Get a chocolate massage:

The Spa at the Hotel Hershey.  Can’t get there?  Their Cocoa Massage and Body Oil is available online.

5. Throw a chocolate tasting party:

Allchocolate.com  You can also learn how to pair chocolate and wine and create your own tasting mat!  (Check out SavorChocolate.com, for more chocolate party ideas!)

6. Discover your chocolate personality:

SavorChocolate.com (I’m a “Chocolate Goddess”!)

7. And of course, eat it!

Botanical Truffles, by Kohler Chocolates. Available in honey, green tea, lavendar, and ginger. Those are my latest favorites!  Check out the Craverie too!

Have a great chocolate week everyone!

Did you have your heart set on using wedding postage stamps?  You’ll need to either move your RSVP date up to before the 12th, or include an extra .01 stamp.

Introducing Our New Guest Blogger & Letterpress Expert Denise at Bellis Studios!

I’m happy to welcome my favorite letterpress designer, Denise, owner and operator of Bellis Studios!  With her amazing talent and incredible eye for design and color, she creates exquisitely unique letterpress stationery and invitations.  Recently featured in the Spring 2008 issue of Bride & Bloom Magazine, along with other press, she’s on her way to letterpress stardom! 

I am so excited to not only introduce Denise as a fabulous designer you should know, but also as our new guest blogger! 

Denise will be stopping by to share with us her creations, inspirations, thoughts and ideas.  

She’ll be giving us her expert advice and tips on letterpress, color, and design. 

Getting married?  If you have any questions about how to choose your wedding stationery, just contact us!  We may just feature your question and the answer on this blog! 

In love with letterpress?  Let us know your thoughts and ideas, and we’ll be happy to share them! 

Learn more about Denise and Bellis Studios HERE and at HERE!  Want to read more about letterpress?  See what Denise has to say about it HERE! 

Don’t forget to check out her site, shop and her blog:

www.bellisstudios.com & www.bellisblog.com 

Hi all!  My name is Denise and I’m really excited that Jaime asked me to be a guest blogger here.  I am a designer and letterpress printer.  From time to time, I’ll be bringing you design tips…mainly to help you with your wedding stationery selection.  But I’ll also throw in some color and design theory to help you pull your whole day together.  When I stumble across a great indie find, I’ll bring that your way too!