 For many years the bride’s parents paid for the wedding and were the hosts of the wedding. You were not invited by the bride and groom, you were invited by her parents. Times have changed and many couples are paying for their own weddings in part or all of it. Couples today are older now than they ever have been before and are taking more control of their weddings, including paying themselves.
Some people still choose to include their parents’ names on the wedding invitations. Whether it is one set of parents or both sets of parents. While there are many ways to do this it is important to choose the best one for you and your situation. Sometimes the situation is complicated. If one or both sets of parents are divorced, or remarried, it can be confusing to know how to list them on the invitation. Lets run through some ways to show how to use parents’ names on wedding invitations. These would all be above the couple’s names on the invitations : No parent’s names: “Together with their families” or nothing at all above the couple’s names Bride’s parents inviting: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith invite you to the wedding of their daughter Bride’s parents inviting but they are divorced: Ms. Samantha Smith (in this case the mother’s name always goes first) Mr. John Smith Invite you to the wedding of their daughter Bride’s parents inviting but are remarried: Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Stewart (mother and current husband always go first) Mr. and Mrs. John Smith Invite you to the wedding of their daughter Including both sets of parents’ names: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith invite you to the wedding of their daughter Grace Smith to Liam Collins The son of Mr. and Mrs. James Collins As you can see, there are many options for how to list parent’s names on wedding invitations. There is no “right” or ‘wrong” way to do it. There are more traditional ways to do it too but not required. There are only preferences. Your preferences may be your parents’ preferences. Ultimately it is up to you how you want it worded though. Keywords: Parents names, hosting the wedding, divorced parents, remarried parents, wedding, wedding invitations
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 Invitations for destination weddings have some additional things to consider and include in the invitations. Here are some answers to common questions I get about destination weddings and invitations for them.
What is a destination wedding? There are two ways to classify a “destination” wedding. 1) A wedding where more than half of your guests are traveling more than a three hour drive from home is considered a destination wedding. This could be because the venue you selected is far from your guests. Or that you moved and are having your wedding in the new place you are living. More than 3 hours from home means they will most likely need a hotel room for the night. 2) If you and all your guests are travelling and need accommodations. Commonly these are international destinations, cruises, and Las Vegas. When should I send save the dates and invitations for my destination wedding? Save the dates should be sent around the 1 year mark before the wedding. This gives your guests extra time to save money for the trip as well as make sure they have the correct travel documents, if required. Invitations should go out 5-6 months before the wedding. Guests will need to start making their travel arrangements so giving them all the details earlier is better. What details should I include about the wedding in the invitations? If you are having a room block reserved you will want to include the name of the hotel as well as how guests are to reserve the rooms. Many hotels will give you a name for your guests to give when they call in to reserve their rooms. Finding the right airport that your guests should fly into is nice to include on your invitations. Airport name and abbreviation is very helpful for your guests (i.e. Portland International Airport (PDX)). Keywords: destination wedding, destination wedding invitations, wedding, wedding website  There is a lot of information and details that go into your wedding invitations. There are also details that should not be included. Here is a list of things you should keep in mind when it comes to invitation details.
Bride’s name traditionally goes first on the invitation: This is because the parents of the bride were usually hosting because they were paying for the wedding. Even though the “bride’s parents pay for the wedding” is not as common as it used to be it is still customary for the bride’s name to go first on the invitation (i.e. “Grace and Liam,” not “Liam and Grace”) The year is a 4 digit number: 2020 is “two thousand twenty.” Not “twenty twenty” even though that is how many people say it. Officially years are 4 digit numbers and there is no “and” in them. 2021 is “two thousand twenty-one.” Is it “afternoon” or “evening?”: Evening starts at 6:00pm. So anything before 6:00pm is afternoon and 6:00pm and after is evening. Ceremony address does NOT go on the invitation: The venue name and city, state go on the invitation but not the street address itself. Because the invitation is a formal invitation the address is not included. This information goes on an insert card. Keep in mind that you can do just the address if the venue is easy to find or you can include directions if it is hard to find or cell reception can be spotty (i.e. Google Maps won’t work). If your ceremony and reception are in different locations it is nice to put the directions from the ceremony location to the reception location on an insert card as well. This information can go on the same card as the ceremony address/directions. Registry information does not go anywhere in the invitation suite: Including this in the invitation suite is considered rude by formal etiquette standards. Your wedding website and shower invitations are great places for this. Be sure to let your wedding party know where you are registered in case people ask them. Word of mouth and your wedding website is the best way to convey registry information. Some people choose to add it in their suite and it should definitely be on an insert card and not on the invitation itself. Keywords: wedding, wedding invitation, invitation details, colored envelopes, colored text 
There is a lot to know about addressing your envelopes. You can be formal or informal with your addressing. You can also get creative with your formatting, but don’t get too creative or the post office won’t deliver.
For save the dates you can choose to be formal or informal with the addressing, it is up to you. Generally, save the dates are informal and invitations are formal. But not in call cases. When deciding the format of addressing- formal or more casual- should follow the theme of your wedding. If you are having a black tie affair in a ballroom you should follow all addressing etiquette for a formal affair. If you are having a more cocktail attire wedding you can choose to be more casual in your addressing. If you are having a rustic wedding you can choose to be pretty casual. Ultimately it is your choice but it is a good idea to be in line with the theme and style of your wedding. Here are some examples: Formal wording (Using formal names and spelling out all words. No nicknames for guests): Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Smith 1234 Southwest Main Street Anywhere, Oregon 97520 Informal/less casual than formal(Nicknames and abbreviations are ok): Mr. & Mrs. Chris Smith 1234 SW Main St Anywhere, OR 97520 Very casual (Just following basic addressing rules that the post office requires): Chris & Jenny Smith 1234 SW Main St Anywhere, OR 97520 You will notice that not only is the writing for the names different but also the addresses themselves. A formal address will have everything spelled out. There is no right or wrong choice. There are just ones that may fit your wedding better than the others. If you are working with a stationer that offers guest addressing they can help with which format to use. Or you can always reach out and I can help with addressing or give you guidance. Note about non-heterosexual couples: If you have guests that are members of the LGBTQ community you may have questions related to that. You would follow the same formality choice as your other invitations but there would be changes in the names. Here are some examples of how to address the names: Same-sex couple (whether they identify as male or female): Mr. Christopher Smith and Mr. Jeffrey Davis Mr. Chris Smith & Mr. Jeff Davis Chris Smith & Jeff Davis Gender fluid, queer, or does not identify as one gender: Mx. Jamie Barnes and Ms. Jennifer Evans Mx. Jamie Barnes & Ms. Jenny Evans Jamie Barnes & Jenny Evans Envelope addressing can be a stressful part of wedding planning. From the hand cramps to the etiquette to the formatting, it can all be a source of stress. Most stationers offer guest addressing. Discuss the options with your stationer or reach out to me for more guidance and options. Keywords: wedding invitations, save the dates, guest addressing Questions?
 Every year Pantone (a color specialist company that sets the standards for color coding for consistency across design platforms and printers) picks a color of the year. They take into account the trends across fashion, design and art and pick what they think will be a trending color of the year. They have been doing this for over 20 years.
2021 is a banner year as there is not one color of the year but two. Illuminating and Ultimate Gray share the honor of being selected. The combination of the colors, according to Pantone is "practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of [the colors] is one of strength and positivity." With they way the world has been in 2020 we could all use some strength and positivity. Yellows have always signified cheerfulness, calmness, and essentially "a light at the end of the tunnel." That there are brighter things ahead. Gray is a color of stability, strength, fortitude, resilience, and a firm foundation. The union of these two colors is very calming. Learn more about Pantone and the Color of the Year here: www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2021  Presented By:  Let's face it, 2020 has been rough! From wild fires to coronavirus, this year has tested us all. Now, imagine trying to plan a wedding on top of that! But #loveisnotcanceled!!! That is why this group of kind hearted, bad ass wedding vendors wanted to come together and SPREAD THE LOVE. We want to change the luck of one truly deserving couple by gifting them some amazing services for their wedding day! Valued at $10,000! Whether you are nominating an amazing couple or submitting yourself click below to complete the entry form and be entered to win this amazing prize!  What's Included? DJ and MC Services Wedding Photography Package Lighting Photo Booth Rental Flowers for the couple and wedding party Custom bridal veil and face masks Ice cream cart with 6 flavors Cake and Dessert Table Beer and Wine Trailer with Beer and Wine included Popcorn Wedding Stationery Officiant with Custom Ceremony Wedding Decor with Complimentary Styling and a Mobile Bridal Suite! All from these great Wedding Vendors:
About the Contest:
Giveaway will be open for applications from December 1st, 2020 through January 31st, 2021 at 11:59PM PST. Winner will be announced on February 14th, 2021 by 5PM PST. For official rules see the bottom of our entry form.  There are a lot of wedding professionals you need to hire to pull off your wedding. The average wedding couple will hire 13 vendors for their wedding, according to Wedding Wire. But there are some you didn’t know you needed or that they even existed, Here are some unique wedding professionals I think you should check out.  Just Us Girls Mobile Bartending- Most weddings have a bar. Some venues have bartenders and some require you hire your own. Traci and Lesli lead a great bunch of bartenders. They make delicious drinks, can purchase the alcohol for you, can serve alcohol you purchase, and also carry additional insurance to help protect you. The entire team is also fun to have around!  1927 S’Mores- I mean… s’mores!!!! Need I say more?! They bring everything you need to have s’mores at your wedding. They also offer to go packages as wedding favors. It is such a unique way to add memories to your wedding.  The Mobile Scoop Ice Cream Shop- They bring the ice cream to your wedding. They have a cute cart they can bring to serve the ice cream out of. They also have cones and toppings to go along with the scoops. They are an ice cream lover’s dream.  3Birds Caravan- Luxury brought to you. They are mobile bridal suites. They offer all the comforts of home but on location. They are designed for you and your crew to get ready in. Very inviting and calming.  The Little Photo Bus- It is a photo booth that drives up to your wedding. Climb in and take some cute photos. This vintage Volkswagon bus is so cute and unique. It may be the only time in your life you ever see one of these!!!!
These wedding professionals all offer a unique service to make your wedding go smoothly and add a touch of fun. Reach out to any of them and see how they can help you on your day. Keywords: wedding vendor, wedding professional, ice cream, portapotty, luxury wedding, rustic wedding  Most people know “invitation” and “RSVP” but “insert” is one term that many people don’t understand. An invitation suite will include 1 invitation and RSVP but can include 1 or more insert cards. Let’s dive into inserts and why you need one (or 2…. or 3…. or more.)
An insert card is for any information you need to convey to your guests in order for them to attend your wedding. You should assume NOTHING and include everything your guests need to know. Just because something seems obvious to you doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included. All the information needed to attend should be included in the invitations. Information to include may be:
All the information needed for your guests to attend your wedding should be included in your invitation suite. Your invitation suite should make it as easy as possible for your guests to attend. Keywords: wedding, wedding invitation, wedding invitation suite, invitation design, wedding invitation insert card  This years’ event took place on Sunday, September 20, 2020. This was the third year of this event and once again was hosted at Log House Garden at Willow Lake in Keizer, Oregon. There were over 25 professionals there to meet couples and help them plan their wedding.  2020 has been a year to remember…. And not for good reasons. Even with the COVID-19 Pandemic we decided as a group to move forward with the showcase and to be sure to follow all safety precautions in place. Our showcase was scheduled for Sunday, September 13 but unfortunately less than a week before the showcase the Willamette Valley was hit with wildfires. There were evacuations of many people, including some of our professionals in our group. The decision was made to postpone in the interest of respect for the safety of all vendors and guests to the following weekend.  While the showcase this year looked much different than previous years it was still very successful. We had over 150 people come visit us. And the sun was shining!!!! The last 2 years we have been in a downpour for most of the show. The smoke had cleared from the wild fires as well so this was the first day in almost 2 weeks we were able to see blue skies in the Willamette Valley. Thankfully, Caroline with Events Planned Perfectly was able to take the helm and steer this event toward success! Without her hard work and dedication to making this event not only possible but great would never have happened.  Every year there is a charity we choose to give the proceeds from the show to. This year, due to the wildfires happening just before our show we decided to donate to The Red Cross Cascades Region. They did wonderful work for all those evacuated (people and animals) and it was an easy decision to decide to donate to them. We were able to donate $500 to them to help.  Thank you to all the professionals and guests who made this day so special! Until next year…. Check out all the professionals that were at the showcase. All photos by Stunning Portrait Photography  Me!                         Mariz and James were a wonderful couple to work with. They were referred to me by my friends at Danner and Soli Event Rentals (Love my fellow wedding pros!). They came to me with an idea I had never done before. I am always up for the challenge of something new.
Mariz showed me a picture from her Pinterest page. She liked a layer of vellum over card stock. This is a wonderful way to add depth to stationery. I loved the look and was excited to help them achieve the look they were going for. The design required an eyelet to be punched into the sheets to keep them together. I had never done that before but again, I am always up for a challenge. So I set out to start figuring out how to make it work. I would have to be sure the layers lined up when the eyelet was punched. To make it work I put a dot on the design of both layers so when they printed I could line them up when punching the eyelet. Now that I had the logistics figured out for the final product it was time to start designing the text. The design on the vellum needed to not obscure the photo coming through but also needed to still be legible. They wanted the text to be deep purple. It was a great way to incorporate one of their wedding colors into the invitation. On the back of the card stock is where all the details for attending the wedding went. Their ceremony and reception were not in the same venue so they needed to include both locations on the invitation. Traditionally reception information goes on a separate card but this design allowed for it to be included in this design. I usually advise clients against putting all the information on the invitation but they liked the idea of having it all on one card. We also kept the purple color throughout the design. When the text on the back was designed they decided that it looked a little plain so they wanted to add a wreath with their initials in it. When the design was completely done I did a sample print of the photo and text on a white card stock and a pearl card stock to show them options. They chose to go with the pearl card stock. It gave the invitation more texture. I really enjoyed working with Mariz and James! They got me thinking outside the box and I grew as a designer and was able to give them the unique invitation they were looking for. Keywords: wedding, wedding invitation, vellum, vellum wedding invitation, overlay, layered wedding invitation |
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