Our date, that is!
So we're a little late with our save the dates ... I'm not sure what happened. It just sort of snuck up on me -- so I got started a little late. At this point it's practically: "Save the date! Formal invitation to follow ... next week." But better late than never, right? Well, that's what I keep telling myself anyway ...
However, I would not have even been able to attempt this without the superhuman help and mad design skills of one of my dearest friends and fabulous matron of honor, Diana. She is honestly one of the most talented and creative people I have ever had the pleasure to know. She never ceases to amaze me -- I am constantly humbled by her genius :o)
And what talents they are! I have been so excited to share these with everyone -- and now that they're officially in the mail, winging their way to our nearest and dearest, I can. As usual, please excuse my crap photography.
The initial concept:
{Click on image to see bigger version} |
How on earth she managed to pull this design concept out of both of our heads, I will never know. She came up with two other equally amazing designs for our save-the-dates, but I thought I'd just share the "official" one.
The execution:
Here is one in its folded state -- peeking out of a polka dot lined envelope.
The tag.
The little round tag says "A reminder for your calendar." The circle logo with our date (06.07.08) and our names is a sticker (to stick on your calendar: duh). If you look closely, you'll even see the little tab that Diana made and meticulously stuck between the sticker and the paper in order to faciliate the removal of said sticker. She is ridiculous and I love her for it.
We made the envelope liners - using polka dot wrapping paper that I bought off of ebay (seller: ibqueenbee36 - highly recommend) and the envelope liner kit from Paper Source. Lessons learned? While envelope sizes may be standard, their flaps aren't. The envelopes we used were from Paper Presentation (HIGHLY recommend) -- totally different flaps from the liner templates from Paper Source. I had to sort of MacGyver a new template using some sturdy scrap paper.
Working with wrapping paper for the liners was a rather inspired idea that I had, if I do say so myself. It's the perfect weight and "shininess." Plus, you have so many paper and color options for a very reasonable price. Much easier than running around all over creation looking for the right paper (which I did - trust me, waste of time). Additional lesson learned? Liner kits -- probably not even necessary. When in doubt, just ask Martha. Although do I feel totally cool now, just by owning this kit? Absolutely.
Why yes I did stage this photo with props and lighting, why do you ask? (Had to put those suitcases to good use!)
The inside.
Left - close-up.
Right - close-up.
The details:
The invitation itself (the tag) is from Paper Presentation - we chose the black linen (obviously), with the solar white tag insert.
In addition, we used Aqua Marine Cover paper (80lb) for the tag circles.
The envelopes were also from Paper Presentation -- A6 Event Tone in Aqua Marine
The Aqua Marine color was perfect -- we toyed with the Tiffany Blue (too green) and the Daffy Blue (too light) -- but ultimately opted for the Aqua Marine, sight unseen since we didn't have a sample of it. Our gamble paid off :o)
Finally -- we used a black and white dotted ribbon from Michael's (from the "Dashes, Dots & Checks" collection). It's not grosgrainy, but it is somewhat similar to this:
{black ribbon with white polka dots from ribbons galore} |
A 1/8" double-faced satin ribbon (Offray - also from Michaels) was used to tie the insert into the tag -- it worked perfectly and was thin enough for the tag to close flat (a problem we had when we tried to use a thicker, decorative ribbon).
Oh! And I almost forgot -- I used the logo Diana designed and made custom postage from Zazzle:
So, what do you think?!
Ellen those are ridiculously gorgeous. They are prettier than most wedding invitations, much less save the dates.
Posted by: Kristen | March 21, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Sigh. Fabulous. I want a do-over! Love the suitcase too, I wish I had some reason to buy one of those.
Posted by: sherry | March 21, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Ellen I am officially obsessed with them. And I don't please easily with paper products:) They are simply fab and probably the coolest STDs EVER.
I want one! :)
Posted by: Julia | March 21, 2008 at 06:23 PM
THOSE, ARE, AWESOME! No wonder it's taken you so long to get those puppies out! You rock and your Matron of Honor rocks!
Posted by: Erin | March 23, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Jaw dropping to floor gorgeous! Incredible!
Posted by: Sarah | March 24, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Awesome! I absolutely love them and once again am ashamed of my simple save-the-dates.
Your "logo" for your date is divine; so original!
Posted by: Allison aka HaselBride | March 27, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Wow! These are literally amazing!
Posted by: Amy | April 23, 2008 at 12:50 AM
I love the invitations. I know this is something you wanted to pursue further. I am a newly engaged bride and looking to order invitations and rsvp cards, save the date and table numbers. Are you taking new clients.
Thanks Again..
Aja' Baker
Posted by: AJA BAKER | July 08, 2008 at 09:26 PM