Just last weekend Pushing the Envelope was on the road at A Wedding Day at the Eden sponsored by 101 the Rose radio! 

We set up a darling booth in the Regency Ballroom and felt that the event was a huge success!  I personally spoke with what seemed like hundreds of brides-to-be and their families.  I was really thrilled that the brides were paying special attention to every detail associated with their special day….they seemed ”serious” for lack of a better word, but, in a good way! 

The color yellow is extremely popular with spring and summer brides who plan to use it as an accent color with greys, greens, navy and black. See my post below!

Couples are becoming increasingly interested in using recycled materials in their invitations…I had a lot of interest in my Naturally Ever After album that showcases invitations made from 40% post-consumer fibers.

The concept of invitations utilizing “pockets” is still very HOT!  If you plan on using several enclosure pieces like direction, accommodation, reception and response cards then a pocket invitation is the way to go.  Keeping all of your enclosures neatly tucked in to a pocket makes a lovely presentation and it keeps things well organized for your guests too.

Couples also seemed very interested in our collection of personalized jewelry and gifts.  Whether it is a pearl necklace with a monogrammed sterling pendant for bridesmaids or an engraved mug for the groomsmen, a personal touch never goes unnoticed.

Lastly, the trend in using a calligrapher is here to stay.  I shared my booth with good friend and amazing calligrapher, Nora Given.  We found that brides are still craving the classic style of hand addressed envelopes and place cards.  Calligraphy offers a personal touch to your announcements or invitations!

I just love the unexpected.  And, pairing fresh, zesty, lemon yellow with traditional black and white is just that!  This new color pairing is fun and sassy but remains tasteful.  Throw in a splash of yellow where you can….the ribbon on your invitation, gorgeous fresh centerpieces, a single flower on the grooms tux….and, your signature lemon-drop cocktail.

The other BIG story in color is purple.  Lavish and sophisticated, purple can easily coordinate with so many other colors….apple green, pinks, red, slate and chrome.  Choose lighter shades for warm weather affairs and darker, more sultry shades for winter and evening events.

A few other quick notes regarding color…

Pattern is huge.  Brides and others are incorporating bold floral patterns and geometric shapes in to their events.  Platinum replaces chocolate brown as the hot, new accent color.  Navy blue is the new black.  Pair it with gray, silver, gold or apple green. Bronze paired with cornflower blue is popular as are fuchsia and slate, purple and apple green and midnight blue and gold.

Make your event come alive with color!!

With the holiday’s quickly approaching, many of us will be on the receiving end of a gorgeous invitation beckoning us to a fabulous event.  We’ve found the perfect dress, treated ourselves to a sparkling manicure and have chosen a tasteful hostess gift.  But, something important is missing…hmmm, what could that be?  That’s right!! …the all important R.S.V.P.!

It is becoming the norm NOT to respond to an invitation at all even when a response is clearly (and desperately) requested.  The lack of a response can create several challenges for your host including difficulty in planning for the food or bar, the all important party favors or the seating arrangements.

So, what does R.S.V.P. mean exactly?  The oh so proper French created this acronym meaning “Repondez s’il vous plait”, a phrase that translates to “reply if you please”.  You may also come across “please respond”, “regrets only” or any number of other requests for a reply.  No matter the wording, please do your host a favor, and REPLY!  If you receive an invitation that does not ask for a response, please do so anyway.  It is polite to accept or decline all invitations.

The most proper way of replying to an event is in writing.  However, it is also appropriate to reply in the same manner that the invitation was sent.  If you are not sure if you are able to attend an event, or, perhaps you just want to reserve a Saturday night for p.j.’s and popcorn, please do not leave your host hanging.  A simple response stating “thank you for the invitation, however, I am afraid that I am not able to attend” is all that is required.  Do not feel obligated to explain why you cannot attend the event.

So, this holiday season, enjoy the many chances to celebrate with friends and family, but, PLEASE remember the all important R.S.V.P.!

You have just received a fabulous (or perhaps not so fabulous) gift for your recent wedding, Bat Mitzvah, sweet 16 or graduation party….now it’s time to write the the thank-you notes! Whether the gift was business or personal, time, talent or money, it must be acknowledged – promptly!  Here are a few tips for writing the perfect thank-you note!

• Write your note on the day that the gift is given…this will prevent the dreaded pile-up.  However, if you are playing catch up, commit to writing 5 notes each day until they are complete. Generally, a note should be written within a week and certainly no longer than one month after having received the gift.
• No matter how tech-savvy you are, do NOT write a thank-you note via email…it is inappropriate.
• Always reference the gift and thank the giver for the thought behind it
• Mention the gifts usefulness
• Express the hope for a future meeting
• Keep the note short
• Make sure that the note is hand-written
• Be yourself when writing
• Use great-looking stationery…make your note a gift to the gift-giver!!

We have all become so accustomed to making many of our purchases on-line.  Hair care from Sephora, great shoes from ebay, a new swim-suit from Nordstrom.  In many cases the internet is a fantastic tool to save us time and money.  However, there are times when shopping on-line can be a frustrating waste of energy simply because it lacks the all-important touch factor. 

In the case of your distinctive event invitaiton, holiday card or social stationery set, a boutique experience is the only way to go.

Here are a few tips for no regret, stress-free invitations -

• Make sure to see a physical sample of an invitation before you commit.  You may LOVE the look of something on-line or in a catalog but dislike the weight, texture or details once you see it in person.
• Will your event ensemble be fully assembled when you receive it?  Many boutiques (just like Pushing the Envelope) offer to fully assemble your invitations at no additional cost. 
• Many on-line stationers are not truly “paper professionals”.  Can they offer personalized advice on wording, layout, font and ink choices?
• If you do choose to order your stationery through a catalog or on-line remember to proofread your text carefully and ask a friend with “fresh eyes” to examine them too.
• Considering making your own invitations?  Creating your own invitaitons can be a way to add a creative touch to your event.  However, given the cost of materials and the time involved, it may not save you money over having them professionally printed.  Also, many times, as hard as you try, hand-made invitations will appear to be just that…hand made.
• Many boutiques offer on-line addressing or offer calligraphy services and can coordinate those services for you.
• And remember, once your invitations are perfect and you have finally put them in the mail, hold on to your list of addresses…you’ll need them all again to send thank you notes!

Your invitation sets the tone and style of your soiree. It’s the first impression that your guests will have of your upcoming event. Whether you are throwing a Bat Mitzvah for 250, an intimate wedding for 75 or a “just because” party for 120, your guests will look to your invitation as a guide…an instruction manual for the party.  What should they wear?  Is it formal or fun?  Should they have a bite to eat before hand or will a meal be served?

When designing the wording of your invitation think about what you would like to convey to the recipient.  Make very sure that the basic details are taken care of first.

Who – What – Where – When

Then, throw a bit of your own personality in.  Add a meaningful quote, an exciting ink color, an interesting font.  Find a fresh way to word things.  For instance; on your response card instead of the usual “will or will not attend” add something fun like “Delightfully accepts….Regretfully declines”.

How does your invitation look on the outside?  The envelope is equally as important as the contents.  A printed return address flap is essential.  Adding calligraphy is also a lovely touch.  Many of the companies that I work with also offer addressing services.  Simply send an Excel file to the company and they will address the envelopes for you….additional fees apply.

Create an invitaiton that is an expression of your event….you will be so glad that you did!

Using save-the-date cards is one of the most effective ways of gathering close friends, family or business associates to join you at your momentous occasion. Not to be confused with the actual event invitation, save-the-dates are the preferred choice for those induviduals who have loved ones or business clients that live out of the area and who would benefit from advance notice of your upcoming soiree.
The Purpose of Save the Date Cards

Save-the-date cards serve as reminders or to give one a “heads up” about your event. More than that, they allow the recipients to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements in advance.

Sending Save the Date Cards

Save-the-date cards can be mailed out up to one year before the actual occasion.

Couples that plan their weddings close to popular holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and even Fourth of July) should mail their cards several months in advance so that their guests can avoid things like overbooked flights and hotels.

Types of Save the Date Cards

There are two types of save-the-date cards that are currently sold in stationery stores: cards and magnets. The wording on most save the date cards is usually straight to the point regardless of the type you choose. Usually, the information on the card consists of the hosts name, persons of honor (if applicable) and general location of the event.
The save the date cards with a magnetic backing are the most popular choice today. These are in great demand because they can be kept on the refrigerator door…no one is likely to forget the event date if the card is in full view!

When was the last time you received a handwritten note from a business associate? It may be that it was too long ago for you to remember. On the other hand, if you have gotten one lately, you know exactly who sent it and when. Handwritten notes have become almost extinct in the business world. So if you are looking for ways to stand out from the crowd, to be noticed by your colleagues and clients, try putting pen to paper whenever you have the slightest excuse.

There are few acts more impressive than handwriting a letter or a note to someone with whom you do business or would like to. Most people think that writing notes by hand requires extra time and effort. Ironically, it can be quick and painless if you do it frequently and follow these tips:

1. Have writing supplies close at hand.
Store stationery and stamps in the most convenient place in your desk. When you need to send a note, all you have to do is reach for your stationery, dash off a few lines, address the envelope, put the stamp in place and mail it.

2. Keep your message brief.
These are notes so you only have to come up with three or four sentences. If you attempt to compose more than a few lines, writer’s block is liable to set in and you will never get past “start.”

3. Develop a system.
Before you head out of the office to a business meal or function that someone else is hosting, address an envelope to your host. It will be a breeze to jot down your short message when you return.

4. Use the appropriate professional stationery.
Both single-sided correspondence cards and fold-over notes with the company name or logo imprinted on them are business-like and will represent you and your organization well.

5. Poor penmanship is no excuse unless your handwriting is totally illegible.
The person who receives your note will appreciate your thoughtfulness and will not be grading your handwriting. If your penmanship does not meet your standards, it is never too late to improve. There are numerous resources at your library or on the Internet to teach you to write legibly.

6. Use any occasion to get noticed with a note.
A few of those instances are when…

• You have received a gift
• You were a guest in someones home
• You were treated to a meal
• You received a business favor
• You are replying to an invitation
• You are sending condolences
• You want to offer congratulations
• You need to apologize

7. Make your message timely.
Whether you are sending a note of appreciation, congratulation or condolence, do it as quickly as possible. A thank you should go out within 24 to 48 hours. However, don’t forgo sending a note because you think too much time has elapsed. There is no definite statute of limitations on appreciation.

8. Understand that e-mail is not a substitute for the personal handwritten message.
The Internet is fast, efficient and remote. If you are corresponding by e-mail immediately following a meeting with a business associate, include your expression of gratitude, but don’t let that stop you from sending a second message by ground.

Successful people pay attention to the details and look for ways to build better business relationships. When you take the time to send handwritten notes, you will stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons. Your next big sale or job promotion may came about as a result of your doing business just a little differently.

-Taken from an article written by Lydia Ramsey of Manners that Sell

I personally have seen a huge benefit, both personally and professionally of being a “note writer”.  I became a note writer because, quite frankly, my parents made me.  While my friends could get by with a quick call to the grandparents to say “thanks”, I was made to sit and write a note.  The act of note writing later became a habit and I am so glad that it did.  I now own and operate a small stationery store, and, I am a first-class note writer….if I do say so myself!

I belong to several organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and a local women in business group.  When I meet someone I will always ask for a business card…every time…and follow up either that day or the next with a handwritten note.  I have gotten extremely favorable responses from note writing. I recently received a call from a very prominent local CEO after having sent a note following his speech at a breakfast meeting that I had attended. I also write a note to EVERY new customer who provides me with an address.  It is so important to show appreciation to your clients.

-Becky

Anyway, here is my favorite thing for spring…a super cute trench in, um, PINK! It’s from Chadwicks of Boston and retails for $39.99….wahoo!

Wow, just found these ADORABLE shoes in GREEN and LEOPARD…can you imagine? They are from www.shoes.com and are a little more expensive than the stuff I usually look for ’cause I think fashion should be affordable. But, they are from Oh Deer and are $154.99 and I am in love…

Since I am on a shoe roll…what do you think of these from Tommy Hilfiger??  Love ‘em and they have a much better price point at $74.99. They are also from shoes.com  Check out the lining…TDF!

I would be totally remiss if I didn’t mention some cute stationery!  www.threedesigningwomen.comoffers a look at their fantastic personalized stamps and embossers.  There are so many designs to choose from….I absolutely LOVE my stamper…us it every chance I get (course, I use bright pink ink).  Here at Pushing the Envelope the stamps are on sale right now for $36.00 during my Spring Fever sale.

Now, the same company also offers a product called “imprintables”.  It is a collection of folded notes, wine tags, memo paper, gift tags, etc that you can personalize with your cute stamp.  Check out the wine tags…toooooo cute…..!

So I just turned 41….and ummmm my eyes are maybe not as ummmm good as they maybe used to be.  Not saying I have to get full-on prescription glasses yet.  I might just need a little something to help me out with the newspaper print.  Why have they started to make the print smaller?  I don’t get it.  If you could use a little magnification in your life, you might want to log on to http://www.target.com/Influence-Reading-Glasses-Olive-Pink/dp/B000TVXCZK/sr=1-14/qid=1206197930/ref=sr_1_14/601-9129330-7380928?ie=UTF8&rh=k%3Apink-and-green-bags&page=1 and take a peek at these darling glasses in, what else, but PINK and OLIVE (green):)

I love a cute wristlet….I am still trying to rid myself of my giant bag!  Anyway, here is one from my favorite web site www.etsy.com.  It’s darling and it fits in with my theme…AND it’s only $12.00.  Find it here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6665962

Now go look for spring…it’s lurking out there somewhere…just like my BFF cyber stalker!

Check out this smart looking top from Lulu’s http://www.lulus.com/products/Yellow+and+Gray+Daytime+Top/7883.html It’s soooo cute, 100% silk and it’s only $38 get two for heaven’s sake.

Everyone knows that I LOVE paper…I guess that I darn well better since I sell the stuff!  Anyway, I found these great notes from Whitney English http://www.whitneyenglish.com/catalog/index.php

I don’t carry their papers yet…but I will!  Darling!

Get your vintage on with these great trainers from Urban Outfitters http://www.urbanoutfitters.com for 58 bucks.

Now have a look-see at this cute yellow clutch from Target (did I hear you use a french accent when you read “Target”??)

This little clutch is a whopping $14…isn’t it cute?  I am seriously trying to use a 12 step program to break my addiction to a large bag.  I am really trying to use a wristlet or clutch as much as I can…it’s hard.  Say a prayer!

Here’s a little mirror to tuck in to that clutch…it’s on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/index.php

oh crap, can’t get the photo to work….click on this to see the cute mirror

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8826920

BTW, do you shop Etsy?  It you don’t, you should!  It’s all handmade, really cool goods from mostly groovy and totally creative babes like us.  Check it out!

Alrighty then, go and find yourself something fabulously yellow!