Wedding Program Q & A

Are wedding programs required? No.  Programs are optional, but they are so nice for your guests to have.  Programs are particularly nice for guests of different faiths or if they don’t know your family and friends very well.  They make a great keepsake too – so be sure to save one or two for yourselves!

What’s included? In a nutshell, the program is a communication tool where you have the opportunity to let your guests know what will be happening and who’s who. Programs often have 4 parts: the title page (bride and grooms’ names, location, date), the wedding participants, the ceremony order and a brief note of thanks from the bride and groom. In addition, I have had clients include the following:

- an explanation of any traditions, rituals or ethnic customs.

- moving announcement with new address

- directions to the reception

- a poem or song lyrics

- a surprise element that will be included in the ceremony

- remembrance of family or friends that have passed that would have played a big part in your big day

How many programs should I have printed? There are no steadfast rules on this.  The determining factors are your budget and the number of people attending.  You know that not every person will take a program, but you don’t want to run out. My theory is that the number you need depends on how the programs are distributed.  If your ushers are handing them out, you will need a program for each person.  If you are putting the programs in baskets or on tables near the entrance(s), my guess is that about 85% of your guests will take one.

When should I order my wedding programs?

Plan ahead!  There is usually a little bit of a lull between the time you send your invitations out and the time you start receiving your rsvp’s.  Most of your other decisions have been made, so it is perfect timing for planning the ceremony!  Work with your officiant and get samples from your stationer for ideas – then put your own personal touches in.  Once you have that done, you are ready to order!  A good rule of thumb is to give the final okay a month prior to the wedding.  This allows time to make sure any specialty stock can be received without expedited shipping, time for the printer and any assembly.

Other thoughts…

- Programs do not have to match the invitations, but it is a nice touch if all of your wedding stationery can tie in somehow.

- Have fun with the programs!  The program is a great place to show your creativity.  Pinterest is a great tool for finding program ideas.

 

10 More Days for the 2013 William Arthur Wedding Promotion…

If you are looking to place a wedding invitation order in the near future, you may want to hurry!

William Arthur’s 2013 Wedding Sale ends on March 31, 2013 — until then, for every 75 you order, you will receive 25 free. That includes every piece: invitations, reception cards, response cards, envelopes, envelope liners, tags, ribbons… anything from the William Arthur wedding volumes I & II and the Truly Album.

Schedule your appointment at Stone Hill Paperie using the online scheduling system to shop the albums and place your order.

Wedding Stationery Checklist

Wedding Season is in full swing at Stone Hill Paperie.  Planning a wedding can be daunting. There are so many different things that go into your big day. Below is a little checklist that you can use in your planning. Of course there are very few people who need all of these items, but the list may help get your creative juices flowing.

Tips for Addressing Your Wedding Invitation Envelopes

I have had several clients ask me to print their invitation envelopes for them recently.  I always prefer a calligrapher first (and I work with a few that I would be happy to recommend.)  However, if your budget doesn’t allow for a calligrapher, handwritten addresses or addresses printed directly on the envelope would be preferred.  Labels are a last resort – they can make your invitations look like an impersonal mass mailing.

Generally, wedding invitation envelopes are addressed formally.  There aren’t really strict rules for this and if you are hosting a very casual wedding, a casual address may be used.  In most cases, I would recommend going with tradition.  Here are some quick tips on addressing your outer envelopes:

Use proper titles for your guests.

-          Miss Abigail Spencer for a woman that has never been married or a young girl.

-          Ms. Abigail Spencer for a divorced woman or when you don’t know a woman’s marital status.

-          Mr. & Mrs. Jason Spencer for a married couple.

-          Mr. Jason Spencer & Miss Allison Brown for a couple when you know both names

-          Mr. Jason Spencer & Guest if you don’t know who the guest’s date will be.

-          If a guest uses a job-related title, use it.  Dr. & Mrs. Jason Spencer, Gen. & Mrs. Jason Spencer, etc.

-          Messrs. John & Jason Spencer or Mesdames Allison & Ingrid Brown for a married, same-sex couple

Don’t abbreviate addresses.

-          Don’t use St. or Blvd. or Apt. – write it out.  Street, Boulevard, Apartment, etc.

-          Don’t use symbols such as #, write out number.

-          And while we’re at it, let’s write out the state too!  Pennsylvania instead of PA.

Who gets an invitation?

-          Every guest over 18 years old or being invited with a guest should receive a separate invitation.

-          Children under 18 years old being invited are listed below their parents names on the outer envelope only if no inner envelope is being used.  If an inner envelope is being used, they would not be listed on the outer envelope.

Always check your names, spelling and addresses before sending the information to your printer or calligrapher.  There’s nothing like getting your invitation back due to incorrect information.

You can see several examples of wedding invitation envelope styles and address formats, by visiting Stone Hill Paperie in Skippack, Pennsylvania.

Resources:

-          Von Anders, Rachelle. “Top 10 Tips for Addressing Wedding Envelopes.” Wedding Etiquette. 20 Feb. 2011. http://etiquette-guide.com/top-10-tips-for-addressing-wedding-envelopes/

-          Emily Post.  http://www.emilypost.com/weddings/wedding-invitations-and-announcements/568-addressing-wedding-invitations

{© 2012 Stone Hill Paperie | Photo © Crane & Co.}

Pink and Gold Inspired Wedding

Pink & Gold Inspired Wedding

1 – Peonies Invitation: by Umi by Elum available at Stone Hill Paperie

2 – Pink & Gold Sash with Fabric Roses: Martha Stewart Weddings

3 – Pink & Gold Wedding Cake: Martha Stewart Weddings

4 – Bridesmaid Dresses: Style Me Pretty, Photography by Jose Villa

5 – Blush & Gold Table Settings: Martha Stewart Weddings

6 – J Crew Gold Shoes with B Poetic Shoe Clip Bouquet: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Crane & Co. Craftsmanship: A Photo Collection

Today we thought you’d enjoy a guest post courtesy of Jessica from Crane, with a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible craftsmanship that goes into the Crane & Co. brand of stationery and invitations.

We are constantly in awe here of the intricate, beautifully hand-crafted work the employees in our printing and stationery factories do day after day. Many of them have been here for decades painting borders by hand, engraving names and images with enviable patience and making sure each and every detail is absolutely perfect before our customers open that Dalton Blue box.

With that in mind, here is a collection of images – taken by our wonderful resident photographer, Trisha — of some of the hands that make such fine craftsmanship possible every day.

Adding the finishing touch — a pink ribbon — to our Ecru White Baby Notes.

Getting die-cut envelope liners ready to be placed inside our 100% cotton envelopes.

Precision is just one of the details we pride ourselves on, which means each duplexed invitation is hand-measured for a perfect border.

That colorful border you see on each Crane & Co. invitation or note card you receive is lovingly hand-painted by one of our oh-so patient and skilled borderers.

A Crane & Co. employee checks the alignment to make sure all the type on this personalized stationery is equidistant from the edge.

A belly band is carefully placed around a custom-made invitation.

Thank you to Crane & Co. for this informative and enlightening collection of photos. What do you think? Did you ever realize the amount of hand-crafting that goes into these pieces?

We’d love to show you more of this premiere line of wedding invitations, event invitations and stationery here at Stone Hill Paperie in Skippack, Pennsylvania.

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Crane & Co. | Photos © Crane & Co.}

Dauphine Press Promotion

Now through March 14th, 2012 Dauphine Press is offering a second ink color at no additional charge.

To view the gorgeous Dauphine Press invitations, contact the studio for an appointment.

Q & A: Wedding Questions

Q: Help! I registered for some really cool stuff, but now I’m not sure where to put that information on our invitations. Where do I list the stores where we’re registered?
A: Honestly? You don’t. While it has become somewhat commonplace to see this as part of the invitation package, etiquette says it is not acceptable. It may seem as though it is helpful info, but it appears as though you are saying, “Come to my wedding, bring a gift, and, oh, by the way, here’s where you can get it.” Keep the focus on what this day is all about: your wedding, not the gifts.

Instead, you could build a wedding website and include that sort of info there. Also, make sure your close family members (who will be asked) know where you are registered. They can tactfully pass along the info to those who request it.

What about the shower invitation, you ask? Well, that’s a different story. The purpose of that particular event is to “shower you with gifts,” so by all means, include all of that information in the shower invitation.

Q: My wedding is six or so months away. How soon do we need to order invitations? And when do I send them?
A: It’s important to plan ahead here. It takes 4-6 weeks to complete a custom invitation order. The process can be expedited if necessary for an additional fee. You should aim to send your invitations 6-8 weeks before the big day. And don’t forget time to assemble and address them. So our best advice? Get your invites ordered at least 3 months before the big day.

Q: Should I really send my invites just 6-8 weeks before the event? What if Uncle Harry needs to make travel plans?
A: We recommend save-the-date cards. These can be sent as early as 9-12 months before you walk down the aisle.

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Meagan of Defining Motherhood | Photos © Green Tree Photography}

Outer Appearances: Personalized Stamps

Oftentimes, we put a lot of thought into what greeting card to choose from family portraits to religious, from humorous to traditional. But we don’t always consider the entire package of the greeting card, including the stamp.

Instead of settling for the typical post office offerings, create your own photo stamps that work as real US postage. Various websites make it easy for you to upload your favorite picture and create a stamp unique to yourself. Choose a picture of your family, child or favorite pet. You can even take a company logo or child’s artwork and turn them into stamps.

Whatever you choose, they are certain to make your greeting even more personalized and a real conversation starter.

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Meagan of Defining Motherhood | Photos © Stamps.com}

William Arthur ~ Wedding Collection

A wedding invitation from William Arthur makes a lasting impression when it’s received in the mail. The substantial weight and creamy smooth texture of the signature papers; the sophistication and artistry of design; and the exquisite quality and fine craftsmanship of the printing combine for a beautiful finished product, the perfect way to announce to the world the details of your very special celebration.

The Maine-based company is world-renowned for exceptional quality printing and stationery design, with a wide variety of styles, wedding invitation formats and price points to satisfy the tastes and expectations of today’s brides.

From formal to casual styles, from gala events to smaller, intimate celebrations, William Arthur’s wedding invitation collection captures the heart of every wedding. The wedding invitation line features classic, heavyweight papers and elegant, richly embossed border designs. Some of the newer designs include creamy smooth, substantial letterpress papers; elegant, generously proportioned fold-over invitations; scalloped edge papers; embossed pocket folders; and graceful French flap envelopes.

You can see more of this premiere line of wedding invitations by visiting Stone Hill Paperie in Skippack, Pennsylvania.

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | William Arthur | Photos © William Arthur}