Like a breath of fresh air, this color palette is soft, sweet and romantic. Sigh…..Pale ink colors can easily set such a “lovey, dovey” mood. To give the original Delambre Classic design, by Jessica Tierney, a more natural, fairy-tale vibe, we paired pewter and champagne ink colors with a dusty pink envelope liner in our European Formal pattern. The Norah script font simply adds that extra bit of whimsy. I am swooning!

customization = inks: champagne + pewter | fonts: norah | paper: white | invite size: f-8 | liner: the european vintage formal pattern in dusty pink | original design by Jessica Tierney | customized by in-house designer Lindsy Aragona

Photography by Steep Street

Letterpress printed in pewter ink on our 1-ply white paper, this rendition of Alouette Monogram really capitalizes perfectly on the soft and approachable demeanor of Jessica Tierney‘s original wedding invitation design.  The couple chose to alter the monogram design just a hint by adding a different cartouche from our cartouche library.  These understated invites don’t have to shout to be noticed.  And we love them for that.

ink: pewter | fonts: herald + alouette | paper: 1-ply white | invitation size: a7 | client coordinator: chris gannon | in-house designer: kyle laatsch

I don’t think you’ll ever come across a more vintage inspired letterpress wedding invitation!  Our Harlow design (by Jessica Tierney) looks especially timeless here with its own touch of flair. We have a weakness for wedding invitations with clean lines that still hold true to that romantic feel.  We can never get enough of a vibrant pop of color-and the aubergine edge painting beautifully contrasts with the pewter ink.  Paired with the perfect envelope lining -means tossing in another cool customization!  These invitations are perfect for a wedding venue so rich in history.

ink: pewter | font: moravia + harlow | paper: 1-ply white | invite size: a-7 | liner: reverse european formal pattern in aubergine ink | edge painting: aubergine | client coordinator: jessica hanaman| in-house designer: kyle laatsch

Our wonderful friends at Judy Paulen Designs in New York, New York gave us the pleasure to print such an exciting color combination that begged for an appearance on our blog! Our Charmed New York (by Jessica Tierney) letterpress invitations are printed in espresso and surf inks on our 2-ply white paper, and edge painted in surf ink for an extra pop of color. We are truly in the New York state of mind.

inks: espresso + surf | fonts: sans capital + nysa + impression | paper: 2-ply white cotton | invite size: f8 | edge painting: surf | envelope liner: the antique geometrics pattern in surf ink

A simple nod to our nations capital, Charmed Washington DC is ever so – well – charming! Traditional with a twist, light pastels paired with our prussian blue will win the votes of your guests!

customization = inks: powder blue + prussian blue | fonts: coronation + utrect | paper: white | invite size: f-8 | liner: vintage stripe pattern in prussian blue ink | original design by Jessica Tierney | customized by in-house designer Racheal Decker

embellishment suggestions: edge painting in watermelon

(Photo Credits: Jessica Hill)

by Racheal Decker In-House Designer.

Last week, we shared invitation wording tips for same sex couples with some pointers from Mark Kingsdorf (esteemed wedding planner and etiquette expert), and now we’re back with more advice from Mark and tips on program wording for same sex couples. How do you recognize parents, grandparents, honor attendants, and other guests on the program? Luckily, there are lots of ways to do it — read on to see some of Mark’s tips.

For parents:

– Simply say ‘Parents’ and list both sets of parents (as opposed to the traditional “Parents of the Bride” or “Groom’s Parents”). You could also  say “Mark’s Parent’s” or “Kyle’s Parents”  – this applies for grandparents, too!

For attendants:

– Your wording for attendants can be determined based on the formality of your wedding. In our example below (a tea length program of our Austin Traditional design), each groom’s best man was listed, and the rest of the wedding party was listed under “Honor Attendants”. If you’d like, you can divide the attendants into two columns, placing names on the left or right side depending on which side they’ll be placed on while you’re at the altar.

As with invitation wording, the program text should really fit your style as a couple — if you’ve got a more casual or laid back wedding planned, you can say “Mark’s friends” or “Kyle’s friends” when recognizing your wedding party. Of course, bridesmaids and groomsmen may also be used as well, but if you’ve got men and women in your party, an alternative option would be to list your “Bridesmates” or “Groomsmates”. You can even get creative and incorporate your wedding colors and tie in subtle recognition that way. While there are many possible ways to word your program, it’s important to give recognition to the friends and family members supporting your marriage – so word your programs in a way that best fits your personality and your wedding day.

Our thanks again to Mark for sharing these great tips!

Little-known fact:  We can actually letterpress your own press-ready artwork for no additional charge!  All of the artwork for this lovely letterpress invitation set was designed entirely by the groom and then submitted to us for printing.  There’s a great interplay of curvilinear patterns going on between the invitation and the two insert cards in this set.

inks: black + blind deboss | paper: 2-ply white | invitation size: sq7 | liner: provided by client | client coordinator: chris gannon | in-house designer: sarah walroth

Our ever popular Mimosa (by Amy Graham Stigler) looks divine in this refreshing color combination of sea mist and antique gold inks for letterpress day of pieces. An oversized program cover stands tall at 5.5″ x 8.5″ folded.  A #10 sized – tea length menu with space for calligraphy accents and table cards with the floral mimosas round out the set. We are in love with the sweet botanical hints that are perfect for a late summer celebration.

inks: antique gold + seamist  | fonts: parisian + sans capitals  | paper: 1-ply white | program size: 5.5″ x 8.5″ folded | menu size: #10 | table card size: a6 | client coordinator: christie jones | in-house designer: lindsy aragona

Relaxed, easy summer days inspire this carefree customization of our Simplicity invitation – just in time for August! Paired with a metallic bronze pocketfold that shimmers beautifully in the sunlight, this would have your guests feeling all warm inside just opening the invitation!

simplicity customization = inks: taupe + clover | fonts: newport + meadow | paper: white | invite size: a-7 | liner: vintage river pattern in antique gold ink | original design by James Grieshaber | customized by in-house designer Sarah Walroth |
embellishment suggestions: pocketfold in metallic bronze

(Photo Credits: Hazelnut Photography)

by Sarah Walroth, In-House Designer

Invitation wording can be tricky – knowing who to list and where to list them can sometimes present a challenge. With an increase in same-sex weddings (woohoo! go New York!), we’ve had some inquiries about wording for when you’ve got two brides or two grooms. So, we decided to speak with wedding pro Mark Kingsdorf of Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants (an etiquette expert and contributor to several books by the esteemed Emily Post Institute) to get some tips for same-sex couples on the best way to word their invitations.

Mark said it best: “Proper etiquette is what makes the largest number of people feel most comfortable” — and we couldn’t agree more. So, when it comes to your wording, be sure to decide on the following factors:

1. Who should be listed? This depends entirely on the couple and their family. If both sets of parents are contributing, both sets of parents can be listed. You can list all parents, one set of parents, one parent, or no parents – it really comes down to your personal preference. If you have a lot of family members contributing to your wedding, a great alternative option would be to simply start by saying “Together with their families”, and proceed from there. Here’s a traditional example that lists both sets of parents:

2. Who goes first? Unless one family is contributing more than the other, Mark advises that alphabetical is the best way to go. Again, personal preference should reign, and your wording should be what fits you best as a couple.

The rest of your text should fall into place based on the type of ceremony and reception you’ll be having – let the formality of your event guide you. For even more tips on how to finalize the text for your invitations and other wedding stationery, click here, or feel free to get in touch with one of our client coordinators for assistance!

The important thing to remember is that your invitations and wedding stationery should set the tone for your wedding while highlighting who you are as a couple. Many thanks to Mark Kingsdorf for these great tips!

Don’t forget – our promotion for free envelope liners ends September 25, so there’s still plenty of time to order!

Just as our printers enjoy telling stories of how they came to love letterpress, every bride knows the importance of a good engagement story… you want to tell the whole world how he presented that little box with the sparkly ring.

And let’s be serious — we love gold. It’s shiny, it’s pretty, and when placed on the left ring finger, a gold ring symbolizes never-ending love and commitment to our one-and-only.

When I started ring shopping with my fiance, I was torn. I knew I wanted a ring, but I was concerned about the environmental and social impacts of this particular “symbol of love”. From the beginning, I was adamant that I wanted a conflict-free diamond, but it wasn’t until I started digging into the facts that I began to understand the effects of gold mining on communities, mining workers, and our environment.

You may have noticed that proceeds from our Labor Day Sample Sale (a huge success by the way… thanks!!!!) went to support Earthwork’s No Dirty Gold Campaign. Earthworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the impacts of irresponsible mining (Earthworks is also one of the eco causes we support as a member of 1% for the Planet!). I wanted to share with you some of what I have learned from Earthworks, and give you resources that will allow you to make informed purchases in the future.

Did you know that:

– One ring (if using traditional mining practices) produces an average of 20 TONS of waste!?!
– Gold mining is one of the world’s dirtiest industries. It wreaks havoc on local economies, causes illnesses, destroys streams, contaminates soil, and contributes to human rights abuses.
– Mined waste includes all sorts of toxins such as cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and lead. These metals enter local watersheds, contaminating drinking water for local residents.

Yeah. That’s pretty heavy stuff. Still, there are things you can do to help!

– Recycle old jewelry. You can have old rings melted down to make new ones. Support jewelers that offer products made with recycled gold.
– Buy vintage or antique jewelry.
– Love your ring. Take care of it and eventually pass it on to a child or friend.

To learn about more ways you can have an impact, or to learn more about the “No Dirty Gold Pledge”, visit the No Dirty Gold Campaign website today.

We think you’ll definitely agree that these vibrant and lively letterpressed Tara (by Ben Whitla) Bar Mitzvah invitations really get you in the mood for a celebration! These trendy invitations set the tone for the important Jewish milestone. The stand-out color combination of spring green and aquamarine inks is carried through onto all of the pieces. The modern vibe is continued through with adorable letterpressed thank you cards. It’s safe to say the celebration will not be short lived with a festive party to follow!

inks: spring green + aquamarine| fonts: moravia + billhead | paper: 1-ply white | invite size: a7 | client coordinator: jessica hanaman | in-house designer: kyle laatsch