2009 Wedding Highlight - Megan and Brett 10.22.09

 Live, laugh, love. 

Megan and Brett wanted a fun modern look for their summer wedding.  They chose a classic Nevada County location:  Empire Mine State Historical Park.  We put together a wedding package that incorporated Megan's chosen theme of "live, laugh, love." and utilized a modern circle motif.  In addition to the invitation we created a number of items for the reception including fan programs with the seating chart included on the back, informational inserts for the gift boxes left in the hotel rooms of out of town guests, and directional signage.  Photography by: Nevada City Photography

2009 Wedding Highlight - MaryAnne and David October 17, 2009

When I first met with MaryAnne she was very interested in the magnet save the date, using teals and turquoises and bows. She also loved the colors in the peacock feather and was planning on using them for reception decor.  She didn't want anything too formal or traditional looking and they were working on a tight budget.

 We started with a fun photo booth style Save the Date.  The photos are taken with a digital camera and I provided the signs so that they would match the card.  Then the photos are mounted on magnet stock and attached to the main card with a green and blue ribbon. 

For the invitations we repeated the use of the same green and blue ribbon and used it to seal our main enclosure along with a peacock feather and a rhinestone. Inside we used a more modern peacock image and an informal script to keep the invitation from being too traditional while remaining beautiful and classy.

 The couple had a website with online response, so we eliminated the response card and instead included a custom map to assist guests in locating the wedding site.  

To Seat or Not to Seat?

One of the big debates for receptions is whether or not to seat your guests or let them choose for themselves.  The answer for this depends a lot on your guest list size and mix of guests.  Some singles that may not know many of your other guests will feel uncomfortable searching for an empty seat among families and couples.  If you have a complex family make up (like many do!)  it may be helpful to keep some separation at the reception.  Or you may just want to make sure that your closest family and friends are close to the head table.  There is a solution for all of these scenarios.

First. lets look at the reserved sign:  This is a simple way to make sure that there is a good spot for your grandmother and other close family to sit.  This is most commonly used when a buffet dinner is served.  A simple sign is placed on the table to keep others from sitting at this table.  It is important to make it very clear though who should sit there.  Otherwise no one will sit there.  You can place a list on the back of the reserved sign or have your planner assign someone to escort the appropriate guests to their table.

The second option is the seating chart.  The seating chart is a one or two page list of which guests are  seated at each table.  This is often printed poster sized and place on an easel at the guest table.  Each table then has a sign with the table name or number on it.  Guests then sit at any place at the table that they like.

Third is the escort card.  Guest find their name on a place card on the guest table and take the the place card to their assigned table and set it at their chosen seat.

The final option is the most formal (and the most work for the bride and groom).  Guests find their name on a seating chart, and when they arrive at the assigned table they find their name on a place card at their assigned seat.If you decide to create a seating chart, be sure not to leave it to the last minute.  Start making some choices before you get all of your responses back and just make final adjustments after all your guests have responded. It is best if you can give your designer at least a few days if you have just a seating chart and at least a week if you are doing escort cards.

If you do decide to use a seating chart or place cards, help them to  add to the look of your reception by choosing table names that fit the theme or mean something to you and your fiance.

2009 Wedding Highlight - Natascha and Victorio - June 27, 2009

Natascha and Victorio both have strong ties to their Native American Heritage.  When they asked me to work on their invitations, they already had custom artwork drawn by Victorio's mother, but they were unsure how to use it and still get the elegant look they wanted to compliment the Lake Tahoe wedding they had planned.

We decided to use the image in its original form in a more rustic looking Save the Date.  Later we pulled details apart and applied them to the main invitation.

The Save the Date was a 5x7 folded card.  Natascha and Victorio's custom artwork is featured on the front and detail of the bead drawing is included on the inside of the card.  In addition to basic STD information, there is detailed hotel information provided for the guests.  This is especially important when you are getting married in a vacation destination like Lake Tahoe.

When it came to the invitation the bride really wanted something that would set the tone for the elegant evening affair she envisioned.  We chose a silver enclosure and created a custom belly band from their custom artwork.
Inside we again used the bead detail to accent the response card.

The enclosures included in addition to the response: directions, honeymoon registry information, special reception information, and rehearsal dinner invitations.

Totally Green "Porange Wedding"

Just because you want to be environmentally friendly doesn't mean you have to literally go "green". With a little creativity you can still be yourself and have a truly unique wedding invitation.


Haley and Joe wanted an invitation that communicated who they were. In addition, they felt very strongly that their wedding left a small carbon footprint.

What is Porange anyway? Porange is the awesome combination of bright pink and orange used for this untraditional couple for their very untraditional wedding. 




For more on how this wedding became Porange, see:
http://offbeatbride.com/2008/08/porange-wedding

First, we started with a Save the Date. Save the Date's are best when they are fun and lighthearted. "Save the Formality" for the invitiation. The photo was the centerpiece of this Save the Date and was a magnet that pulled of the card. It was simple but fun and really set the tone. The size was determined to fit envelopes that the bride already had purchased.

When it came to the invitation itself, this couple felt very strongly about being as green as possible. We used tree-free mulberry for the enclosure, and 100% recycled for the main invite body. The envelopes were made from hemp and the bride chose to have a completely online response.  

Welcome!

Hi!  Welcome to the blog for Illuminated Invitations.  Illuminated Invitations is a small studio in Grass Valley, California.  We specialize in producing one-of-a kind Wedding Invitations and offer complete Wedding Packages including coordinating programs, favors and other reception items.  We also love to create one-of-a-kind birth announcements.

Our design team has over 20 years of combined experience in the graphics and printing industry.  Our designer will meet with you personally to discuss what you want and don't want. From choosing paper to creating an overall vision for your event, let us lend you our creativity and expertise to help you create the perfect impression.

Wedding season is coming to a close so watch out for posts with pictures of all the great weddings we did this summer!  We will also be posting our weekly stationary tips and ideas, "Illuminated Inspirations".