27 January 2009

Tip > Spend Wisely

Being smart about how you're spending your wedding dinero - doesn't mean that you are being cheap.  It's definitely human nature to want the best.  Hello!  I design myself into a labor intensive nightmare with my son's birthday invitations every year (note: pics coming soon .. tee, hee, hee).  

Follow me through this scenario ... Take the above invitation, Megan and Peter's wedding ensemble was everything they wanted in design, style and presentation.  Being smart meant we looked at their budget FIRST and designed from there.  If you are looking to be smart about spending, you can and still end up with a fabulous custom invitation.  It's really about what you actually need vs. want - in a word flexibility.  (Wouldn't it be nice if all things in life were as simple as stationery??)  Ask yourself, do I really need printed directions?  Do I really need this or that or is it more a luxury I'm willing to compromise on?

Although the invitation above looks simple enough, there were still opportunities to pare it down.  By removing all the extra enclosures attached to the back and sticking simply with the invitation & reply (with envelopes).  That's were the flexibility comes in.  You can start a free -or- inexpensive wedding website and list all the accommodation, direction and any other details there.  You may need one extra little card at minimal cost to direct guest to the website - but it's certainly a lot less costly than a multitude of panels with your invite.  

A word of warning ... don't include home printed directions or scissor cut papers with extra info that do not directly coordinate with your professionally printed invitations ... it looks really tacky and they stick out like a sore thumb.  Not a great first impression to one of the biggest days of your life.  Remember, your invitation is a keepsake for you just as much as an announcement to your guests - the invitation is the only professionally printed stationery you'll have to remember the day - other than the lovely state documented marriage license.

Back to business ...today, the pared down version breaks down to the following:

Invitations (100):
5x7 -or- 5x5 Panel Design
Double Matte Invitation Panel
Mix & Match Metallic or Matte Papers
3.5x5 Reply with Envelope
Total = $625

With my ... Luxury at a DIY Price Special
Total = $525

Add-on's:
Return Addressed Reply Envelope $75
Return Addressed Outside Envelope $75
Crystal Embellishment (1 per invite) $37.50 (DIY Price $29.00)

Let me know what you think of this post ... is it helpful??

22 January 2009

A Dazzling 70th

My super-friends (super ... because they have 5 little ones under 5!), The Rekers Family, ordered birthday invitations for mom's 70th birthday celebration.  The invitation was inspired by the dazzling and luxurious Mom herself.  She loves pink - and I thought a muted palette lent itself to vintage, dusty rose accents.  It's a 7x7 panel design, with a triple matte, metallic & matte papers, ribbon trim and hand glittering.

I'm so into this hand glittering right now.  It is really time consuming but the effect is well worth the work.  Up next, my little one's Scooby invites ... working on those babies tonight!!

20 January 2009

Special > Luxury at a DIY Price

Budgets are tight, planning an event is exhausting - and you are running short on time.  SJD to the rescue!  For a limited time little 'ol me, Miss Stephanie J, is doing my part to stimulate the economy by rolling up my sleeves and doing some of the work for you!  Not to mention saving you a heap of change and bunches of your valuable time in the process.  

When you book your custom stationery order (weddings, baby or social) by February 2, 2009 and pay in full at the time of order - you'll save 25% (before sales tax & design).  What is even better about this offer is that you are getting a full design & assembly order for the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) price!  Payments must be received by the February 2nd deadline to qualify.  This offer cannot be combined with any other SJD offer.

Call or email fast!  Spots on the production board are sure to fill up fast once everyone gets wind of this fabulous offer.

Looking forward to designing with you!!

SJD in the Spotlight - Alison Ulshoffer Events & Design

SJD was recently featured on the Alison Ulshoffer Blog as an invite designer she loves.  Ahhhh, it's good to be loved!  :)  Alison has several weddings detailed on her website (including her very own tropcial paradise wedding!) and it is apparent she has an eye for the details.  In my recent experiences with Alison - she is super-fast to respond, full of helpful info and just the overall sweetest person you could meet.  I'd certainly trust her to plan an event for me!

Enjoy happy planning with Alison Ulshoffer Events & Design!

10 January 2009

Favz > Let's Blend!

Love, love, love my new blender!!  Our son, Wyatt, got to pick the color - super cute!  We've been blending like maniacs since we got it just after Christmas.  Wyatt and I are blending up breakfast smoothies every day, mixing everything from salsa to pancake mix is super easy and the blender has instituted weekly Tequila Tuesday's at the Cooley house.  

Seriously, the consistency is perfect - liquifies ice in seconds - and no (I mean NO) little left over ice rocks to get stuck in a straw.  We purchased ours at Macy's, but you can check out more cool colors on the KitchenAid website.

Happy Blending!!

SJD Messages > Floral Expose at Visual Impact Design

Second Saturday in Midtown is tonight!  If you're planning a wedding or event this year (or next year, or the next, and the next ...) you need to stop by.  I'll be with the fabulous women of Visual Impact Design showing off some of my stationery while they'll be showcasing extraordinary floral designs.  There will also be other event pros on hand with appetizers & desserts, music and more.  And best of all it's FREE.  

Saturday, January 10th
Five to nine o'clock
1729 L Street | Sacramento, CA 95814
916.489.3746

See you there!!

Photo courtesy of Visual Impact Website

05 January 2009

Shows > Pics from the Premier Wedding Show

As promised ... pics from yesterday's bridal show at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa.  A very special thank you to my friend, Sharon, for keeping me company and helping me out at the show!!  Also, to Martha (Blooms by Martha Andrews), my office mate and friend, thank you bunches for the floral arrangement you so graciously donated to by booth!  Everyone commented on how beautiful and unique it was.  I'm just sorry my pics don't do the arrangement justice!!

The day flew by as we chatted with brides, grooms and the family members who visited the show.  Thanks to all of you for braving the super-cold Sunday afternoon!

The show was over before I knew it!  Seriously the day went by so fast.  Usually, the last hour of a show is pretty slow and the minutes drag on and on.  Not so for this show.  When Nicole of Dynamite Weddings told me it was just after 4p ... I didn't believe her.  :)  

Ooo, and speaking of Dynamite Weddings ... they are hosting a workshop titled, "Ignite Your Wedding Style" on Sunday, March 15th at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria from 10-4p.  The cost is $35/guest.  Find out more and sign up at the Dynamite Weddings website.

Here's to the beginning of the 2009 wedding season!!

03 January 2009

Shows > Premier Wedding Show, Arden Hills

It's about that time!  2009 Wedding Season opens tomorrow at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa.  This upscale show caters to the bride who is looking for the best of the best in the Sacramento wedding industry.  Join us tomorrow, January 4th, from 11am to 4pm to meet vendors, see a fashion show and learn about special offers.  Check out the Premier Wedding Show website for more details.

I will be holding a drawing for 50 custom invitations.  Winner will be contacted via email on January 5th.  I'll have "Save the Date" to order your wedding stationery reminders to hand out - while supplies last.  And a little revamp on my booth - very excited about this!!  New sign, some creative flowers donated by Blooms by Martha Andrews.  Will share pics from the show on Monday.  :)

Hope to see you there!!