Escort Card:  These lovely cards are used to tell guests which table they are assigned to for the main reception.  Typically they are displayed in an area just outside or close to where the guests will be entering in and done in alphabetical order.  They should be alphabetically arranged in an area and could carry a cohesive theme with the rest of the decor.  For example, a beautiful floral centerpiece may sit in the center of the table and tent folded cards in color or theme matching cardstock will align around the arrangement.  The card usually states the guests name and “Table number ____ has been reserved in your honor.”  Then the guests pick up this card and carry it with them to their assigned seats.

Get as creative as you wish when displaying the escort cards.  You can use fascinating ribbons and fabrics, mini picture frames, river rocks with calligraphy, miniature flower pots and more.  Think outside of the box on how to “wow” your guests by incorporating your personality.

Place Card: These beauties are actually displayed at the seat to where the guest is assigned and typically done when you have given your guest a meal option on your invitation reply card.  You also would have a seating chart available for your guests to note which table they are assigned to.  The place card is a bit more time consuming; however, it’s very important for the catering staff to know which entree is being served to which guests.  It also can indicate if there is a food allergy or specific need for the guest such as a vegetarian meal.

Another opportunity for you to showcase your personality and flair.  Have fun matching your place cards to your decor and theme.  You can still use beautiful folded table tent style cards that match your stationery, but you can also get creative.  Color code them with big rhinestones for the staff to clearly see and don’t forget you may be in a darker room.  Or you can find fun shapes of animals to indicate chicken, beef, fish or veggie options.

Menus: Menu cards are a fantastic way to personalize your celebration dinner and add to the decor elements.  Your guest feel as though they are sitting down at a private dinner in honor of the guests.  Even if the meal is pre-chosen for your guests, its a nice way to inform them of what is best yet to come. Better yet, if you are using food stations, it allows your guest to pre-plan ahead for what they will choose  when they go to serve themselves.

Photography by: April Green Photography (rock place card), BQ Photography (blue escort cards), Ivy Studios (pink escort card and menus), Weddings by Us (Tuscan place card)

1.} Where can I find wording for my invitation pieces?
We recommend www.verseit.com.

2.} What should I set for my RSVP date on the response card?
First and foremost, find out what timeframe your caterer or venue requires and then add on a little extra padding.  We recommend no less than two weeks prior to your event date, but often times like to set it around three weeks prior.  That way it gives you enough time to call any guests who didn’t respond or to let your planner / coordinator know as well.  Plus, some invites always trickle in last minute.

3.} When should I start addressing my envelopes?
There are a few good answers to this.  If you receive your envelopes ahead of time, we always recommend for you to start addressing them while your stationery is on order or being assembled by your stationer.  If you are having calligraphy work, you may want to allow for extra time based on their schedule.  You want your envelopes to be ready as soon as your invitations are ready, so you can stuff them and put them right in the mail.

4.} How much should I budget for postage?
At minimum, I would estimate around $1.50 per piece. (Invitation and reply card postage).  However, the best way to know exactly what you need is to take a completed set to the post office and have it weighed.  It’s better to be safe than sorry!

5.} How soon should I mail out my wedding invitations?
The rule of thumb states:
4-6 weeks prior for in state guests
6-8 weeks prior for in and some out of state guests
8-10 weeks prior for a mix of in state and out of state guests
10 – 12 weeks prior for a destination wedding

We personally always recommend to send out your invitations around 8 weeks prior or earlier to give yourself time for them to go through the mailing process as well as time to receive your response cards.

6.} Do we have to Save the Date announcements?
Save the Dates really help your guests plan ahead and are a wonderful way to let your them know to mark your event on their calendar. Although they aren’t necessary, we do believe they are very important if you have a large amount of out of town guests attending, a destination wedding, or getting married during a busy holiday.

7.} How do I inform my guests of the dress code?
First of all, it’s not proper etiquette to put anything about attire on your invitations. The best way to inform your guests is by the style of invitation you choose and the amount of information you include.  A swirly spring flower invitation is going to send a completely different message than one done with gold and black metallic materials.  Also, the facility should be key to how they dress as well.  For example, a golf course wedding will speak differently than a grande ballroom at a large resort.

If it’s really important to you that you do directly let your guests know and choose to forgo etiquette, some options are to write on the information card “black tie affair” or “black tie optional” or “Formal reception to follow.” Which is completely up to you.

8.} Where do I put our registry information?
You don’t put it anywhere on your stationery.  Traditionally it’s considered very inappropriate because it puts more emphasis on your gifts and less on the importance of your guest joining you on your big day.  Old fashioned word of mouth is the best way to announce this or if you have a wedding website, that’s a great place to share the information as well.

9.} Do I have to follow etiquette?

Times have definitely changed and all of these are just traditional standard answers.  We always inform our clients of what is traditional and what is considered etiquette, but allow them to choose what is best for them and their families.  As only they know what truly works, doesn’t work and offends them.  If something doesn’t feel normal or natural to you, find an alternative way to make it feel right.  You don’t have to do anything that doesn’t feel right to you, however, do think twice about how your recipients will interoperate the message.

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This tablescape is a beautiful mixture of modern meets autumn. Yes, fall is quickly approaching, which so happens to be my favorite time of the year. With fall comes wonderful parties celebrating many occasions. This year, I want a fall table that is a bit more modern than the traditional coppers, browns, deep purples, so I created a concept utilizing beautiful black elements such a black and white satin linens and black glassware including the centerpieces and wine glasses. The centerpiece brings in the eye candy colors of plums and copper flowers, while the copper chargers tie it all nicely together. The floral vine invitation and stationery carries on the same floral element as the dinner plates.

Hosting a fun and whimsical garden theme party? This tablescape will be perfect for you. Invite your guests to your garden bash with beautiful lime and floral inspired invitations.

Create a beautiful centerpiece with carnation pomanders, drizzling crystals, and swirly candleholders sitting atop a bed of wheat grass. Your guests will enjoy the texture of the luxurious grasslike green linens. Personalize clear green plates with these adorable topiary name holders. And don’t forget the oh so chic chameleon chairs that are sure to bring a smile to anyones face.

We are actually really excited about this tablescape because we get to bring it to life come this December. One of our clients came to us in search of the perfect decor for her Christmas wedding. Her mandatory element was that we used pine that carried a very strong smell. So we designed this gorgeous kings table for her that brought in the natural pine trees through a long table garland and the various centerpieces. She also wanted it to feel very rich and elegant and that’s where we brought in the gold elements like the chivari chairs, gold boxes, gold brooch napkin enhancements, and gold dinnerware. The deep red velvet linens will be exquisite to the touch and the candles will add romance to their evening. To start off this entire celebration, guests will receive gold boxes in the mail with a beautiful red ornament and letterpress invitation enclosed with a small twig of pine.

Watch for this post coming early next year as we showcase this glamorous Christmas wedding. You may even see snow, a hot cocoa bar, and many more surprise elements! (Snow is a big deal to us Phoenicians! LOL)