Styling Sunday 11: Invitations 101

Wedding invitations can be an overwhelming task.  What are the "rules?" Is this a formal or informal occasion?  Who's the "host?" How do I put all of this into words?!  Fear not.  I am about to break it down for you.

Formal

Informal

Host
Traditionally, the bride's parents' were charged with paying for the wedding so their names would be listed as the hosts.  In more formal weddings this wording is still often used, but not always.   Nowadays, isn't always the case that the bride's parent's pay for everything.  Sometimes it's both families and sometimes it may just be the bride and groom that foot the bill!  "Together with their families..." is common; as is listing of both sets of parents in the introduction.


Invitation
The invitation line is the line that requests the guests to the wedding.  This can be worded many ways but is frequently seen as: "request the honor of your presence," "cordially invite you to," "invite you to join," "request the pleasure of your company," or "invite you to share the celebration."  Depending on the vibe of the event, this line can be as informal or formal as you'd like.


Couple
After the host and invitation lines, the couple is listed (bride first).  These names are often designed with a much larger typeface and bolder font in order to draw the attention to who this shindig is celebrating!  More formal invitations list first and middle names whereas informal invites often display first names only (or maybe first and last as shown above).


Date and Time
Typically, the dates and times are capitalized and spelled out completely rather than using numbers.  Example: Saturday, the twelfth of September, Two-Thousand Fifteen, at four-o'clock in the afternoon.  And, again, if the invitation is more on the informal side, these phrases can be altered to "Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 4 pm."  I will say that spelling out the words is the most common, however, whether the invitation is formal or not.


Location
For well-known venues, an address is not required to be listed.  Usually just the venue is listed followed by the city/state that it is located.  If an address or directions are needed in the invitation, a separate insert card can be created.


Reception
Sometimes, "reception to follow" is listed at the closing of the invitation.  Or perhaps, "dinner and dancing to follow."  If the reception is in the same venue as the ceremony, "reception immediately to follow" is often used.  Not having a dinner?  In that case, writing, "cocktail reception to follow," "dessert reception to follow," or "hors d'oeuvres reception to follow" works perfectly fine as well.  No kids at the reception?  Stating "adult reception" is a polite way of requesting this. 


Dress Code
If you'd like to specify a dress code, this can also be written under the reception information.  Some dress codes might be: black tie, semi-formal, cocktail attire, festive attire, black-tie optional, dressy casual, or informal.


RSVP and Registry
In the case of my informal invitation above, this couple chose to list the stores in which their wedding registries are located as well as RSVP information.  Even in an informal instance, I would advise having a separate insert for these categories.  But to save on money for the extra paper, maybe listing it on the same sheet is more practical for you.  In the grand scheme of things, it's your day.  Make your own rules! :)


Happy writing, friends!
xoxo, Kim

Styling Sunday 10: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Lights

Hi, all!  With all the sunny weather we Seattleites have been graced with these past couple weeks, I have been inspired by the warmth and wanting to spend more time outdoors.  Especially out on a nice deck or patio with twinkly bistro lights strung overhead as the sun sets and happy hour fades into evening... ahhhh.  It got me thinking about the various kinds of lighting elements you could implement into your wedding scheme. 


Whether your soiree be indoors or outdoors, there are plenty of ways to add a little twinkle to your day:

 

1.  Mix strings of lights with fabric bunting for a rustic look.
2.  Create a pathway with lights strung between stakes in the ground.
3.  Make a "x" or crossing pattern of overhead lights across your whole outdoor party.
4.  Attach glowing lanterns to a canopy of clear string for a floating affect (so dreamy!).
5.  Wrap string lights around trees for a magical landscape as the sun goes down.
6.  Use clusters of old-fashioned light bulbs on strings for an intimate but impactful installation.
7.  Fill trusty mason jars with LED lights, tie them into groups of three and suspend them from ropes for interesting mini-chandeliers scattered across the ceiling.
8.  For a more subtle twinkle, pair your lights with a thin textile and allow them to softly glow through the fabric.
9.  Hang plants, vines or flowers amongst your bistro lights for a carefree, bohemian vibe (I think this is my favorite!).


Now go get yourself some twinklies for your own space!  I know my deck is begging for them.  ;)


Happy Styling!
xoxo, Kim

Styling Sunday 9: Tablescape 101

Oh, the tablescape.  Often one of the most important features of a wedding, and sometimes one that gets overlooked.  Sure, a centerpiece here, some candles there... but why not give your guests a spectacular dining experience simply by oomphing-up the love on the tables?  I'm not saying it has to be fancy.  Most wedding dinners now-a-days aren't in need of 8 utensils for one meal (as shown below), but getting creative with how you style the elements around the dining-essentials is where the fun really begins! 


Remember to keep in mind the vibe you're trying to achieve in your overall wedding design.  Tall floral centerpieces are great, but maybe not what you'd choose for a more relaxed setting or a long rectangular table.  It would prove difficult to see or chat with the guests directly across from you.  Are you having a family-style dinner where servers will place various dishes around the table?  If so, maybe opt for a cleaner tablescape so the food has a place to sit comfortably without feeling crammed amongst the décor.  Buffet-style and plated dinners are easier to incorporate more decorations, but be mindful that your guests and/or servers must be able to easily navigate a place to set the table's dishes.


Below are a few of my favorite examples ranging from sweet and rustic; to clean and contemporary; to bold and colorful.  Observe how fun it can be and how many options you really have!  The possibilities, as always, are endless.  Bon appétit, my friends!

 

 

Happy Sunday!

xoxo, Kim

Styling Sunday 8: Motherly Love

Happiest of Mother's Days to you all!  Moms, Sisters, Cousins, Step-Moms, Foster-Moms, Grandmas, Aunts, Expectant-Moms, Second-Moms, Mothers-In-Law, Godmothers... whatever kind of extraordinary woman you celebrate today, I hope it's a time spent with abundant love. 


Today's Styling Sunday post is not your typical design post.  Rather, it's brought to you from images I've scoured and collected from Pinterest and Instagram.  I unabashedly follow hundreds of users on these social media platforms because I am in constant need of an influx of creative inspiration. 


One Instagram feed in particular that I'm crazy about is @thefoxandthesparrow. This particular inspiration feed does not directly deal with weddings, but rather mothers and children.  As women and brides and mothers (or potentially future-mothers), I wanted to share with you these images filled with "femininity, motherhood, tenderness, and strength. All the things that make you beautiful."  (The Fox and the Sparrow)  Examples of their sessions are shown below in the mood board; along with inspirational photos honoring the special ladies in your life on your big day. 


After all, these women made you who you are today.  They shaped and molded you, taught you, laughed with you, dried your tears and shared your memories.  Some of these women even raised the perfect version of your other half for you.  Now let's experience a sample of all mothers' unconditional love as we look over these touching images I've cultivated for you...

Happy Mother's Day.

xoxo, Kim

Styling Sunday 7: The ABC's Behind the "I Do's" Part 3

Hello, my friends.  Today we finish the last post of my "ABC's behind the "I Do's."  This week we get to discuss "C": Canopies!  If you need a little refresher on my past two installments, see "A" for altars here and "B" for backdrops here!

 

I’d have to say that canopies are the most popular choice for the ceremony.  It’s a classic design seen in a variety of ways: an arch, arbor, or chuppah.  What the heck, Kim?  What’s the difference?  Well, they are all quite similar as they all derive from being a canopy above you.  An arch is rounded while an arbor tends to be more rectilinear.  A chuppah is traditionally seen in Jewish ceremonies and symbolizes the home you and your spouse will build together.  A chuppah consists of four poles with a cloth “roof” as its covering.  (PS, after much rigorous research on the pronunciation of that word, it can be said as CHUP-uh or KOOP-uh.  It can also be spelled without the “c” and be pronounced HUP-uh.  So, there ya go.  I knew you might’ve been curious like me.)  Adorn your canopy with greenery or florals for a wonderfully romantic feel.  Or leave it bare to focus on the simplistic beauty of your union.  It's up to you!  Any way you choose to decorate this element will end up looking timeless because of the canopy's classic design.

(Click for sources: Greenery Vines, Woodland Tree Arbor, Beach Arch, Dense Pink Florals, Cloth + Lanterns, Sunflower Arch, Simple + Traditional Chuppah, Drapery on Tree)

Well, that concludes my "style the aisle" ABC's!  Hope you all enjoyed the various ways to get creative with your ceremony space.  After all, that's the place where you say your vows, pledge your love and start your forever! 


Happy Sunday, you guys.
xoxo, Kim

Styling Sunday 6: The ABC's behind the "I Do's" Part 2

Hi, again!  Welcome to this week's installment of my aisle ABC's where I shall entice you with my love of backdrops.  (If you missed last week, check out my "A" post about altars here!)  Let's not waste any time.  This styling bit is easily one of my favorites...

Backdrops aren’t just for your photobooth anymore.  They are increasingly becoming more common in ceremonies.  I just might be the biggest backdrop advocate of them all.  There are so many options and so much personality in a backdrop.  It’s easier to go a little more unconventional and contemporary as far as décor and design goes because there’s really no limit.


1.  Being a hand-letterist, I beyond appreciate the upper left photo.  The time, precision and patience that took?  Incredible. To get the look, utilize a roll of paper with a favorite passage or quote written across.  Continue to unroll the paper down the aisle for maximum effect.   (Source)


2.  Interior Designer, Lindye Galloway is truly my backdrop idol.  That brightly striped Kate Spade-inspired installation was made from large PVC pipes!  Get outta here with that genius, you.  (Source)


3.  Lindye also designed that nautical "moon gate" made of teal and white painted pieces of wood.  In.  Love.  (Source)


4.  Go super modern like Jesi Haack did with an awesome mid-century inspired sunburst paired with some Eames chairs.  (The interior design student in me says, "Yes, please!")   (Source)


5./6.  Don't wanna get too crazy with the power tools?  Opt for multiple strands of flowers like those Easter lilies on the lower right (Source).  Or perhaps ribbons, lace, or lights.  That lower left lighting photo might be the most re-pinned wedding photo ever, but it's so magical and classic. (Source)


While these are all super creative and personal ideas, the possibilities are endless!  These are just a few of my favorite categories and innovative ideas.

Follow along next Sunday when I'll finish up with our "C": Canopies!  That one will be a fun one too.  Can't wait to show you what I've found.  Until then, happy styling, everyone.


xoxo, Kim

Styling Sunday 5: The ABC's behind the "I Do's"

Behind the “I do’s” are memories, history and a magical love story that’s all your own.  But, quite literally, what’s behind you?  What will you choose to surround you and your partner as you say your vows?  I’ve broken it down into three simple categories: A, B and C.  Altars, Backdrops and Canopies! Oh my!  These design aspects are a great way to introduce your wedding's theme because the ceremony is usually the first item on the agenda, am I right?  How you style your aisle really sets the tone.


At first I thought about giving you all the low-down on all three categories today, but I thought I'd better stretch out the process over three weeks and give you one letter at a time.  More dedication to each category that way.  So, today: Altars!

 

 

Out of the three categories, altars are the least common.  They aren't often seen in weddings these days.  At least, not often in the weddings I've worked.  Sometimes they are seen in addition to a canopy, but usually not on their own.  Despite their rarity, they are beautiful just the same.  They are traditionally used in religious ceremonies or rituals.  Altars are typically flat tables where perhaps flowers, a unity candle or other ceremonial trinkets are placed.  If your wedding takes place in a church, obviously an altar will make an appearance.  Don’t let their origins fool you, though.  You can easily utilize a console table or vintage buffet for your outdoor wedding.  Even a faux-fireplace makes for a pretty alternative.  There is much beauty in the simplicity of a bare altar, but piling on dense strands of flowers, leaves or candles is quite exquisite, too.  (That elaborate tree stump altar! Be still, my heart!)

(Click for sources: Soft Pink Altar , Fireplace Mantle, Cross Table, Woodland Tree Stump Altar)


Stay tuned for next week's post about our "B" of the ABC's: Backdrops!  Oh, I just cant wait!  Those are my fave!  Until next Sunday, my stylists.
xoxo, Kim

Styling Sunday 4: Marsala for Spring

Pantone announced Marsala as 2015's Color of the Year a few months ago.  With its deep berry tones and burgundy-rooted wine hues, it's easy to imagine Marsala in an autumn or winter setting.  When paired with harvest colors and nature's automatic color palette of fallen leaves, Marsala seems at home during the autumn months.  With soft, sparkling whites, deep greens and a snowy backdrop, Marsala's rich red tones really pop in winter.  So what about spring?  How would one incorporate this darker, dynamic shade in the season that leans toward pastel tones and stereotypical brights or lights? 


Think soft.  Think worn ballet slippers, delicate lace and a creamy, foamy latte.  Imagine a secret garden filled with gorgeous blooming roses and cascading ivy vines.  Think undone and loose.  Create this ultimate romantic spring color palette with Marsala, dusty rose, ballet-slipper pink, light peach and soft cream.  All of the femininity of the pink neutrals seem more balanced with the deeper and more sophisticated Marsala.  For more masculine textures, add warm grey tweed or rich brown leather.  This vintage-y combo sounds just as delicious as those beautiful, delectable rose cupcakes down there... Yummm.

I don't know about you, but I think I need a giant slice of red velvet cake with some delightfully buttery frosting right about now...

Happy Sunday, friends.  And happy styling with the berry-colored beauty of Marsala!

xoxo, Kim

Styling Sunday 3: An Elegant Easter

Happy Easter, my Sunday Stylists.  Hope you all are enjoying a relaxing day filled with bunnies, jellybeans, egg hunts and family fun.  This week I wanted to keep it short and sweet with images inspired by all things relating to Easter and spring.  In the spirit of my Pinterest-type board below, I invite you to follow Elegant Affairs here if you haven't already!  Don't miss out on a single pin!  We love that site just as much as you, we promise.  ;)  So, if you're planning an event or wedding for this season of new beginnings, there are tons of ideas that you can pull from this concept without being over-the-top, cliché "Easter." 

For example (as shown above), you could have little cuddle bunnies as cake toppers; rabbit ears as ring holders; birds nests as centerpieces; egg shells as "vases" or even leafy carrots incorporated into your floral arrangements.  Pastels tend to dominate this season but to freshen up that idea or stray from the norm a little bit, think of color palettes inspired by nature instead.  Creams or blues inspired by eggshells or fluffy bunny tails; soft pinks or yellows from tulips or spring flowers; tans and browns from twigs or nests; and maybe even daring shades of orange inspired by carrots!  Easter is rooted in the idea of re-birth, so don't be afraid to give new life to your idea of spring décor!


Hope you have a wonderful rest of your holiday, my friends.
xoxo, Kim

Styling Sunday 2: Visual Art Seating Charts

When delving into the duty of choosing my favorite escort cards, I found an array of unique ideas so massive that I had to narrow down my topic.  Instead of the broad idea of “the escort card,” I decided to focus solely on those that featured them as visual art!  As an interior designer, I am always so drawn to ceiling installations and anything that visually pops.  I helped with a few hanging installs for our weddings last year and let me tell ya, I would give anything to climb up a ladder and make something out of nothing.  (It might be partly because I was a gymnast for over half my life and climbing and balancing seems like the normal way to live, but I digress.)  That’s the beauty of installations!  Let me show you what I mean with these visual art seating charts...

 

1:  [Insert wide-eyed emoji here.]  Contemporary Cupid's arrows pierced into a lucite heart?!  I can't get over the graphic impact this display creates.  What a wonderfully creative way to showcase your escort cards.  Its visual texture is just outstanding.  I may or may not be bowing down to my computer screen. (Source)


2:  In the downtime of cocktail hour, give your guests a reason to play by using darts as your escort cards.  Together they'll create a collaborative art piece by launching them at this board with paint-filled balloons!  So organic and beautiful.  How special would this painting be knowing it was made by your guests at your wedding and there is nothing in the world exactly like it?  I'd probably choose brighter hues than these subdued creams and pinks showed here for more of a contrast, but I love the idea. (Source)


3:  Stop it.  You're perfect.  This gorgeously graphic seating chart is done by the one and only, Jesi Haack.  My installation idol.  She has so many genius ideas and all of her work is graphic, fun and packs a visual punch.  My kinda design.  The concept is so simple: find your name, follow the string and there's your table number!  All of the name-to-number pairings create a great asymmetrical geometric pattern.  I dig it so hard. (Source)


4:  How absolutely magical would it be to walk underneath these whimsical ribbons gently blowing in the breeze of a backyard soiree?  Did I paint the perfect picture for you?  Are you there?  Sipping on some delightful summer sangria or sweet tea?  Playing croquet in the freshly mowed lawn waiting for the reception fun to begin?  Yeah, these escort cards did that for you.  How nice of them.  (Source)


5:  Oh, lucite.  You wonderful creature, you.  I especially love this color palette.  In reading the article that featured this wedding I learned that the designer incorporated romantic blush florals and pretty pastels.  These edgier geometric-shaped escort cards in brighter shades allow for the perfect contrast.  I am all about contrasts.  Contrasts are my bff. (Source)


6:  Okay, this "I'm with the band" signage made from cymbals is not only so amazing, but WAIT til I tell you the story behind them.  Or, rather, the bride will:  "We met on a Sunday, at the same cabana. I had over heard Danny talking about making fake backstage passes to get in the front row at concerts. As a huge music lover, I thought that was super cool and asked if he wanted to be my friend. So, instead of traditional place cards we made fake backstage passes to tie in how we met." Get out!  So awesome. (Source)


7:  Ferns!  I'm a sucker for ferns.  And living walls.  And nature.  And my favorite color is green.  But enough about me.  How pretty is this wall?  I love the bright tropical colors and patterns.  So happy!  This whole wedding, in fact, is so bright and happy.  Rays of yellow sunshine-y florals scattered about, too.  Just breath-of-fresh-air loveliness.  (Source)


If this Styling Sunday mood board didn't inspire you enough, definitely click on the source links for more visual candy.  Only the yummiest for you, my friends.

xoxo, Kim

Styling Sunday 1: The Guestbook

Happy first Styling Sunday, everyone!  One of my favorite aspects about being a designer is finding inspiration and graphically composing images into a helpful visual tool.  I'd like to consider myself a mood board extraordinaire, so look forward to posts like this in the weeks to come! 


Today I've designed a board with ideas for one of the most personality-filled aspects of the wedding day: The Guestbook!  I have seen so many creative ideas for this design element.  Here are a few of my faves!  (All sources linked below.)

 

 

1. For the Star-Gazers: How incredibly innovative is this constellation guest book?  The frame beside it reads: "We fell in love under the Arizona stars.  Sign a star and add it to our constellation."  So fun I can’t stand it. (Source: Jesi Haack Design)

 

2. For the Adventurers: For the beach bums or surfing sweethearts, this rad idea has the guests signing a surfboard for the couple.  It then could be mounted on a wall in their home or propped up against a corner of a wall as a statement décor piece.  More of a PNW snowbunny?  Use a snowboard instead! (Source: Style Me Pretty)

 

3. For the Finger-Painters (or those who love polka-dots!): Many of us have seen the images of the guest book “tree” floating around; where the guests dab their fingers in ink and imprint “leaves” as their signature.  Still such a cute idea, but these other fingerprint designs are another way of incorporating that concept.  Bleu de Toi sells many variations of this theme and these are two of my favorites.  Champagne and “Love Bugs”?? Yes, please! (Source: Bleu de Toi on Etsy)

 

4. For the Word Enthusiasts: Calling all readers, writers, or vintage lovers!  This unconventional take on the guestbook is trending.  Guests are instructed to circle a word in a dictionary that either reminds them of the couple, this day or marriage in general.  Often signing their name with a note of advice as well.  I love this!  (Source: Wedding Bee)

 

5. For the Hopeless Romantics: Okay.  I may be biased because of my love of everything European (especially Parisian), but how insanely perfect are these “Love Locks?”  Meant to replicate the Love Lock Bridge in Paris, this darling guest book alternative is too much.  I love the inspiration behind it and its sentiment.  Precious. (Source: Style Me Pretty)

 

6. For the Musicians: Fancy a little music over sports?  Take inspiration from our snow and surf boarders and have your guests sign a guitar!  Don’t play an instrument? Maybe having your guests sign your favorite record or album-cover would be more your jam (pun absolutely intended).  We had a couple use that idea last wedding season and it was a hit (there I go again)! (Source: Ruffled)

Until next time, my Sunday Stylists…
xoxo, Kim

Teaser from our Styling Blogger Kim

Hey, friends!  I’m Kim Merlich and I’m the newest planner for the Elegant Affairs family.  I started out as an intern and assistant last season and had such an awesome time learning the ropes of this amazing industry.  Fun Fact: I've been a flower girl 5 times, a bridesmaid twice and "caught the bouquet" once!  I've always loved weddings!  What I love most about these special events are the ever-changing trends and details that are all carefully crafted to make each special day personal, memorable and fun!

 

As an Interior Design student I’m constantly immersed in inspirational spaces, interesting material contrasts, and countless spatial organization strategies.  I’m big on personality and flair.  I love color and pattern and I never shy away from a good juxtapose.  I’m drawn to vintage because I’m attracted to the stories behind it, but I love being a bit of a rebel and pairing it with hard industrial materials like iron and steel.  Hard and soft; vintage and industrial; rustic and contemporary… all of those wonderfully whimsical mixtures make my heart melt.

 

But enough about my personal tastes; I’m here to help you with tips and tricks for styling your own wedding or event!  Upcoming Sundays will be the day of décor and styling inspirations here on the Elegant Affairs blog.  Since my love for design includes many genres, I’m sure you’ll find many helpful hints for décor, color schemes, tablescapes, and much, much more.  Can’t wait to share with you all!

 

xoxo, Kim