Wedding Etiquette Wednesday: Double Envelopes

To double-envelope or not to double-envelope. That is the question! We get this questions a lot from our brides and as we are becoming more green, we find that double envelopes are not as popular as they used to be. Read on:
This is a tradition that dates back to soon after the Industrial Revolution (ca. 1800) and the invention of lithography. Lithography is a printing process in which chemicals are used to accept and print ink, instead of the labor- and time-intensive processes of calligraphy or engraving which had been two popular methods before. Lithography was a cheap printing technique that allowed wedding invitation producers to market their products to the then-burgeoning middle class. Delivery of these newly-minted invitations would prove to be problematic, however, as the postal service of the time was still unreliable. Thus, two envelopes were used: an inner one, unsealed (for the sake of courtesy), and an outer one, addressed and used to protect the inner from the rigors of travel.


Elizabeth Post, in her etiquette book Emily Post On Weddings (1994, Harper-Collins, New York), elaborates:

The use of two envelopes is a tradition that probably goes back to when invitations where delivered by hand. For politeness the envelopes were left unsealed. Later, when mail services, began, the unsealed envelopes were inserted into larger ones that could be sealed. A practical reason for using two envelopes today is that the names of family members, escorts of your invited guests and children can be listed on the inner envelope.

Color Inspiration 101: Chartreuse and Aqua

Spring is in the air and what better color pairs that Chartreuse and Aqua! These two colors are light, crisp and cool. Pair a signature drink in either color and you have a party!

These boards are by Kelly Oshiro, myfunkyhon.com and the centerpiece is by LI Weddings

It's All in the Details- Personalized Wine Tags

Whether for your wedding, party favors or holiday gifts, nothing exudes more class than a personalized wine tag. The range from classic to playful with all the colors in between. These especially come in handy when you run short on time for a hostess gift you need to bring. Slap one of these on a bottle of wine and it will look like a well-thought out gift!

Vintage + Art Deco Wedding Jewelry & Bouquets

These era inspired works are from the L.A. based designer Noaki. The pieces are repurposed jewelry into one-of-a-kind or limited edition vintage and art deco pieces. The styles range from a summer beach wedding, Victorian inspired hair pins or a period pieces. We love how these are fresh modern takes on classic designs. The first three pictures are just a sampling of her couture brooch wedding bouquets. Her website is www.noakijewelry.com or you can find her on Etsy at www.noaki.etsy.com.

Eco-Friendly Decor Ideas

We came across this website while on a hunt for eco-friendly ideas for our brides. Being 'green' has become a priority for a lot of brides and finding fun ideas whether for decor, favors or food has become easier the last couple of years. Here are some fun ideas from the website Dream Green Weddings.

Birds Nest Escort Card Holders

Earth Friendly Recycled Wood

Conversation Starters

Vintage Antique Silverware Markers

with customized message

Organic Tea Leaf Stir Sticks

Moss Covered Letter Initials

Eco-Friendly cupcake holders

Tree Branch Escort Card Holders

Four Seasons Resort Vail Honeymoon Offer

When you book a Four Seasons Resort Vail wedding of 100 guests of more, enjoy a honeymoon on us at either the Four Seasons Resort Lana'i Manele Bay in Hawaii or Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico.

This complimentary offer includes three nights of accommodations plus champagne upon arrival and in-room breakfast for two in the first morning. Special room rates may be available if you would like to extend your stay.

The wedding reception must be booked my May 31st, 201 and the honeymoon must be enjoyed within six months of your wedding date. The offer in non-transferable and may only be used by the wedding couple. Call the Four Seasons Resort Vail at 970-477-8820.

Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

10. Saves time – Planning wedding takes enormous amount of time. In fact, the average couple spends well over 200 hours planning their special day. A good wedding planner will save you time and energy by researching vendors, taking care of the many, many details, and coming up with various creative ideas to make your wedding amazing!
9. Saves money – Weddings can be extremely expensive. However, by hiring a wedding planner, couples can save a great deal of money. Because wedding planners provide so much business to vendors, they are often able to negotiate discounts for their clients. Wedding planners are also well-versed at helping couples set budgets and sticking to them.
8. Saves relationships – Weddings can be very stressful. This stress can often result in many conflicts for couples as well as with family members and friends. Wedding planners have experienced this time and time again and know how to avoid such problems before they begin as well as act as a buffer when there are conflicts. Wedding planners are also able to take on the responsibilities often assigned to loved ones so that everyone is able to enjoy the wedding. Remember, you still want a relationship with your mother well after your wedding!
7. Ensures dreams are made realities – Most have been dreaming of their wedding day their entire life. Wedding planners work for the couple and ensure that all desires are met (and often surpassed)!
6. Offers advice – Wedding planners have planned countless weddings and know exactly what works and what doesn’t. They are also knowledgeable on wedding etiquette. Furthermore, wedding planners are able to recommend competent vendors, based on personal experience.
5. Acts as the “go to person” – The average wedding has at least 22 different vendors. Combine that with the entire wedding party and all of the guests and that is a lot of people with questions and concerns! By hiring a wedding planner, couples can simply tell others “talk to the wedding planner!”
4. Creates schedules – There are so many events leading up to the big day! Couple that with the many things that happen during the wedding and who can keep track? The wedding planner can! Wedding planners are well-versed at making detailed itineraries for all involved (including other vendors) and making sure that everything happens on time!
3. Handles crisis – Whether we like it or not, most big events involve crisis. Who really wants to deal on their wedding day with the bakery not delivering the cake on time or the flower girl throwing a tantrum? No one! Wedding planners know how to handle all unforeseen circumstances.
2. Orchestrates event - from rehearsal through the end of reception – Do you want to be responsible for organizing rehearsal or making sure the bridal party is properly lined up? How about making sure that the guest who had a little too much to drink departs safely? Wedding planners orchestrate from rehearsal through the end of the reception, ensuring everything goes off without a hitch!
1. Minimizes stress and maximizes fun! – Hiring a wedding planner ensures that you will have a worry-free and stress-free day, thus, allowing you to enjoy your day like your guests!

We couldn't agree more- Thanks to Robyn Powell for the great list!

Groomsmen "Ties That Don't Suck" by Toybreaker

The minute I saw these I fell in love! Men are often left out of the fun and their style choices can be limited. Why not snazz up their tux or suit with a colorful and eye catching tie? They are definitely not for the faint of heart but the good news is that you can tone them down if you choose to. You can visit Toybreaker at http://www.etsy.com/shop/toybreaker. Enjoy!!!

Inspiration 101: Cameo Pink & Black

Everyone loves a touch of whimsy and with the cameo introduced into the style adds a vintage spin. This look is fun to recreate in different colors depending on how far in the direction of feminine or masculine you want to go. It also makes a fun bridal shower theme. The board from the Perfect Palette incorporates photos from Martha Stewart Weddings and the centerpiece is from florist Naomi deManana.

Customized Plates and Platters

It seems that everything can be customized these days and we are in love with these plates platters! In fact we love them so much that we decided to carry the line. Boatman Geller also offers invitations, wine tags, recipe cards, placements and lot of other fun products that we will be blogging later. They are fully customizable down to the colors, pattern and font. They will spice up any event or make fantastic gifts!