It seems like there is a whole new vocabulary you need to learn when planning a wedding!  Last month we defined a variety of printing terms for you so this month we thought why not explain some of the other stationery terms that you will, or have, come across in your planning process.

Accommodation Card* - Gives guests information about lodging near the wedding site.  If you have arranged for a group rate, let your guests know the name it’s under and the date the rate is good through.  It’s also nice to let them know what the rates are and any special amenities that might make their stay more enjoyable.

Announcement- Mailed right after the wedding ceremony (or the next day) to “announce” that your marriage has taken place.  These are sent to to anyone that did not get invited to the wedding.  Include the date, year and city in which the wedding took place.  As a general rule, if you receive an announcement, you are not obliged to buy a gift, but sending a card is a nice acknowledgement.

Calligraphy - Artistic hand-inked lettering that adds an elegant touch to envelopes, escort cards, place cards, table numbers and more.

Deckled-Edged - Ragged borders with a torn look that give paper a handmade appearance.

Direction Card* - Provides directions to the ceremony and reception locations.

Escort Card - Directs guests to their assigned tables and is usually positioned in alphabetical order near the entrance to the reception.

Font - A typeface or lettering style.

Informal - Flat or folded card that is typically used as a thank you note.  It comes with an unprinted envelope.

Invitation - We know you all know what this is but remember it should never have your gift registry information on it or in the same envelope!

Menu Card - Gives a course-by-course listing of the food to be served.

Overlay - Paper layered atop another piece of paper that you can see through.  Usually vellum or tissue is used as the overlay, over a heavier type of paper.

Pew Card - Designates special seating for honored guests at the ceremony.  The card includes the guest’s name and pew number, and can be sent either with their invitation or after you receive their reply card.  You do not see these used as often today.  Most times your ushers can have a listing of special guests and which pews to seat them in or you can have a number of the front pews “ribbon-ed off” for family and special guests.

Place Card - Directs guests to a specific seat at their assigned table at a very formal wedding.

Rain Card - Tells guests where the alternate (indoor) location is in the event of inclement weather.  Not used often unless the new location is in a completely different location from the original site.

Reception Card* - Tells guests where the reception will take place if different from the ceremony location.  You can also put this information at the bottom of our invitation if you would prefer.

RSVP/Reply/Response Card - Sent with your invitation, this card is filled out by your guests and mailed back to you, so you know if they will or will not be attending.  It is accompanied by an addressed and stamped envelope and is the most common piece to accompany your wedding invitation.

Table Number - Distinguishes tables from one another.  Can be numerals or words.

Transportation Card* - Lets guests know that you’re providing some type of transportation (bus, trolley, etc) from Point A to Point B on the wedding day.  If you need to know how many guests will be taking advantage of the provided transportation, just add a line to your RSVP card so you can get a head count.

Vellum - Translucent decorative paper, often used as an overlay.

Wedding Program - Outlines the ceremony proceedings.  May include songs, readings, special acknowledgements, and list the wedding party.

Within-the-Ribbon Card- Indicates to guests that they are to be seated in this “ribbon-ed off” section during the ceremony.  You do not see these used very often today as your ushers can be given a list of the special guests you would like to be seated in this area at the rehearsal.

*These cards can be combined on one larger card if you are looking to cut down on your carbon footprint and/or costs.  Try calling it Wedding Details or Wedding Weekend Information.

What is one of the first things that brides think about when planning a wedding?  Of course, what to wear!!  Your wedding dress is so important, it should really reflect your personal style and more than anything make you feel beautiful.  Whether your looking for an overall wedding dress or a separate reception dress, New and Blue has some ideas to help you narrow down your little white dress style.  From classic to bohemian, check out some of our favorite little white dresses.

From Left: Classic bride in Amsale, Adventurous in Jenny Packham, be a Glamazon in Herve Leger, Modern bride in Michael Kors, Traditional elegance in Jenny Yoo, and Bohemian beauty in this dress by Watters.

Inspiration Board: Barcelona in Raven

Crate and Barrel Fokus Umbrella, White House Black Market Highneck Keyhole Top, Pottery Barn Black & White Dinnerware, Benefits Cosmetics BADgal Lash, Vera Wang Rock Princess, New and Blue Barcelona Invitation, Anthropologie Milanese Waterways Halter, Hortense B. Hewitt Mr Luggage Tag & Mrs Luggage Tag, Kate Spade Radcliffe Large Tate, J.Crew Bouquet Sash Belt, West Elm Graphic Woven Art, J.Crew Velvet Flower Pin, Anthropologie Chilled Droplets Cuff, White House Black Market Lace Peeptoe Heel.

Everyone ha a unique style so what does your diamond style say about you?

*Diamonds from top left:

Simply Elegant: Emerald & Radiant diamonds

Glamorous: Asscher diamond

Modern: Marquise & Oval diamonds

Fashionista: Princess diamond

Traditionalist: Round diamond

Trend-Setter: Pear diamond

Vintage Beauty: Cushion diamond

New and Blue will be at the Rose City Bridal Showcase this weekend, September 26th and 27th, from 10am-5pm.  Stop by booth #223 and see the fabulous variety of invitations, favors and gifts we offer!  Our boutique will also be open from 11am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday (this Sunday only) so plan to swing by after walking the show. 

Tickets are on sale at all Safeway TicketsWest ticket counters, online and at the door.  Admission is $7.00 Adult/Children.  You can save $2.00 by picking up a coupon at our boutique or on-line. 

We look forward to seeing you this weekend!  Oregon Convention Center, Hall E, Booth #223.

There are many women out there who have been planning their weddings since they discovered what a wedding was.  To those, we offer congratulations! Because sometimes knowing what you want can be the hardest part.  On the converse, there are many brides that may be a little overwhelmed at the idea of creating a centralized theme and following with coordinating elements.  For those, we thought we would help by creating a bi-weekly inspiration board that focuses on a theme.  Today’s is “Vintage Garden Party”.

From Left: Lisa Hoffman via Style Me Pretty; Amber Events via Style Me Pretty; bridesmaid dress, Vineyard; wedding dress, Monique Lhuillier; invitation, Designers Fine Press (available at New and Blue); favor idea from Martha Stewart Weddings; parasols via Dolce Sposa; Lisa Hoffman via Style Me Pretty.   

Are you back from your honeymoon and feeling a little stressed about what to write in all those thank you notes?  Or is your wedding just around the corner and lots of gifts have arrived, and you’re feeling the pressure to get some notes out?  Just take a deep breath and try this template from Brides.com.

Dear / Darling / Dearest / Hello!

Thank you for the _____________ lovely / amazing / adorable / handsome / stylish / useful / interesting / novel / unusual / funky _______________________ (type of gift).  We look forward to ___________________ using it (them) / displaying it (them) / enjoying it (them) _____________________________ for years to come. / at the holidays. / this summer. / everyday.

Can’t wait to __________________ see you / meet you / talk to you / catch up with you / visit you _______________________ at the wedding. / during the holidays. / at the gym. / after the honeymoon. / at the water cooler.

Sincerely, / Warmly, / Love, / Fondly, / Best, / Cheers!

________________________________ (your names)

Our designers are constantly keeping up to date on the latest and greatest wedding invitation trends so we can ensure our line of invitations is unique and fresh.  They’re on a roll and with new and varied designs completed regularly, your sure to find one that piques your interest. Remember, New and Blue’s line of invitations are highly customizable so the final product is uniquely you!  Choose from multiple font and color choices, customize layout and wording, and add a motif or design at no additional charge.  If you need any help or have questions on further customizations, our customer service personnel are available 8:00am-4:00pm Pacific Standard time to answer any of your questions. Check them out!

Inspiration Board: Gramercy Park in Pesto

Kate Aspen Topiary Picture/Place Card Holder, Anthropologie Nacre Daisy Knob and Trellis Floral Curtain, Boden Perspex Buckle Belt, Coach New Kira Bag, Anthropologie In Perpetuity Covers, New and Blue Gramercy Park Invitation, Murder on Gramercy Park, Purl Soho Manos Del Handspun Multi Color Yarn, Sundance Dazzling Green Topaz Cocktail Ring, Weddingstar Botanical Garden Votive Candle Holders, Boden Corsage Pumps, Candy Warehouse Green Fruit Jell Slices.

Life is a celebration and there are many landmarks along the way that warrant festivities. New and Blue’s line of magnets are not exclusive to weddings and can be used for multiple occasions.  Sold in multiples of 25, our highly customizable, quality magnets can be used to “Save the Date” for a family reunion, birthday, graduation, Bar/Bat- Mitzvah, anniversary, Christmas party and just about any one of life’s wonderful occasions! With affordable pricing on regular and photo magnets, free proofs, and great customer service- you can’t go wrong!

From Left: Divine Vines Party Magnet, It’s My Party Magnet, Valedictorian Magnet, Tel Aviv Bar/Bat Mitzvah Magnet