Here’s a fancy new way to send a Save the Date: send an unusual shaped or themed announcement. The one pictured here is cut to resemble an old car, and the wording for your announcement is inside the little “trunk” that opens on the back of the car! Isn’t that cute? You can order this Save the Date by clicking here.

There are all different options for shapes too, like a paper airplane! We have also used one that is shaped like a ring box, complete with a rhinestone inside when you open it. You can view it here. (We used it for an invitation to a First Thursday event.) We also have Save the Dates that resemble luggage tags, champagne bottles, event tickets, playing cards, and more! Many people choose to do a Save the Date that is different and fun, and then use a more classic and traditional wedding invitation. Mix it up!

 

Save the Date Cards available from New and Blue . Click above links to order certain designs . Portland, OR

 

 

No, not a new idea - but this idea is becoming more and more popular. Girls and their best pals are packin’ up their suitcases and grabbin’ their best heels to kick up in a whole new town for this once-in-a-lifetime party! In this month’s Modern Bride magazine (page 500) there is an article that talks about five urban getaways for you and your ‘maids.

The magazine mentions Atlantic City, Chicago, Las Vegas (close to us!), Miami, and New York City.

While these are all fabulous locales, if you’re closer to Portland (as we are) you could also check out these places that are closer:

1. Seattle

2. San Francisco

3. Anywhere in Mexico

4. Sonoma

5. Aspen

Plan a fun night out, a spa day (or two or three…), and maybe catch a live show of some sort. Stay in a luxury hotel and really live it up, or find a less expensive hotel and spend most of your time out and about. Don’t forget about the good eats! Find out where the hottest food and drinks in town are and spend some time there.

Photo from The Knot

Here are the top ten wedding trends of 2008, in no particular order:

1. Monograms

2. Bright Accent Colors

3. Candy Stations

4. Photobooths

5. Alternatives to a Traditional Guest Book

6. Cupcakes

7. Personality Touches

8. Eco-friendly Weddings

9. Bird Motifs

10. Edible Favors

 

 

Sure, you all want unique wedding invitations that looks classy, chic, and the best you can afford, right? Well, for most folk, invitations and wedding stationery account for about 5% of your total wedding budget…

But can you imagine spending $5,000 for 100 invitations?!

If you did, this is what they could look like. These black and white formal invitations - by Bernard Maisner Calligraphy and Fine Stationery - are hand written on black card stock with white ink to create a very dramatic-looking invitation. The fabric liners are present in each envelope and also done by hand. Of course they are gorgeous, but maybe a little out of your price range. These invitations were shown in the Feb/March issue of Modern Bride magazine.

Bernard Maisner Studio . www.BernardMaisner.com . New York

If you haven’t checked out Shop Love Me yet… what are you waiting for?! Shop for yourself, your groom, or for gifts for your attendants. There are so many great gift ideas… and even more things you’ll want to snag for yourself! From jewelry to cosmetic cases, and cuff links to flasks - you’ll definitely find something you’ll love. One of the cutest gift ideas I’ve seen on there is the adorable days-of-the-week panties set. Don’t you remember those from when you were younger? I do, but this is a much more grown up version. Other things I love: Pink Pave Diamond Frame, Jumbo Silver Letters, and the Oversized Giraffe Tote.

Shop Love Me . www.shoploveme.com . Online Only

Looking for fun personalized wedding favors that’s unique and cute? Check into custom fortune cookies! Have them decorated how you choose, and some even come in different flavors or colors. Plus, you can customize the fortunes inside! Have them say something simple like your names and wedding date, or choose a few fun fortunes for your guests to laugh about. You can serve them directly at each guest’s place setting, or have a table set up with various-sized decorative jars filled with different flavors or colors! Looking for something cute to pair them with? Get a bunch of those mini Chinese take-out style favor boxes from your local craft store and put a fortune cookie and a lottery scratch off ticket in each one, complimented by a personalized ribbon or sticker with your names and wedding date. Brilliant.

Custom Fortune Cookies . www.customfortunecookies.com . Online Only

Have you heard of MEG Jewelry? It’s to-die-for! Intended to adorn the most beautiful of brides, this jewelry is classic and gorgeous and could easily for worn for other fancy occasions. Some pieces are even changeable, such as the Nora Necklace with the magnetic, removable flower accent. Made of beautiful freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, and colorful baubles, MEG Jewelry is truly amazing. You can see a few pieces at the New and Blue boutique to get an idea, but we also have a full-color catalog of pieces that are made to order. You can also order online and have items shipped directly to you! If you’re after a certain stone, color, or style that may not be featured on our website, you can contact us to see how we can get it for you.

MEG Jewelry @ New and Blue . www.newandblue.com . Portland, Oregon

 

You’ve got the dream man, the rock, and the wedding ideas… now it’s time to put it all together! Wedding planning books are everywhere. They come in many forms - full-size three ring binder types, pocket-sized, eco-friendly, and more! Sure, you could use that lace-covered one your momgave you a couple years ago, right after the “when will I have grandkids” plea. Or you could skip all the frills and gushy advice and go straight for the glory. The best wedding planning guide I have seen to date: the Anti-Bride Wedding Planner. This straight-forward approach tell you all you need to know and doesn’t waste your time with things you don’t. There are places for you to take notes and pockets for you to keep receipts, plus a whole lot of sound advice! You need this planner.

You can find this book - and other Anti-Bride guides - at New and Blue, or www.NewandBlue.com

Anti-Bride Wedding Planner @ New and Blue . www.newandblue.com . Portland, Oregon