Visit The Classic Invitation on Etsy!

We’ve recently begun selling a small selection of custom designed digital monograms on Etsy and we would love for you to check us out!  You have two options to find us on Etsy.  You can visit us directly at http://www.etsy.com/shop/theclassicinvitation.  Or visit our My Etsy store on Facebook (and while you’re there “Like” us!) http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Classic-Invitation.  We will be adding a few select printable wedding invitation designs soon so keep an eye out!

By: Sheila Elizabeth

Feel free to visit us directly at www.theclassicinvitation.com

 

Monogram Wedding Invitation: designed for eco-sustainability.

I recently was asked to design an invitation that was as stylish as it is eco-friendly. So I set out to design an invitation with that in mind and this is what I came up with!  Mission accomplished!

When it comes to planning a wedding that is “Green” the invitations and stationery are often one of the least eco-friendly components of the wedding.  They are made from paper, they are used once, they are shipped, mailed and delivered which leaves a carbon footprint, so for all these reasons they are often not something that is viewed as eco-conscious.  BUT I can assure you that this design helps to reduce the impact of each of those points!  First the paper and envelopes selected are made from partially recycled content and the raw material in the paper is FSC certified. The FSC trademark identifies products which contain wood from well-managed forests certified under the rules of the FSC, ensuring that people, wildlife and the environment benefit from the forestry practices.  Next, The Classic Invitation seeks out and purchases our paper goods through a supplier that operates with 100% wind energy and offsets 100% of the carbon dioxide produced from outbound shipping through the purchase of renewable energy credits.  In our studio, The Classic Invitation buys our electricity from a wind farm, so the carbon footprint of each invitation our studio produces is further reduced throughout every stage (from design to printing) of production in our studio.  And though these wedding invitations are designed to be used once, and though we hope they will be saved and treasured as a keepsake, they are fully recyclable!  Which makes them even more stylish than they would be otherwise.  Our motto at The Classic Invitation is eco-friendly design with style in mind!    Interested in eco-friendly wedding invitation design?  Contact us at www.theclassicinvitation.com. 

By: Sheila Elizabeth

www.theclassicinvitation.com

New Classic Monogram Designs

I’ve been working on a new collection of classic monograms. I wanted simplistic elegance. Something that could be carried throughout a wedding venue with simple touches, the menus, the table numbers and even the cake!  I hope you enjoy!

To view more monograms visit www.theclassicinvitation.com.

By: Sheila Elizabeth www.theclassicinvitation.com

What are monograms typically used for?

One of our clients recently asked: “What are monograms typically used for?”  So I thought I would answer that question here for everyone.  Monograms have a wide variety of uses and come in any style, from classic to modern.  Typical uses for printing monograms include save-the-date cards, invitations and stationery, programs, table card numbers, seating cards and thank you cards.  Including a host of other printed options!  Another popular (and great!) use for a monogram is to display it on the dance floor or wall of your venue.  A fun use (and less expensive alternative to a photo booth) is to print the monogram on a back drop to use as a step and repeat for guests to take pictures in front of at the wedding reception.  Digital uses for a monogram include wedding websites, logos and even in email correspondence it can be inserted into a picture or used as a picture itself.  After the wedding is over use the monogram file to order/create custom monogrammed towels or sheets!  The options for using a monogram are really endless.  The Classic Invitation offers both custom designed monograms and personalized pre-designed monograms.  To order visit  http://theclassicinvitation.com/monograms.aspx.

By: Sheila Elizabeth  www.theclassicinvitation.com

Glamorous Vintage Inspired Wedding: Gone With The Wind!

I recently had the honor of designing wedding programs for a good friend’s wedding. And what a beautiful wedding it was. I just loved all of the vintage details of their Gone With The Wind themed wedding. And, I am so excited to share with you some of the cutest wedding ideas that I have seen in a long time!  The wedding photographer, Sassy Mouth Photography, shot the pictures.  Enjoy!

 It’s the little details that count.  I love the feather accent on the garter.  And as the saying goes, diamonds are a girls best friend!

The feathers added just the right touch to this bouquet.  Just lovely.

 The brides maids were so glamorous!  With smaller white feather accented bouquets to compliment the brides bouquet, pearl detailed bracelets and black dresses with a simple black on black sequined polka dot detail the vintage details were simply stunning.

One of our programs in action!  We designed a black and silver monogram with rhinestone accents to compliment the vintage feel to the wedding.  The program is printed on white linen heavy weight stock paper in black ink.  The bride loved them!  “Thank you so much for all of the time you spent making the programs PERFECT! XOXO” – Becky and Khalim 4/11.  I am so pleased that they loved them!  Need programs or wedding invitations and stationery for your wedding?  Contact us at www.theclassicinvitation.com.

It was slightly chilly that day!  But the flower girls were adorable none the less!  And I am so pleased to share with you the cutest idea for your flower girls!  It is a totally doable DIY project.  A simple box painted with a distressed white paint to give it a vintage feel, letter stencils for the wording, and glitter paint to customize the box with the flower girls names.  Add flowers or flower petals and voilà!  A great addition to your vintage inspired wedding!  And a cost-effective project too!

OMG! How great is that sign?  Yeah I know, its fabulous!  The happy couple has 3 children and have been together for 14 years, which makes the message on the sign truly befitting.

I just love the photography!  Folks, if you are in the New England area and are looking for a photographer (she does engagement shoots too!) look up Sassy Mouth Photography on her Facebook page and “Like” her.  https://www.facebook.com/sassymouthphotography

The feather hair accessory is right on trend for this wedding season.  And how beautiful both the bride and the feather hair band look!  The feathers coordinated with the garter, bouquets and boutonnieres.  And truly complimented the vintage Gone With The Wind theme.  Simply stunning.

The feather accented boutonnieres.

The photo booth was soo much fun!  All of the guests enjoyed the props and taking pictures.  The vendor made two copies of each series of pictures and assembled a scrap-book with the pictures through out the wedding.  The guests were asked to write messages and signatures next to their photos.  I highly recommend it if you are considering one at your wedding.  I had a blast! 

The seating cards were filled out by one of the couple’s daughters.  What a sweet idea!  Not only did their daughter do a great job, it was also meaningful to the couple to be able to include their children in the DIY projects for the wedding and provide them with a sense of responsibility and trust.  I just love it!  And the little black bows with a pearl accent was the perfect finishing touch to the seating cards.

Custom designed cake family cake topper for their cup cake tower by A Little Imagination Cakes.  You can visit their website at http://www.imaginethatcake.com/.

 

What a truly beautiful Vintage inspired wedding!  I hope that you are inspired too.

By:  Sheila Elizabeth  www.theclassicinvitation.com  

Fabulous New Monogram Design!

This monogram is chic and modern and available in any color combination!  It would be perfect for save the date cards, wedding invitations, programs, table number cards and more!  And for only $10.00 its a steal!  Pre-designed monograms include up to two changes in color or size.  Simply provide your personal information and color scheme and we will do the rest.  With in 48 hours you will receive an email with a png. and jpeg. file containing your monogram.  Need a different file format?  Just ask!  We are happy to assist you and look forward to meeting your needs.

By: Sheila Elizabeth  www.theclassicinvitation.com

Planning the Ultimate Romantic Yellow and Gray Themed Wedding!

Gray is the “it” color to accent your wedding color palate this season.  It’s subtle, it’s classic, it’s the new black.  And paired with yellow it creates a beautiful color palate perfect for wedding and reception.  Romance brings to mind new love, blooms and buds, whimsy and excitement.  Gray paired with yellow creates a classic, crisp and understated combination.  Perfect for a lavish wedding.

Vera Wang at affordable prices!  What a great find for 2011.  This gown features a silver toned crystal broach at the waist band that very subtly incorporates the gray color into the bridal gown.  And I just love the details of this dress.  The asymmetrical shoulder, the mermaid style skirt with swirling cascades of organza fabric, and beautiful crystal design on the waist band create a simply whimsical and romantic dress.

This buttercup yellow bridesmaid dress is to die for!  Why not mix it up with bridesmaids in both yellow and gray?

Fresh make up, softly tousled up do and a perfect hair accessory!  A floral headband is a simple way to finish your bridesmaid hair styles.

And lets not forget the guys!  The yellow shirts are great and could even be paired with a lighter gray, in keeping with our color scheme.  And look at the socks! What a riot.  And the converse, must be a guy thing, lol.

Simple daffodils are a gorgeous contrast to a gray bridesmaid dress.  And what an inexpensive way to create a beautiful yellow flower bouquet!

Or for a more upscale look, this is a beautiful combination of yellow flowers.  They simply pop against the gray backdrop of the bridesmaids dresses.

What a gorgeous wedding program!  A beautiful floral design printed in black ink on light grey linen stock paper.  Visit www.theclassicinvitation.com for more information.

Beautiful Yellow and Gray wedding invitation.  And customizable in any shade of yellow and gray (or any color scheme for that matter)! Visit www.theclassicinvitation.com to place an order.

Could this be any more romantic?  The gray and yellow details are just perfect.  Though depending on your wedding date and location this idea may not be practical for your wedding, but the furniture and design could transfer easily to an indoor venue and look just as lovely. 

On a tighter budget?  Simplistic elegance gives you a lot of bang for your buck.  I think that a good dollar store hunt would turn up many of the items on the table featured in the picture above.

A beautiful gray and yellow monogram would be a great addition to your invitations, programs, dance floor, table number cards, et cetera.  It’s a simple way to get more bang for your buck.  And for only $10.00 you can order a pre-designed monogram that you can use for all of the above and more!  Visit http://theclassicinvitation.com/monograms.aspx to order today!

By: Sheila Elizabeth www.theclassicinvitation.com

 

Simply lovely Wedding Table Number Card!

I recently designed the most lovely table number cards for a 2011 wedding.  They are simple and classic and I am very pleased with their outcome.  The design features an aqua, black and white color scheme and accented with beautiful rhinestones.  I hope you are as inspired as I was.  Looking for Table Number cards for your wedding or event? Visit www.theclassicinvitation.com.

By: Sheila Elizabeth  www.theclassicinvitation.com

New Aqua, Black and White Layered Wedding Invitation: Ashley and Jeffery!

I’ve been working with Ashley and Jeffery on a custom designed wedding invitation set for their spring wedding.  They came to me with a very specific vision in mind and I was so happy to bring their vision to fruition!  And what a lovely design.  They were looking for a layered invitation in aqua, black and white.  I choose a combination of linen and metallic stock papers, along with double-faced satin ribbon to compliment the upscale look and create a rich feel for their invitation sets.  Mission accomplished!  They love it!  And I am so glad. 

Our company, The Classic Invitation, based in Connecticut, had a horrendous winter! We had record-setting snow and had to close our studio on multiple occasions due to the extreme amount of snow fall.  January marked the most snow ever on record in Connecticut.  My new favorite saying is that Connecticut is the new Canada (LOL).  So needless to say I worried that I would be unable to finish Ashley and Jeffery’s invitation design in a timely manner.  Many of the building’s in my city shut down or evacuated because roofs were collapsing from the weight of the snow.  125 year old buildings just up the street from our studio completely caved in and just crashed (our studio is housed in a building built-in 1890)!  But despite the weather and with a very understanding bride I was able to complete the design and finish the invitation.  Whew!  I hope you enjoy the result.  Looking for invitations?  Visit www.theclassicinvitation.com.

 

By: Sheila Elizabeth www.theclassicinvitation.com

Planning the Ultimate Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Themed Wedding!

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of Love!  And lends perfectly to planning a lavish, love filled wedding.  And it doesn’t necessarily have to take place on Valentines Day, the theme is perfect for a wedding anytime!  All though for you Bride’s that do choose Valentine’s Day as the date, be sure to remind your groom that the Wedding Anniversary and Valentine’s are two separate events requiring two separate gifts, LOL!

Talk about Red Roses!  This is a to die for wedding reception.  Truly the ultimate Valentine’s Day extravaganza! And I love that even though the flowers are extravagant, the decor still remains simple.  The rose is just simply beautiful and provides the ultimate decor in of itself.  On a budget?  Try the idea below!

      

For a smaller budget, get bang for your buck with this table set up.  You still get the high impact wow factor and the beauty of the roses.  And can you imagine how wonderful the table will smell!  Truly a night to remember.  On a tight budget?  Order silk rose petals, still beautiful for a fraction of the cost of real rose petals!

A Sweetheart table for a Sweetheart themed wedding, a perfect choice.  It’s intimate and chic.  It will also allow you and your bride or groom a few moments of privacy during your wedding.  And other than the first dance, it may turn out to be the only moments of privacy you get!

 

Instead of a guest book a great idea is to have your guests fill out Valentines Day Cards.  Create a custom Valentine’s Day Box (à la elementary school with an upscale twist) for your guests to deposit their Valentine’s into.  Order custom Valentine’s for your guests to fill out at www.theclassicinvitation.com.

 

I just love this bridesmaids dress!  For those brides having your Valentine’s day wedding in a warm area, what a beautiful dress.  Simply stunning and how perfect for a sweetheart wedding!  It also coordinates perfectly with this seasons wedding color palate.  Definitely my top pick. 

 

The perfect floral center pieces to coordinate your Valentine’s Day themed wedding with this seasons gorgeous color palate.  And this floral color palate can be achieved to accommodate almost any budget.  And the vintage look of the vases is just beautiful.  And for a do it your self bride a dollar store replica of the vases will achieve the look without breaking the bank.

 

What Valentine’s Day wedding would be complete with out Valentine’s Day Candy?  Create and expensive looking display with out the high cost for you do it yourself brides.  And a fun activity for your guests!

By: Sheila Elizabeth www.theclassicinvitation.com