Splatter Paint Invitations

Combine the font from Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas with the artistry of Jackson Pollack along with a dash of the TV show True Blood and you get... THESE! Wild Ink Splatter wedding invitations from Project o3.  And as any good artwork will do, these will definitely garner some sort of reaction from guests.

{image and inspiration via Beast Pieces}

Reply Cards

I never really thought about the reply cards that came with the invitation. And it's possible I never thought of them - actually, it's highly likely that I never thought of them - because they're all relatively traditional. And that's not a bad thing. IIII'MMM traditional. But sometimes, when I see something UNtraditional, I step back and think - ARGH, I wish IIII had thought of that.


That is how I feel about these reply cards.  Here's hoping I receive something like this in the mail soon:

Mad Libs + Old Fashioned Telegram = Jaw Droppingly Original Reply Cards

{image and inspiration via Hello Lucky}

A reply card that will help you get in touch with your inner Calamity Jane

{image and inspiration via Art Fire}

Tree Ring Invites

Sometimes I run across something just so cool, I get goosebumps. Like, the hair literally stands up my arms and waves in excitement. This planting wheel-style invite by BurnhouseSF on Etsy is one of those things. It reminds me of the book The Giving Tree - which, even though I read it over two decades ago, is still one of my favorite books ever.

Featuring two separately spinning wheels that reveal whichever piece of information the arrow points to, the downloadable template is totally editable.  

Alright, I'm going to take a break from staring at this awesome invite (as I'm in desperate need of coffee) - but you should feel free to continue ogling :)

Template can be found here.

{image and inspiration via iDiy Blog}

Zazzle Stamps

Zazzle.  Is that not SUCH a fun word to say? I love it.  It makes me think of fun, sparkly, colorful... things. But if that word is not enough to make you read on further (which, if it isn't, I think you need another cup of coffee :) than this should... 


The brains behind Invitation Consultants have coordinated with the Zazzle company to create decorative stamps.  And the best part is that, even if you don't order the invitations that correspond, these stamps will take your envelopes to the next level.  And you know I'm all about the little details.  Even when it comes to the outside of an envelope.  


I have pulled together a few of my favorites below - but definitely head to their site to check out the full collection!

 Engaging Bands

Sugar Pie 

 Lucky in Love

 Triple Letter Score

Merry Married

Paint Chip Invitations

What's better than free and colorful? Ummm... nothing! Combine those two things by heading to your local paint store, picking up some free paint chips, breaking out the typewriter and click-clacking out an invite to any fab soiree. As I was saying, free and colorful - a creative, impressive combo :)

{images and idea via The Haystack Needle}

Cocktails Anyone?

Between pouring over seating charts, picking out the flowers, pulling together the menu and handling all the other prep work in anticipation of the big day... it's not surprising us nearlyweds are craving a drink.  Or three.  So set aside the wedding stuff for a night and gather your girlfriends for a get-together.

But this time, forget about the e-cards and get a little creative.  These DIY Cocktail Party invites will set the tone for a fabulous girls-only, alcohol required soiree. And once you've sobered up, head to Rifle Paper Co. for some more amazing party ideas!

For complete instructions on how to create the Cocktail Party invites, click here.

{images via Madame Bonbon}

DIY Address Labels

It's not always what's on the inside that matters - sometimes it's what on the outside that makes a difference. 

In regards to invitations that is.  

Use these free (yes, I said FREE) wrap-around, spring-inspired address labels to dress up any mailing envelope.  

Head to the terrific Tart Workshop to download these amazing DIY labels.

{inspiration via iDIY; image via Tart Workshop}

One Day You're In, the Next... You're Out

{image via Tribune Wed Design}

A strange thing has started to happen... my friends and coworkers and acquaintances are morphing into lines on a spreadsheet.  They are turning into categories that will ultimately determine whether they receive a Save the Date.    


We have determined we're having a relatively large wedding (about 150 people), but between family members and family friends from both sides that leaves us precious space for everyone we want to invite.  


And for my fiancee, that means everyone he has ever said hello to, shared a coffee with or passed in the hallway. So we set some boundaries and laid it all out in one of his coveted spreadsheets - complete with categories and filters and formulas that could be sorted at a moment's notice.


Here's how we're tackling the tough task of whittling down our wedding guest list:

• Start with a Spreadsheet - we created our own, but Google Docs, TheKnot.com and the WeddingChannel.com have templates that work great as well.
• Include Everyone - To begin with, write down everyone and anyone you are even thinking of inviting.  Place them in categories (high school friends, college classmates, coworkers, etc) so you don't leave someone off accidentally.

• Set a Statute of Limitations - Have you spoken to them in the last ten years? Will they be completely insulted if they see your wedding pictures on Facebook... and realize they weren't invited? Do you care?  If the answer to these questions are no... cross them off the list!

• Determine Plus One or Minus One - Does everyone get to bring a date? Once you figure this out, it will help  determine how many couples (or non-couples) you really do have and the actual number of people on your list.

• Create an A and B List - I had a former coworker that wanted to invite us, but had to wait until people on her A list had sent back their "not able to attend" responses. Three weeks before the wedding, a few of us from work received an invite.  Was I insulted? Not at all.  She explained the situation way beforehand and we all totally understood.  And we all had a totally awesome time. Odds are, lots of people on your B List will get an invite - just a bit later than usual.

We recognize that these "rules" are not foolproof, and that some long lost friends will be heartbroken when they realize they didn't make the cut.  But in the end, since money is an issue, this is about being surrounded by the people we hold nearest and dearest and as Tim Gunn would tell us...

Make it Work!

Which is exactly what we're doing.

A Save the Date to Remember

The front of our refrigerator is scattered with Save the Date cards. Every morning, as I grab my breakfast, I get to glimpse at beautiful designs, happy faces... and reminders that I have a very busy summer ahead!


My fiancee and I are going to have to start thinking about our own Save the Date cards that will soon be posted to someone else's refrigerator; so I have been scouring the internet and magazines and books for some ideas.


Here are a few of the colorful, creative and downright wacky designs that caught my eye:

{image via By The Card}

Be still my heart - we love crossword puzzles

{image via RuffledBlog}

Kinda trippy, but kinda awesome

{image via Designs by Liat}

I love public transportation - I'm all aboard for this

{image via Invites by Kelly}

Love love love - I'm obsessed with true crime stories so I would totally do this

{image via BklynBrideOnline.com}

Just... so fun