Monogram Etiquette

Monogram etiquette isn't common knowledge for most folks, hence the reason for this post. So how do I go about explaining the proper etiquette without boring you to tears. Hmmmmm, here goes: in short definition, monograms are those cute, calligraphy-looking letters you see hanging on bathroom towels in fancy houses (oh, and at weddings too). Who am I kidding, you know what a monogram is, right?? Exhibit a:
Ok, so on to the next (and more complicated) question…do you know the proper way to create your own monogram? In what order should your initials be displayed? Who's name comes first? Which is the bigger letter? Let's face it, how many people really take the time to research the appropriate way to display your monogram...I therefore, am putting together this very short, very simple list of rules to follow.

• A general rule of thumb, and most importantly...the brides name always comes first! Duh, because we are more beautiful and special...heh, I kid, I kid.
• If using initials only, the order is: the brides first initial, groom's last name, the grooms first initial

That's it. Pretty simple right? I'm glad we got that established. Now on to the fun part: the ways to utilize your monogram are ENDLESS. Use on wine bottle tags, stationary, cake toppers, napkins, aisle runners, favors, signs, chair ties, decor, signs, drink stirrers, flags, etc, etc, etc! A wedding monogram is kind of a big deal, almost in the same category as the cake, rings and officiant...ok, not quite. But close.

P.S. In case you didn't know, Envy Events will design your own personalized monogram for a flat rate of $50. Unlimited revisions included. Pass it on. Also, check out our post on custom monogrammed stamps from Zazzle.com.

DIY Project: Making Your Cupcakes Cute

If you are like me, you browse through countless wedding blogs whenever humanly possible. I love seeing all the lovely little details of DIY weddings and stare longingly, wondering how to share them with you all. Today I wanted to try those cute little cupcake signs that have been seen on Style Me Pretty. Here's an inspiration picture.

How cute are these?? But they are $9 for a set of 12, and that could add up really fast, especially if you have a large guest list. For example, if your guest list is 150, you would need 13 sets of 12, which comes out to (carry the 3, subtract the 1) $113. But enough blabbling, on to your DIY instructions...

Supplies needed (can be found in any craft supply store):

• Big scalloped-edge hole-puncher (2 inch)
• Slightly smaller circle hole puncher (1.5 inch)
• “Woodsies” wooden sticks (5.75 inch)
• Glue sticks & hot glue gun
• Cute construction or scrap-booking paper
• Letter stickers

Here is a closer look at the hole-puncher's:

Start by cutting out a few of each of the circles, playing around with the patterns and colors from the card stock you have. Then, hot-glue the circle onto the stick (or use Zots if you don't want to use a messy glue gun). If you don't want to leave the stick exposed on the back, glue the matching color onto the back.

 

Next, apply some sticker letters, or quotes to the circles. Mix it up by using different sayings such as:
Your monogram or initials,We Do, I Do,Love,Kiss,Sweet,Just Wed,In Love,Happy,Mrs, Mr, ...etc

 

All in all, these will turn out so cute!! Not to mention, they are sooooo ridiculously easy to make! This DIY trend has been popping up everywhere, and I love the idea of cupcakes instead of a traditional cake, or in addition to a traditional cake. There's many uses for these: think drink stirrers, attached to favor bags, "toss me" bags, at the bar or dessert table....the list goes on and on!

{Courtesy of Miss Petit Four of Weddingbee}

Flag Pennant Wedding Decor

They're kinda whimsical, they're kinda cute, and they're kinda becoming a HUGE trend in weddings. These string along pennant accents are used all over the place: as decor for a dessert or sweetheart table, lining the ceilings of reception halls everywhere, and as cake toppers. What makes these even more awesome is the fact that they're a CINCH to make and only cost a few bucks...go DIY'ers. At first, the simplistic look didn't quite catch my eye, but after seeing the plethora of ways possible to use this decor concept, I was sold. Popular banners I've been seeing are: draped over the candy buffet (love is sweet), bride and groom photos (i.e. wedding date 6.2.2012), on the back of the getaway vehicle (just married), draped over the sweetheart table, as cake toppers, swizzle sticks, etc, etc, etc! Check out the images below and see why I'm falling in love with this decor.

Jones Soda Custom Bottle Labels

I found a pretty sweet treat for y'all while browsing on WedLoft.com. If you're in search of an adorable, colorful way to personalize your reception/event, look no more. Why is that, you ask? Because I've found custom bottle labels courtesy of Jones Soda! This Seattle-based company not only offers bev's that are yummy, they're eye candy as well. They come in a wide variety of flavors and colors, and the labels can be fully customized to include a personal photo, blurb about yourself, or any information you deem necessary. At $29.99 per case of 12, these aren't the most budget-friendly alternative to water bottle labels, however, the glass bottle and design altogether hints toward an added level of attention to detail and class. Check out the photos below, and you'll see why.

Here's an original way to display place cards! Attach a tag to the bottle, and offer your party guests a sweet drink when they arrive. It's sure to be a conversation starter that everyone will appreciate. Add your own text, images, and create a one-of-a-kind party favor! 

Candy Buffets: Sweets Galore!!

A brilliant person once came up with the idea of hosting a candy buffet. What an awesome idea! I've always noticed that people love to splurge and give-in a little at weddings. Maybe it's the love in the air? Or the fact that they're in company of good food and loved ones. The candy buffet lets our inner child delight in both a visual and tasty treat! Put together a buffet in the same color as your reception color scheme and you have instant decor. Not to mention the glass apothecary jars used are quite elegant-looking as well. Here's some eye-candy and hopefully some inspiration for your own candy buffet!

"Fill a bag with delightful treats, and just remember, LOVE IS SWEET!"

Such a creative way to personalize your candy table!

I just love the "sweet love" lettering on this table:

Signs are always a cute addition!

"All you need is love... and maybe a little bit of candy. Please scoop responsibly, friends don't let friends dance on a sugar high."

It's always a good idea to place favor bags at the candy table, this way guests can take the treats home and you'll reduce the amount of candy leftover.

Color-coordinated ribbons = love

All images courtesy of kmjdepalma on flickr

Signature Drinks Pt II

Below is an article I ran across that I thought was worth keeping---atleast it will be in my archives so that when the day comes that I need to pull drink recipes out of my magic hat, I will have them here for quick & easy reference!

A Signature Wedding Cocktail
Serve a Special Cocktail at Your Wedding
By Nina Callaway, About.com

For brides on a budget, a signature wedding cocktail can be a great way to go. At your wedding reception, rather than having an open bar, serve your guests beer and wine, champagne for the toast, and then one special cocktail. Make sure it has a fun and flirty name, and consider making a festive sign announcing it for the bar. Here are a few suggestions for that signature wedding cocktail:

Love is in the Air

2 oz. sloe gin

2 dashes raspberry syrup

2 dashes lemon juice

1 egg white

Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Drop a raspberry in the glass for a special touch.

Wedding Belle Cocktail

3/4 oz Dubonnet

3/4 oz Gin

1 Dash of Cherry Brandy

1 Dash of Orange Juice

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.

Sealed with a Kiss

2 oz chocolate liqueur such as Godiva or Crème de Cacao

1.5 oz vodka Hershey's Kiss

Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake well, and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Put a Hershey's Kiss in the bottom for the added love touch.

Hot Romance

1 1/2 oz rum

2 oz cranberry juice

2 oz orange juice

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail glass over ice. Stir and serve with an orange slice.

And, if you already have a favorite cocktail, feel free to rename it with a cute wedding-appropriate name. If cocktails are not your thing, try a wedding punch. Almost any punch can be a wedding punch, but here are two examples. The first is the luxurious version, the second is more budget-minded. Make sure you have more chilled ingredients standing by in case your guests are thirsty!

Elegant Wedding Punch

Makes 16 cups

1/2 cup Chambord raspberry

1 cup Triple Sec

1 cup Brandy

2 cups pineapple juice

1 liter of ginger ale

2 bottles dry champagne

The night before the wedding, chill the ginger ale and the dry champagne. Combine the Chambord, Triple Sec, brandy and pineapple juice in a bowl, cover, and chill overnight. When ready to serve, combine all ingredients and serve in a pretty bowl with ice cubes.

Traditional Wedding Punch

Makes 20 cups

2 cups vodka

4 cups unsweetened pineapple juice

4 cups unsweetened cranberry juice

64 oz ginger ale

2 cups sugar

Mix all ingredients together and serve in a large punch bowl with plenty of ice. Adjust vodka and sugar to your taste. If you are using sweetened juices, you may choose to forgo the sugar altogether.

Signature Drink Names & More!

Crystal Candy Swizzle Sticks - $12 per 20 (Courtesy of WeddingThings.com)

Mr. & Mrs. Drink Mixers - $27 per 24 (Courtesy of MyWeddingFavors.com)

Custom Letterpress Coasters (Courtesy of Bella Figura)

Image Courtesy of StyleMePretty.com

I found these fun signature drink names while browsing through one of my favorite reads: The Modern Bride Survival Guide. Thought these might come in handy for those of you who want to add a personal touch for your guests who visit the bar. You could also supply personalized beverage napkins or fabulous custom coasters. And how about adding fancy signs to let your guests in on the secret meaning behind your favorite liquid concoction! In my opinion, these small details help create an environment that puts everyone in the mood to have a good time! Your guests WILL notice and APPRECIATE your attention to the little stuff.

Fun Signature Drink Names

Altar-ed State

Blushing Bride

By My Cider

Cloud-Nine Cocktail

Diamond Ring Sling

Electric Slide Special

Eternitini

First-Kiss Fuzz

Groom's Gimlet

Honeymoon Helper

"I Do" Daiquiri

Maidarita

Rosy Future

Tie-The-Knot Shot

Tuxedo-politan

True Blue

Veil Ale

Wedding Bell-ini

Courtesy of The Modern Bride Survival Guide by Antonia Van Der Meer, Modern Bride