Monday, February 23, 2009

Etiquette Question

Q. How should I address an envelope to a couple that is living together but not married?

A. This is very common and accepted now. In the days when the first etiquette guidelines were written, a couple never (gasp!) lived together before marriage. :)
In this case, state the woman's name first. Followed by the man's name on the line below. Then continue the address as usual.
Miss Jenna King
Mr. Paul Johnson
123 Grand Street
Anytown, Anystate
11111

The same rule applies to a married couple when the woman chooses to not change her last name. Then I would suggest using Ms. instead of Miss.
Ms. Amy Brown
Mr. David Goldstein
789 Broadway
Apartment 3447
New York, New York
10001

Friday, February 20, 2009

Color Inspiration -- PURPLE

As we have just ended another whirlwind New York Fashion Week, this post is inspired by a look from the Fall 2009 Ralph Lauren Collection runway show - today's color pick is Purple.

Wouldn't this make a fantastic rehearsal dinner dress for a late fall wedding???

There are so many ways to bring purple into your wedding. I focused mainly on violet this time and brought in a few lighter and brighter tones to create depth. I like the pop of chartreuse on the cookies. An accent color ties everything together and creates visual interest so your event will not appear overwhelmed by a single color.
The paper lanterns add whimsy to your party. They would look great in a lounge area or as decor for the afterparty.
Your guests will always remember your personalized Hershey kisses. Make your own stickers for your own kisses at MyWeddingLabels.com.
Don't you LOVE the purple metallic Manolo Blahnik heels?

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Etiquette Question

Q. How far in advance should I send my save-the-dates? What about the invitations?

A. Your save-the-dates should go out about 6 months before the wedding day. Save-the-dates are especially important if you are celebrating your wedding on a holiday weekend - when many people would normally make plans. If you are having a destination wedding, you should give your guests as much notice as possible. Save-the-dates are typically sent out 9-12 months in advance, since your guests will have to make travel plans and may need to plan budgets accordingly.
Invitations should be sent out 2-3 months prior to your event.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Color Inspiration -- PINK

It must be the Valentine's Day spirit. I am inspired by all the pink surrounding the holiday so I hope to inspire you with some of my current pink finds. A pink wedding is appropriate any time of the year. Since pink is a favorite color of many brides-to-be, you will have no problem coordinating your sweet colored affair. There will be no shortage of pink posies, purses or pocket squares. I love the idea of colored shoes with a white wedding gown. You could always wear white shoes for your ceremony and literally kick off your heels for a pair to match your decor.

Save the Date

This week I took on addressing my save the dates. No easy feat as I was updating my spreadsheet daily with address changes and more guests... Post work and the gym, I would spent the remainder of my nights, sometimes into the early morning, delicately handwriting each envelope.
I chose to go with save the date magnets. I feel like most people toss a save the date into a drawer and lose track (the same goes for invitations - my fiance being my proof). So a darling reminder on the fridge will keep it fresh in our guests' minds.
Here's a peek at what it involved!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Valentine's Day

I think the concept of having a day to remind everyone with someone special in their lives to do something a little out of the ordinary is a nice idea when we are all overloaded with negative news all day.
I thought of some sweet treats for the holiday this year.

For the body:
A Godiva Chocolate Body Wrap at Ajune spa in Manhattan.
Totally indulge your mind and body.


For the sweet tooth:
Crate and Barrel is a one stop shop. Pick up a Barefoot Contessa Red Velvet cupcake mix with cream cheese frosting. Bake the little treats in heart printed paper liners and decorate with Valentine's day sprinkles!


For your bridesmaids:
A cute heart-shaped case full of travel-size Clinique lip glosses. Make them feel special too!!


For your desk at work:
A signature Dylan's Candy Bar paint can full of a Jelly Belly Valentine's Day Mix. It makes your workspace festive and your co-workers will feel special too!


For him:
Because he won't appreciate a beautiful floral arrangement, send this adorable box of sugar cookies to his office to let him (and his co-workers) know he has the best fiancee.