Our New Home: Absolutely Inviting - "The Boutique"!

Wedding Feature: Tremmaine & Elwood - "It's all in the details"

As we mentioned in our last wedding feature, we absolutely LOVE when we have an opportunity to showcase our work beyond the borders of the Bahamas. We were once again given the opportunity to provide the stationery for an international wedding when we were contacted by the bride Tremmaine, attorney and owner of Tremm Jocale - a jewelry and accessory business based in the Turks and Caicos- about her upcoming Orlando, FL wedding to Elwood, a network and systems analyst.

After one telephone conversation and a few e-mail and instant messages, during which the bride advised that she wanted hanging programs which incorporated the colors fuchsia and orange, we created a design which was classic and clean yet bold and youthful.

Here’s what the bride had to say:

“Absolutely Inviting did an AWESOME job on our wedding programmes!! We couldnt have done a better job on the monogram which we will continue to use! The programmes were absolutely stunning and you made our vision a reality! We will definitely be recommending you to others!! Absolutely inviting rocks!!!!”

The ceremony programs were ivory and incorporated the colors of fuchsia and orange in the monogram element and the ribbon. We also created seat signs for the bride and groom, table numbers, and place cards where the couple included hand written notes/keepsakes for the guests.

We loved the décor; it was absolutely breath taking. With this wedding it was definitely “all in the details”. See below for a sneak peek into their event:

Photo Credit: Sterling Photography International

With just about half of the year already gone here is a Reminder of our Order Dates!

To ensure that there is sufficient time for the design phase and assembly of your event stationery, please contact us to reserve a date based on the guidelines below. As a suggestion, invitations should be sent out at least 8 weeks in advance. We recommend that you order 6-8 weeks prior to this deadline. With this in mind, your invitations should ideally be ordered no later than 14-16 weeks (3.5-4 months) in advance of your wedding. The following is an order schedule for weddings with invitations being mailed 8 weeks before your event. For a custom design, you will want to book your invitation consultation at least 6 months in advance of your wedding. Please note that these are simply guidelines and we may be able to accommodate rush orders.

Wedding Invitations:

April 2011 - Reserve Date in December- early January
May 2011 - Reserve Date in January - early February
June 2011 - Reserve Date in February- early March
July 2011 - Reserve Date in March- early April
August 2011 - Reserve Date in April- early May
September 2011 - Reserve Date in May- early June

OTHER EVENT STATIONERY:

Save the dates: Can be sent from 6 months to a year in advance of your wedding.

Wedding Programs & Table Stationery (Menus/Placecards/Table Numbers/Seating Charts etc.): should ideally be ordered 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This process can begin as soon as you receive your wedding invitations from Absolutely Inviting!

Parties and Other Events: Please contact us to reserve a design start date that is about 6-10 weeks prior to your event.

"Tangerine Tango" Inspired Invitation by Absolutely Inviting

As promised in our recent blog post on Pantone's Color of the Year 2012, here is an invitation mock up we did using "Tangerine Tango". This color can be paired with muted/neutral colors such as Blacks, Browns, Creams, Grays etc. for a bold yet classic look (typical of winter and fall weddings), or it can be paired with festive colors such as Greens, Yellows, and Pinks for a fun and flirty look (think spring and summer weddings)!

For our sample, we decided to do a three layered square invite with a simple damask inspired graphic. Because we know how hard it is sometimes to visualize your completed invitation, when you order your invitations at Absolutely Inviting, you can receive a 'true to life' digital proof like this one prior to us finalizing a design for your invitation mock up!

Digital samples available EXCLUSIVELY at Absolutely Inviting

Contact us today at absolutelyinviting@gmail.com to arrange your consultation!

Quick Share: Pantone Color of the Year 2012

Last year, we featured the Pantone color of the year which was honeysuckle shown below:

This year, we are delighted to see the bold and vibrant color "Tangerine Tango" as Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year. We have already seen this emerging as a popular color in some of the weddings we did in the latter part of 2011. The future looks extremely bright for this color!


Next month we will be featuring an international wedding we did in December using both of these colors. Until then stay tuned for a "tangerine tango" invitation sample we did ...we will be sharing it VERY SOON!

Wedding Feature: Absolutely International - Lakeisha & Vincent

We absolutely LOVE when we have an opportunity to showcase our work beyond the borders of the Bahamas! Our last wedding for 2011 was held in Orlando, Florida, and we are so excited that our most recent booking is for yet another international wedding! For this reason, we thought it fitting that our first blog post for the year feature an international wedding.

When it comes to dealing with potential vendors for any event, reliability/dependability is a crucial deciding factor. Imagine then having to deal with a vendor, that you have never met face to face...who as a matter of fact was located in a totally different country...yet you had to depend on them to deliver a crucial component of your dream wedding.

Well this was the case with the bride Lakeisha, who decided to entrust Absolutely Inviting with the creation of the ceremony programs for their beautiful wedding in Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands after we were recommended by a family member. Lakeisha was then able to view some of our work on our blog, along with the testimonials from some of our clients, and at the end was beyond pleased with the service and product she received.

The ceremony programs incorporated the colors of fuchsia and lagoon (aqua). We created a tea length booklet using metallic papers held together by a flat tied ribbon.
Here is some of the feedback we received on the programs:
"Wow! Simply fabulous and elegant" LGW
"Your work was flawless, beautiful and definitely a crowd pleaser in Turks Island - keep doing the awesome job you are capable of" LD

We love how the colors were incorporated in every detail of the wedding and we loved seeing the programs in action at the ceremony! See below for a sneak peek into their event:

Congrats to a beautiful couple!

Quick Share: wedding invitation from our clients' July Wedding

We have been so caught up with our recent weddings that we have not been able to update our blog like we should! We thought that we would quickly share the invitation we did for our clients' wedding in July. The simplicity of the invitations mirrored the relaxed atmosphere that the clients wanted for their wedding. Whether its a casual summer soiree or an uber-formal affair...we have a style that can suit ALL our clients needs!

Event Tip: Table Cards: Names v. Numbers

In previous "event tip" posts, we offered some ways to reduce chaos at your event (see our previous posts on Seating Charts HERE and place cards HERE). In this post, we will discuss table cards, their benefits, and ways to make yours absolutely unique!

We can all agree that assigned seating has many benefits including the quick seating of guests, and ensuring that your invited guests are seated in the event that uninvited persons show up to your function. In our opinion, assignments are a must have at larger weddings/dinners. Some people opt to assign tables and allow guests to determine their seat at a particular table, while some people opt to assign specific seats (this is where our place cards come into play).

A table card is a necessary tool for events where there is assigned seating. After you have already advised your guests of the table where they will be seated (using a customized Seating Chart from Absolutely Inviting of course :) you will need to clearly identify each table. This is where the table card comes in.

For table cards you can keep it traditional and use numbers, or you can get creative and "name" your tables (some of our table numbers have combined numbers with names also). The name option is excellent as it eliminates any perception of hierarchy such as being placed at table 20 when other colleagues are placed at table 8...The main reason we prefer table names is that it allows the couple/host of an event to express their personality, or to execute the theme. Here are some suggestions for table names:

• Having a beach themed wedding? Why not use names of your favorite beaches? or sealife - think seahorse/starfish etc.
• If you attended the same college you can use the names of various dorms/buildings etc.
• You can use places you have been as a couple or would like to visit
• Names of flowers
• Movies if you are movie buffs
• Songs if you are a walking jukebox :)
• Sports teams
• and this list can go on and on..

There are tons of other ways table cards can be incorporated into your event...contact Absolutely Inviting for your event add-ons today!!! Here are a few pics from past posts with table cards.

Article written by D. Roberts for Absolutely Inviting.
Please note that copying, downloading, reproducing, or printing of any of our material is strictly prohibited without our express written permission.

It's Time to "Fall" in Love with Absolutely Inviting

In our July 11th post, we gave you the suggested timeline for ordering stationery for your fall and winter events. We are presently offering a special discount to brides who book before September 30th, 2011.

Contact us today for your wedding stationery!


*Offer applies to wedding stationery only. In order to qualify, a deposit must be made by September, 30, 2011.
This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Wedding Feature: An Absolutely Plush Event!

A few months ago we were approached by Kelli & Steffan to design the stationery suite for their wedding celebration on July 23, 2011. Based on the vision they had for their event, we instantly came up with an idea for their stationery suite which consisted of a pocketfold invitation set with coordinating response cards, envelope liners, and wax seals customized with the couple's monograms, (surprise shower invites), ceremony programs, menu cards, table numbers, and a seating chart.

The suite used the base colors of cream and tan with coral to add pops of color. Metallics, Patterns, Transparent Papers, and Lush Ribbons were combined to make an Absolutely Plush set. The detail at this event was simply astounding - from the decor, to the amazing groom's cake which symbolized the groom's love for his fraternity, to the candy bar where guests were provided with bags with customized labels to fill up with their favorite candy.

We received AWESOME reviews on this set from the couple, their parents, guests, and their wedding coordinator. Here is what the bride herself had to say:

Good Morning Absolutely Inviting, I am writing to thank you for the invitations. I knew that your work and skill was untouched and mastered; but now that I have your actual product in my possession, I can truly say that your work reflects everything that you say about your company.

When we first met, I gave you my ideas and you listened to each detail. But better still, you brought that detail to life in your work. You gave me exactly what I asked for and more. I can see and have great appreciation for every hand-crafted detail that was placed into the invitations; each lined and sealed to perfection.

Thank you, Absolutely Inviting. You are and continue to be a great force within the local stationery industry; but I am sure that that greatness lies ahead for you above and beyond the local industry. Your work continues to speak for itself.

Thank you so much!

See below for a sneak peek into their event!

Planning a Fall Wedding? Then it's Time to "Fall" in Love with Absolutely Inviting

-To ensure that there is sufficient time for the design phase and assembly of your event stationery, please contact us to reserve a date based on the guidelines below. As a suggestion, invitations should be sent out at least 8 weeks in advance. We recommend that you order 6-8 weeks prior to this deadlinae. With this in mind, your invitations should ideally be ordered 14-16 weeks (3.5-4 months) in advance of your wedding. The following is an order schedule for weddings with invitations being mailed 8 weeks before your event. For a custom design, you will want to book your invitation consultation at least 6 months in advance of your wedding. Please note that these are simply guidelines and we may be able to accommodate rush orders.

Wedding Invitations:

September 2011 - Reserve Date in May- early June
October 2011 - Reserve Date in June- early July
November 2011 - Reserve Date in July- early August
December 2011 - Reserve Date in August- early September
January 2012 - Reserve Date in September- early October
February 2012 - Reserve Date in October- early November
March 2012 - Reserve Date in November- early December
April 2012 - Reserve Date in December- early January

OTHER EVENT STATIONERY:

Save the dates: Can be sent from 6 months to a year in advance of your wedding.

Wedding Programs & Table Stationery (Menus/Placecards/Table Numbers/Seating Charts etc.): should ideally be ordered 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This process can begin as soon as you receive your wedding invitations from Absolutely Inviting!

Parties and Other Events: Please contact us to reserve a design start date that is about 6-8 weeks prior to your event.

Happy 38th Independence Bahamas - July 10, 2011

Happy 38th Independence Bahamas from Absolutely Inviting!!!!
July 10th, 1973 - July 10th, 2011

Have a safe & fabulous holiday weekend!

If you are interested in invitations with an island flavor...
ask us about our beach themed suites!

Wedding Feature: An Absolutely Blue Affair!

We were approached by this couple to design the "day of" stationery for their June wedding. The couple's wedding incorporated shades of blue and silver - a very classic and formal color combination. Based on this, we went for a traditional/vintage feel. Their stationery suite included ceremony programs, menu cards, table numbers, and a seating chart.

This couple was ABSOLUTELY classic

Their event ABSOLUTELY splendid

Their stationery - ABSOLUTELY INVITING!

See below for a sneak peek into their event.

Vent Post!

While we can appreciate that our work is admired both by brides and other "stationery design companies" alike, we would appreciate it even more if those companies would cease from lifting photos/designs/and ENTIRE ARTICLES from our blog etc. to pass off as their own work. Not only is it stealing...it is a manifestation to the extent of your creativity or lack thereof.

If you are in a "creative" industry you simply cannot depend on others for "creativity"...

Have an awesome weekend!!
Absolutely Inviting!

What some of our clients are saying

Sorry we haven't been able to update our blog as frequently as we would like, but we have been very busy this wedding season. We will be coming with some updates soon! In the mean time, we thought we would share what Absolutely Inviting's clients are saying:

"I am hoping that the photographer, videographer, etc, makes us as happy and as satisfied as you guys have!! - MJP
"Love them, love them, love them...they are perfect...you listened and you delivered"! - CKS
"Love your work - remain committed and you will continue to have many more international clients" - LD
Yes!!!! I absolutely love it!! Made my day for sure!!!! - MK

We thought we would share!

When people ask us why we post our work on our blog or facebook for others to be able to copy, we let them know it's a risk you have to take to be able to showcase to potential clients. When this started happening to us way too often - from as blatant as designs to as simple as facebook posts (yes really!) - we debated the pros and cons of having a web presence, but after discussing this with other entrepreneurs, we realized that there were definitely more pros.

Now we all take inspiration from somewhere (for example the pocketfold style invitation started in one place, but now they are found at just about every major paper retailer and used by a vast majority of invitation designers!); however, your designer/planner should be able to make it all about YOU. At the end of the day, anyone can try to copy a design, but what about the ability to customize and translate the customer's vision into a final product? What about the quality of the work? What about the professionalism and ability to deliver? This is what Absolutely Inviting is all about!

We thought that we would share this very interesting article by Preston Bailey. Click HERE & Enjoy!

Quick Share: ceremony program from our recent off island wedding!

We received this photo along with compliments from one of the guests at the recent destination wedding in Abaco, Bahamas and we thought that we would share
(we love the vibrant colors against the chocolate program)!

Happy Easter Everyone!

"The Bold and The Beautiful": Wedding Feature: March 2011

We were approached by this couple to design the "day of" stationery for their March wedding. The couple's wedding incorporated shades of fuchsia and orange (a very bold and absolutely beautiful color combination). We knew right away what style we would use for this bride, and she loved the way everything turned out.

This couple was ABSOLUTELY charming
Their event ABSOLUTELY beautiful
Their stationery - ABSOLUTELY INVITING!

See below for a sneak peek into their event.
Credits:
Flowers by "Illuminations"
Cake by Ms. Sandra Bethel
Stationery by Absolutely Inviting

"Spring" Into Action: Book Today With Absolutely Inviting

To ensure that there is sufficient time for the design phase and assembly of your event stationery, please contact us to reserve a date based on the guidelines below. As a suggestion, invitations should be sent out at least 8 weeks in advance. We recommend that you order 6-8 weeks prior to this deadline. With this in mind, your invitations should ideally be ordered 14-16 weeks (3.5-4 months) in advance of your wedding. The following is an order schedule for weddings with invitations being mailed 8 weeks before your event. For a custom design, you will want to book your invitation consultation at least 6 months in advance of your wedding. Please note that these are simply guidelines and we may be able to accommodate rush orders.

Wedding Invitations:

May 2011 - Reserve Date in January- early February
June 2011 - Reserve Date in February- early March
July 2011 - Reserve Date in March- early April
August 2011 - Reserve Date in April- early May
September 2011 - Reserve Date in May- early June
October 2011 - Reserve Date in June- early July
November 2011 - Reserve Date in July- early August
December 2011 - Reserve Date in August- early September

OTHER EVENT STATIONERY:

Save the dates: Can be sent from 6 months to a year in advance of your wedding.

Wedding Programs & Table Stationery (Menus/Placecards/Table Numbers/Seating Charts etc.): should ideally be ordered 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This process can begin as soon as you receive your wedding invitations from Absolutely Inviting!

Parties and Other Events: Please contact us to reserve a design start date that is about 6-8 weeks prior to your event.

Baby, Baby, Baby: Baby Shower Feature

We have been so busy with our clients' events recently that we have not posted in quite a while, so here is a quick post just to keep you up to date! We did these invites for a repeat client a couple months back, and we got good reviews on them! The host wanted an orange and pink color scheme to match the linens and other decor and here is what we did (we were so happy that the honoree loved the invite - we just love our repeat customers)

Valentine's Day Promotion: Book Now & Save!

Roses are red...

Violets are blue...

Absolutely Inviting has a very special promotion just for you!

Book Now & Save

Vendor Spotlight (Update - Part Deux): Video Majic -The Bahamas' finest in Professional Videography

So nice we had to do it twice...

We loved the intimate feel of this couple's wedding as captured by Video Majic Productions!

Video Majic is based in Freeport, Grand Bahama (Bahamas), and they have extended their reach to the islands of New Providence and Abaco. Offering packages ranging from single camera to three camera event coverage, we are sure that Video Majic will amaze you just as they did us. If it's the WOW factor you are going for Video Majic is a must. "Where a lifetime of memories begin!"

Vendor Spotlight (Update): Video Majic -The Bahamas' finest in Professional Videography

We are sure you remember our friends at Video Majic; they were the first to be featured in our "Vendor Spotlight" Section sometime back- click HERE to see the first post!

Video Majic is based in Freeport, Grand Bahama (Bahamas), and they have extended their reach to the islands of New Providence and Abaco. Offering packages ranging from single camera to three camera event coverage, we are sure that Video Majic will amaze you just as they did us. If it's the WOW factor you are going for Video Majic is a must. See below as our follow up to the initial feature... it just keeps on getting better.

Check us out on Facebook!

Absolutely Inviting - Unique, handcrafted invitations and event stationery!

New Year: Old Rule! - Availability & Ordering Dates

To ensure that there is sufficient time for the design phase and assembly of your event stationery, please contact us to reserve a date based on the guidelines below. As a suggestion, invitations should be sent out at least 8 weeks in advance. We recommend that you order 6-8 weeks prior to this deadline. With this in mind, your invitations should ideally be ordered 14-16 weeks (3.5-4 months) in advance of your wedding. The following is an order schedule for weddings with invitations being mailed 8 weeks before your event. For a custom design, you will want to book your invitation consultation at least 6 months in advance of your wedding. Please note that these are simply guidelines and we may be able to accommodate rush orders.

Wedding Invitations:

January 2011 - Reserve Date in September- early October
February 2011 - Reserve Date in October- early November
March 2011 - Reserve Date in November- early December
April 2011 - Reserve Date in December- early January
May 2011 - Reserve Date in January - early February
June 2011 - Reserve Date in February- early March
July 2011 - Reserve Date in March- early April

OTHER EVENT STATIONERY:

Save the dates: Can be sent from 6 months to a year in advance of your wedding.

Wedding Programs & Table Stationery (Menus/Placecards/Table Numbers/Seating Charts etc.): should ideally be ordered 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This process can begin as soon as you receive your wedding invitations from Absolutely Inviting!

Parties and Other Events: Please contact us to reserve a design start date that is about 6-8 weeks prior to your event.

Our 12 Days of Christmas Recap

We hope you enjoyed our 12 days of Christmas blog updates! Below is a recap for your ease of reference just in case you missed any. We look forward to a new year with fabulous new designs!

• On the 1st day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...an ad featured in Ca Mari!
• On the 2nd day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...a useful tool to help my guests find their seats (Event Tip: Seating Charts)
• On the 3rd day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...the wedding of Krystle & Giovanni (Wedding Feature - October 2010)
• On the 4th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...a way to show our personality (Event Tip: Monograms)
• On the 5th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...favors made in the island of sun, sand, and sea (Vendor Spotlight: Elegant Accents)
• On the 6th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...fab decorations for my Christmas tree!
• On the 7th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...Pantone's Color for 2011 which is just SO pretty!
• On the 8th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...a centerpiece idea from under the sea (Vendor Spotlight: Just Paws Pet Store)
• On the 9th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me... A true love who asked "Will You Marry Me?" : (Engagement Party Feature)
• On the 10th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me... A "Scentsational" Wedding Favor Idea to Complement My Stationery
• On the 11th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me... A Christmas Card Specially Designed for Our Family
• On the 12th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me... Christmas Greetings from their Company

On the 12th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me... Christmas Greetings from their Company

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

On the 11th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me... A Christmas Card Specially Designed for Our Family

A Christmas card is a greeting card sent as part of the traditional celebration of the Christmas in order to convey between people a range of sentiments related to the Christmas and holiday season...with a higher preference of handmade gifts during the 19th century over purchased or commercial items, homemade cards carried high sentimental value as gifts alone. (Wikipedia.com)

Here are personalized family Christmas Cards made by Absolutely Inviting shown along with our candle favors featured in our last post

On the 10th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me... A "Scentsational" Wedding Favor Idea to Complement My Stationery

More often than not our brides have absolutely no idea as to what they can give for favors, so they turn to us for advice. When it comes to favors, the possibilities are endless. Here is just one suggestion - why not order customized candles from Absolutely Inviting? These can be ordered in a variety of scents and size options *think tea lights, tins, votives etc.*

Here are some candles we did as Christmas favors.

On the 9th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me... A true love who asked "Will You Marry Me?" : (Engagement Party Feature)

Christmas and New Year's Day are probably the most popular times for marriage proposals. Perhaps that is because at this time, people are thinking more about family and love, and looking forward to a new year and a bright future. Hmmm - we wonder how many of our fans will receive marriage proposals this season...!

Here is a sneak peek of an invitation set we did for an engagement party recently:


The set contained an invitation with a ribbon closure, matching envelope with a customized seal, and direction cards.

Remember, Absolutely Inviting can create stationery for your entire journey down the aisle...engagement announcements/party invitations, save the dates, invitations etc.

On the 8th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...a centerpiece idea from under the sea (Vendor Spotlight: Just Paws Pet Store)

The only rule for today's bride is: You make the rules (haha). Seriously though - more and more bride's are stepping away from "tradition" trading veils for chic hairpieces; choosing colors that they actually want rather than what the season dictates just to name a few.

For a modern twist on tradition, why not replace the traditional flower centerpiece with a tropical fish centerpiece from JUST PAWS Pet Supply Store on Prince Charles Drive? Not only are the fish setups fabulous pieces, they are also affordable, and think of how long they will last after your event making them cute giveaways for special guests!

Just Paws can create "live" centerpieces to complement your theme/decor. See photos below, click HERE to find them on facebook, or just call them at 364-PAWZ (7299).

On the 7th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me..Pantone's Color for 2011 which is just SO pretty!

For those that may not know, Pantone is THE authority on color; they impact every industry from print to packaging to fashion and back. Every year, Pantone releases its "color of the year". Last year Pantone's color was Turquoise.

The Pantone color of the year for 2011 (drum roll please...)

HONEYSUCKLE

Isn't it pretty????

On the 6th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...fab decorations for my Christmas tree!

Yesterday we featured the company Elegant Accents, and today we decided to do a second part feature! If you are anything like us, every Christmas you look for a few unique items to add to your ornament/holiday decor collection. Well we found exactly what we were looking for at Elegant Accents - gorgeous, handmade shell ornaments to add to our island themed Christmas tree! (Yes they were made locally!) We thought we would share with our readers!

On the 5th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...favors made in the island of sun, sand, and sea (Vendor Spotlight: Elegant Accents)

The owner/designer of Elegant Accents recently invited us to view some of their customized products. The company carries, among other things, gorgeous flower pots in a range of sizes and embellishment options. Think wedding favors, centerpieces, or even mother's day gift ideas! Handmade right here in the Bahamas, you can contact them for your own 'Elegant Accent'. Here are two of the flower pots that the company carries; this size is ideal for a centerpiece or gifting - think orchids :) . Aren't they lovely?!!!