Purple Passion...

Over the past few months, it seems as though the vast majority of our clients selected purple as the main color for their weddings, with gray/silver being a top pick for accent colors!  We are sharing a few of the pieces we did for a recent wedding...thanks to one of the guests who shared the photo of the wedding program we did.  We love seeing our stationery in action!

Stationery (Save the dates, Invitations, Programs, Candy Bar Signage): Absolutely Inviting
Cake: Cakemania

Quick Share: Christy & Marc - July 2012

We just thought that we should quickly share some of the stationery from our clients' July wedding.  This wedding was branded with the couple's customized logo/monogram starting with the wedding invitations straight through to the bridal shower invitations, wedding programs, menu cards, table numbers, candy bar signs, escort cards, and other event signage....the epitome of event branding!  We cannot wait to see the professional photos from their gorgeous event!

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!

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.

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

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.

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 4th day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...a way to show our personality (Event Tip: Monograms)

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.

A monogram is a simple way to add some personalization to your event stationery. In the traditional sense, a monogram is made by overlapping or combining two or more letters to form one symbol. A standard monogram has the initial of the individual's last name set larger or standing out in some way or the other, with the first initial appearing to the left and the middle initial appearing to the right. An example would be for an individual with the name John Andrew Doe to have the following monogram: jDa. The word "mono" is derived from the Greek "monos" meaning single, alone, or only. Thus, a monogram consists of the letters from a single person (source: PenDance Calligraphy & Engraving).

Married or engaged couples may use two-letter monograms or their entwined initials, or they may even opt to use three-letter monograms incorporating the initial of their shared surname. This is referred to as a duogram. An example would be the duogram jDj for John and Jane Doe.

Wedding Etiquette:

• As the vows have not been said, it is improper to use the bride's married monogram on the wedding program. The wedding program is the last opportunity for the bride to use her maiden monogram.

At Absolutely Inviting, we can customize your monogram/duogram to coordinate with your theme, colors etc. We have seen our customized pieces used on invitations/programs/thank you cards/seating charts/unity candles/favor tags/envelope seals/aisle runners and much more.
Whether it's traditional, hip, chic, or fun we can create your monogram - contact us today!


A few of our designs which have been used on various stationery pieces from past events:

On the 3rd day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...the wedding of Krystle & Giovanni (Wedding Feature - October 2010)

We were approached by this couple to create one of a kind stationery for their October nuptials. The couple's wedding incorporated shades of purple with hints of green and silver (a very popular color combination this fall). The bride had a basic idea for the invitation, and Absolutely Inviting's task was to bring this "idea" to life. The couple loved their stationery suite which included a customized monogram, invitations, ceremony programs, hymn sheets, menu cards, table numbers, and a seating chart.

This couple was ABSOLUTELY lovely
Their event ABSOLUTELY sentimental
Their stationery - ABSOLUTELY INVITING!

See below for a sneak peek into their event.

Photos courtesy of Warren Grant Photography

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)

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.

A seating chart is an excellent way to reduce chaos at your event. It indicates to each guest the table at which he or she will be seated and can be used in conjunction with OR in lieu of the place card. This of course is a personal preference.

Seating charts offer several benefits:

1. A seating chart is easy to display
2. It can add an elegant touch to any event
3. Guests have some control over who they are seated with
4. Most importantly, it is much less work than place cards, so it's easier for the organizer!

The seating chart can either list guests alphabetically by name or by table. Listing by name makes it much easier for guests to find their seat, and is excellent for large functions. Listing by table shows at a glance who else is at the same table. At Absolutely Inviting, you can have the best of both worlds by having both alphabetical AND table listings.

Once again, in order for organized seating to be effective, guest MUST RSVP within the time frame stated on the invitation so that there is sufficient time to produce place cards/seating charts etc., and so that the various pieces will, most importantly, be as accurate as possible!

Contact Absolutely Inviting for your event add-ons such as seating chart (with frame rental) today!!!

Here is the seating chart and frame used at a recent wedding:

Viva Las Vegas! Wedding Feature

This particular wedding feature is of personal significance to us.

The bride: one of my best friends, former school-mate, and maid of honor in our June 2006 nuptials The groom: my husband's fraternity brother, fellow All American track and field teammate, and groomsman in our wedding as well.

They met during our wedding festivities and if I didn't believe in destiny before - I do now, because they are simply meant to be. This couple decided to have their wedding celebration in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. The ceremony was held at Wynn (by the way - this hotel is absolutely stunning) and the reception was held at Trevi at Caesar's Palace (by the way the calamari is absolutely delicious :-)!

The colors chosen were aqua and pewter, and the stationery suite included invitations and favor tags. The clients gave us a basic idea of what they wanted, and we came up with a gate-fold invitation concept using their custom designed monogram as a closure.

This couple was ABSOLUTELY fabulous
Their event ABSOLUTELY Vegas
Their stationery - ABSOLUTELY INVITING!

Congrats again to our friends: Mr. & Mrs. Smith!

Event Tip: Contact To Have & To Hold for your linen rental needs: See samples & book your event today!

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.

Linens such as table overlays and chair covers provide an easy AND - more importantly - affordable way to spruce up your reception venue. Before hand, chair covers were deemed as being just an option; however, more and more persons are realizing that chair covers form an important part of their overall wedding décor.

"Why linens?" you ask:

• They add elegance, formality, and they give your event a “finished” look.
• They can transform any room and allow you to incorporate your colors/theme without clashing with the chairs/etc. at your reception venue.
• They do an awesome job at covering otherwise unattractive tables and chairs that may be provided by your reception venue.

How linens can impact your event budget:

• Linens can actually be quite affordable. To Have and To Hold’s chair cover and sash combinations can be rented starting at around $5 per set (compare this to the cost of other options such as renting Chiavari chairs). Table runners/overlays start at: $3 each!!! Tip: Save even more when booking together with an Absolutely Inviting event stationery package!
• Because of the affordability of our linens, you can actually book a less expensive venue and spruce it up. Tip: Think an outdoor fiesta or a hall at a fraction of the cost of renting a high end location.
  
• Because of the added effect of linens, you can actually spend less on other areas of the event décor. Tip: Think simpler center pieces/foregoing drapery.

To Have & To Hold's Linen options:

Chair Covers: Spandex: These give a sleek look and are the top choice for a more formal event. Because of the stretch fabric, they cover the entire chair with a fitted look. These form to fit many chairs (arm chairs not included). Click HERE to see a sample of our spandex covers along with our taffeta sashes in olive and chocolate. Chair Covers are currently available in White & Ivory

Chair Sashes:
Chair Sashes are currently available in:

• Organza: offers a light look and is a very popular choice
• Satin: perhaps the most common; versatile – can be used in both formal and more relaxed settings
• Taffeta: the heavier material provides a rich look and adds texture

Table Linens:
Overlay and runners can be provided in fabrics/colors matching those of your selected chair sashes.
Napkins can also be provided in coordinating colors

See some of our fabrics/colors below:

Chair Covers & Tie Backs • Table Cloths, Overlays & Runners • Much More...

Contact To Have & To Hold today to see samples and to book your event!

242-676-2544 (Bahamas) 954-759-2637 (US) tohaveandtoholdbahamas@gmail.com

***We offer special discounts for wedding packages which include both linen and stationery***

Summer, Summer, Summertime!!! Wedding Feature

Summer is the ideal time to kick back and enjoy spending time with family and friends. We were approached by this couple who wanted their nuptials to be just that...a relaxed and casual setting with their closest family members and friends. Their request: simple and tropical with natural elements.

For the laid back morning wedding, we created a single layer invite using a paper with natural flecks which definitely added texture and character. For the tropical element, we incorporated a double hibiscus motif. Their stationery suite included invitations and table numbers and was just what they wanted.

This couple was ABSOLUTELY lovely
Their event was ABSOLUTELY intimate
Their stationery - ABSOLUTELY INVITING!

Enjoy!!!

By the way - Don't you just love this uber tropical centerpiece? We loved how fruits such as peaches and pineapples were used in the coordination with roses, other flowers, and greenery.

Event Tip: Unity Candles

According to wikipedia.com, "The lighting of a unity candle is a relatively recent addition to the traditional wedding ceremony, most popular in the United States. The unity candle ceremony uses two taper candles with a large pillar candle (called the "unity candle") in the center. At the beginning of the wedding ceremony, a representative from each family (usually the mothers of the bride and groom) light the two taper candles. Later in the ceremony (usually after the formal vows), the bride and groom use the two taper candles to light the large pillar (unity) candle together... When the ceremony is alternatively performed to symbolize simply the joining together of the bride and groom, the tapers may be blown out, to indicate that the two lives have been permanently merged, or they may leave them lit beside the central candle, symbolizing that the now-married partners have not lost their individuality."

At Absolutely Inviting, we can customize your unity candle set to suit your wedding. Whether you are performing a unity candle service during your ceremony, or would simply like the candles to add to your wedding decor, a unity candle would fit in beautifully. We can also customize memorial candles to pay tribute to loved ones.

Contact us today about customizing your unity candle set!

Just what the Doctor(s) ordered - May 2010: Wedding Feature

We recently completed a fabulous wedding stationery suite for the wedding of Dr. & Dr. -Mrs. Bowleg :-) @ "Dr.-Mrs.". We were extremely overwhelmed and humbled by the responses we received from the family, invited guests, wedding coordinators, etc. The event decor was done by our friends at Island Destination Services (IDS) who we featured in April - Please click here if you have not seen it as yet. Needless to say, it was one of the most beautifully decorated events we have ever attended.

The colors chosen were shades of ivory, gold, plum, and pinks. The stationery suite included ceremony programs, tented table numbers, menu cards, and our latest add on ... a customized unity candle! The clients gave us a basic concept of what they wanted and we created for them a stationery suite that they ABSOLUTELY loved! The common factors that linked the stationery pieces were the paper selection, ribbon choice, and a pre-designed monogram provided by the client which was also incorporated in the aisle runner.

This couple was ABSOLUTELY gorgeous
Their event ABSOLUTELY breathtaking
Their stationery - ABSOLUTELY INVITING!

Enjoy!