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?!!!

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:

On the 1st day of Christmas Absolutely Inviting gave to me...an ad featured in Ca Mari!

Absolutely Inviting placed an ad in the Winter issue of Ca Mari Magazine which was released this week! Ca Mari is a groundbreaking local women's lifestyle publication. This issue is now on sale, and we were the first stationery company to advertise in their weddings section!

Absolutely Inviting also attended Ca Mari's release/mix and mingle held this weekend and had a good time mingling with the editor in chief, contributors, advertisers, and other supporters.

Check out our ad from the magazine and get your copy of Ca Mari today!

Absolutely Inviting Presents the 12 Days of Christmas!

We have not been blogging as often as we should have, so we have a special treat for you! Absolutely Inviting is gifting you with 12 days of Christmas during the 12 days to Christmas!!! Over the next 12 days (yes we know that the "12 days of Christmas" actually begin on Christmas :)), culminating with Christmas day we will give you a new post every day. This should more than make up for the posts we have missed. Please check back each day for exciting Absolutely Inviting updates.

And Baby Makes...: Baby Shower Feature

A few months back we advised that we would be temporarily halting client consultations, and alot of our Facebook friends wanted to know why. We promised that we would let you all know the reason in due time, so here it is:

On Sunday, September 5th at 4:11 a.m., we welcomed a beautiful baby boy into this world! Our son, born at 7lbs, 7 oz, is truly a blessing. We therefore took some time off to enjoy our new bundle of joy while working on various projects we had already committed to.

We are sharing one of the first (of hundreds :-) ) shots taken during a photo shoot with photographer Warren Grant, who we found out about after he did an engagement session for some friends. He also took some shots that will be included in our next wedding feature. You can visit his website HERE or his Facebook page HERE

For our SURPRISE baby shower I created the invites - Yes it was a surprise. Here were the instructions I received... "Design the invites and leave a space for the date/time/venue". My family insisted that I design the invites because that way they could ensure that the stationery would be to my liking - how cute :)

The invitation colors were mint and chocolate (which were incorporated in everything from the decorations to the oh so yummy cake!) The dot motif on the three layer invitation 'just happened', but strangely enough this season saw LOTS of baby items in green and brown with dot/circle motifs! Focus was placed on the fact that we were not finding out the baby's gender, and to reflect this, we used a boy/girl teddy bear graphic outlined with a question mark. The invitation also contained a matching outer seal.

Absolutely Inviting is Absolutely more than weddings, so contact us today for your event stationery!

Happy Thanksgiving

Absolutely Inviting is wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

On this day we are thankful for being blessed with creativity, ORIGINALITY, vision, loyal clients, and the huge amount of support we have received since we started. We are thankful in advance for the great things that are to come!

Enjoy your holidays.

-From: Your Friends at Absolutely Inviting

We're BACK!!! with a New Promotion: Book now & SAVE

As you may be aware, Absolutely Inviting had discontinued new client consultations for a brief time (we'll share the reason in an upcoming post). We received several requests during the time about our products and services, and we are thankful for your patience and continued support.

We are happy to announce that we have resumed client appointments!!! We are presently offering a special discount to brides who book before December 31st, 2010.

Contact us today for your event stationery!

*Offer applies to wedding stationery only. In order to qualify, a deposit must be made by December 31, 2010. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.

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.

A Reason to Celebrate!!!

As you probably already know, Absolutely Inviting caters to celebrations of all kinds! Last month we were asked to do invitations for a private cocktail reception in honour of Mr. Kevin McKenzie, the 2010 recipient of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association's Supervisor of the Year award!

Such a high honour required an elegant celebration (which of course meant that elegant stationery was needed in order to set the mood for the event). The client requested burnt orange/rust as the color, and we were given creative freedom. We did a three layer invite incorporating the client's request, adding bronze and cream elements. They loved the final product.

This gentleman was ABSOLUTELY deserving
His accomplishment was ABSOLUTELY commendable
The stationery - ABSOLUTELY INVITING!

Consultations to resume October 2010

To our valued clients/supporters:

Please note that Absolutely Inviting will resume new client consultations in October of 2010 for persons whose event falls in 2011. If you have an urgent stationery request or an event that occurs this year, please contact us so that we can see how best we can accommodate you in the interim.

We thank you for your continued support. Please see our last post for our suggested reservation dates for your stationery needs.

Please check back often for blog updates!!!

Happy 37th Independence Bahamas! (1973 - 2010)

Happy 37th Independence Bahamas from Absolutely Inviting!!!!

In the spirit of independence, we thought it fitting to blog about gaining financial independence through proper budgeting during your wedding planning. Look out for the next blog feature!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

If you are interested in invitations with an island flavor, ask us about our beach themed suites or our Androsia invitation that was featured in the Tribune last September!

Linen Rental: To Have & To Hold

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

Absolutely Inviting introduces To Have & To Hold - your source for fabulous wedding accessories/party favors (To Have) & event linen rental (To Hold).

"We can assist you with creating a beautiful atmosphere for wedding receptions, birthday and anniversary parties, dinners, church events, corporate affairs, and other celebrations. We pride ourselves in always providing quality products, personalized customer service, and competitive prices. Feel free to contact us today!"

Now booking for June 2010 functions and beyond!

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

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

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!

Graduation Announcements

Here is a graduation announcement we did for a client whose daughter is graduating from university in May. We can customize graduation announcements, birth announcements, and much much more.

Contact Absolutely Inviting today about customizing your announcements!

Spring Ahead: Wedding Feature

We have been so busy designing, we have been a little delayed with design updates recently; however, as promised, here is our first wedding feature for the year!!!

Looks like Absolutely Inviting is becoming more and more popular for "off island events" as this wedding was held on the beautiful island of Exuma in the Bahamas. The clients opted for a envelope fold invite and of course the colors, which were fun and bright, were representative of the season. This colorful invite used shades of pink, orange, yellow, blue, and green between the papers, graphics, and text. The stationery suite included invitations and ceremony program. Enjoy!

Vendor Spotlight: To Have & To Hold - Wedding Accessories & Linen Rental

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

Absolutely Inviting introduces To Have & To Hold - your source for fabulous wedding accessories/party favors (To Have) & special event linen rental (To Hold).

"We can assist you with creating a beautiful atmosphere for wedding receptions, birthday and anniversary parties, dinners, church events, corporate affairs, and other celebrations. We pride ourselves in always providing quality products, personalized customer service, and competitive prices. Feel free to contact us today!"

Now booking for June 2010 functions and beyond!

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

Corporate Bahamas!

As the Christmas was approaching, we reminded our readers that we also did stationery for corporate clients. Here are two of the pieces we customized as Christmas cards:

On the first one, we partnered with the good folk at The Workshop - Home of the Signature Brow (who by the way come highly recommended). We came up with a concept that would allow their Christmas cards to double as a coupon for their loyal clients... save paper/GO GREEN! (The coupon section has been covered on the photo with the Absolutely Inviting signature). We were given full creative freedom on this, and incorporated their company's logo in the actual design. We got quite a bit of compliments from the owners and clients alike :-)


On the second design featured, we personalized the envelope seal using the logo of our friends at Apex Management. Their logo was also prominently displayed on the inside of their card. Another happy client!

Contact Absolutely Inviting today for your corporate stationery such as invitations, Christmas and birthday cards, banquet tickets etc. !!!

Vendor Spotlight: Island Destination Services (IDS) at the Tyler Perry Movie Premiere at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas!

Congrats to our friends at Island Destination Services (IDS) for a job well done on decorating the Tyler Perry Movie Premiere "Why Did I Get Married Too?" held at Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas!!! Awesome work (as usual)! Please feel free to contact them about their destination management and event planning services - tell them Absolutely Inviting sent you :-)

One of the stationery pieces Absolutely Inviting did for a prior IDS event can be seen in our video showcase here!

Event Tip: Place Cards

A place card in the traditional sense is a small card bearing the name of your guest; it is placed at the space that each of your guest will occupy at a table. In addition to being functional, a place card can be used to add an elegant touch and a finished look to any function from an intimate dinner to the largest wedding. At the intimate dinner, the place card can make your guest feel welcomed, and at the large wedding reception, the place card along with a seating chart can go a long way in reducing chaos. Of course, 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!


There are many creative ways of using place cards:

• Traditional: The traditional table card of course suits any event; however, for more casual events think fun fonts and funky colors to lighten the feel. The cards can be flat or tented.
• Use your theme: Place card holders can be used to coordinate with your wedding theme...think leaf motifs and beach themes. Theme specific frames can also be used.
• Using everyday (and not so everyday) items: Place card holders can take the form of wine bottle corks and sea shells just to name a few.

There are tons of other ways place cards can be incorporated into your event...contact Absolutely Inviting for your event add-ons such as place cards today!!!

Tented place cards done for St. George's Anglican Church's 60th anniversary ball held last fall:

Article written by D. Roberts for Absolutely Inviting.

Did you see our ad this week?

We hope you caught our ad in The Tribune this past Tuesday :-) It was included as a part of their wedding feature as they displayed photos from the recent bridal show. Click here to see the issue in case you missed it!