This Week's Wedding Color Inspiration: Ivory, Pink and Gold

Happy Leap Year and Wedding Wednesday! Our first inspiration board for 2012. These boards mark what color palettes I'm working with as the season wears on. Enjoy this week's board of ivory, pink and antique gold...

Feathers, soft pinks, ivory and gold

See you back on Friday!

--ct

Best Oscar Viewing Party Invitations

We are officially on a collision course with spring. Comparable to the beginning of winter and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, many events mark the coming of this season. For Chicagoans in particular, the race towards warmer weather also happily begins.

New Years, Superbowl Sunday, NY Fashion Week, the NBA All-Star game and now the Oscars will be quickly followed by NCAA March Madness. Not to mention, inside the wedding industry, thousands upon thousands of wedding invitations will begin to clog the USPS mail stream. Its an exciting time of year!

In celebration of last night's Oscars, I thought it would be fun to share what people have been doing for their Oscar parties. Check out some of these fun Academy Award inspired invitations. They make me want to host my own party next year. 

Gorgeous, die-cut Oscar statuette invitation on a sparkly cover stock
from TheCreativeSideofThings

Ticket themed invitation from Printvilla

Gold metallic ink on black from BellyFeathersParty

Pretty invite that doesn't force the issue with the statuette, complete with
policy style #10 envelope... From Printable.TipJunkie

Brilliant idea and execution of a Black Swan themed
Oscar invitation, with the embellished face of the party host,
by designer Brian Fall

Congratulations to Octavia Spencer for winning Best Supporting Actress for 'The Help".  Enjoy the invites everyone and have a wonderful week!

--ct

Wedding Pattern Ideas For Your Stationery

The use of patterns for your wedding invitations has been gaining popularity in the last 2-3 years. If you are not going with the traditional ivory or white with centered writing and maybe a frame, then you should consider using a bold pattern. 

Patterns help do three things:

1. Helps to tie your invitation suite together
2. Will distinguish your stationery and be remembered
3. Interjects a little fun in the design and layout process

You should feel free to borrow patterns from anywhere. Interiors, fashion, etc. Patterns found outside of the wedding industry will help to make your paper more interesting.

Popular fabric pattern that could be hot coupled with red or yellow.
A white box over this pattern, leaving the edges exposed could
also add a nice touch.

Stenciled floral designs on top of solids are popular

Slanted stripes vs. vertical stripes always add a little more interest

Burlap or canvas patterns are always nice for rustic, vintage stationery

Vertical stripes are pretty standard, but don't be afraid to couple the solid
color with a screen or percentage of that color. Mixing colors
that are in the same family also creates a nice effect

Damask

Illustrated stenciled floral on a solid

Chevron is all the rage and I've seen some stunning creations this season...
Definitely will be on my Top Trends of 2012 blog at the end of the season

Have good weekends! I'll be back on Monday.

Take care,

--ct

Save the Date Magnet Designs

Yes, there is STILL a toe left inside of Save the Date season! We find ourselves being pulled into calligraphy and invitation season, but I have clients still securing their Save the Dates. Mostly for October/November nuptials. Remember that the ideal time frame to send out is 8-10 months in advance of your date.

Couples don't always gravitate to the pre-designed templates available from magnet companies, so they'll ask me to create something custom for them. The below are some of my best collaborations...

Enjoy the designs and have a great #WeddingWednesday!

Take care and I'll be back on Friday...

--ct

12 Free Unique Wedding Fonts

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend... Got some unique fonts on the blog today. Invitations this year are all about clean lines and clearly communicated scripts. I've also included some fonts for your vintage needs (Shipped Goods and Sears Tower). 

Please enjoy these freebies and have wonderful weeks!

--ct

Click on links below in order to download!

Shipped Goods | Geo Sans Light | Lichtner | Tangerine | League Script
Quicksand | Shardee | Sears Tower | BlackJack | Matchbook
Galatia SIL | Josefin Slab

Wedding Stamp Postage Primer

Happy Friday! Got a good, information-rich blog for you today. Its all about your wedding postage. I know we typically will see a blog that discusses the USPS never-ending rate hikes, but what about the aesthetics? You don't want to mar a beautiful (hopefully hand lettered) outer wedding envelope with a Liberty Bell, or a Statue of Liberty/Flag stamp do you?

Let's explore exactly what can possibly be available at your local post office (Note: Ordering online is always the safest since you can't guarantee what will be in stock. Also recommend calling first).

First Class/Forever

Beginning with the "Forever Stamp." This stamp's value will never change so its an attractive purchase based on the number of price increases that seem to occur almost annually. Current price of Forever stamps is the new, First Class postage rate: 45¢

Doesn't scream wedding, but pretty and love-themed
depending on nature of invite and envelope color

Such a FUN stamp. Ribbon on your invite? Bold color?
Think about this stamp, I love it.

Newly added roses on top of pretty script. Its pretty much
a wedding express stamp. The muted colors will also work
perfectly on your everything from standard ecru or white
to a bold color.

Please note all you wedding ring postage stamp fans... The roses must have replaced the rings because I can't find them. If you really want them, I did see a few sheets available on Ebay. The Post Office has apparently discontinued them.

Normal Invitation Postage

Other stamp increments include the 65¢ stamp, which your invitation should definitely not exceed unless its in the luxury arena. This stamp was available last season as well.

Wedding Cake stamp. Should work for a standard
wedding invitation.

So MANY invitations are shabby chic, vintage and ironic
that this butterfly cannot be completely ruled out
for a wedding invtiation

Postcard Postage Stamps

Finally, let's not forget about the postcard rate stamp, which is now 32¢. You will definitely need to use a 3¢ supplemental postage stamp with the older stamp. Its not totally clear to me why or when an actual 32¢ increment stamp will be produced by USPS. This is all that they are offering right now though.

The herbs are not terribly romantic, but they are a true upgrade over what was
offered before. Much softer aesthetic now.

Finally, if you are passionate about the face of your outer envelope, take the time, during the production of your wedding invitations, to visit Zazzle and pay a little more for the dozens and dozens of custom wedding stamps they have available. You can even create your own.

Visit: Zazzle

Overview of Postage Rates:

• First Class / Forever Stamps - 1 oz. - 45¢
• Standard Wedding Invitation Postage - 2 oz. - 65¢
• Postcard Postage - 32¢

I hope this helps to "demystify" your hunt for the perfect complement to your wedding invitation and outer envelope! Have great weekends and I'll be back on Monday!

--ct

Do You Know What Today Is? Its Our Anniversary!

Happy #WeddingWednesday and Happy Anniversary to CT-Designs! What a thrilling ride it has been for my company. I did my FIRST bridal show in February of 2007 and even though I'd been doing work here and there before that date, I count that moment as CT's official "launch!" We are so grateful to have been embraced by the bridal community, we'd like to express it by offering some printable coupons on the blog this month for great discounts on our products and services...  

Also thought it would be fun to share FIVE short facts about me and the company that you might not be aware of... Let's do it:

Fact #1: I started out as a web designer

I was fascinated with aligning type, navigational buttons and graphics on webpages for small businesses. This was my first love. I think its why I have no problem digging into a ton of detail. Lots of hard work and insanely time-consuming though. Technology also began to steal my fun. Once it became more about programming than design for me I was done. I DID for a short period of time offer both web and wedding services however. Before you ask me, nope, I don't do it anymore. I revamped my own last February, but that's as much as I'm willing to do now! The focus now for CT is your PAPER! 

Fact #2: My FIRST invitation suite was chocolate and ivory (Sept 2007 wedding date)...  

I'll never forget my first official paying client. Zaheera THANK YOU for trusting me with crafting paper for such an important occasion! Not like I had anywhere close to the portfolio of work I have now to show potential clients so I appreciate the chance so much. I'll never forget these!

Fact #3: CT-Designs has had three different logos

Typically, you will spend years crafting and perfecting your brand identity and CT-Designs was no different... Playing with color, mood, look, legibility you name it. I experimented. Finally settled on this lovely chocolate logo done by ForeverLogos.com Surprised I didn't do it? Artists should have their logos done by someone else in my opinion. You are too close to the process most of the time and I know I probably do my best creative for brides. Not sure why, but its a truth that I've come to terms with!

Fact #4: I am a print production manager with experience working in advertising and marketing environments.

I have more than a passing knowledge of printing, paper and design. I've worked with commercial printers and bindery companies all over the United States and can speak both the "language" of production and design. I'm probably most comfortable conceptualizing a wedding's look from start to finish, with the most successful "campaigns," for lack of a better word, emerging through collaborations with the client and/or event planner.

Fact #5: CT-Designs has been a full-time wedding and special event stationer as of May 2011

No longer wrestling with the competing priorities of a 9-5, I am completely focused on my clients, brand and as you can tell, I LOVE to blog...

Keep your eyes open for coupons coming in the next couple of weeks and ENJOY this #WeddingWednesday!

Take care,

--ct

Whitney Houston: Loss of a Once In a Generation Talent

This past weekend unfortunately saw the passing of yet another music legend. Whitney Houston was found unresponsive in the Beverly Hilton Hotel in LA on Saturday. She was there to attend the pre-Grammy awards party given annually by her mentor Clive Davis. Houston was only 48 years old.

Gone way too soon, myself and my peers have marveled and reminisced on Whitney's music and how it became the soundtrack of our youth. If voices are considered violins, then Houston's was a Stradivarius... With the ability to belt out songs in multiple registers while holding unbelievably long notes, it was not long at all before Whitney became a household name, with an immediately recognizable sound.

I was fourteen years old when Whitney Houston burst onto the scene in 1985 and to hear this absolutely angelic voice was, and still is such a treat. Just, danceable, singable and beautifully written ballads (that I surprisingly still know all of the words to) have been played all weekend.

While mourning the popular songstress, I selected some songs that you might consider using for your wedding. How nice would it be if there is a resurgence of Whitney's music played at weddings this season? Think about some of these timeless ballads.

"I Will Always Love You"

"One Moment In Time"

"I Believe In You and Me"

"You Give Good Love"

Enjoy the the music and in closing, I'd like to also share Whitney's soul-stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner for Super Bowl XXVI. This became somewhat of a signature piece of hers and there aren't too many that are unfamiliar with this seemingly effortless tribute to our country. Take care til' next time and R.I.P. Whitney. Your music brought joy to so many people. Thank you.

--ct

"Star Spangled Banner - 1991"

Valentine's Day Inspiration: Red Wedding Stationery

Happy Friday! Thought it would be fun as we approach Valentine's Day to put a board together with all the red stationery we've done! Its such a romantic color and I found more than I thought I would...

Clockwise beginning in upper left:

• This one is really black and white, but the red bouquet makes this shot so romantic, I had to include! 
• Peacock feather adorns this Indian-themed invite
• Duffy script in sliver metallic ink hand lettered onto a red envelope
• Flossmoor Country Club menu adorned with red silk floral
• Square menu with red trim that includes muted orchids in the corners
• One of my favorite, early designs features a red pocket, trimmed in blue and a small tree 

Enjoy the pics and have good weekends!

Take care,

--ct

Peek-A-Boo: Utilizing the Backside of the Wedding Invite

Happy #WeddingWednesday! Wanted to highlight a part of your invitation that's not usually talked about. The backside. The back of your save the date, shower or wedding invitation is an area that can be utilized. Don't be afraid of the back! The backs can feature rich, robust, bold and fun patterns that give your stationery a bit of whimsy! This touch is unexpected and the "unexpected" in stationery is typically what will distinguish your paper from the ordinary.

Taking the colors from peony motif on the front, the backside of this
invite alternates them into a very strong striped pattern
From: WeddingPaperDivas.com

Another fun idea is to continue the exact pattern on the front and then flood the back
with it...  From: WeddingPaperDivas.com

Save the Dates by CT-Designs
Polka dots on the back are ALWAYS a fun idea...

From Lettered Olive Couture

A few things to think about when considering a pattern:

• Typically, if you make sure your background pattern picks up the same colors from the design/motif on the front, there will still be some continuity.
• Popular patterns are stripes, damask, florals, interlocking patterns, polka dots and solids. 
• Don't be afraid to try to tie in this pattern with a fun envelope liner...

Take care til' next time!

--ct

Fun Wedding Paper D.I.Y. Ideas

*Yawn* good morning guys and happy Monday. Congrats to the NY Giants on winning Super Bowl XLVI! We watched, "Cruz-salsa'd" and are happy for NYC in Chicago!

Found some D.I.Y. paper ideas you can use NOW... Think I'm going to later share some great Wedding D.I.Y. Pinterest boards I've discovered. There are not as many as you would think, but I managed to uncover some "best kept secrets" out there I think are worth your time.

Enjoy these ideas and have great weeks! I'll be back on Wednesday.
Take care, --ct

Wrap craft paper around matchbooks and write guests names out so 
that they double as place cards. Functional, there are multiple uses for matches, 
and guests are sure to hang on to these.
From: MarthaStewartWeddings

Not an actual craft project, but the table assignment process
takes so long, this idea should help things along!
From: http://viv-spot.blogspot.com/

From a "Library-themed" birthday party... GREAT ideas that
will add a special touch to your decor if appropriate!
From: Saraspartyperfect.com

D.I.Y. envelopes from vintage books!
From: Intimate Weddings

Three Wedding Guest Book Alternatives

Happy Friday! Today's blog features three alternatives to the standard wedding guestbook. So much fun to be had with paper, decor and personalization, it feels endless. The following ideas purposely span vastly different wedding styles/themes. Hope these are great finds for you!

Carnation Ball! How pretty is this? Fun display. I'd probably suggest having

the paper for the names/well wishes to be larger and on card stock vs. a text weight.
From: WeddingsbyColor.com 

Adding a beautiful tree, with ample decor always adds interest. My favorite
part of this display is the ornate frame. It just screams calligraphy
and is another clear opportunity for you to personalize your day.
From: Cedarwoodweddings.com

If having a vintage, rustic or shabby chic affair, consider placing
your instructions to your guests inside an old typewriter. Nice touch,
functional, and adds to your decor.
From: Cedarwoodweddings.com

Enjoy the pics and enjoy your weekends! I'll be back on Monday!

Take care,

--ct

An Intimate Bridal Affair at Hotel Palomar

I had the pleasure of attending a bridal event produced by Glitz Event Design. I don't usually get a chance to blog about events that I attend, but this one had such interesting vendors and such a spectacular look that I thought it was noteworthy. This is by no means an exhaustive list of who exhibited at this event. Visit An Intimate Bridal Affair for a complete listing.

1. Peggy Lambert of Erickson Design  2. Joe Chambers from ChicagoStye Weddings Magazine

3. Chicago Wedding Candy Buffet by Donna G.  4. Carol Woldhaus, CW Designs, Bernard Presutti, Planner of the Bride and Danielle Ruggiero, Make-up artist  5. CWDesigns/Planner of the Bride table display

6. Hand Painted Chair backer decor detail, CWDesigns  7. Complimentary Henna Tattos by Unnati'Z Art

8. Closeup of the Henna  9. Live Belly dance performance  10. Christine Jackson and Lisa Pugliese from Wedding Guide Chicago  11. Ola O. Morin-Muhammed, CEO/Art-Director of IJORERE, The Invitation, Inc.  12. Live wedding gown model (Jenny Yoo Collection & Dame Couture)  13. Live illustrations by the fabulous Rosemary Fanti  14. This event's brainchild: Candace Polk, founder and CEO of Glitz Event Design (thanks Candace, everything was wonderful, great job)

An Intimate Bridal Affair boasted some of Chicago's "best kept secret" suppliers and had an edgy, moroccan vibe. The Hotel Palomar is also a wonderful venue for a special event. Very intimate, with a River North locale, we had no problem finding the venue, or surprisingly street parking.

Thanks again so much Candace for exposing us to such a great collection of wedding partners. Take care til' next time and have a happy #WeddingWednesday! 
--ct