Smudging on invitation card stock might be due to one of two things: the type of paper card stock or the type of ink.
Each printer typically will be accompanied by a specification manual from the manufacturer. In the printer manual, there should be a note regarding paper weight handling.
Many times, a printer guide will suggest that the printer can handle up to 110# Index which is not the same as 100# Cover Stock. The unit of measurement Index weight is a much lighter sheet than Cover Stock weight. Therefore 80# or 100# Cover Stock is still a heavier sheet than 110# Index.
Be cautious when testing your papers. Most 80# Cover Stocks will work flawlessly. However, you will need to use care when printing on conventional home printers when considering a heavier weight card stock.
What will be the hot color for invitation design in 2006?
Color forecasting groups comprised of design professionals make their new color palette predictions every year based on influences such as world politics, demographics and culture. One influential forecasting group, the Color Marketing Group, tells us that we will see redder oranges, more yellows, and complex neutrals in 2006. As for brides -- elegant white and ecru are still very popular choices. However, incorporating personal and sometimes non-traditional colors into invitation and its design is an exciting development that is sure to continue.
Personal expression in invitation is the design trend. My advice: Look inside yourself for inspiration and motivation in choosing colors, and don’t let anything stop you. For instance, if the traditional holiday color of red is your favorite color, but your wedding is in June, don’t rule out vibrant red attendant dresses, red roses and a matching red invitation.
What hot 2005 colors will be “out” in 2006?
In a time when the trend is lots of color any time of year, I would not hesitate using any particular color if it evokes a feeling for you. A wedding or any special party event is about sharing important moments in our lives with others. It seems natural then to choose invitation colors that reflect you. With that in mind, one hot 2005 color, Coco brown, will continue to partner with pastels to create stunning combinations in 2006.
What are the more formal color choices? Which ones are less formal?
Metallic silvers and golds are very dressy choices as these colors have historically represented royalty and prestige. Purple has links with royalty and suggests spirituality and dignity. Colors like hot pink, or lime green suggest whimsy, creativity and a less traditional approach. However, as a designer, I would savor the challenge of a client telling me they love the colors lime green and metallic gold and would like to use these colors as a motif for a very formal wedding!
My wedding is in the summer. Are there specific colors that I should be choosing for that time of year, or are all colors appropriate?
I would start by imagining the colors of summer. For example, imagine a summer wedding with a sunflower theme. The most brilliant color would be the deep, golden yellow of the sunflower bouquets. The invitation evoking this sunflower image would be created from a delicately yellow-colored Petallics Autumn Hay cardstock placed in a rich, chocolate-colored Carnival Coco Pochette, and secured with a brilliant golden ribbon. We don’t often associate brown with flowers but sunflowers come in colors from brilliant gold to rich brown and what a statement that would make.
Another romantic summer theme is the beach and ocean. The stunning blue color and light-reflective quality of our Evening Party Invitation sets the mood for a seaside wedding. Imagine candles tucked in glass vases filled with blue sea glass and arranged with matching menus made out of the Petallics Juniper Berry card stock.
My Splendor Handmade Wedding Invitation found in LCI Design Studio really evokes summer for me—bright sunshine yellow paper, Japanese watermark tissue with blowing green leaves, and dusty silver bow. LCI offers wedding envelopes with liners in rich, shimmering colors that beautifully compliment this kind of colorful summer invitation.
Some experts say that a verbal thank-you at the end of the party is sufficient. Others maintain that one should send a hand-written note after the event to convey your appreciation. A good rule of thumb is: When in doubt, send it out. Thank you notes should be sent within one month of receiving the gift.
The invitations to a major event should be sent out between six and eight weeks in advance of the event. If the event is open to the public, if there is a charge for attending, or if it will occur during a holiday period, then a save-the-date postcard or note makes a lot of sense. Save-the-date communications can be sent anywhere from three months to one year in advance of the event.
