Instagram Catch Up : Charlotte Wedding Invitations

If you're not following us on Instagram, you're missing a lot. You're missing sneak peeks into projects we're working on and styled shoots we're participating in. You'd be getting a behind the scenes glimpse into all things wedding and stationery.

Here's just a few pictures of what you're missing...

Now take a moment to follow us to stay in the loop with what's happening with us.

Kinds Words from the Wedding Planner :: Charlotte Wedding Stationery

Love Shutter Photography | Nella & Dee's Foundation of the Carolinas Wedding in Charlotte, NC

Bridal Flavors created a custom invitation suite for my clients that set the tone for their entire event. I told them the theme, and they created an invitation that fit perfectly. Bridal Flavors provided superb customer service and they went above and beyond to make sure that my clients' invitations were exactly what they were looking for. Thank you Bridal Flavors!

~ Nekia Miller, posh affairs

It's All One Big Numbers Game by Knot Your Average Events :: Charlotte Wedding Invitations

How many? How much? These are all the beginning of very important questions in the wedding planning process and they all deal with numbers. Numbers, as engaged couples are realizing, play an essential role in planning for one's big day. So, I asked wedding planner and good friend Jennifer Ball of Knot Your Average Events to explain how and why your wedding is just "one big numbers game"! Take it away, Jennifer...

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No matter if you are planning a small intimate affair in your backyard or a wedding reception for 500 in a fancy ballroom; an event always comes down to numbers. First is the budget because that will truly determine the size of an event you will be able to host. An average wedding is $100 per person when everything is said and done. The budget will also determine the type of party you will be able to host. Will you have an afternoon pig-pickin' or a dance the night away party?

Once you have your budget, guest count and the type of event you will have comes the where you will host your event. Allow all of the above to set the date; unless it is an anniversary or a very important date to you and your families. Now all these numbers seem to start to run together once the "big ticket" items have been contracted. You'll start second guessing the budget by going over it or you'll have forgotten to invite someone; but stay focused on the original numbers and let those lead you through the planning process.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Smith Photography

The most important numbers for your vendors are guest counts. Professional vendors must know how many adults, children and vendors are attending so they can plan accordingly for food, décor and traffic flow during the event. Never short the catering company on your guest count. Their number one rule is to never run out of food. While they will usually prepare for 3-5% over your guest count to include party crashers do not "bank" on that extra to try and save money.

As an event designer, I always recommend a seat for every guest throughout your event. This will show that you planned on their arrival and are welcoming them to stay for a while. Remember to order a few extras when it comes to place settings, one extra small flower arrangement, centerpiece, extra linen, boutonniere and seating if you are doing escort cards. This will insure all of your vendors are prepared for the unexpected guests or if something is dropped or breaks. Call and email all of your vendors 14 days out with guest counts so they can place their final orders and follow up 7 days out with any new details of the event. By following these few simple number rules, you will find yourself less stressed and your vendors will be prepared to create a lifetime of memories for the 2 of you.

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Photo by Michelle Robinson Photography

About Jennifer (in her own words): "I started planning corporate events and special promos over 13 years ago and have been specializing in weddings for the past 8 years. I have been blessed with being a part of over 125 solo weddings and quickly approaching 150 while working other event companies as an assistant or additional staff. I began coordinating weddings because my mom and her best friend tried to be my everything at my first wedding. Because they were my coordinators, decorators, and caterers they missed my first dance, cake cutting and every other special moment. I vowed after that day that I wouldn't let any other mother miss those special moments of their daughter's special day!

We truly make each event special and memorable by adding personal touches and paying close attention to all the details. We have handled events from 23 guests to over 1,200 plus. We have traveled near and far and taken care of everything from "I DO to I DID!" If you want your event to stand out from all the others "ALLOW US TO TIE UP ALL OF YOUR LOOSE ENDS" and we will do our best to make your event one that people are talking about for years to come!"

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Thank you Jennifer for your expertise and knowledge, I greatly appreciate it. And I know that there are a number of engaged couples that will be able to utilize this valuable information. You can check out Jennifer online here or on her Facebook page. Give her a call at 910-617-2271, email her at jenn@knotyouraverageevents.com, or stop by her office at 1349 South Church Street in Burlington, NC.

{Wedding} Shoes to die for :: Charlotte Wedding Stationery

We, in the office, are obsessed (to put it mildly) with shoes. We love sandals, flats, and heels and never seem to have enough. We have all colors and styles and are quick to show them off with any and every outfit.

So, we thought we'd show you some of the best (and different) wedding related heels that we found on Pinterest.

All pictures are from Pinterest

Featured on Rustic Wedding Chic :: Charlotte Wedding Invitations

We started the week off by participating in a styled shoot and today we've had the pleasure of being published for another shoot. Rustic Wedding Chic has published our Country Couture shoot that we did with some amazing vendors at a spectacular venue. Take a moment to check out the feature and then let us know what you think.

Photo courtesy of Christi Falls Photography

Featured on Trendy Bride :: Charlotte Wedding Stationery

And the week keeps getting better.... Monday morning we told you that we were featured on the blog Rural Bride. Today, that same shoot is being featured on Trendy Bride! We're thrilled that more people are seeing this. If you haven't already taken the time to see the amazing pictures from Rural Bride, then take a moment to sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee, and check it out on Trendy Bride.

Photo Courtesy of Fort Mill Photography

Featured on Rural Bride :: Charlotte Wedding Invitations

What a way to start our Monday morning off!!! We're over the moon excited to tell you that we're being featured on the blog Rural Bride for a shoot we did a couple of months ago. Take a moment to check out our feature and then I'll post more pictures from the shoot real soon.

Photo courtesy of Fort Mill Photography

Questions to ask your invitation designer :: Charlotte Wedding Stationery

Invitations are one of the most important aspects of your wedding right behind the dress, venue, and the food. The same criteria that you use to choose the vendor that you will buy your dress from, host your wedding (and reception) as well make your wedding cake and prepare your meal, should be the same one that you use to pick who will design and print your wedding stationery.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Robinson Photography

Here are some introductory questions that you ought to consider asking your stationery designer and why.

1. How long have you been in business?

Knowing if they just opened last week or last year helps you better figure out if they can handle your stationery needs. (Bridal Flavors has been in business for three years [3] and counting!)

2. Is your printing done in-house or do you outsource the printing?

The benefits of a stationery designer that prints in-house is that there's a quicker turnaround time, which can be handy if there is any reprinting that needs to be done. This also means that they can better help you with any last minute projects. (We print in-house!)

3. Do you offer custom invitations as well as templated styles? Is there a fee if I want to order a sample of either and existing invitation style or a custom design? If so, how much?

This helps you better know if the stationery designer can do what you want. (Yes! While we prefer to create custom designers for our brides (as every bride is different), we do offer templates for quick turnaround projects. Yes, there is a nominal fee for printed samples ($25 for 3 samples)).

Photo courtesy of Aura Marzouk Photography

4. If I choose a custom wedding invitation, what are my options for color, paper type, ink, and fonts? What is the word limit for the text?

Knowing what your options are help you better determine if this is the stationery designer for you. If your heart is set on a specific color or type of paper, then you need to make sure your stationery designer has access to that color or paper. (We have over 20 colors of standard paper in stock; but have access to over a hundred different types, styles, and weights of paper that can be utilized for your stationery needs. And while we have standard fonts we use, we welcome the opportunity to use a different font (a nominal fee may apply). There may be space limit (depending on what we're creating); but there is no word count limit.)

5. Can I also order my table numbers, place cards, escort cards, ceremony programs, menus, etc. from you?

It's easier to find a place that can handle all your stationery needs instead of having to find a secondary shop to match your table numbers, place cards, and other stationery. Finding one stationery designer that can all your stationery needs saves you time, energy, and money; which in the end can save you a headache. (We are a one-stop shop for all your wedding stationery needs. From save the dates and invitations to wedding programs and table numbers to thank you cards and wedding announcements.)

6. If I want to include a picture or a graphic on my save-the-date or invitation, can you accommodate that? If so, does the image need to be save in a specific format? Do you have photo retouching available, and if so, what is the price range? Can your photo specialist also convert color images to black and white or sepia? Is there an additional cost?

Many couples are moving towards having their engagement photos on their save-the-dates and invitations. And while this is popular, some stationery shops do not have the tools (or the knowledge) to make [the appropriate] edits to a picture. This is an important question to ask, especially if this is something you want done for your save-the-dates and invitations. (We are able to make the necessary and appropriate edits to your picture to show it in its best light/format.)

What Stationery Do I Need? Response Cards :: Charlotte Wedding Invitations

Included with the invitation, the response card allows your guest to inform you whether or not they will be in attendance at your wedding. The response card (also known as an RSVP card) can be a simple card [with an envelope] or a postcard; but wither way, it should be create to be mailed back to you.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Larson Photography

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Larson Photography

   

Non-traditionally, many couple are electing not to have response cards. They are including a website or an email address for people to go to or use to indicate whether they're coming as well as other valuable information that may be asked of them.

Regardless of which option you choose, a response to whether or not your guests are attending will help you in the further planning stages of your big day.

Featured on Wedding Colors AND Festive Finds :: Charlotte Wedding Stationery

Earlier this year (January, to be exact), we were busy creating stationery for a variety of styled shoots that we hoped would be published for the world to see and guess what??? We've been published AGAIN and TWICE for the same shoot!!!

We're honored that Wedding Colors and Festive Finds featured our work on their blogs. Take a moment to check out our features on both sites and then I'll post more pictures from the shoot in the coming days.

(P.S. Of all the styled shoots we did that weekend, this was the one that we swooned over the most. The colors, the style, the details, and everything else about it just seemed to have us smiling. So, we're excited to share this with you guys!)

Featured on The Frosted Petticoat :: Charlotte Wedding Stationery

Back in January (2013), we spent a wonderful day (and evening) in the breath-taking mountains of North Carolina working with some great vendors for a styled shoot that showcased the Pantone color of the year: Emerald! Today, we're excited (and thrilled) to tell you that we're being featured on the blog The Frosted Petticoat. Take a moment to check out our feature and then I'll be posting more pictures from the shoots real soon!

Photo courtesy of Christi Falls Photography

Featured on Marigold Events :: Charlotte Wedding Stationery

A few months ago, we had the absolute pleasure of working with some amazing vendors for an Indian-themed styled shoot.  And today, we have the absolute honor of being featured on the blog Marigold Events: Indian Wedding Inspirations. Take a moment to check out our feature and then I'll be posting more pictures from the shoots real soon!

Photo courtesy of Aura Marzouk Photography

Follow us on Instagram! :: Charlotte Wedding Invitations

Are you on Instagram? Wanna see what's happening with us?
Follow us @davisdesignsbridalflavors. 

Here's a quick peek [via Instagram] of some of our work.

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You can also see more of our work by entering #bridalflavors in the search box.

Why Venue Coordinators are NOT Wedding Coordinators by Leigh Pearce Weddings :: North Carolina Wedding Invitations

Many couples have recently gotten engaged this holiday season and are about the start the wedding planning process. One of the big decisions (after date and location) is whether or not to hire a wedding coordinator. So I've asked good friend Leigh Pearce of Leigh Pearce Weddings to provide for some clarification about the difference between venue coordinators and wedding coordinators as well as what makes her so special. Take it away, Leigh!

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Scenario: I have a consultation with a bride who is about 50% through her planning process and is in need of a coordinator. She originally decided against hiring one because her venue has a “wedding coordinator.” Fortunately, she has come to the realization that her venue coordinator is not the same thing as a wedding coordinator and has plenty of time to remedy the problem. Most brides don't find out until the day of the wedding. Here are the top 7 differences between a venue coordinator and wedding coordinator:

Photo Courtesy of Alexa's Photography

1. Your venue coordinator is not going to confirm final details with your vendors (like making sure the cake arrives while the florist is there so it can be decorated). Your wedding coordinator will.

2. Your venue coordinator is not going to help you plan your ceremony (who walks with whom and when). Your wedding coordinator will.

3. Your venue coordinator is not going to set up your decor, make sure the linens aren't wrinkled, or arrange flowers. Your wedding coordinator will.

4. Your venue coordinator is not going to direct your rehearsal, run your last minute errands (because you forgot to buy a unity candle), or remind you to give the officiant the marriage license. Your wedding coordinator will. 

5. Your venue coordinator is not going to make sure your DJ shows up on time or remind the caterer of the changes you made with the salad. Your wedding coordinator will.

6. Your venue coordinator isn't going to pack up your champagne flutes with bubble wrap and put your gifts in your car before you leave for the night. Your wedding coordinator will.

7. Your venue coordinator works for your venue. Your wedding coordinator works for YOU.

Photo courtesy of Alexa's Photography

All that being said, I love working with venue coordinators. I understand why they do what they do because, before starting Leigh Pearce Weddings, I was a venue coordinator. I rented the event space to brides, checked that clients used our preferred caterers, and made sure that all aspects of the event relating to the venue were taking care of. I wasn't able to help direct the ceremony because I was showing the caterer where to take the garbage out. I wasn't able to cue the toasts because I was snaking a drain in the women's bathroom. Most aren't helping you because they don't want to, they aren't helping because they have other tasks to take care of on your wedding day. 

About Leigh (in her own words): "I am a lover of all things wedding and a North Carolina girl to the core. Leigh Pearce Weddings is more than my business.. it's my dream. A big smile from one of my sweet brides always makes my day. I believe in having a wedding style and never a theme. I love my cowboy boots, pimento cheese, NC State football, my two sweet puppies, and happy brides. I say 'Bless you heart' way too much and I'm proud to be from a small, Southern town. I am so excited to get to know you and I can't wait to work with you to create the most important day of your life!"

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Thank you Leigh for your knowledge and expertise, I greatly appreciate it and I know many engaged couples appreciate the information! You can check out Leigh online here or on her Facebook page. Give her a call at 336-552-5645 or shoot her an email at leigh@leighpearceweddings.com.