We were inspired from a Martha Stewart article and decided to do our own!

Below is the A-Z of the wedding invitation process.

A- Ancillary Items

Did you think of all the items you needed? Invitation, reply set, and envelopes make up a traditional invitation suite. Do you need a reception card (ifyour reception is at a different location), accommodations/directions card, or schedule of events?

B-Blind Embossed

A favorite of ours, blind embossing is a process of pressing the paper with no color. This allows the design and paper to be the detail of the invitation

C-Computer Calligraphy

Using calligraphy style fonts you can create a similar look and feel to hand calligraphy at a lower cost with a faster turnaround.

D- Die Cut

A tool named a Die (think cookie cutter) is pressed through the cardstock to create a different shape or design than standard shape such as a square or rectangle.

E- Envelopes

French, square, side open… There are as many types of envelopes as there are cardstocks. This is the first part of your invitation your guests see and should be treated with as much care as picking your invitation. Add a liner, design motif, or special fonts, as there are many ways to dress up the outer envelope.

F-FONT

Choosing a font is like choosing a style. There are traditional, modern, eclectic, fun, and elegant fonts. Font choice can change the entire look and feel of your invitation, so make sure the font choice you go with conveys your style and compliments the design aesthetic of the invitation.

G-Grammar

Upon receipt of  your proofs, please have a few family and friends look them over carefully. Once you approve the proof, you are accepting
everything from the cardstock, inks, punctuation, dates, times, and grammar.

H-Hand Stamped

Your stationer should be familiar and recommend this process. Ideally your invitations should be hand cancelled, which means the post
office clerk stamps your invitations and they go directly to the trucks to go out. This avoids the dreaded sorter machine that puts big black lines across your envelopes. This can be a tricky process as some post offices don’t like to do it. You want to be VERY nice and go at an odd day and time. Monday at 4:45 is not recommended. Be aware if your invitations are traveling long distances they will most likely come across a sorter at some point.

I-Invitation

The most important piece of your wedding stationery process. Put a great deal of thought into your cardstock, inks, and fonts as they help to set the tone for your special day.

J-Jacket

Or “pocket fold” as it is otherwise referred to, is a folded piece of thick cardstock to house and organize the pieces of your invitation. The come
in a variety of shapes, sizes, and orientations.

K- Kids

Etiquette states that it is inappropriate to put  “no children, or adults only” on your wedding invitation. If you are opting for an adults only
reception, the proper way to convey this information is by how you address the envelopes. If the children are not specifically listed or “and family” does not appear, then the children are not invited.

L-Letterpress

One of the most traditional printing processes and one of the most costly. A plate with a raised type are inked and then pressed into the desired paper. This creates a luxuriously textured and indented feel.

M- Metallic Foil

A new type of ink used in letterpress. This ink has a high shine and creates a dramatic feel.

N- Number of Invitations

This is one of the most important things to know before meeting with your stationer as it is an integral part of the pricing process. A lot of people confuse this with the number of guests.  This is different than the number of guests attending, as a family of 3 gets 1 invitation.

O-Ordering

We recommend ordering more than the quantity of invitations needed. For custom invitations, usually you can order is 1’s. If you order from an album usually you have to order in 25’s. To gauge we recommend at least 10 extra invitations than your invitation count. This will account for post office error, last minute guest additions, and a few to save for you and family.

P-Postage

One of the most important things we discuss with our brides. DO NOT purchase your postage until you know the sizes and weight of your invitation suite pieces. A live sample to bring to the post office will work as well. A few things to remember, square always costs more, don’t forget the stamp for your rsvp, and check with your post office to make sure they have the style postage you would like. Custom stamps are
available and can include a duogram, motif, or design element from your invitation suite.

Q-Quality

Before meeting with your stationer you want to check the quality of their work. Research their reviews, and find out what companies they represent. Ask the vendors you trust for a referral. The wedding invitation process goes much smoother if you are comfortable with the company you work with.

R-Return Address

Do I need one? YES!  You want to make sure that if you sent an invitation out and it doesn’t make it to the guest that it comes back to you. It will give you an opportunity to resend a new invitation

S-Sending Invitations

For destination weddings we recommend that your invitations are sent out 3 months prior to your wedding date. This will allow guests ample time to coordinate travel. For in town weddings your invitations should be sent out 2 months in advance. Of course we always suggest save the date cards to let your guests know as soon as possible about your nuptials. Save the Dates go out anywhere between 6-12 months prior to the wedding.

T-Turn Around Time

You will want to ask your stationer about this. Companies differ on the time it takes for production. You want to clarify how long it will take for your first proof, for revised proofs, and production once the proof is approved. Don’t forget to ask about the shipping timeframe.

U- Understand?

Make sure you understand and have in writing what you are paying for and the production timeline for delivery.

V-Vellum

Can be heavy and opaque or thin and see through but both styles have an extremely smooth surface. Vellum is great as an invitation protector, pocket fold, and even cardstock.

W- Wax Seal

These are not as daunting as they used to be! New methods contain wax that is glue gun compatible and even sticker wax seals. You can have your duo gram, wedding date, or even a motif imprinted in the wax. Choose from a variety of colors and even sparkle wax too.

X- X Marks the Spot

Maps are a  huge trend in wedding materials. For a destination wedding they show where the different events are located on the property. They are great to aid guests in travel if the ceremony and reception are in different locations. A map with markings of important milestones in your relationship makes the perfect save the date.

Y- Your Style

Your invitation is an integral part of informing your guests to the style of your event. Your invitation should reflect your style and the feel of the event. P.s. You can never go wrong with a great simple letterpress invitation!

Z- Zero

The amount of money it takes to look for inspiration on line. It is extremely helpful to bring images of the invitations you like to your nvitation meeting.

phase5 is  a 6 piece band specializing in top 40, jazz, soul, and dance music. The band features 2 vocalists, piano, guitar, bass, percussion, and a live DJ. Phase5 is the perfect concept for any wedding, party, or special event.

1.       When a client is booking entertainment for their event, what should they consider when making a decision?

First and foremost, the reputation of the company.  Ask other vendors, check out reviews online.
If they are hiring a band, check them out in person.

2.       Are there any operational requirements or venue restrictions that should be considered?

Other than some outdoor venues have noise ordinances
after a certain time, not really.  Any good entertainment company should
be able to work around any other requests or rules set forth by the venue.

3.       What is the most common mistake made when booking entertainment and during an event?

With a band, waiting too long to decide.  The band
can only do 1 event per night.  We spend a lot of time telling people that
we aren’t available because they waited too long to make a decision.

4.       How many breaks does the band take and for how long during the course of an event?

Our band takes 3 20 minute breaks during a 5 hour event. We
provide a DJ on those breaks.  We find it is great because guests can
request songs during that time that the band might not play.

5.       What are the musical options during a break?

We provide a DJ

6.       What genre of music do you recommend for the cocktail reception?

Laid back, relaxing. Cocktail hour is the 1st chance people have to catch up.
It should be good music for conversing.

7.       What other services does Inspired Entertainment offer in addition to entertainment?

Ceremony music, lighting, LED staging, Bands, DJs

8.       What is the scope of your repertoire?

Everything from sinatra to LMFAO

9.       Will you learn a new song for an event, if requested?

Definitely, we just ask for 30 days notice to rehearse it.

10.   What makes your band and DJ services unique?

We are the only band around that offers an actual “DJ” with the band at all
times.  Our style makes us diverse in the fact that we are able to play
very current music as well as older tunes.

Contact:

josh walther | inspire
entertainment | phase5 band | 813.728.4189

www.inspiredj.com

1)      How would you describe your company’s style?

Clean, sophisticated and cutting edge

2) What certain types of food and services do you specialize in?

Puff ‘n Stuff can do any style of food but I think what we focus on is presenting our food creativly

3) What advice would you provide a bride when deciding how to arrange the menu for her wedding?

Select foods that they enjoy and represent the couples style and flavor

4) What standard items are included in your event packages? 

Puff ‘n Stuff includes all china, glassware and silverware as well as all beautiful display pieces

5) Can a family recipe be incorporated into the menu? 

Absolutely!  We love that!

6) What food trends are you seeing right now? 

Small delicate plates-more Tapas style

7) What is the best Puff N’ Stuff appetizer you have tasted at an event? 

Cuban Cigar Sandwich and Ahi Tuna on a Five Spice Wonton with Wasabi Cream

8 ) What one mistake do you see couples make when choosing their menu? 

Trying to take shortcuts on food to save a little money

9) What great display/serving pieces do you have that can be used for events?  

We have this revolving Bento Box that beautifully displays all the small plates.  Guests just go up to it and take a plate and the chefs continue to re-fill it!

10) How is Puff N’ Stuff different from other local caterers? 

We strive to continue raising the bar and doing things differently.  We don’t like to do the same things over and over.

Photo Credit: Wed the Magazine

Ambassador Limousine, the most award winning limousine company in the Tampa Bay Area, offers the ultimate in luxury transportation.  With the largest, newest, and most diverse fleet in the area, Ambassador can meet your needs!  Ambassador Limousine and Sedan has the capability to service guests that number from 2 – 2000!  We treat our clients as guests, not “rides” and provide only the best chauffeurs to do so.  We look forward to serving you… with pleasure and professionalism.

 1)What services do you offer to brides that no one else does in the area? We offer an exclusive bridal concierge service that includes:

• Red Carpet
• Champagne Toast for the Bride & Groom
• Refrigeration (by request) for flowers
• Protective wheel covers (by request) to protect bridal attire
• Master Chauffer, dressed in tuxedo
• Customized wedding limousines with taller roofs and wider doors
• This service is provided to ALL of our brides at no additional charge!

 2) What are the types of vehicles you offer?

We offer stretch Cadillac and Lincoln limousines, Mercedes Mini-Sprinter busses, StarCraft LimoBus (Party Bus), Cadillac Escalade Stretch limousine, Cadillac Sedans, Cadillac SUVs and a “Custom/Vintage Mini Fleet” that includes: two vintage Rolls Royce, 1933 Packard & a Phantom Rolls Royce.  We also have a fleet of large passenger busses that seat from 22 – 55 passengers.

 3)What is available in your vintage fleet?

1933 Packard; 1962 Rolls Royce & 1965 Rolls Royce.

 4)How far in advance should a bride book their transportation? Are you able to accommodate last minute requests?

We suggest 6 months to secure the vehicle(s) of her choice.  In some cases we can accommodate last minute requests; however, the bride may not get her first choice vehicle.

 5) How do you charge for transportation? What is or isn’t included? Do you have minimums? Is there preferred pricing if you book more than one vehicle?

We charge by the vehicle and by the hour.  Included in our pricing is tax and gratuity – we do not add fuel surcharges or have any other hidden pricing.  We do, however, add additional fees based on the location of the wedding, etc.  For instance, if a bride is getting married in Orlando or in South Florida, additional fees will apply.  We always quote an inclusive price.  We typically have (for weddings) a three-hour minimum; however, we can customize any request.  We do offer discounts starting at 10% when multiple vehicles are booked.

 6) Are there any add on services that a client could request?

Absolutely!  We can accommodate most any request, with the exception of liquor.  We cannot provide liquor but our guests can bring it on board with them for no additional fee.  Any other requests, such as food, flowers, etc. can be billed to the guest and paid with their reservation.

 7) What advice can you share regarding booking event transportation? Are there questions clients should ask or things to consider while shopping for transportation?

• Preview and select the vehicle you will be contracting
• Require a written proposal that details the event and all fees
• Once you have selected the company you feel meets your needs, obtain a signed reservation agreement
• Avoid paying more than a 50% deposit with the reservation agreement
• Make sure all deposits are refundable
• Require proof of proper licensing, permitting and insurance
• Verify licenses, permits and insurance for specific vehicle you have reserved
• Request references from prior clients
• Request references from other industry providers
• Start looking and book EARLY!

 8) What is the number one mistake a client makes when booking event transportation?

There are two: 

1.  Waiting too long
2. Not understanding how long they REALLY need the vehicles – discussing this with our Wedding Specialists proves to be MUCH more cost effective than incurring additional charges on the day of or being disappointed because we cannot meet the request.

 9) Are there any rules as to what a client can bring in the limousine? 

Obviously they cannot bring anything illegal – including liquor if they are under aged.  We do not allow weapons of any sort on board, with the exception of proof of proper permitting and the must be done well in advance.  We also ask that our guests exercise caution when bringing items that may cause damage to the vehicle on board as they will be charged if the vehicle is damaged.

 10. What type of vehicles should brides consider booking for their events?

Limousines, shuttle transportation, and vintage transportation are our most requested.

Contact Information: 

Holliday Lisowski
Director, Wedding & Social Events

Ambassador Limousine and Sedan, Inc.
www.ambassadorlimotampa.com
Office 727.442.9050 Cell 727.421.3881 Fax 727.442.9052

Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2011 Favorite Executive Car/Limousine Company

Jess Waldrop – Makeup Artists is a collective group of Cosmetologists and Certified Makeup Artists who specialize in On-Site Event Styling.  After 16 years in the Makeup/Fashion industry I began to realize that our clients wanted more then just an artist on their wedding day. They wanted someone who knew them and their dreams of their most important day of their life! I’ve put together a Fantastic group of amazing Artists who love people! The most important goal for us is to get to know our brides and show them our love for what we do by building confidence in every person we meet.

1. How did you get started in this profession?

My love for makeup began as a young teen when I built my first portfolio of before and after pictures of girlfriends of mine. I had huge dreams of traveling the world doing makeup for the stars! I knew at an early age that I loved making people feel beautiful.

2. What is your makeup education background?

My official Makeup Training began at Permanent Choices Training Center in Alameda, CA where I specialized in Permanent Makeup, Scar Coverage, Areola Reconstruction and Tattoo Removal. After running a successful business I began working for M.A.C Cosmetics. There I fine tuned my makeup skills, became a Product Specialist and trained employees on new products and techniques.

3. What questions should a bride ask when interviewing hair and makeup artists?

I think it’s important to have an idea of what you would like your hair and makeup to look like before your trial. Photos are also very helpful to the Artist. I would get to know your stylist and make sure your communication is clear between both of you.

4. What is your top tip for wedding day makeup?

I am a HUGE fan of LongwearLipgloss! It can sometimes feel dry, but it stays on all night and won’t rub off on your dress…or on him! Instead of carrying a lipstick, liner and gloss just bring a clear non-sticky lip gloss with you to freshen up your lips throughout the night.

5. What trends are you seeing now?

I’m in love with all things Vintage! Bright red lips and thick false lashes are some of my favs! Bohemian is also very in right now! Loose long curls with smoky greens and corals eyes and soft lips have been very popular this fall.

6. What is the average cost for wedding day hair and makeup?

Most companies including us give a discount if you choose to get both makeup and hair.  Most brides like the way we price our services because we have a starting price with add-ons. We don’t believe that you should pay for something that you don’t get. Our starting price for Bridal Makeup and Hair is $165.

7. What inspires you?

My grandmother’s antiques, thrift store shopping, beach hopping and being a mommy but most of all God.

8. What is the number 1 mistake brides make when having their hair and makeup done?

Powder Foundation! People don’t realized how bad powder foundation is for high definition cameras.

9. What kinds of brands/products do you use?

We use mostly M.A.C Cosmetics because it stays on so well and is highly pigmented, but I have tried everything from high end department store makeup to drugstore and have found my favorites from both.  My favorite LongwearLipgloss is from Loreal!

10. Airbrush vs Standard makeup?

I love both as long as the products look natural. I highly recommend airbrush during the humid months in Florida because it is non-transferable and is great for warm weather.

- Jess Waldrop

Jess Waldrop – Makeup Artists

Studio 2

138 West Robertson St Brandon, FL 33511

www.jesswaldrop.com

813-990-0063

RSBP Events was founded by Brooke Palmer in 2007. Since then the company has grown to be a full service event, wedding planning and public relations firm with locations in Tampa Bay, and San Francisco.

Over the years RSBP Events has developed relationships with the most creative vendors in the Tampa Bay area who work hand in hand with us to create one-of-a kind events. Whether it be; weddings, corporate events, philanthropic events, birthdays, wine tastings, fundraisers, or just to have a good time RSBP Events has done it all. With a team of dedicated and professional planners it is our pleasure to turn your event from ordinary to extraordinary!

1) How would you describe your style? I would say my style is a mixture of chic and fun. I love incorporating stylish pieces into all my events and I also love sparkle! Whenever the two are together it becomes an instant hit.

 2) What are your favorite flowers to use for an event? My personal favorite is orange roses. But I use black magic roses, dahlias, and bells of Ireland when I can. I find they add a whimsical and charming touch to events.

 3) Where do you get your inspiration? I draw my inspiration from items that I’ve seen from my vendors or through my shopping experiences. For instance I have yet to use a mirrored table top at one of my events. I used a bar and furniture but I want to make a whole room of mirrors glisten. I have a ton of great ideas circulating in my mind and what I could do with it; once I see a great item my imagination takes over.

 4) What is your favorite trend you are seeing right now? Something that I’ve noticed a lot of people utilizing recently, even though it has been trending for a while, is mixing metallics in events and in design. I think that using something that bronze as a color or as a main theme in your event is gorgeous and makes a bold statement. How gorgeous would glass and metal ware, alternating at different heights hanging from a ceiling look? Pretty awesome!

 5) What mistakes do most clients make when planning their event, and what one tip would you give them?  They don’t hire an Event Planner. My Tip: Hire ONE!

 6) How does a planner and the designated venue coordinator differ? A planner is there to make your dream into a reality. A good planner can take your vision, possibly make some revisions and turn your event from ordinary to extraordinary. This comes with experience in the industry and a great list of creative vendors. Your planner is also there throughout the entire process with you. Whether it’s finding your dress, searching for the perfect finishing touches or dealing with stressful guests, your planner is there to ease the process. A venue coordinator could only do as much as the venue will allow them to do. With an event planner there are exceedingly less limits in time/ability to do things, and they are concentrated on you which equal far more results.

 7) What percentage of an event budget should be spent on a planner? I say about 10-15% should be given towards you event planner, at least. They will save you money. 

  What local venue would you love to do an event and why? For beach weddings I love the Don Cesar as well as the Sandpearl, the service is excellent and they know how to treat my brides. Postcard Inn is unique too- it’s a great fun beachy vibe. For my nonprofit and corporate events I love TPepin’s Hospitality Centre! They really cater to my clients’ needs, work well with my vendors, and work really hard to make the vision come to life.  The Vinoy is also a dream for any bride.

 9) What makes RSBP Events different from other local planners? The difference between what I do and what other planners do is that I take the extra step. I make the process fun, enjoyable and rewarding; I also think that my diverse background in events and PR really aids my clients’ needs. During the event planning process I am extremely attentive and I am personally apart of the process from start to finish. Although I may have multiple clients, I work hard to ensure that each one receives my full attention and care.

 10) What is your favorite part of planning an event? To see my clients’ vision come to fruition. There is a lot of care and time that goes into creating an event and when I see my clients’ enjoying all the hard work that went into their special day, there are few words to describe the joy I feel.  I also love when the bride sees the groom for the first time- it’s the BEST!

Brooke Palmer
r.s.b.p Events
www.rsbpevents.com

727.235.2389

Invitations play such an important part in the wedding process as the first real look into the style and feel of a wedding. Invitation trends, among many other things, follow fashion. Trending now and our proposal for 2012 will be the emphasis on simplicity and elegance, of course, the luxe will not be lost. The times of over the top opulence are gone. Making way now is the cleaner appearance of higher quality materials and more luxury printing methods. This means you will be seeing more and more of the heavy weight eco-friendly cotton and bamboo papers versus the traditional varieties, a more substantial presence of letterpress printing, and the replacement of the layered pocketfold with the simple silk folio. When you go simple there is so much more importance placed on the details.  Design and layout now result in more space allowing the font to take center stage. There is an art in mixing typographies, and ink color in a manner that represents quiet elegance.

1-How did you get started in this profession?

 I was 10 when I wrapped my first perm.  My mother’s a cosmetologist and she received her cosmetology training in Italy before she met my father.  She was working at the NATO Base in Naples when she began to cut his hair.  I have always been around the business because of her.  We even had a little salon in our house for her clients.  I loved “playing” with all of her stuff.  I soon became known as the girl on the block to go to for your hair and makeup needs.  I didn’t begin my working career in the profession, however.  My mother had discouraged me enough that I started my college education with a legal degree in mind.  That all changed, when my need to create became greater than my need for a degree.  I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for 12 years now.  

 2-What is your hair and makeup education background?         

I received my cosmetology degree in Tampa from a Pivot Point Academy.  During my schooling, I worked at the Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Salon for some of the best hair stylists in Tampa.  I loved learning from them, which helped me to created my own style.  Because of my love of color, I soon became the student who took care of all of the color corrections.  It was great learning for me!  My eyes, however, were opened when I received further training from a Tony n Guy stylist.  I am truly a nerd at heart and study all of the time.  I study styles and makeup and am always taking additional classes or buying informative DVDs.  I don’t feel you can ever stop learning in my profession.  

 3-What questions should a bride ask when interviewing hair and makeup artists?

Are they licensed?  In the State of Florida to practice cosmetology, you have to be licensed.  There are currently a lot of hair “groups” with unlicensed hair stylists.  That’s why they are able to charge less for their services.  As a licensed hair stylist, I can make more money on a Saturday at the salon than I can on location at a wedding.  I do weddings, because I love doing them.  I also charge for my experience to compensate my time.  With makeup, the State of Florida does not currently require a license for the application of makeup.  I feel that will change soon, too.  

 4-What is your top tip for wedding day makeup?

Make sure it’s all waterproof!  From your foundation to your mascara, it is very important to have your makeup last the entire day.  There are sprays which can prolong your foundation like Makeup Forever’s Mist n Fix, but if you begin with a waterproof makeup, your touchups are at a minimum.  

 5-What trends are you seeing now?

Airbrush makeup.  My opinion on airbrush makeup differs from many other makeup artists.  I own and use my airbrush makeup at times, but not all of the time.  I evaluate the bride’s skin and determine which makeup would be best for her skin type.  Because of the tiny particles which are sprayed onto the skin, there are many factors that can make the makeup look artificial and unsightly.  For example, if the bride has tiny hairs on her face (which most people do), the color particles affix themselves to the hair as well as the face.  Not always attractive.

 6-What is the average cost for wedding day hair and makeup?

Costs range from $50 per service to over $125 per service, depending on the artist and their experience.  You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to wedding day hair and makeup.  An experienced professional performs to their client’s expectations and stays within a timeline.  Not scheduling your time correctly delays the bride’s photographs or even wedding.  

 7-What inspires you?

 Beauty inspires me.  I love looking at beauty.  I love creating beauty.  I have always been drawn to the arts of all forms.  I am a painter, a sketcher, a photographer, an artist.  

 8- What is the number 1 mistake brides make when having their hair and makeup done?

2 things come to mind.  Partying too much the night before, and applying too much or too heavy of a moisturizer.  For the partying, a bride should use cold compresses of water, milk, lavender water or cucumber water if she feels her eyes are puffy.  In the case of too much or too heavy of a moisturizer, the moisturizer can actually begin to wear down the makeup.  Your makeup artist should carry a light moisturizer for you and should be the one to apply it.  I like to give the bride a moisture gel mask just before applying her makeup.  It’s light and refreshing and allows for her to relax a little before we start.

 9- What kinds of brands/products do you use?

I use a variety of makeup products or brands.  I have always been an independent artist for that reason.  In my opinion, not every line has every great product.  The majority of my kit contains Makeup Forever, Smashbox and MAC.  Some of my favorite products are Face n Body foundation from Makeup Forever and their HD finishing powder.  My eyeshadows are a mix of Smashbox, Mac and Makeup Forever.  My airbrush makeup is Temptu. 

 10- standard makeup vs airbrush what are the pros and cons of both?

I’ve written many articles regarding standard makeup vs airbrush makeup just to educate the bride.  I feel airbrush makeup is unjustly given a celebrity status, and many makeup artists use it just to be able to charge more for it.  I feel your skin type and disorders should be evaluated and discussed with you before you chose which is best.  Remember, airbrush makeup was created for the quick application of makeup.  You will see it used backstage at probably most fashion shows.  The perfect skin type for the airbrush makeup is that of a model’s.  For more detailed information, please take a moment to review my article on my blog.  

Elena Joseph

813.835.1515

www.elenajoseph.com