Continuing in our series of how to word your invitation pieces, today we cover RSVP card wording. While most brides have no trouble deciding how to word the invitation, the response card tends to cause fear. Will guests add uninvited +1′s? Will they respond in time? Will the respond at all? Guests on the other hand might be just as worried. What’s the ‘M______’ for? ‘Should I let them know about my shellfish allergy?’ After fielding hundreds of these questions I feel pretty confident when it comes to RSVP cards. I haven’t been stumped yet! Follow the guide and you’ll be an RSVP pro in no time.

Pieces of the Puzzle

Like invitations, RSVP card wording comes down to a few basic components. Creating your wording is just like putting those pieces together to convey the right info. Break up the necessary text and the whole card will seem like a piece o’ cake. To help, we’ve created the chart bellow. Follow the four steps and when you’re done you’ll have the perfect wording. Examples to copy from are included but don’t feel required to follow the traditional. Have fun with it and your RSVP card wording will be just as personal and unique as your invitations.

In just four simple steps you can have the unique RSVP card wording you’ve been longing for! If you aren’t planning a traditional wedding don’t get stuck with traditional wording. Your RSVP cards are a great place to add some personality and flair, even if you plan on keeping the invitation itself straight-laced. Your invitations set the tone for your wedding day – make sure that style matches you! If you’re still having trouble with your RSVP card wording, leave a comment below and we’ll be happy to help!

Need help creating the perfect invitations to match? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

I’m woman enough to admit it – I’m a latecomer to the khaki love train. When the color first started appearing on wedding blogs and on the glossy pages of magazines I was quick to admit the color had appeal but, I was just as quick to say: “Not for me.” Thanks to some of our lovely brides who had more sense about Khaki than I, we were able to work on beautiful, classic designs that have swayed my feelings about the color. I’m eternally grateful for discovering a new color crush! Khaki color schemes are quickly becoming some of my favorites.

Khaki + Blush

Paired with Blush, Khaki feels soft and romantic. I see visions of a delicate pink blooms, endless ruffles, and khaki suits coming together for a vintage, spring-y wedding. The soft pink compliments khaki well keeping the overall feel current. This isn’t the dated khaki uniforms are made of, this is a soft palette dreams are made of! Consider paring pink and khaki with the soft, sage green of succulents to keep things feeling up-to-date but still romantic and delicate.

Two-Tone Bridesmaid Gown :: Eden Bridals via Toast Bridal ♥  Khaki and Pink Tablescape :: Lori Paladino Photography via The Knot ♥  Pink and Burlap Bouquet :: Floral Design - Nicole Ha Designs Photography - Stephen Pappas  ♥  Khaki and Pink Bridal Party ::  Vue Photography   ♥  Pink Chair Decoration :: Harwell Photography via Bridal Guide  ♥  Pink Ruffle Gown :: Brides Magazine UK  ♥  Khaki Bridesmaid :: Tec Petaja via Once Wed  ♥  Pink Frames :: braggingbags via Etsy

Khaki + Navy

If you’re looking for something more tailored, refined, and classic to pair with khaki, then look no further than navy. Deep, slightly de-saturated navy looks stunningly chic paired with warm khaki. This color combination is also incredibly versatile  Whether you’re planning a seaside soiree or a vineyard gala these colors will look smashing! Add a splash of kelly green to brighten the scheme or, add the blush from the above palette and bring a touch of romance to your wedding day.

Khaki Suit with Navy Bow-tie:: Aaron Young Photography via Green Wedding Shoes  ♥  Khaki and Navy Cake Toppers:: vintagegreenlimited  via Etsy ♥  Navy Bridesmaid Dress :: J Crew  ♥  Navy Shoe Clips ::  TutusChicBoutique via Etsy  ♥ Rosemary & Thyme Letterpress Invitation :: Drippy Ink Letterpress

When choosing your color palette don’t forget about the khaki. Not quite brown, not quite yellow, not quite grey, khaki can feel cool or warm depending on what it’s paired with. Give it another glance and maybe you’ll start to feel like I have, that this color is the best of both worlds.

Love,

Let’s get real for a second. When I talk about wedding planning do you think of sunshine, rainbows, and lollipops or stress and anxiety. Anyone who has planned or is planning a wedding will tell you that wedding related stress is unavoidable. The length of the average engagement gets longer every year and along with the emotional and financial toil it takes. What’s a girl to do? Create a wedding planning schedule. Then, stick to it! Avoid a stress-filled engagement by following these simple tips:

DON’T wait to start planning

You’ve just gotten engaged and you’re basking in the glow of your shiny ring. That is, until you realize you only have 4 months till the big day. Then you’re in for a freshman-esque cram session to finish your planning in time. You can, and should, enjoy your engagement but don’t let it keep you from getting to business!

Jose Villa Photography via Once Wed

DO set a timeline

Before focusing on specific dates, sit down with your nearest and dearest and consider any potential scheduling conflicts as well as your preferences for season and how long you feel you’ll need to plan. Most couples plan on an engagement lasting between six months to a year or more. This is your wedding! Don’t feel pressured to commit to too short of a planning period. On the other hand, don’t put off choosing a date to avoid stress. In the end, that will backfire! Once you have a range of dates selected you can begin looking at venues. Expect availability to determine your eventual wedding date, especially if planning a wedding in a short amount of time. Once you have your date set you can begin adding in other important dates, such as when your wedding invitations should be mailed, to your timeline.

DON’T lose track of paperwork

The more organized you are, the less chance there is that something will go wrong. Buy a binder and keep all your wedding information in it. From receipts and contracts to inspiration photos and ideas – keep everything. When you need to make an amendment to your rental contract you’ll be happy you know where your deposit slip and their policies are.

DO keep a weekly wedding schedule

In order to keep yourself on track it’s best to set aside time each day to plan. Spreading out the process over the course of your engagement will alleviate some of the stress. At the beginning of each week create a schedule of what needs to be accomplished. Pencil in any wedding related appointments, such as meetings with vendors. Keep a list of projects you’ve delegated to your fiancé, ‘maids, or the groomsmen. Follow up.

Some brides purchase calendars specifically for this purpose. But if you’re keeping all your receipts, inspiration clippings, and contracts inside a binder why not keep your weekly calendar in the same place? One less thing to lose track of! To help we’ve created a printable weekly wedding planning schedule in 3 gorgeous colors. Simply fill in the dates and you’re ready to start getting organized for your big day!

Love,

Once upon a time, wedding invitations were hand penned letters written in the most formal of language. Fast forward to today and the tides are turning for wedding invitation wording as brides are rejecting the stuffy invitation wording of yesteryear. They’re choosing instead to use modern, fun,  unique wording to invite their closest friends and family to their big day.

Straight-laced, traditional wording makes sense if you’re planning a formal wedding – but what about all the vintage, laid-back, or modern events being planned? Well, we think unique wording deserve some love too.

One of our most frequently asked questions is: “Can you give me some unique wording ideas?” Worry no more lovebirds, we’re here to help. Starting with this post we’ll explore unique wording possibilities for every piece in your invitation suite. So, let’s get to it!

Pieces of the Puzzle

All invitations are composed of the same basic components. Creating your wording is just like putting an outfit together: pick a top, bottom, shoes, and accessories and you’re ready to roll. By breaking up the idea of your invitation wording into smaller components the whole thing will seem a lot less daunting.

To help, we’ve created this easy chart which explains each piece of the invitation wording puzzle. We’ve even included examples for you to copy from. Just follow the steps (Or don’t! See Unique Wording for more info about that) and quicker than you can say “cash bar” your wording will be complete.

There you have it, in just four simple steps you can have the unique wording you’ve been longing for! If you aren’t planning a traditional wedding don’t get stuck with traditional wording. Your invitations are the first thing your guests will see. They set the style and tone for your wedding day – make sure that style matches you!

Need help creating the perfect invitations to match? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Love,

The color white has been a wedding staple since Queen Victoria wed her Prince Albert in 1840. Since then, all manner of rules regarding the use of white have been created. In the past, if you weren’t the bride, the wearing of white was considered one of the biggest wedding faux pas. In recent years, however, all white and/or cream themes have been attracting chic brides everywhere. How things have changed! One of the best features of a white-on-white or monochromatic cream palette is its versatility. Whether you’re planning a rustic barn soirée or a sleek, minimalist affair I encourage you to give white color schemes a second look!

White-on-White

The most basic of white color schemes is the white-on-white. From flowers, bridesmaid dresses, and reception décor – everything is elegantly appointed in crisp white. Using any other hue so prominently could leave one’s eyes aching for a splash of color but, the use of all white speaks to a quite sense of calm which lends itself perfectly to beach and country weddings alike. On the other hand, pair clean white with the gritty backdrop of a city skyline and the feeling is exhilarating and fresh.

White Bridal Party :: Michael & Anna Costa Photographers Ltd. via Style Me Pretty ♥ White Wedding Cake :: Maggie Austin Cake via Colin Cowie Weddings ♥ White Reception :: Kelly Prizel ♥ White Bouquet :: Birch Design Studio via Style Me Pretty

White + Cream

If the white-on-white color scheme is a little too one-note for your taste then consider paring crisp white with warm cream and ivory tones. You’ll get the best of both colors as the cream will balance the fresh white with a vintage ascetic. Your invitations are a wonderful way to utilize both white and cream. You could, for example, use a combination of white and cream paper along with a variety of techniques such as a blind impression or tone-on-tone printing.

White and Cream Bridal Party :: J. Anderson Photography via OneWed ♥ White and Cream Reception Decor :: James Christianson Photographer via Style Me Pretty ♥ Cream Petal Alter :: James Christianson Photographer via Style Me Pretty ♥ Blind Letterpress :: Drippy Ink Letterpress

When we think about being afraid to use color, white doesn’t usually come to mind. Yet, white seems to be one of the least appreciated colors in the wedding world. Let’s change that! When choosing your color scheme give white + cream another glance. Even if an all white palette doesn’t appeal to you, there maybe ways include this versatile color throughout your event and add something special to your big day.

Love,

Harmony Walton, of BridalBar.com has called for the end of the vintage wedding trend. “Over the past few years,” she said, “we’ve seen such a clamoring for personal and nostalgic wedding details that those details have lost all personalization and actual meaning.” On its own, that statement seems benign, maybe even true. But let’s think for a moment: must ever detail, from the flowers used in the centerpieces down to the shoes on the bride’s feet, be chosen solely because they have personal meaning to the couple? By that standard our wedding décor should have included mix CDs and a Star Trek themed cake. Is there something wrong with choosing a particular flower just because they’re pretty and not because they have inherent personal backstory? No, I say! Pretty for prettiness sake is part of being human. Why else would be spend so much money on art, makeup, and outrageously small portions of beautifully styled food.

Paper Lanterns

 An often used element in vintage weddings is the paper lantern. Love it or hate it, this wedding cliché is going nowhere thanks to its affordability and mass appeal. I can’t think of a wedding style or budget that couldn’t accommodate lanterns. Having seen paper lanterns used for bazillion (technical term, you know) years one must wonder if there are any fresh ways to use this versatile piece of décor. Have no fear lovebirds, you can make paper lanterns original and personal. Take that, vintage wedding naysayers.

DIY Decoupage Lanterns :: Green Wedding Shoes  ♥  Mini Lanterns with Twinkle Lights and Twigs :: Lark Photography via Weddings by Lilly  ♥  Multi-Colored Lanterns :: Tanja Lippert Photography via Bridal Guide  ♥ Patterned Lantern  :: Aubrey Joy Photography via Adore by Chloe

One of the best ways to de-cliché paper lanterns is to customize their look. The lovely Christy of One Handspun Day was gracious enough to put together a tutorial on how to personalize paper lanterns by means of decoupage.

View the entire tutorial at Green Wedding Shoes

Although, she uses fabric you could certainly use paper. You could even incorporate ticket stubs, receipts  and other pieces of memorabilia collected during your dating days for a very personal touch. Be sure to use photocopies of the real thing if you wish to save those mementos for years to come.

If you don’t want to go through the hassle joy of  altering dozens of paper lanterns or you’re looking for a more classic, tailored style consider this simple idea: vary the size of the lanterns.

Matt DeBackere Photography

By simply changing the size and color of your lanterns you can add a lot of visual interest in addition to saving some moola (hey, whaddaya know smaller lanterns are cheaper!). Let’s be honest, one large mass of single-colored lanterns can look dated. Throwing in other colors, patterns, and sizes to shake up the look will give your lantern décor a new life.

Love,

Hello Lovebirds! We’re pleased as punch to announce the winner of our letterpress invitation giveaway! Drum-roll please…. And the winner is…

Congratulation! You’ve won the following pieces:

100 – letterpressed 5″ x 7″ invitations (1 color)

100 – white a7 envelopes letterpressed with return address letterpressed

The design can be chosen from any of our current invitation designs found at drippyink.etsy.com or drippyink.com.

We’ll be in touch shortly with details!

To the lovely brides who entered, thank you! Be sure to check back often as we’ll be posting new contests and giveaways when our schedule allows! As a thank you to all who entered, we’re giving you 20% off all invitation orders placed this week! Just contact us (either through drippyink.etsy.com or drippyink.com) and tell us your name/email. If you’re on our list then you’ll automatically receive 20% off your invitation order.

The color mint is blowing up right now! It’s everywhere from the runways to nail polish. While many people associate it with the retro refrigerators and bathrooms of the 50s, it doesn’t have to be reserved just for vintage style weddings. Mint has the versatility to compliment any style of wedding from shabby chic and vintage to modern and fresh. And fresh is what this color does best! No matter what colors you pair it with the result is anything but the same-ol’-same ol’. Yes, I’m looking at you red + black + white!

Tangerine + Mint

Paired with Tangerine, Mint works well for a bright, beach-side soiree or a vintage, sunset-hued wedding with the addition of coordinating shades of coral. The soft mint compliments brighter shades of tangerine and keeps the palette from looking like a sports team. Instead of typical greenery try using succulents in the bouquets to tie in the dusty greenish-blue without adding any yellow-green to the palette.

Bridesmaid Gown :: Leanne Marshall  ♥  Bouquet :: Floral Design – Panacea Event Floral Design / Photography - Christan P Photography via Style Me Pretty  ♥  Cake :: Wild Orchid Baking Co.  ♥  Chocolate Buttons :: The Frosted Petticoat   ♥  Shoes :: BHLDN  ♥  Bird Cake Toppers :: Claylicious  ♥  Necklace :: Vintage Girl at Heart  ♥  Invitation :: Drippy Ink Designs

Chocolate + Mint

Pairing chocolate brown with mint is not a new concept but that doesn’t mean the palette must be stale. By keeping the style uncluttered and clean you can create a retro vibe without that says refined rather than dated. Avoid shiny browns, such as glaring satin ribbon, that look dated and stick with matte textures. Don’t be afraid to use brown flowers. Yes, flowers come in brown! Our favorite: chocolate cosmos. Not only do they look stunning in an otherwise white bouquet but they have a deliciously chocolaty scent – not a bad idea for something you’ll be holding for hours!

Fascinator :: Halcyon Heroine  ♥  Marshmallows:: Tookies  ♥  Washi tape :: Back to Zero  ♥  Paper Straws ::  The TomKat Studio  ♥  Bouquet :: Kio Kreations  ♥  Cake :: Bakery – The Cakery / Photography - Untamed Heart Photography via Style Me Pretty   ♥  Bridesmaid Dress :: Bridal View  ♥  Tie:: Cyberoptix

When choosing your color palette don’t forget about the delicate shade that is mint. It has a sweet, refined feel that will add something special to your big day no matter the style.

Love,

Today marks the beginning of Freebie Friday! The first Friday of every month we’ll have something free for our readers. We have loads of goodies planned – everything from printable invitation suites to letterpressed thank you cards. The winner will be announced the following first Friday.

To start things off with a bang though, we’ll be giving away 100 letterpressed invitations. That’s right, free letterpress. I know you don’t see those two words together very often (ever?) but when combined magic happens!

The winner will receive the following pieces:

100 – letterpressed 5″ x 7″ invitations (1 color)

100 – white a7 envelopes letterpressed with return address

The design can be chosen from any of our current invitation designs found at drippyink.etsy.com or drippyink.com.

To enter simply use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter the giveaway. You have 6 ways to enter: like us on Facebook, post a comment on this blog, become of fan of this page on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, tweet about the giveaway, and Pin any item from our Etsy store. As an added bonus you can tweet about the contest and pin an item from our shop once per day for an added entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be announced 8/3. Good luck to all you lovely brides and don’t forget to keep entering!

Love,

After religion and politics, weddings are one of the most polarizing subjects for couples, vendors, and guests. Every bride thinks they are creating the freshest, most unique wedding. Well, I hate to rain on your giant bridal party parade but the truth is that if it has been thought up it as already been done… by hundreds of other brides. But just because something has been done before, even thousands of times, does that mean you’re committing the ultimate sin by including it in your wedding day? Some bloggers would say yes. I say, NO. Just because something is cliché doesn’t mean we can’t love it, enjoy it, and embrace it. As a culture we seem to be so obsessed with being unique. We have to find things before someone else discovers them in order for them to have worth. If I find joy in it, in my mind it automatically has value – whether or not it has been “liked” before. Why should it be any other way?

So, I’m here to confess my sins. A series of posts devoted to wedding trends often hated upon by bloggers, vendors, guests, and cutting-edge couples everywhere. Trends others love to hate and I love to love:

Mason Jars

According to this photographer all your weddings are starting to look the same. Too many mason jars she says. Well, I say if every wedding looked anything like these I would be happier than a bird with a french fry. While mason jars looks amazing filled to the brim with bright,spring-y wildflowers, they aren’t a one trick pony. They looks equally as stunning filled with tiny succulents as escort cards (and they also double as favors – a win, win if you ask me!) for a modern wedding or filled with orange hued blooms for a fall wedding.

Mason jars are also a budget savior. You can throw just about any cheap flower into a mason jar and it instantly looks chic and party ready. Take the humble carnation or baby’s breath for instance. Ordinary, some may even say worthless, flowers. Fill a mason jar with their blooms and you have an instant centerpiece that was effortless.

Carnations + Coffee Beans :: The Knot  ♥  Mason Jars with Burlap Runner :: Lauren Fair Photography via Style Me Pretty  ♥  Snapdragons in Blue Mason :: Lisa Light, LTD.  ♥ Succulent Escort Cards - The Knot   ♥  Fall Centerpieces :: Merriment Design  ♥  Mason Jar Smore Cupcakes :: Lovely Little Details  ♥  Wildflowers in Vintage Jars :: Violet Hills Wedding + Events

I’ve been a mason jar lover since I was a wee little one so I have quite the collection of vintage glass. But, if you aren’t a vintage collector hoarder then you’ll quickly find out how expensive collecting vintage mason jars - especially the blue tinted variety. What’s a bride to do?

Have no fear, one quick Google search and I’ll find hundreds, maybe even thousands, of articles showing you how to DIY the blue mason jar look.

The lovely Jordan @ Ramshackle Glam has a great video detailing the process. Although, I don’t know if you can even use the word detailing in the same sentence as this project because it’s so easy. Be sure to check it out. The end result is a beautiful jar with permanent color that won’t come off after being filled with fresh, cool water from the brook next to your venue and filled wildflowers picked by your adorable flower girls. What? Is that not reality? I get so confused sometimes. For around$6.29 + the cost of jars you can paint 12 jars. Now that’s what I call a bargain!

If you don’t plan to fill the jars with water then you can get by with an even cheaper option as described by Lucy @ The Craftberry Bush. Hello white glue + food coloring!

Mason jars may not be unique but I still think they’re fresh to death. What about you? Do you think it’s time to pack them up and leave them in the attic for another generation to discover or do you hope they stick around a little longer? Whatever happens to the trend I know I’ll be looking for unique ways to display my beautiful jars for years to come.

Love,