Letterpress Wedding Invitation Blog | Letter Impressed By Ajalon

Guest Blog: How To Incorporate Charity Into Your Wedding

September 5, 2016 by Ajalon

The idea of taking one of life’s most extravagant events and using it to help others is fairly new. Couples are beginning to realize they can have a special and wonderful wedding day, while contributing to the community or the planet. Below you will find a few simple ideas that make a huge impact.

Go Green

Wedding invitations are a must. While you cannot eliminate the invitations, you can opt for invitations printed on recycled paper. The higher the content of recycled paper, the better. The paper is beautiful and the quality untouched. It is estimated that one ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for groups who will accept your used invitations, and turn them into beautiful greeting cards to send to patients, soldiers, and senior citizens.

Crane’s Lettra: Lettra is a sumptuous, tree-free, 100% recycled cotton paper, and is available in 110# and 220# weights.

Crowdfunding for Charity

Plumfund is a crowdfunding site that allows you to collect donations from your wedding guests in lieu of gifts. You designate the charity or family the donations will benefit. This is the perfect program to help someone in need, and since it is all done electronically, there is no waste of gifts, cards, wrappings, and shipping expense. Best of all, Plumfund is free to set-up and they do not charge your guests fees.

Candy Buffet

Instead of the traditional wedding cake, opt for a beautiful candy buffet. A candy buffet is stylish and carries a “Wow” factor! Instead of hiring expensive servers (and services to clean-up), set up a candy buffet, using candy to match the colors of your wedding. Inexpensive (recycled) gift bags or boxes allow your guests to take candy with them. Sweetservices.com is the place to go for bulk candy, specials, and inspiration. They also have specialty candies for designer selections.

Post Office

Do not forget to check with your local post office before purchasing postage stamps. Often the postal service will have special stamps that donate a portion of the costs to charity.

Save Vanishing Species Stamp As of May 2016: Total Sold: 32.5 million. Total Raised, Net: $3.3 million.

As you can see, there are many ways to make minor and selfless changes in your wedding that will help other people. These changes do not affect the beauty or sentiment of your day. However, it feels great knowing your wedding day changed the life of someone else.

Author Bio

Wendy Dessler: Super-Connector at OutreachMama

Wendy is a super-connector with OutreachMama who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.

Twitter Handle: @outreachmama

Twitter URL: https://twitter.com/outreachmama

Website URL: http://www.outreachmama.com/

Guest Blog: How To Incorporate Charity Into Your Wedding was last modified: August 30th, 2016 by Ajalon

Posted in Guest Blog, Tips & Advice, Trends & Ideas, Wedding Planning | Tagged 100% recycled cotton paper, candy buffet, charity stamps, crowdfunding, guest blog, Plumfund, postage stamps | Leave a comment

Best Layouts for Bilingual Wedding Cards

July 11, 2016 by Ajalon

Is your wedding invitation being sent to guests that speak different languages? Here are some ideas for bilingual layouts. One way to create a layout in two languages is to have the bride and groom’s names only once, but placed so that they are easily read with both languages.
mykonos blue bilingual greek wedding invitation design

Two columns,such as on our Theodora design, make it easy for your guests to read in their own language. The added benefit is that you will only have one version to print and send to your guests.

Bilingual Letterpress Wedding Invitation Design foil stamped

A horizontal layout can easily accommodate a two column layout with the two languages side by side. Sonja is easily adapted to such a layout.

pantone hemlock green and purple letterpress wedding invitations with floral vines motif mounted on 2nd paper layer

If you want to go the extra mile however, you can send different invitations with each design tailored to your guests language. Visit Savannah to see more about this design.

Bilingual Wedding Invitation Wording flowering art English & Tagrinya

Non-western characters can also be incorporated into your invitation design. See more about our Allison design.

Great Gatsby art-deco inspired peacock digital invitation

If your guests all speak the same language, but you would like to honor tradition, having important elements such as names and phrases repeated in a second language underneath can create an attractive and easily readable layout. See more about our Chicago design.

Interested in getting a quote for your fully customizable bilingual wedding cards? Contact us today and set up a complementary consultation! Keep in mind, if you order your invitation through us, you’ll receive 10% off all of your wedding day stationery! See our specials page for more information.

Best Layouts for Bilingual Wedding Cards was last modified: August 17th, 2016 by Ajalon

Posted in Bilingual Design, Colorful Wedding Invitation, Indian Wedding, Letterpress Invitations, Multicultural, Tips & Advice, Uncategorized, Wedding Invitation Etiquette, Wording | Tagged bilingual, custom, indian, invitation design, letterpress, letterpress wedding invitation, letterpress wedding invitations, multicultural invitation design, wedding invitation, wording | Leave a comment

Monthly Special – 10% Off Wedding Day Items!

June 20, 2016 by Ajalon

Once your venue is booked and your invitations are ordered, it’s time to start focusing on the smaller details for your wedding. Wedding day stationery is often overlooked, yet these letterpress and digital beauties can make a huge impact and add a personal touch to your reception and ceremony space. That’s why we are extending our popular 10% off wedding day special! Spice things up by choosing a different design for your wedding day pieces from our invitation gallery or match your table numbers, place cards and favor tags to your original invitation set.

Here are a few items you should be sure to include!

Menu Cards

Have you and your other half opted for food stations during your cocktail hour or a buffet for your reception? Creating these custom cards is a smart and beautiful way of showing your guests what’s on the menu! While large digital signs are ideal for your guests to read while they stand in line, letterpress menus add that extra touch of elegance to your table settings.

indian henna mandala on wedding dinner menu on stand

This digitally printed menu sign adds a touch of tradition in our mandala inspired Neha motif.

Escort Cards

Have you spent hours creating the perfect seating chart? Ensure your guests get to their assigned table with beautifully printed escort cards. Not only do they give you another opportunity to incorporate your invitation design, they make your guests feel special with that added personal touch.

Lalita, one of our more unique and traditional feeling designs is even more stunning when printed in two-colors.

Personalized Programs

Are you hosting a multicultural wedding or a traditional Indian wedding with a culturally diverse guest list? Offering your guests a personalized program is a great way to let your guests know what to expect during the ceremony and reception.

Wedding programs on gold leaf metallic paper

This mehendi-style paisley motif called Sindhu, is both traditional and romantic. For couple looking to add a little extra sparkle to their programs, gold metallic paper is always a winner!

Thank You Cards

You’ve already impressed your guests with your stunning invitation suite and personal touches throughout your wedding day, now it’s time for your much-anticipated thank you cards. This is one last chance to impress your guest with your elegant wedding style and like all of your paper pieces, they can be 100% customized!

elegant indian wedding wedding thank you card and dinner place card with gold and black floral paisley border

Hema, one of our most popular paisley-inspired Indian designs, is always a crowed pleaser.

Drink Signs

Are you and your fiancee planning on offering your wedding guests a signature drink at your wedding reception? You may want to consider printing personalized signs so your guests know what’s on the menu! This is a great opportunity to share your favorite concoction and put a personal stamp on the evening.

This digitally printed version of our Devi design looks even more eye catching when displayed on this elegant black metal easel.

Looking for a more customized piece for your big day? Contact us today and set up a free consultation to discuss your ideas!

Monthly Special – 10% Off Wedding Day Items! was last modified: June 20th, 2016 by Ajalon

Posted in Day of Wedding, Formal Design, Indian Design, Indian Wedding, Letterpress Invitations, Multicultural, Specials and Deals, Wedding Events, Wedding Planning, Weddings | Tagged digital thank you cards, discounted wedding day stationery, escort cards, Indian Wedding Cards, Indian wedding day items, letterpress menus, menus, multicultural wedding, place cards, table numbers, wedding day discount, wedding day stationery, wedding programs | Leave a comment

Staff Picks – Indian Wedding Invitations

June 13, 2016 by Ajalon

One of the many perks of working with Indian and multicultural invitations is seeing our designs take on new life as our brides and grooms begin building their custom invitation suites. Designs that we may have printed dozens of times before continue to transform and surprise us. For this and many other reasons, our staff picks change on a fairly regular basis. So, I guess the real question is what is our favorite this week?

Hima

Trish, our invitation Guru, has helped hundreds of couples bring their own unique style and ideas to our foil and letterpress wedding cards. Her favorite of the moment is also a longtime customer favorite. Hima, our elegant and detailed paisley motif has been customized more than any other, with tasteful combinations of typography, color and flourishes of design.

Sunita

Robin, our marketing maven, has a love for all things paisley, with an emphasis on the traditional and timeless. Also a fan of Hima, her current favorite is Sunita. Perfect for a multicultural wedding, this exquisitely detailed design is a show stopper in two-colors, but for the couple really looking to make jaws drop, the inclusion of gold foil is the way to go!

Wamil

Matt, one of our pressmen, has the job of making our ideas a reality. Having seen and printed so many invitations over his decade here, his interest lays more in surprising color and foil combinations. Wamil is a great example of a bold and vibrant letterpress and foil design. The bright copper foil paired with a light african violet ink is breathtaking. Tie it all together with a purple metallic pocket folder and it’s sure to be a show stopper!

Gopi

Being newer to the team, I have yet to nail down a favorite design as most of the styles that come across my desk are doing so for the first time. However, one that has caught my eye recently is Gopi. This mehndi-inspired elephant invitation is playful and modern. Popular in letterpress, this is one design I’d love to see printed with foil. Any takers?

Interested in seeing some of our Indian wedding cards in person? Check out our samples page and let us know what colors and designs are catching your eye. Who knows, maybe your invitation suite will be our next favorite!

Staff Picks – Indian Wedding Invitations was last modified: June 16th, 2016 by Ajalon

Posted in Classic Design, Colorful Wedding Invitation, edge painting, foil stamping, Formal Design, Indian Design, Indian Wedding, Letterpress Invitations, Modern Design, Multicultural, pocket folder, second paper layer, Tips & Advice, Uncategorized, Wedding Planning, Weddings | Tagged foil stamped invitations, Indian Wedding Cards, indian wedding invitations, Indian wedding stationery, Letterpress Invitations, metallic envelopes, modern Indian wedding cards, multicultural wedding cards, pocket folders, traditional Indian wedding invitations | Leave a comment

Best Bar Mitzvah Invitation Designs

June 5, 2016 by Ajalon

A carefully chosen invitation design will set the tone for your Bar Mitzvah event.

letterpress bar mitzvah invitation with religious symbol star of david

Letterpress, here affixed to a second paper layer, is an elegant choice. Our David design is a classic and will be sure to impress your guests.

joshua letterpress bar mitzvah invitation

Joshua, here with a coordinated thank you card, is a less formal design. The deep impression of letterpress on 100% cotton paper gives a luxurious feel. bar-mitzvah-invitation-classic-david

Don’t forget about providing your guests with an easy way to send you their rsvp. A matching card card that they can simply drop in the mail will make responding easy.

elegant-jewish-hindu-wedding-cards-baraat

The star of David can be easily incorporated into any of our other designs, giving you the opportunity to customize a unique Bar Mitzvah invitation. See more about our Baraat design.

Your design theme can continue to your event printing, a menu with matching place card shown here is perfect for a formal sit down dinner.

Best Bar Mitzvah Invitation Designs was last modified: June 3rd, 2016 by Ajalon

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Stunning Wedding Gowns from Across Asia

April 18, 2016 by Ajalon

When it comes to bridal fashion, your options may be dictated by your culture. While here in the United States, the blushing bride may walk down the aisle in a white dress, embellished with crystals, lace or delicate embroidery, this is far from the cultural norms in Asia. Whether you are of Japanese, Chinese, Thai or Indian descent, your wedding gown will likely be vibrant in color, with elaborate patterns and details.

Below are some of my favorite bridal looks from around Asia. Take a look and tell me which is your favorite in the comment section below!

Traditional Chinese Qing dynasty wedding dress with phoenix headpiece

This traditional Chinese Qing dynasty styled wedding dress and phoenix headpiece is both beautiful and whimsical. The cool and warm tones make a huge visual impact.

traditional deep red and gold Indian wedding lehenga

Indian wedding lehengas are one of my favorites. The attention to detail, extravagant embroidery, and copious amounts of bling make for a dramatic look that’s full of femininity. This deep red lehenga is covered in elaborate gold embroidery and delicate bead work.

traditional japanese wedding dress black and red peony cherry blossom

Sleek, feminine, and full of tradition. This beautiful Japanese kimono is full of stunning contradictions. Dark and light, hard and soft, it’s almost as beautiful as the bride wearing it.

traditional Thai wedding dress gold pink and purple

This Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom, also known as a Thai dress of royal endorsement, is full of tradition and color. The addition of the large gold jewelry and accessories, including an elaborate golden headpiece, truly makes this bride look royal.

For more bridal looks from around the world, make your way over to our Pinterest board.

Stunning Wedding Gowns from Across Asia was last modified: May 3rd, 2016 by Ajalon

Posted in Chinese Wedding Invitations, Indian Design, Japanese Design, Multicultural, Thai Design, Uncategorized, Wedding History, Weddings, Weddings Throughout the World | Tagged Chinese wedding dress, golden headpiece, Indian wedding dress, Japanese kimono, Japanese wedding dress, lehenga, Phoenix headpiece, Thai dress of royal endorsement, Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom, Thai wedding dress, Traditional wedding gowns, Wedding Dress, wedding kimono | Leave a comment

Saying “Thank You” in Style

April 4, 2016 by Ajalon

If you’ve ever played the part of a wedding guest, you know how much time and money can be invested in attending a friend or family member’s wedding. With travel expenses and gifts alone, it can make quite a dent in your pocketbook. So, when the bride and groom take the time to pen a thoughtful thank you note, it’s definitely appreciated.

Now that you’re playing the part of blushing bride, or dashing groom, the important task of sending out thoughtfully-written thank you notes falls to you. If you’re looking to tie your cards into your wedding day theme, consider ordering them when you order your invites, or place an order post nuptial in the same motif as your invites! Here are a few examples of both letterpress and digitally printed thank you cards that your wedding guests are sure to love!

fold over paisley thank you card for indian weddings

Hima is one of our more popular Indian designs. The red and gold digital printed thank you card is a great example of why. The level of detail on is stunning, and by going with a folded version, the design carries over to the backside of the card.

romantic letterpress golden vine thank you card

This two-color letterpress printing of our Rana design is beautiful. With this flat version, your heartfelt message would be written on the back side of the 100% cotton card.

custom letterpress tented marigold thank you cards

This orange letterpress printing of our Marigold design is folded, which offers the bride and groom with more space to write.

custom digital vineyard winery thank you cards

This two-color digital printing of our ever popular Caballero vineyard design is a little more personal with the inclusion of the bride and grooms names.

Interested in getting a quote for your fully customizable thank you notes? Contact us today and set up a complementary consultation! Keep in mind, if you order your invitation through us, you’ll receive 10% off all of your wedding day stationery! See our specials page for more information.

Saying “Thank You” in Style was last modified: April 4th, 2016 by Ajalon

Posted in Classic Design, Floral Design, Formal Design, Indian Design, Letterpress Invitations, Romantic Design, Tips & Advice, Trends & Ideas, Wedding Invitation Etiquette | Tagged custom thank you cards, custom wedding printing, digital thank you cards, flat thank you cards, letterpress, Letterpress thank you cards, tented thank you cards, thank you note, wedding day stationary, wedding thank you cards | Leave a comment

Blending Cultures: Customized Invitations Designs

March 28, 2016 by Ajalon

Are you planning a multicultural wedding?

The task of blending your different cultures and traditions can seem a little overwhelming at first, but the key is tackling one task at a time. One of the first items on every brides to-do list, your wedding invitations, is also a great place to start. By creating a custom invitation card, you’re able to show off you and your fiancées different backgrounds in a unique and beautiful way.

Below are a few ways our brides and grooms have perfectly incorporated their distinctive cultures and religions into their wedding invitations. Time to get inspired!

multicultural Vietnamese indian letterpress wedding invitation

Our Mai invitation was custom made for a Vietnamese bride and Indian groom. By incorporating Vietnamese lanterns and Indian paisleys we were able to beautifully display elements of both of their backgrounds. This motif has since become a favorite for other multicultural couples.

multicultural interfaith orthodox Indian letterpress wedding card

For some brides and grooms, displaying their religion can be as important as displaying their culture. This invitations shows both by featuring an Orthodox cross at the top of our Indian-inspired floral paisley Sunita design.

elegant inferfaith jewish hindu letterpress wedding cards

This three-color letterpress printing of our Baraat design was selected by another interfaith couple. They opted to display their Hindu and Jewish religions in a more unique manner by placing an Aum, or Om, inside the Star of David.

To learn more about how we can help you create the perfect multicultural or interfaith invitation for your wedding, please contact us today!

Blending Cultures: Customized Invitations Designs was last modified: May 3rd, 2016 by Ajalon

Posted in Bilingual Design, Chinese Wedding Invitations, Customization, Indian Design, Indian Wedding, Letterpress Invitations, Multicultural, Tips & Advice, Trends & Ideas, Uncategorized, Wedding Planning, Wording | Tagged combining cultures into your wedding, custom interfaith invitations, custom invitations, custom multicultural wedding invitations, hindu wedding card, Indian wedding invitation, interfaith invitations, Jewish wedding invitations, letterpress, multicultural invitations, multicultural wedding cards, multicultural wedding invitations, Vietnamese wedding invitations, wedding invitations | Leave a comment

Top 5 Favors Your Mehendi Guest Will Love!

March 28, 2016 by Ajalon

Times are changing and more and more brides are thinking outside the box when it comes to their big day and the events leading up to it. If you are of South Asian decent, or marrying someone who is, your mehendi is going to be one of the biggest celebrations that takes place before your wedding. So push aside the idea of gifting ordinary bangle-walas and opt for a more out-of-the-box favor for the women in attendance. Check out our top five favors that we know your party guest will love!

1. Haath Phool

These delicate accessories are perfect way to decorate your guest’s wrists and hands, while you decorate yours. You can find inexpensive costume versions online, or talk to a local florist about making floral versions that everyone is sure to adore!

2. Decorative Pocket Mirrors

One of the most budget friendly and portable options, pocket or hand mirrors are a fun favor that all of your guests can use long after the party and wedding are over. With endless options online, you’re sure to find a handful of designs that fit the theme of your mehendi.

3. Dupatta and Lehriya Scarves

Looking for another favor option that is sure to get a lot of use from your party guests? These long and colorful multi-purpose scarves are sure to become treasured staples in all of their closets.

4. Floral Jhoomars

These fan-shaped hair ornaments are usually reserved for the bride, but you can make all the women at your mehendi feel special by providing them brightly colored, floral jhoomars for them to wear throughout the evening. Imagine all the stunning pictures!

5. Ghungroo Bangles

If you’re looking for a fun alternative to the traditional bangle, these bold and colorful bangles are the perfect choice. Very popular in Delhi, they are growing in popularity in the states for multicultural events.

Do you have more other party favor ideas that I may have missed? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Top 5 Favors Your Mehendi Guest Will Love! was last modified: May 3rd, 2016 by Ajalon

Posted in Indian Wedding, Tips & Advice, Trends & Ideas, Uncategorized, Wedding Planning, Weddings | Tagged bangles, dupatta, floral jhoomars, ghungroo bangles, haath phool, indian mehendi party favors, lehriya, mehendi favors, mehendi party, party favors | Leave a comment

Creating a Menu for a Multicultural Feast!

March 14, 2016 by Ajalon

At your reception, presenting a menu which represents you and your partner’s backgrounds is an ideal way to make your guests feel at ease and included. Though it’s impossible to appease everyone, offering traditional foods and flavors is a great start. Offering a fusion menu is also a great way to allow your guests to broaden their horizons by exploring new cuisines.

Although great in theory, the actually execution of a fusion menu may be difficult depending on you and your future spouse’s cultures or religions. So before you start planning, consider these four tips to creating a perfect menu for a multicultural feast!

1. Be cautious of meat: Although it’s common to see steak as an option on American wedding menus, in several parts of the world, some proteins are forbidden. In India for example, cows are considered sacred animals, so attempting to serve your Indian guest a beef curry would be highly frowned upon.

See more of our Vara design!

2. Make variety a priority: On top of providing an array of protein options, you’ll need to consider other dietary restrictions. Throughout most of India and Asia, religious beliefs dictate diet, so those who practice Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, will likely require or desire vegetarian options.

See more of our Lucky Bamboo design!

3. Clearly mark your courses: Do your guests a favor by having the dishes identified into meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian courses. This will prevent guests from consuming foods they shouldn’t be.

See more of our Padma design!

4. Consider your cutlery: Although a wedding is a formal event, that doesn’t mean that the typical fork and knife setup is the way to go. Throughout many South Asian cultures, it is traditional to eat with your hands. Also, if one of you comes from an Asian background, chop sticks may be an appreciated addition to your table setting. Be sure to discuss this with your partner when deciding on the reception menu and tablescape.

Once your menu is set, it’s time to put pen to paper for your guests to enjoy. This is another place that you can share parts of your respective upbringings. Opt for a cultural design or choose to include a religious symbol. Our menus are 100% customizable to reflect the feel that you and your partner are envisioning. Interested in a free quote? Contact us today!

Creating a Menu for a Multicultural Feast! was last modified: May 3rd, 2016 by Ajalon