The Pleasure of Your Company

I believe wording invitations properly, even in this day and age where there are many levels of people supporting the Bride and Groom, and the Bride and Groom rightfully wanting to honor everyone. I wanted to share a simple guide with you. This guide addresses some of the more common situations that couples face.

This chart looks at the invitation line by line and suggests options. Of course, each couple is individual and has individual situations. If you need suggestions for alternative wording, or you have a complicated situation, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Notes:
*I recommend that a separate invitation card be included if the reception is at a different location – especially if it’s at an unfamiliar location. This way, an address can easily be added.

If you are having a cocktail or cake and champagne reception, it should be stated in the invitation; such as, and afterward on the patio for cake and champagne. This way, the guests know that they will not be getting a full meal. I also recommend making the invitation style reflect such. Timing for a cake/champagne or cocktail reception should be such that it is not falling at a meal time.

Registry information never goes on, or with, and invitation. I suggest to our clients that save the dates include a wedding website address, which could contain registry info. Otherwise, registry information should be passed by word of mouth.

Much of this information was obtained from Martha Stewart weddings Wording and Rules Guide. Go to http://www.marthastewartcrafts.com/index.php?v=msc_weddings_etiquetteguide_weddinginvitationwording to get more information on invitation and wedding etiquette.

Testimonial - Michelle and Tom

Lisa Nelson, you are awesome!Lisa was so great and easy going. My husband and I were married two years ago, and decided to have a formal reception and renew our vows. We were having some financial troubles (as most everyone else) and Lisa was very understanding. We set up a payment schedule. The wedding day was perfect!!! I should have listened to her and had more assistants for the ceremony decorations. (the venue would only let us on one hour before the guests arrived to decorate!!!) They got almost everything up in time. And there was only 4 people (including Lisa) who decorated the place!Lisa is the one calming you down, and reminding you of what's next. No matter how many times you memorize your timeline, you will definitely forget and the time flies by!!

Thank you so much Lisa. It was such a pleasure working with you, and I am so glad that I decided on having a wedding coordinator!!!

-Michelle and Tom

Photography by: Marais Studio www.studiomarais.com

Sample Sale - June 21st!

Carine's Bridal Sample Sale!!!!!!!

One Day Only! Gowns Discounted 30% to 75% Off!Date & Time: Sunday, June 21, 2009 - 9am to 3pm

Location: The Westin City Center (National Ballroom A)
1400 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Metro: Farragut North or McPherson Square
Phone: (202) 429-1700Google
Map: http://tinyurl.com/le98kc
Website: http://tinyurl.com/2hmzjg

Carine’s Bridal Atelier of Georgetown will be hosting a Summer Sample Sale Event at The Westin Washington DC City Center on June 21, 2009. Sample wedding gowns from today’s premier designers will be on sale for 30% to 75% off retail prices—a fantastic savings for brides! Gowns will be priced as low as $999, $1,299, $1,499, and $1,999 - marked down from original retail prices ranging from $2,950 to $8,450.

“Sample gowns are a great option for brides on a budget or on a short wedding timeline,” says Carine Krawiec, owner of Carine’s Bridal Atelier. Sample dresses are in great condition and must be sold to make room for new gowns. Sample gowns are a bridal size 8 or 10 and can always be altered to fit a smaller body size. Carine’s Bridal Atelier offers custom alterations onsite in their Georgetown boutique.

Brides can preview a selection of sample sale gowns online at http://carinesbridal.com/samplesale.htm. These gowns, plus MORE, will be marked down an additional 30% to 75% off at the Summer Sample Sale Event.

Fine Print
• Sale is first come, first serve
• Line starts directly outside of the room
• No appointments taken
• No merchandise hold policy
• Designer labels include Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, Junko Yoshioka, Karl Lagerfeld, Melissa Sweet, Platinum Collection, Reem Acra, Rosa Clara, St. Pucchi, and The Vineyard Collection
• All shopping and “try-ons’s” are self-service
• Sales consultants will be available to answer questions and provide assistance as needed
• All gowns size 8 or 10
• Entire ballroom will serve as an open dressing room; brides welcome to try-on gowns anywhere there is available space
• All brides are recommended to wear bras, lingerie, shorts, and underwear to try on gowns as entire ballroom will become a dressing room
• All sales are final (no returns allowed); gowns are sold “As-Is”
• Cash and Mastercard, Visa, American Express accepted. NO Discover card. NO checks allowed
• Metro accessible via McPherson Square metro or Farragut North metro. Street parking or hotel valet are also available. The first 20 brides who purchase, receive a reduced parking rate of $10, validated with proof of receipt. For more information, contact Carine’s Bridal Atelier by phone 202.965.4696 or email info@carinesbridal.com or visit www.carinesbridal.com.

Brides and Grooms Expo - Pier 5 Hotel, Baltimore

Mark your calendar for this year's Charm City Brides and Grooms Expo coming to Baltimore this year at the Pier 5 Hotel, Harbor Magic on Thursday, June 4, 2009 from 5:00pm to 8:30pm.

The Expo features a bridal fashion show, door prizes, and tour of the stunning 124' yacht, Duchess of Pintail; anchored next to the hotel. The Expo is located in the beautiful Pier 5 Hotel with it's lovely waterfront view, adjacent to The National Aquarium in Baltimore, and within walking distance of Little Italy and Power Plant Live. Make it a date night by attending the show and dining in downtown Baltimore.

Proceeds will be donated to http://www.caringcommunities.org/, a local charity helping people with disabilities. Admission is only $3 when you register online at http://www.bridesandgroomsexpo.com/register.html.

We cannot wait to see you there! Make sure to stop by our booth. We would love to talk about your upcoming wedding.