Ella Elise Invitation Studio ~ Charlotte Wedding Invitations

We've been featured!

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:52:00 +0000

Check out our work on Style Me Pretty!

Vintage Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:10:00 +0000

New Inspiration post on vintage themes

Real Weddings Post

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:24:00 +0000

Check out our latest real wedding post!

How much should invitations cost?????

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:18:00 +0000

How much should invitations cost?
We get asked that a lot and it isn't a simple answer. Wedding invitation costs are dictated by:

Number of invitations
Number of enclosures (response card, reception card, information card)
Inner and Outer envelope or single envelope
Number of ink colors
Flat (one piece of paper invitation), Layered or Pocket
Custom design
Ribbons, seal or other embellishments
Print method

The Bridal Association of America notes that the average couple spends $659 on invitations and reply cards. Our clients tend to fall right in line with that mark. The client with 100 thermographed one layer invitation, response card set and return address printing walks out for $475 while the client purchasing 100 pocket invitations with an additional enclosure, custom seals and additional layers is more likely to spend $800 or more.

one layer invitation with standard ink color

one layer invitation with 2 custom ink colors and coordinating ribbon

Do-it-yourseflt kits can be a great way to save on invitations. Make sure you have a way to print them. Many of the national chain printers will not print on papers that you provide. If you find someone that will do it, make sure you provide 20% extra paper for printer jams or errors. You can always take back the box you never had to use; but it can be difficult to find additional boxes of invitations purchased on sale.

Additional Costs:

When you are planning for your wedding invitation and stationery budget, here are some additional items to factor in:

Postage to mail (more expensive for squares, larger sizes or extra enclosures)
Postage for response envelopes (using postcards save on envelope costs and is a lower postage rate)
Save the Dates and postage
Ceremony Programs
Escort Cards/Place Cards/Table Numbers
Thank You Notes

Cost Saving Tips:

Compare prices on line before you purchase to give you a good indicator of what to expect as you walk into a studio or storefront. Don't be afraid to tell the person you are working with what your budget is ~ they should be able to direct you to selections that fit your budget or how to simplify a more elaborate design to work for you. It can be frustrating to sift through hundreds of designs and options only to find out that they are 2x as much as you are looking to spend. If you find something over the top that you love ~ ask how you can do it for less.

Working with independent designers or home-based studios will help you save on cost. We aren't paying the overhead that comes along with a retail storefront or large staff and we pass those savings onto you. Just make sure you check reviews or get recommendations.

Final Thoughts:

We hear many brides say they don't want to break the bank on invitations because they are "just going to be thrown away". We agree....ultimately that is where they will probably end up.

However, before they make their way to the garbage, the will let your guests know what type of event you are hosting. Casual, formal, rustic, traditional, beach, simple or modern. They can bring attention to the hours that you have spent on the details of your day. They can tie together your colors, venue and personal taste as the first major introduction for the event and start a theme you will carry throughout the day.

Your invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your wedding day.

Charlotte Bridal Show

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:54:00 +0000

We took the plunge! After over four years in business we participated in Carolina's largest bridal show this weekend at the Charlotte Convention Center. We met so many great people with fabulous creative ideas for their wedding invitations.

Here are a few shots of our booth

Introducing Letterpress! Contest $200 off Letterpress Invitations

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:00:00 +0000

A new giveaway!!! Hurry - ends January 29th - click here for details...

Jesstagirl Wedding Blog ~

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

We follow Jesstagirl's blog because she's a brilliant writer, fun to follow on all things related wedding...and she's one of our clients.

She's doing a multi-part series on her wedding invitations. We provided the design and thermography printing services and she did the final assembly. Even we are staying tuned to see the final product. It isn't very often that the bride gets to see the finished product first!

Here's a link and some images and her comments from her blog:
http://jessicalynnwrites.blogspot.com/

I liked the simplicity of this font, but for some reason, it just didn't look like the invite pictured in my mind.

I liked this font, but it was a little too "swirly" for my taste. (Although, looking at it now, months later, I kind of like it...a lot!)

Different placement of the names

I almost picked the one above, but I wasn't a fan of two things: I don't like the "J" and even though I liked the top, it didn't have that seamless flow with the rest of the invitation.

The header above is the one we Snuffleupagused and chose, but to be completely honest, it took awhile for me to decide that this was the one.

Font Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:06:00 +0000

A font can do so much for your wedding invitation by setting your style and in giving your guests the feel of the day. Choose an elegant script font (such as bickham) paired with traditional italian papers and you are letting them know it is a more formal affair. Go for something a little more whimsical such as the Feel font, and it tends to be a casual soiree.

We believe you should never get too attached to a font until you see your name in it ~ what works great for one name, doesn't have the same effect for another.

We have an extensive collection of fonts from around the world, but these tend to be our tried and true favorites.

New Save the Dates

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:29:00 +0000

Here are a few more new save the dates. We are continuing to see a lot of peacock blues and purples! Once again, thanks to Jeremie Barlow Photography for providing us with images for our templates.

Style Perfect Weddings Garden Concept

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:14:00 +0000

I couldn't resist the opportunity for two blogs in one day when I can share the work of other local wedding vendors in addition to some of our own concepts.

Style Perfect owner and planner, Carla Eustache developed a concept shoot for a garden reception at Concord's Orchard House. The Orchard House is an estate built in 1853 that has been refurbished and is perfect for garden ceremonies and receptions.

Are are a few of the images from the concept shoot. Ella Elise provided invitations, menu cards and favor / table card labels. Be sure to check out all of the fabulous vendors!

Photographer: The Beautiful Mess Photography
Venue: The Orchard House
Floral Designer and Baker: From this Day Forward Wedding and Special Event Design
Invitation/Stationery: Ella Elise Invitation Studio
Models: The E Agency
Hair and Make-up: Adrian Howe from the Beauty Sophisticate
Tuxedo: Tuxedo Lady
Bridal Gowns: Classic Bride and Formals in Davidson
Rentals: Cooke Rentals and Classic Party Rentals
Linens: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen and Chair Cover Rental

Back to Work

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:32:00 +0000

It's been too long since our last blog! We took two weeks off to spend the holidays with our families and enjoy a little vacation. My family has been preparing for the arrival of our 3rd child this summer and Ella is convinced it will be a girl (even though we aren't finding out).

We are looking forward to the Charlotte Bridal Showcase at the end of the month and hope to see you there.

Here are a two save the date concepts that we have recently worked on. Thank you to Jeremie Barlow for providing the images.

Best wishes to everyone in 2010!

Vendor Spotlight ~ Jeremie Barlow Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:17:00 +0000

Charlotte-based photographer Jeremie Barlow has done it again! Her work is featured with much praise on www.labellebride.com. Here are just a few of the images:

Be on the lookout for other publications featuring Jeremie's work:

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden's full page add in Carolina Bride

Charleston Magazine's back cover featuring her fine art

and.... Grace Ormond's January release.

Check out Kristin Vining's Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:23:00 +0000

We will be following up with some additional images of the wedding stationery, but be sure to check out Kristin Vining's blog on Jackie and Jonathan's Wedding.

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:49:00 +0000

Check out these upcoming events at Hayden Olivia and Congrats to owner Heather Batt on her new baby boy!

Couture SAMPLE SALE/Stella & Dot Trunk Show (gowns will be priced from $500 and up)
December 3-5

Vineyard Collection and Reverie by Melissa Sweet
December 10-12

Augusta Jones/New Designer at Hayden Olivia
December 17-19

Brenda's Wedding Blog Results

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:52:00 +0000

We were thrilled to be part of a giveaway through the popular Brenda's Wedding Blog. It was so fun to watch the result for favorite invites come in and we wanted to share them with you.
Here our the favorite Ella Elise designs as voted by the giveaway contestants:

Jill and Travis

Jessica and Bryan

Erica and Steve

Congratulations to the winner Danielle!

Over the top script ~ 2010 Trend

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:51:00 +0000

We've read the over the top and embellished script fonts will be a big trend in wedding invitations for 2010. It immediately made me think of one of our designs.

We get mixed responses when we show our clients this sample. They either absolutely love love love the flourish of the font, or they find in difficult to read. It is definitely a fun invite and the font is truly beautiful and flexible. You can use multiple versions of this font to get the effect of the flourish but in a more simple approach.

Latest Holiday Card

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:46:00 +0000

We've got a little bit of retro to the feel of this card - either as a holiday card or party invitation - it is sure to stand out. Check out all of our holiday cards as we continue to update www.eestationery.com

Brenda's Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (MA Krisko) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Check it out --- we are featured with our giveaway on Brenda's Blog, a popular wedding blog site. You can view the feature at http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/blogs/2009/11/17/giveaway-50-to-shop-at-ella-elise-invitation-studio.html.

Awesome - Let us know what you think!!

Superhero Party

noreply@blogger.com (MA Krisko) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:11:00 +0000

My son and his best friend love to dress up like Superheros. Their playtime consists of each picking a superhero, donning the uniform and then each "flying" around the house in search of superhero duties to perform. One of these such playdates ended up with a trip to the hospital when Superman collided with Batman. We feared a broken nose but happily all was fine.

The boys birthdays are within 5 days of each other so we discussed a combined party for the best buds. Naturally we had to do a superhero party. I got together my pictures and Bridget ran with it. She came up with the BEST birthday invitation don't you think????

It made me laugh out loud and I can't wait to send it out to all of our friends!! The invitation is already available on the website so check it out if you are interested http://www.eestationery.com/Superhero-Party_p_330.html .

It is a unique invitation at a GREAT price!!!! Thanks Bridget!!

Adorable Save the Date

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:52:00 +0000

We just had to highlight this ADORABLE save the date for Rachel & Brent. The amazing photo by Indigo Photography gave me an easy canvas to work from.

A great photo save the date, starts with a great photo!

Check out our other photo save the dates at

www.eestationery.com

Wedding Monograms

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:29:00 +0000

Monograms continue to maintain their popularity in all things wedding. We use them on invites, napkins, favors, dance floor lighting, general decor, custom labels....the list could go on and on.

There are a few things to consider when developing your monogram.

Typically your joint monogram should be saved for post wedding items. While some invitation companies utilize the couple's joint monogram on the invitation it seems odd....afterall, the bride hasn't taken the grooms name yet.
An alternative to the joint monogram on the invitation (or all items) is the use of the first 2 initials with a dot "/" or "&".
The woman's name goes first on a joint monogram - however if names are spelled out, the man's appears first (though some do the female first)
Be flexible :) You may see a monogram you love, but it may not look good in your name or using your font. If you intend to use a monogram throughout your wedding, start with the design first and build around it.

Check out some of our monogram wedding invitations at www.eestationery.com

40th Celebration complete with Dessert Bar

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:56:00 +0000

This past weekend we celebrated my husband's 40th. Ohhhh do I have a new level of respect for event planners! Luckily I enlisted Style Perfect Weddings and Events to assist. The dessert bar was a hit and featured flan, pie pops, Sarah's Cookies (unbelievably yummy wedding favor), chocolate mousse and other delectables.
He's a quick pic, with professional images by Jeremie Barlow Photography to come.

Welcome to the New Age of Social Networking

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:10:00 +0000

So we are new to the whole social networking thing. It took us a while to sign up for our own personal Facebook accounts - we have been watching the business FB and Twitter thing from the sidelines for a while to see what was up. So many of our vendor friends have been out there on the web - they have been encouraging us to do it too.

This blog was our first venture into the networking venue and we have come to enjoy our posts - what we thought would be a chore, another To Do, has actually been enjoyable. So now we have jumped in - we are now on Facebook and Twitter. Be patient with us - but definitely follow us. You never know where the next deal or discount may appear!!!!

Busy at Work

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:50:00 +0000

This blog isn't related to stationery or wedding trends ~ but it was too good for me not to share:

Our neighbor isn't going to be around for trick or treat so she brought my two little ones monsterously large suckers. Colin thoroughly enjoyed....I didn't enjoy the clean up.

Chandelier Invitations

noreply@blogger.com (Bridget) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:06:00 +0000

This is one of our favorite rehearsal dinner invitations. Champaign cardstock paired with a chocolate brown envelope, offset print in chocolate brown and accented with three crystals.

A perfect way to kick-off the wedding festivities in style.

Look for a future blog to feature all of Jackie and Jonathan's set.