The Occasional Invite

Why it is important to consider a budget, even for your invitations

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 04:05:00 +0000

Honestly, it never ceases to amaze me when I ask the pertinent question of my clients, how many guests are you inviting and what is your invitation budget, where is your ceremony/reception venue, the majority have a clue on what they want to spend and what is the maximum amount they can spend. The rest come to see me with absolutely no consideration in their budget for invitations. Or they unrealistically believe I can supply them with gorgeous invitations for under $250.00 for 200 guests.

I ask this question because when my clients make an appointment to see me, I want to have an understanding of what their budget cap is on invitations so I am not showing them a customizable line that is totally out of their budget range.   I don't want to waste their time if they are looking for something that will be less than the quality I would want want to represent Occasions.

When you consider your invitation budget, you need to consider if you want special artwork included on your invitation, if you are looking for something totally unique which will generally require a separate quote, if you are looking for special papers, inks that are generally not offered, consider postage costs...pockets are the rage, but they can also cost you a few cents more in postage.   Invitations involve so much detail!   The result when coming to an invitation consultant such as Occasions, results in an invitation you can be proud of to represent your wedding day.

I think invitations are an after thought, and truly, they need to be part of the entire budget process for a wedding. Be careful of estimates given on large websites such as the Knot, as well. I have found that they are not always in sync with true pricing, especially when you are ordering a customized invitation. Remember, when you buy at a discount, you also discount quality....period!

Invitations are a reflection of your event. If you are having a wedding at the local VFW, yes, you can get away with a seal and send. However, if you are having a country club or other pricey venue wedding, your invitation needs to reflect that.   Truly, believe it or not, your guests are going to equate the elegance or chicness of your event by the invitation on its own elegance. I say time and time again that the invitation is the opening act. It is..if you send a seal and send to a guest that is attending a wedding ceremony at a pricey venue with a $30.00 or more plate per dinner, is that truly what they are expecting??

My theory is a nice invitation, chosen with care and delivered to the guest as something special means that you took the time to truly engage them in this upcoming event. It says to them, "I want you to attend my special day.". A specially selected invitation equates to phone calls to the bride of "I loved this invitation, it is so cool" Wouldn't you rather hear that? Also, the proper invitation can equate to the type of gift you receive. Truly. I have seen many a dyi invitation, and I say, "really, is that what I would have sent to my guests?" I have heard comments at bridal shows..."I went to Michaels for my invitations." Ok, in fairness to Michaels,I do love the store but did check out their invites...not what I would send out, but I am painfully honest, sorry ladies. It is a cookie cutter invite...your dress is not cookie cutter, your venue is not cookie cutter, your selected dining for the reception is not cookie cutter, your reception and floral design is not cookie cutter, your specially selected DJ is not cookie cutter, thus, neither should your invitation fall into that category!

In reality, if a guest receives a nice invitation for a wedding, they will keep that invitation as a keepsake! What a nice thing for you as they look back on their years and "remember that wedding., it was the best one we attended."

Mary

Response Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:31:00 +0000

Response cards are enclosure cards for your invitation ensemble. It is an important element of your invitation because you have to have a close to accurate count of the number of guests attending your event.

These cards can either be small enclosure cards listing the number of guests attending, the names of the guests attending, whether they will attend or not attend, and their entree selection. You can also include a telephone number and/or your email address. If using a reply card with an addressed envelope back to you, make sure you use proper postage on the envelope for its return. If you are trying to trim costs on your wedding budget, consider sending reply post cards. These are even available in letterpress. They are perfectly acceptable to send with your invitation.

If you are concerned about difficulty reading a guest's handwriting, place a lightly penciled number to the back of the response card. On a separate piece of paper listing your guests names, match the number to their name. When guests return the reply card, you can quickly discern who the card is from by the matching number on the back.

Consider elegant letterpress reply post cards!

Martini Time - The Wedding Crantini

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:05:00 +0000

Here is a nice little mini cocktail that you can make for you bridal shower -

The liquid stuff:

Your favorite vodka
Cranberry juice
Lemon-lime carbonated drink
Ice cubes
Berries for garnish

Now, how to mix it all up:

Pour the cranberry juice and 2 oz of vodka into a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake well and strain into your your serving glass. Add lemon lime soda and stir. Squeeze a lemon wedge into the glass and stir again. Top with fresh berries.

Yum!

This drink is especially appealing when served in mini Martini glasses. You can get a package of six for $22.95. Call me for volume orders if you are thinking of serving this at your reception. Your guests can take home the mini martini glass!

Zack Bower and Emily Butterfield - Practice Session before Wedding Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:55:00 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1203243255558&ref=mf

Yes, call me a proud Mom. My house is always full of music. I have a 19-year old son who writes beautiful music and plays many instruments. (It runs on the Bower side of the family) In fact this weekend, he heads down to Detroit to record with his equally talented cousin, Jack. Trying to get his sample CD or whatever they call it in the industry ready so they can mix it and finalize it.

The above link is from Videos from the Couch. Zack and Emily were practing this song for a friend's upcoming wedding a couple of months ago. They were a hit and have received a lot of nice compliments on their facebook site.

Take a few minutes to enjoy this folksy wedding song. I warn you though, you will be humming it or singing it to yourself after you hear it!

The wedding was in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Wedding Invitation Specials

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:02:00 +0000

Hard to believe that in a couple of more days, we ring in 2010! 2009 proofed to be a business challenge, but Occasions is saying to 2010, "bring it on!" We are going to continue to grow and provide our clients the best in customer service and the best in invitation lines!

Ok, looking forward to the shows at the Eagle Eye on January 3rd and the huge show at the Lansing Center on January 10th. We will be showcasing new lines that I have brought on board to Occasions. All bright, fresh and very unique. I hope you will come out to the shows and check out Occasions.

We are pleased to be offering two specials for 2010 on our letterpress line.

First, all letterpress wedding invitations suite orders can include FREE letterpress SAVE-A-DATES. A letterpress suite means you get the invitations, outer envelopes and a reply set.

Second special is FREE letter press PRINTING on OUTER ENVELOPES. You purchase the blank outer envelopes and we do the rest at no additional cost. (envelope lining is additional cost).

So there you have it, this is a sweetheart of a deal. So come see us at the bridal show, set up your appointment, order your invites. You will be completely satisfied with Occasions!

Mary

Wedding Couture

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:28:00 +0000

When you are planning your wedding, a lot of thought and time goes into bridal dress selection. Did you know that fashion couture transcends to paper products as well? From color, texture, material (100% cotton papers, bamboo, even veneers) and design, there is a entire fashion element in today's wedding invitation selection.

The sky really is the limit. Be aware that you will likely pay more for a customized look, but if you are striving for a truly unique look, as many brides are leaning towards, you will be thrilled at the final product. If you spend a lot of time searching for the right dress, it only makes sense to spend time with your invitation consultant to find the perfect invitation ensemble that will make your guests feel like they are receiving a personalized gift in the mail. Make your invitation something you want to save forever and know others will save it too! Choose an invitation that is beautiful, artful; it is something that must be put away in a pretty box and kept as a memorable keepsake. I am always pleased when young ladies who come to me as clients, bring with them years of wedding invitations that they have collected and that influenced them on what they would like to choose for their wedding invitation.

The other night I was watching the weekly reality show on TLC, to "Say Yes to the Dress." What I find interesting that when brides enter the doors of the famous Kleinfeld store in New York, they are surrounded by breathtaking style and design (for fun, click on my title above, "Wedding Couture" to go directly to the Kleinfeld blog). At Occasions, we feel that we are surrounded by great designers and style as well. For instance, did you know that we carry Monique Lhuillier invitations...Kleinfeld has Monique Lhuillier gowns. We are pleased to be carrying Lily Pulitzer, Kat Blu, Smock and others. High fashion is available in small places.

Spring Time Cake - Perfect cake for your bridal or baby shower

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:28:00 +0000

My sister, Nancy, made this very "dee-lish" cake...Nancy calls it "Spring Time Cake."
Here is the recipe...it is so yummy for your tummy!
1 Box of Yellow or White Cake Mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup of oil
11 oz can of Mandarin Oranges (don't drain)
Topping:
9 oz of Cool Whip or whipped cream
3 oz package of instant vanilla pudding
20 oz of crushed pineapple (not drained)
Mix together the cake mix, eggs, oil and the liquid from the mandarin oranges.
When mixed together, add the oranges and mix briefly to break up a bit.
Pour mixture in a cake pan (9x13 pan or two 9x9 round cake pans)
Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 25-30 minutes

When cake cools, it is ready to top off.
Mix the Cool Whip or Whipped Cream with 1/2 pack of the pudding mix, and crushed pineapple.
Spread on top of the cake
Keep cake refrigerated until ready to serve.
Enjoy!!

Mary

Freshening up for the Bridal Show season

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:58:00 +0000

New wedding stationery lines are arriving at Occasions They are so fresh, so crisp. Totally unique and scream style and sophistication.

My goal is to provide the very best in wedding invitations so that when your guests receive your invitation, it provokes a sense that your event is going to be very special. Occasions offers you the ability to customize your invitation. No longer are you limited to simply changing ink colors and fonts. You can choose from an array of beautiful papers to layer, motifs, embellishments and awesome die cuts and embossments. Letterpress is very hot right now and embodies the feel and texture of wonderful papers and inks.

I recently took on Demby+Solomon, a company here in Michigan that produces truly cute-cute return address labels. You can select from a huge variety of address labels that can be themed oriented and customized as you like. And the price point is very friendly to your pocketbook!

Calling cards are very hip, especially if you are a social bee. Put your name, email address, phone number and whatever else you choose. Sized as a business card or a little larger, keep these in your purse to hand-out to new business contacts, friends and family. Choose bright colors, motifs or letterpress designs to make your calling card very unique. Again, friendly price points!

Have a great Sunday, and don't forget to call Occasions for your holiday, wedding, and other party invitations needs. We will help you make a perfect first impression. www.occasionsandinvites.com

Mary

Pockets Invitations - Savings for you

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:58:00 +0000

Introducing a $25.00 savings for Brides through December 31st
Martha Stewart Fall Issue, releasing October 6th, 2009.

• A coupon featuring a savings discount of $25 off an order of 150 invitations or more from the Pockets album only will be available in the Fall Issue.
* Bring your coupon to Occasions to apply to your Pocket invitation order.
* Sorry, copied coupons are not accepted.
*Does not apply to orders on-line.

Pockets continue to be a favorite among brides. Fun colors, some customization, lots of options to choose from, everything neat and tidy - organized, just the way we like it! Perfect!

You can view Pockets at www.occasions.cceasy.com or go to our website at www.occasionsandinvites.com and click the Wedding page button, scroll down the page and click "Order on line" in the center of the page.

Make your consultation appointment with Occasions to see the entire Pocket collection and more and to apply your coupon!

Toodles! Have a fulfilling Sunday! It's beautiful out there today!

Mary

Letterpress documentary - very cool

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:27:00 +0000

Bittersweet moments

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:45:00 +0000

On April 10th, my oldest, most fabulous brother, Michael passed away. He had fought a courageous fight with cancer since 2001. Bless his heart, he continued to work as on the Dallas Police Department up until he finally had to retire due to his illness. After the funeral and taking care of matters at his once home, it was time to pack up and come back to home to Michigan. My sister, mom and me and Michael's little 3 year old dog, Bubba, came home. It was so hard.

But little, 10 pound "Bubba" has been a joy, he was immediately welcomed into our family by two very "happy to meet you" Welsh Cardigan Corgis, Pepsi and Clover. The two cats, Barney and Max, well, they could care less. I know my brother was unable towards the end, to take his little pal out for run to play fetch or for a simple walk. Bubba had to learn again to be a dog...he no longer would be sleeping by his master's side during the final days of his illness.

Over the last few months since that sad day for my family, Bubba has bonded perfectly into this Bower family. I khow that my brother, Mike, would be so pleased and happy to know that his little Bubba was home with family. Sometimes, I think Mike is out there playing catch with the dogs...a very daily routine.

Miss you Mike!

Sis

The 3/50 project - saving your local economy

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:07:00 +0000

Today I was reading a trade magazine that had an article about the 3/50 project. This project was started by an independent retail owner who decided to take this economy into her own hands. The 3/50 project is devoted to help consumers understand the importance of continuing to shop with their local business.

I found one statistic that she gathered very interesting. Did you know that $100 spent with local business returns $68.00 to the local community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures? Interestingly, if you spend that same $100 with a big box chain, only $43.00 stays in your community. If you order on line, NOTHING comes home to your community...those dollars are going somewhere else!!

Additionally, if local consumers spent $50 each month in locally owned stores, their purchases would generate $42,629,700,000 in revenue....that is a lot of revenue from employed workers. (U.S. Department Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics 2/6/09). Wow! Think what that would do for the State of Michigan.

Before buying on line or going to your local big box chain, check out your locally owned hardware store, carpet store, florist, etc., and in my case, your local wedding invitation and party invitation source.

Have a great week!

Mary

Sweetie-licious - Bakery Cafe...eat pie, love life

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sat, 16 May 2009 02:36:00 +0000

Today I was in Dewitt, dropping off Invitation samples off at Twiggies, a very cool floral shop. You must check out this floral shop in Dewitt for your floral and reception rental needs. Ask for Beth, owner of Twiggies...her shop is located at 102 West Main Street, Dewitt, Michigan.

After taking care of that business, I decided to stop into Sweetie-licious across the street. My niece, Karrie was in from Florida visiting for the weekend and we decided to stop in the cafe before going home.

What a delight Sweetie-licious was. We ordered a Coconut Cream Pie and a Cherry/Blueberry/Rasperry Pie for dessert following our family meal later tonight. These were put in very pretty pink boxes, complete with a green ribbon. The best part of all..the pies were Yummmm!!! Sweetie-licious has the BEST tasting pies. Although both pies cost $17.95, but well worth it. It was totally evident that only the freshest ingredients were used...just like mom's!

I would totally recommend checking out Sweetie-licious in Dewitt. They are located at 108 North Bridge Street, in Dewitt. Their phone number is 517-669-9300.

Mary

Why you should reconsider making your Wedding Invitation Ensemble purchase via the internet

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:04:00 +0000

As a wedding invitation consultant, I take great care with my customers and offer fine stationery products that will totally complement your upcoming wedding. When you seek the assistance of a wedding invitation consultant, you are provided 100% customer service, attention to the details and complete follow-up on your order through final delivery.

Unfortunately, when you purchase from an internet site, you miss the opportunity to deal personally with the owner; risk of making an error is high because you do not have the oversight of a consultant; once you place the order, pay for it and receive the printed product, it is yours, whether there are errors or not, whether you like it or not. I know this because some of those same companies with these websites, I represent.

The exception is purchasing from my website, www.occasionsandinvites.com. I still review the order before submitting it for approval. If I note an error, I have the capability of going in and making the correction. This does not include name misspellings or incorrect addresses...it is only the obvious that I can correct. Nonetheless, I am still reviewing the order before it goes to the company. Additionally, if you have already submitted the order, and realize that you made an error, you just have to call me or email me and advise me of the error. It can be fixed before I submit the final approved order.

Often times internet sites offer a discount. But keep in mind you are ordering from a big box company versus the small business. The small business owner has to pay for albums as their inventory...it is not a small expense, advertise, purchase space at top-notch bridal shows, and at times the owner will incur costs to you such as proofs, shipping and taxes depending on the amount of the sale. Internet sales are virtually impersonal, with no customer interaction to assist you selecting what you are truly imagining as the perfect invitation.

We take pride in our business, our product, the interaction with our clients and the above and beyond customer service we can give to our customers that an internet site simply cannot offer.

Mary

Calling Cards - a hip new trend for social networking

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Business cards have been used for years for business and social interactions. However, why use your business card for social networking when you can have a colorful, creatively designed calling card for social networking?

Calling cards can be used to provide the receiver, pertinent personal information about you. Your name, cell phone number, personal and email address are examples of what is typically included on a calling card.

Think about using calling cards in place of the business card for social networking. It is simply more personal.

Mary

Upcoming topics ...

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:32:00 +0000

1. Hottest trend right now....Calling Cards..

2. Why you should reconsider purchasing your invites via the internet...

3. So you want to make your own invitations?

4. Facebook, what a great media for small business..

My customers always ask me...

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 22:40:00 +0000

How did you get involved with selling stationery products? Actually, it goes back a long time ago. I always loved paper products and cool cards. Not to mention design. When I worked at Seasons in college, a very upscale modern gift store, they sold Paper by the Pound. Loved it! I would spend my paycheck on paper products and then take them home to write letters and notes to family and friends.

There is just something very neat about writing a letter with a special pen on special stationery set you selected as your favorite. Nothing is more personalized than a hand written card or letter, truly.

It is exciting to see the latest trends and colors new this year. Stationery does follow fashion. Often I will see a design on fabric or clothing that mirrors designs for stationery. Color speaks volumes in home design and wearable fashion as well as stationery.

So, I believe that having fashionable stationery to announce your event is a fashion statement. Fashion designers have a keen awareness for this. Vera Wang's wedding invitations and Monique Lhuillier have spun off wedding invitations that mirror their wedding dress designs. Occasions is proud to carry Monique's new fashion line of wedding invitations. www.occasionsandinvites.com

The weight and texture of the papers, the color combinations, designs and intricate laser cuts available in today's fashionable papers lead one to want them all.

That is why I love being a professional Stationer. That is why I feel I have gone full circle, from working in a hip store selling edgy cards and stationery while in college, to having my business selling top of the line invitations and assisting my clients in finding the perfect statement for their opening act!

Mis Quince Anos

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:38:00 +0000

Hi Everyone! This is Alexus G. She recently celebrated her Quinceanera on December 13, 2008, in Lansing, Michigan! She looks pretty like a princess. I am told that everyone had a fantastic time at her party!

Alexus came to Occasions with her mom and dad to find the perfect invitation. She chose a Tru invitation on a white tea length card stock with two embossed dolphins forming a heart at the top of her invitation. Her initials were printed inside the heart formed by the dolphins. She selected a very pretty marine blue ink for her invitation. Her court was printed on the back of the invitation. The inner envelopes were matched to the ink color and the whole invitation ensemble looked awesome! She wanted something different and that is what we provided! She also ordered three sets of different hues of blue napkins with a foil stamped dolphin motif.

Alexus, thank you for sharing your picture! I am so glad you had a great time on your special day!

It was wonderful to be a part of a traditional celebration.

Mary

My Wedding Planner - Available Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:19:00 +0000

Wedding Planner - Elegance lies in the details..

When I meet with clients, many of the brides are well prepared and totally organized in their wedding planning.

Occasions has found a very nice wedding planner that is perfect for keeping all of your business cards, ideas and budget in one place. You are styling your wedding, so why not plan your stylish and elegant wedding in this practical keepsake journal. It contains a timeline, a budget guide, extensive information about organizing a wedding, and much more.

Three ring binder, 10 x 11-1/4. 96 pages,

Rounded spine, Metallic Finish, 7 full-color tabs,

2 frosted PVC biz card organizers, 1 double-sided frosted PVC pocket

Retail price is $26.50.

Order it today and receive a 5% discount from Occasions!

Just go to our response page at http://www.occasionsandinvites.com/ and tell Mary you want order the wedding planner and we will contact you via email and/or by phone to complete the order.

Meet Puzzles!

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:01:00 +0000

Puzzles is a new kitty my friend, Vicki, recently adopted. She is so cute, I had to post her picture as one of Occasions blog mascots! Welcome to Occasions Paper Petals, Puzzle!

Mary

Are you ready for upcoming Bridal Shows??

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:54:00 +0000

I love the bridal show season! There is nothing more fun than being a part of the day's event. Meeting interesting people, enjoying the flavor of the foods, Setting up and waiting for the flurry of brides, moms and friends to pass by the booth, talking with other vendors, etc.

If this will be your first bridal show as a bride-to-be, here are some tips:

Take along preprinted labels with your name, address, phone number and email address to place in the guest books of vendors, registration, prize drawing cards. It will save you an enormous amount of time.
Gathering all the information from a bridal show is great, but when you return home after the show, don't toss that bag on your kitchen counter and never look through its contents again. Take time to organize the handouts into a binder or folder by category. These are local vendors who can assist you in so many phases of the wedding process.
Take time to browse the show; if a booth is particularly busy, don't give up. Vendors want to meet you and learn about your wedding needs.
Make the most of the day. Bridal shows generally last up to 5 hours. Most bridal shows producers provide a link on their websites to identify who the vendors will be at their event. Take time prior to attending the show to identify the vendors you need to make contact with first. Some even include the show layout so you can locate vendor's quickly. If you are in the preplanning stages of your wedding, your initial vendor booths might be jewelers, reception venues, dress, invitations, photographers, caterers, music, etc.
Take advantage of preregistration for your show tickets. Some bridal shows offer in advance purchase discounts for show tickets.
Give aways - vendors typically have little trinkets as take aways from their booths. Keep in mind that although these give aways are free, these items had to be purchased by the vendor to pass on to you. Help yourself to one of everything offered as a "please take one" item, but please, just take one!
Finally, in these economic times, please strongly consider making your purchases local in 2009. Supporting your local business supports your community and state. As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing."

Occasions (www.occasionsandinvites.com) will be participating in these upcoming shows.

Eagle Eye Bridal Show, January 4, 2009 -http://www.eagleeyebridalshow.com/bridal_show_002.htm
Bridal World, Lansing Center Show, January 11, 2009; www.bridalworldshows.com
Bridal Party, Kellogg Center, East Lansing, MI, January 18, 2009 www.bridalpartylansing.com

We look forward to meeting you at these bridal shows! You will have a busy day, but it will be great time for all of us. Enjoy!

Mary

True Colors - A customizable line you can make your own

noreply@blogger.com (Occasions) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 23:32:00 +0000