Polka dots are a great way to add a fresh modern look, as shown in Glamour’s article featuring Blake Lively, we used the inspiration in spring’s hottest colors to create these Pear green invitations. The Anjou heavyweight background card and white overlay were wrapped with a lavender grosgrain polka dot wrap for a chic look ($1.10 each with envelope, order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/AR-ANJO-LAVPOLK.html). Order extra polka dot ribbon for to wrap the bouquets or centerpieces for a cohesive look.

The city of Paris is referred to as the most romantic city in the world, the perfect source for inspiration. Take a look at the new Paris Collection of invitations from Formal-Invitations.com, featuring a vintage French illustration and updated with a fresh, modern color palette. Shown in Thyme, Lavender, Mango and Smoke, you can choose from the 2012 invitation colors or specify your own at no additional cost ($164/100). The old world charm of these invitations would work well for rustic, vintage and classic wedding themes. Order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/PC-PARI-LAVN.html.

We used Pantone’s color of the year (Tangerine) and paired it with silver and goldenrod for a chic summer wedding color palette. A designers tip: use 60% of the main color, 30% of the secondary and 10% for the accent throughout your event as a rough guide. For a stunning tabletop using these colors; pair an orange tablecloth with silver chargers/plates accented with yellow napkins and flowers. For invitations, we used the Sunset orange and Goldenrod for these custom printed invitations from Formal-Invitations.com ($164/100), paired with an envelope with a silver liner. Bridesmaids wearing the vibrant orange hue, could add silver shoes and jewelry, while carrying a yellow based bouquet.

We love the relaxed, yet elegant vibe of rustic weddings and created these pretty invitations, inspired by this popular trend. Starting with the on trend gray-green Meadow card and layered with a white overlay for a luxurious heavyweight feel. The cards were then wrapped with a romantic lace wrap and satin moss green band ($1.34 for each invitation with envelope from Formal-Invitations.com, order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/ARY-MEAD-LAMO.html). The overlay was printed with a vintage flower illustration, that also could be used on place cards, menu cards, programs and favor labels ($14 for a book and cd of 417 images, also from Formal-Invitations.com at http://www.formal-invitations.com/OA-ART-PAIS.html).

I think this gorgeous silk Avalana bridal gown ($450 from Coast London) also lends the same, elegant-rustic look with a modern edge… love the high/low hemline!

We love Pantone’s Spring Colors for 2012 and think they will look great in the upcoming wedding season. For wedding invitations, they can be used as the main color of the card or as an accent… pair the grosgain or satin ribbons shown right with a translucent rice paper unryu sash for a modern look or lace for a vintage feel. The ribbons can also be embellished with a chic buckle for a unique invitation. View Formal-Invitations.com belly band invitations and invitations with buckles for ideas.

We have put together the forecast for upcoming weddings in 2012, based on indications from the fashion and bridal world. Rustic weddings, vintage elements, diy invitations, earth-friendly considerations and lace/feathers accessories all top the list:

1. Rustic weddings are becoming increasing popular with their warm and romantic look. Rustic weddings feature handmade items with homespun charm, located in a non-traditional setting such as a barn, winery, restaurant, garden and homes. Checkout http://pinterest.com for inspiration, Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can also browse pinboards created by other people, perfect for planning a wedding. Contact me or ask a current user for an invite to Pinterest.
2. Vintage elements are in, as the old-fashioned look is now modern. Antique jewelry, birdcage hats, soft muted colors in pretty florals lend an timeless feel. Visit http://www.poshgirlvintage.com for old hollywood glamour bridal gowns and chic sixties dresses. Vintage clip art, available at Formal-Invitations.com, also adds a enduring look and can be used on invitations, favor labels, menus, programs and thank-you stationery for a unified look.
3. DIY wedding invitations not only save you money, but are easy to personalize. Avoid perforated and thin stock which gives a a cheap feel, instead layering a printable stock with a heavyweight card. Adorn with an embellishment for invitations that stand out from the typical card, checkout http://www.formal-invitations.com for affordable invites featuring unique papers and embellishments.
4. Eco-chic weddings feature 100% recycled or tree-free invitations, truly reusable bridesmaid dresses (see jcrew.com and anntaylor.com for great selections) or pre-owned gowns, local flowers, conflict-free jewelry and seasonal organic food. Go to http://www.greenbrideguide.com for more earth-friendly ideas and resources.
5. Lace and feathers are showing up in the latest bridal dresses, hair pieces, invitation wraps, shoes and floral arrangements. Visit http://www.twigsandhoney.com for gorgeous headpieces using these on-trend accessories.

Midnight Blue Wedding Invitations with Deco Jacquard Wrap $1.10

This fabulous metallic blue wedding invitations features a sparkling metallic dark blue heavyweight card wrapped with an exquisite black and silver embroidered jacquard wrap, perfect for a New Years party or event. The overlay was printed with vintage holiday clip art ($14 from Formal-Invitations.com for a book of 556 images plus cd), for a cool, retro look. A great value for luxe invitations at only $1.22 from Formal-Invitations.com. Order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/AR-MidnDeco.html

The cocktail jelly beans from Beau-Coup.com would also make a chic favor, choose from four colorful jelly bean mixers: cosmopolitan, bellini, mojito and lemon drop.

You better watch out! or you can pay way too much for premium holiday and wedding invitations. These unique invitations were inspired by a vintage Santa Claus print by Tom Browning, from Allposters.com. To create a the holiday look, we used the heavyweight Scarlet red background and snow white overlay wrapped with a chic black grosgrain belt and a solid brass buckle for only $1.22 each, including envelope, from Formal-Invitations.com. View their collection of modern belted invitations at http://www.formal-invitations.com/belt-wedding-invitations.html. You can also mix and match cards and belts to create your own unique design, choose from 30 solid card colors and 20 belts colors for 600 possible combinations at http://www.formal-invitations.com/diy-invitation-supplies.html.

Happy Holidays!

Personalized stationery is a hot trend this year, as handwritten notes make a big impact in this electronic world of posts and tweets. Perfect for holiday gifts, these personalized notecards are printed on 100% post consumer fibers to your specifications. Choose your own colors, artwork and text at no extra charge. Ready for gift-giving, the eco-friendly cards and envelopes ship in a box wrapped with a grosgrain ribbon (a boxed set of 25 for $28.95), order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/personalized-stationery.html.

Just for fans, use code BUY2FREE1 for three unique gifts for the price of two! Offer expires on Sunday, December 18th at midnight.

Pantone, the global authority on color, announced Tangerine Tango, a vivacious, enticing orange hue, as the color of the year for 2012. ”The 2011 color of the year, Honeysuckle [pink], encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.”

We love this vibrant hue and used in these beautiful orange wedding invitations. The heavyweight Papaya card was layered with a white overlay, then wrapped with a fine paper fuchsia pink sash, printed in a modern orange, lime and metallic gold floral design. Only $1.18 each from Formal-Invitations.com, order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/AS-PapyFant.html.

This stunning Carolina Herrara bridal gown, worn by Bella in the latest Twilight movie, is made out of crepe satin and French Chantilly lace. The dress will be available at her CHNY boutiques next year and Alfred Angelo will be selling a replica in select stores, priced at $799.

Inspired by the gorgeous lace detail, we created these beautiful custom printed wedding invitations in wisteria (though any color can be used at no extra charge). The rustic vintage border and fresh modern color was perfect match, order at http://www.formal-invitations.com/PC-RUSV-WIST.html ($164/100).

glass bead invitations with envelope and foam mailing protector from Formal-Invitations.com). The pumpkin motif was also carried through on the personalized placecards for a unified look, available at http://www.formal-invitations.com/placecards.html.

Perfect for a fall wedding or event favors, these beautiful dipped fruits from Fran’s chocolate are made from Calimyrna figs, organic almonds, and organic ginger – with premium single-origin chocolate to create a subtle harmony of flavors that’s as delightful as it is delicious.

Happy Thanksgiving! We are grateful for your support.