INDIVIDUAL MENUS AT EACH PLACE SETTING ADD A SPECIAL TOUCH

On your wedding day, a great way to create a memorable event is to add special details to your tables. This is a menu that I created for my wedding day using a heavy weight serpentine metallic card stock and the design mimicked my wedding invitations, ceremony programs, place cards and basket and favor tags. My catering company did not require pre-orders for food entrees so my menu acted as a traditional menu for guests to order. You can still create menus solely for visual appeal when pre-ordered entrees are required by catering. Menus add a sophisticated and elegant touch to any high-profile event.

COLOR WITH ELEGANCE- MONOCHROMATIC WEDDING INVITATIONS

Brides who love the idea of adding color to their special day but are hesitant to make bold choices, can ponder the idea of using tone-on-tone colors. These monochromatic colors and designs- in this instance a dark navy with a light robin blue- are soft, elegant and cohesive. The print is a whimsical floral design which is perfect for a summer or spring wedding and highlighted by these sophisticated colors. Visit http://www.invitationchef.com/ to see more color ideas.

A MODERN FAVOR IDEA: CHARITABLE DONATION CARDS

Choosing a favor for your wedding can be a daunting task. Favors can be tied into your wedding theme or simply be a delicious treat. However, more and more modern brides are giving something back to their communities. Favors can be costly and in many cases are throw-away items. A great way to honor your guests and know that you are not simply wasting money is to make a donation to a charitable organization. These donation cards are enclosed in an elegant, orange and chocolate brown package so that guests feel like they are getting a special and unique gift. Each card was placed on every bread and butter plate rather than one per table. These wedding donation cards also add a touch of color to the table. Visit invitationchef.com to learn more about the possibilities.

DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS- ORNAMENTAL TREE WEDDING PLACE CARDS

It is important to have a consistent look that starts with your wedding announcements and is ultimately showcased on your wedding day. Place cards, table numbers, menus, programs and favor tags are some of the ways that you can do this. Others include flowers, table settings and bridesmaid dresses. This bride chose a whimsical, ornate tree design in her colors- espresso brown, green tea, and bamboo. The initial inspiration started with the wedding invitation below. On her wedding day, she will be laying the place cards out on a table in a small bed of grass. Other colors are available to create a beautiful fall wedding invitation. Conctact Invitation Chef, Rachel Clementi, info@invitationchef.com, www.invitationchef.com

WATERMELON & LIME GREEN WEDDING INVITATIONS

Most brides today are creating their own color palettes and no longer just desire white or ercu. They want to choose colors that coordinate and then carry this "color theme" throughout their event. It all begins with the introduction of color through wedding invitations.

Watermelon and lime green are a hot color trend for the summer months. These invitations by the Invitation Chef are a part of the new IC Collection. Beautiful, heavyweight metallic papers are layered for a substantial and elegant look. A pink crystal is added as a glamorous touch. Information cards are stacked and neatly displayed to communicate that the event is highly organized.

Please look out for a new invitationchef.com website in the coming month with exciting new color palattes and styles.

EMBELLISH YOUR WEDDING INVITATIONS

Embellishments are a way to add an elegant touch to any design. I like to use a variety of crystals and buckles when adding finishing touches to my wedding invitations. One of my favorite places to look for embellishments is MJTrim http://www.mjtrim.com/. Located in new York City, they have a variety of colored crystals, buckles, and elaborate buttons that can be applied as invitation embellishments. Visit Invitation Chef, http://www.invitationchef.com/ to start building your wedding invitation with beautiful embellishments today.

STACKABLE LAYERED WEDDING INVITATION CARDS FOR A BEAUTIFULLY ORGANIZED LOOK

These beautiful stacked cards are my signature design and create a cohesive look. Rather than having a separate RSVP card and reception card that just get thrown into an envelope, these stacked cards keep everything organized and are a pleasant surprise to guests when they open the wedding invitation enclosure. Cards can be multi-colored and coordinate back to the main invite's design.

Contact info@invitationchef.com or visit http://www.invitationchef.com/ to start designing your wedding invitation today with beautiful stackable cards.

A MODERN WEDDING INVITATION IDEA: RESPONSE POSTCARDS

Modern brides today are choosing wedding invitations with modern flair while still keeping within their budget. Splurge on high-end papers and wedding enclosures, yet know where to cut back. This will help you to stay within your budget while still impressing your guests.

A Response Postcard is a great way to add a new modern twist to your wedding invitations, save costs on postage (only $.27 vs. $.42) and save you from having to purchase a Response envelope. Postcards can be either double sided or single sided and look great stacked in an Envelopments wedding invitation enclosure.

For more information, contact The Invitation Chef. info@invitationchef.com, http://www.invitationchef.com

SOPHISTICATED BRIDAL SHOWER FAVORS, GAME IDEAS FOR LARGE GROUPS, AND A SENTIMENTAL GIFT FOR THE BRIDE

This past weekend I hosted a bridal shower for my brother's fiance at a beautiful country club. I wanted to inject some fun and color into the event and still communicate a luxury feeling. Here are some great ideas for bridal shower games and favors when you are hosting a large amount of people. Also, I have listed a great sentimental gift idea for the bride.

A SENTIMENTAL POEM AND GIFT IDEA FROM THE BRIDESMAIDS

Each bridesmaid takes turns reading a line.

POEM:
A Basket of Candles For [insert Bride's name]A basket of candles that come in a pair. In all different colors, for you two to share
The white ones burn first. They are wrapped in white lace
To celebrate your first married night In your new chosen place.
The green pair is taller, and also much thinner.
Burn with the first company, you have over for dinner.
The dark blue candles are for after your first fight.
Use them to burn while making up all night.
Pink candles set the mood and pave the way.
For your first married Valentine’s Day.
Now, when your first year of marriage is through.
The cream anniversary pair, will light for you two.
Red candles aflame, both your futures are bright.
Celebrate promotions you’ve worked toward with all of your might.
By this time we hope, maybe, just maybe.
You can light the purple ones, on the birth of your baby.
And just when you thought you’d put these away.
Take the light blue ones out-for your fifth anniversary day.
Now just one more pair left - for the big 2 5.
The anniversary pair that will keep your love alive.
Congratulations [insert Bride and Groom's names].
On the start of your forever.
May the two of you always be happy together.
And burn these candles.
Just the way we said.
But please don’t forget-blow them out before bed!



SOPHISTICATED BRIDAL SHOWER GAMES IDEAS FOR LARGE GROUPS


BRIDAL POEM:
Someone reads this poem and everyone keeps track of their points. If you have multiple winners then draw out of a hat-

Please give yourself 1 point if you are wearing something old.
Please give yourself 2 points if you are wearing something new.
Please give yourself 5 points if you are wearing something borrowed.
Please give yourself 5 points if you are wearing something blue.

Now count all of your jewelry, necklaces, rings and such. They are worth 1 point each, how many are you wearing? Let’s see how much.

Congrats to the ladies who have wedded bliss, give yourself 5 points for this.

Roses are red and violets are blue, if you’re wearing flowers then you get 2.

In a month, (insert bride's name) will walk down the aisle. Give yourself 5 points if you are carrying a nail file.

June is for brides, September is too. If your birthday is in either of these months. Give yourself 2.

White is for brides, red is for love. Give yourself 5 points if you are with your first love.

This game is over, wasn’t it fun? Count up your points and let’s see who has won!


WORD SCRAMBLE (What's in a Name):
Print out paper with them names of the bride and groom. Everyone has to make as many 4 letter plus words with the letters in both of the names. People get 5 minutes.

WEDDING DATE:
The person who has a birthday closest to the wedding day wins a prize.

LOVE SONGS:
Guests have 5 minutes to write down as many songs that contain the word love in it. The person with the most wins.

SOPHISTICATED AND STYLISH FAVOR IDEA

Purchase glass hurricane vases and baskets in all different sizes. Filled different jars and baskets with fun beauty products- shower gels, body spray, lip gloss, bath salts, and mini nail polishes. Set up bright colored small bags with pink tissue paper and guests get to pick 3 items to build their own favors. This was a huge hit with all of the guests.

Remember to visit http://www.invitationchef.com/ to see some of the services that I offer.

Beauty Bar photo from martha Stewart blog: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/beauty-shower-bar

WELCOME TO THE INVITATION CHEF WEDDING BLOG

I created this wedding blog because when planning my own wedding, I felt there was a shortage of websites that focused on wedding invitation ideas. This led me to start designing my own line of invitations and assuming the role as the Invitation Chef. http://www.invitationchef.com/.



I wanted high quality invitations, but I also wanted specific colors that were not available anywhere. Also, my background is in high fashion, so I wanted something unique and special- not mundane like most of the invitations out there. I also did not want to spend a lot of money to get exactly what I wanted. I wanted to "cook up" my own wedding invitations and thus the name Invitation Chef came about.



In my search for the perfect wedding invitation, I fell in love with the Envelopments line of paper because they are extremely high-end, available in numerous colors and textures, and have enclosures that allow for all of the cards to be organized in a nice, cute package- not just thrown into the envelope. http://www.envelopments.com/



Another idea that I had was that I also wanted to "brand" my wedding. I wanted a unique invitation, a coordinating wedding website, and my "wedding theme" and colors carried thoughout my special day.



I feel that I accomplished this and will share my beautiful wedding day photos with you.



I had such an overwhelming response to my wedding invitations that I started designing invitations for my friends' weddings. Then they had an overwhelming response to their invitaitons so I have been determined ever since, to break through the clutter of the mundane wedding invitation space.



I will be sharing invitation ideas, colors and concepts that appeal to every taste. Buon Appetit!


My wedding photographer was Catherine Hall, http://www.catherinehall.net/. She is an amazing photographer and I would recommend her to everyone.