Tiny Cloths - Alison's Baby Shower Thank you cards

I LOVE these adorable baby shower thank you cards! A tiny clothes line with tiny baby clothes is featured on the front of these cards. We added a puppy (to go along with Alison's puppy theme) as well as "Baby Waters" to personalize these cute little cards. These cards are finished off with the names of each member of the family on the back, followed by "Baby Waters" for the perfect custom look. Too cute. Ask about our coordinating Tiny Clothes baby shower invitations!

Kayanne & Adam's Elegant Swirls 3-layer Shimmer Save the Dates

We met Kayanne at the Washington Bridal showcase in September. After setting up a consultation and going over a few things, we came up with the perfect idea of what their save the dates should look like. Kayanne really loves elegant swirls and was thrilled to find out that their wedding location has lots of swirl accents to coordinate back to her wedding stationery. Her colors were off white, light gold, and pink. As with many Bride's, we had to be careful with the pink to keep the groom happy. In the end we came up with a design both Bride and Groom love! It will be very exciting to see how their wedding invitations turn out!

Cara's Aloha Palm Boarding Pass Style Save the Dates

Cara really liked our Aloha Palm boarding pass wedding set but wanted to use them for save the dates. We worked with her colors and ditched the sleeve for the perfect destination wedding save the dates! These boarding pass will really get her guests in the mood for her Hawaiian wedding! Who could say no to that!?!

Monica & Tom's Magnetic Nautical Save the Dates

We first met Monica at the Washington Bridal Showcase in September. Monica & Tom have been looking high and low for the perfect wedding invitation set to work with their Annapolis wedding and they fell in love with our Alexis Vintage Style Nautical wedding Invitation Set! They asked if we could create photo magnetic save the dates to match and we LOVE the way these turned out!

Save-the-Dates: Etiquette Q&A

Ever wonder what proper etiquette is for Save-the-Dates? I stumbled across an article on theknot.com with answers to the commonly ask questions. Enjoy!


Q. Do we have to send a save-the-date?
As destination weddings and three-day weekends have become more standard, so have save-the-dates. And if you're marrying during high-travel times like a holiday weekend or summer in a beach town, a save-the-date is an expected courtesy. Of course, you don't have to send one if you don't want, but it will give guests the heads up about your wedding plans. Between travel arrangements and busy schedules, sending a save-the-date will increase guests' chances of attending your celebration. And that's the goal, right?

Q. When do you send them?
As a general rule, it's best to start spreading the news at around six months prior to the ceremony (eight months for a faraway destination). This gives wedding guests plenty of time to book their travel, save a bit of cash, and ask for days off from work. Any earlier, and they may toss the notice aside. Any later, and it might as well be an invitation.

Q. Do we have to send save-the-dates to everyone?
Just to the people that you want to come to your wedding! Even if you've already received confirmations from certain guests, you still need to send them a save-the-date (bridesmaids, siblings, and parents). But remember: Only send to those that you definitely want to attend. Once these are in the mail, there's really no turning back.

Sticky Situations

Q. Do we need to add “and guest,” or can that wait for the invitations?
It's best to be clear about who's invited to the wedding, even this far in advance. Always call your best friend's boyfriend by his nickname? Now's the time to find out what's on his birth certificate. By including the actual names of every intended guest on the envelope, you're less likely to have any assumed invitees (like your third cousin's new boyfriend), or general confusion (is your seven-year-old niece invited?). Being up front about who's invited also gives families with uninvited kids ample time to plan for child care, and out-of-towners time to figure out hotel room shares.

Q. What if we send save-the-dates and then change the date or location?
This scenario is very unlikely, since no couple should send out formal wedding information before setting the plans in stone -- but stranger things have happened. In the event of an unexpected change of plans, your best bet is to update your wedding website, pick up the phone, and start spreading the word. You do have the option of sending out another mailing that explains the dilemma -- but a personal, verbal notice is the best way to avoid confusion. (If your wedding guest list is a bit overwhelming, enlist the help of your bridal party.)

~theknot.com

Fine Prints Newsletter - What do you want to know?

We are working on some fun additions to Fine Prints and one is a Fine Prints newsletter. The plan is to include tips/trends, real Bride spotlights, Q & A, and photos from recent orders. Since this is going to be YOUR newsletter, what do you want to know??? Feel free to leave comments on what kinds of things you'd like to see in the newsletter. It never hurts to ask, right?

If you haven't joined the mailing list, what are you waiting for!?! Click the link below to add your email address and calm the panic, because you are now "in the loop".

Join our FREE Email Mailing List

MissNowMrs.com - A site every Bride should visit!

The wedding is over, thank you notes are being written, and now you are "oh so" looking forward to the hours and hours of searching the net to find all the docs to change your name. Why waste your time when there is a great service out there that will allow you to enter all your info into one form and pow, it will populate all the documents you need in moments!?!

MissNowMrs.com is a life saver! I used this service when I got married and it made the whole process a breeze! You pay a small fee, enter all your info, and press print! It's that easy. They even provide instructions on what to bring with you or where to send the forms that don't require you to be there in person.

They will also donate a percentage of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Foundation and we at Fine Prints always love hearing that!

Check out the link below to see how this great site will save you loads of time and headaches.

Sarah Couture Bow Boxed Wedding invitations - Special Mailable Boxes

I love these "boxed" invitations! Most people are looking for something different then the normal run of a mill invitations to send to their guests and the trend is quickly swinging to boxed invitations. Boxed invitations are invitations that use a mailing box as part of the design. By coordinating with the colors of your event, your wedding invitations will be mailed in these boxes instead of envelopes. The couture bow invitations are really special because your guests will have to untie the bow that holds the invitation in the box, to see who is getting married!
The lid of the box holds the response card and envelope tied with a knot to secure it during travel.

These invitations are perfect way to include a holiday ornament, festive leaves and acorns, or crystal buckles, for example. The options are endless!

the Washington Bridal Showcase - Sept 13th, 2009

Thanks to all the Brides who stopped by our both on Sunday. It's always great to meet such excited people.

We had a great time telling people all about Fine Prints and custom stationery. We consider ourselves to be truly lucky to have so many Brides interested in custom invitations. So many in fact, that the booth was full of Brides most of the time. *Maybe we should look into a bigger booth next time* :-)

There were TONS of great vendors there to showcase their talents.

Here are some photos from the show.

Such a small world! At the Bridal Showcase on Sunday, I had the pleasure of meeting Lori and her friend. Lori happens to be Natasha's Maid of Honor. The interesting part is Natasha lives in Florida. She found me on the web and we created uni...que boarding pass invitations for her wedding. Lori quickly glanced at my invitations and wanted to show her friend the "style".

Here is how the conversation went:
Lori to her friend: "Hey, take a look at these. They are the same style as my friends invitations.......wait, these ARE my friends invitations"

Me: "You know Natasha"

Lori: "I'm her Maid of Honor!"

Me: "Natasha, who lives in Florida"

Lori" "Yes. I had no idea she had her invitations made by someone in Virginia! I love the invitations and wanted to show my friend and then I realized these are hers!"

Such a small world. This is a photo of Lori and her friend pointing to Natasha's invitations to prove to the bride that they saw them at the show.

How cool is that?!?!

~Amanda~

Stop by our Booth at the Washington Bridal Showecase - Sunday, Sept. 13th 11am-5pm

Come stop by the Fine Prints booth at the Washington Bridal Showcase on Sunday, Sept. 13th from 11am-5pm at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. We will have giveaways, drawings, and of course samples of our custom invitations!
There will be a special promo offer for those who book a consultation with Fine Print while at the Bridal Show. We have some FREE and discount tickets available, so let us know if you are interested in going!


Washington Bridal Showcase
Dulles Expo Center
4368 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, VA

Washington's largest bridal show has more fashions, more new ideas and more choices than you can imagine. With spectacular runway fashion shows and displays from 250 of the area's most trusted wedding professionals, you will find everything to make your wedding day extraordinary.

If you are among the first 500 brides to attend you will receive a one year subscription to Modern Bride Magazine included in your ticket price. Plus, every bride can register to win thousands of dollars in gifts and prizes, including a honeymoon cruise.

Whether you are just starting your planning, finishing up the details, or anywhere in between, you will find exactly what you are looking for at the Washington Bridal Showcase. Save money and avoid the lines by purchasing tickets for $8 through this web site. Tickets are available at the door for $10, cash only. 12 and under are free.

http://www.bridalshowcase.com/

Aloha Palm Tropical Boarding Pass Wedding Invitations

Planning a destination wedding? These Boarding Pass Style invitations are the perfect thing to get your guests excited about your wedding! Great for Tropical themed Bridal Showers and Birthdays too!

This invitation set features a white textured linen boarding pass and RSVP post card. Both fit nicely inside the custom hand made patterned vellum boarding pass sleeve that has been printed to coordinate with your event or theme. Slip these inside the coordinating envelope to finish the look!

Colors, Graphics, Design, and Wording can all be changed to coordinate with your event.

For more information or to place an order email us at fineprintsdesign@gmail.com or check out our website www.fineprintsdesign.com

Becky & John's Love is in the Air - Ticket Style Save the Dates

Becky came to me with a special request for her special circumstances. People are always looking for a modern fairytale and Becky & John are lucky enough to have their very own. The happy couple actually met on Becky's birthday in December. They were both flying home for Christmas on the same Southwest flight. Becky and John were seated in the same row divided by a passenger who had started on the holiday punch a little early. When the middle passenger fell asleep, Becky and John began trading stories and snacks. When the middle seat became vacant due to a trip to the restroom, Becky quickly scooted over to continue chatting with John. She took this chance to ask John out to dinner when they were back in town after the holiday and he said yes! Phone numbers were traded and the rest is history.

Becky and John got engaged Labor Day Weekend, 2008 at the Hotel Del Coronado in California.

With a story like that, Becky knew she wanted something a little different to announce their wedding date. Together we worked on a Ticket Style Save the Date that reflected where it all began. Since Becky and John are in Las Vegas, we worked mainly via email to come up with a perfect design. I LOVE the way these turned out!



Just goes to show, you never know when and where love will find you!

This is what Becky had to say about her Save the Dates when they arrived:

"Amanda,

Thank you so much for the beautiful save the date cards!! They are beyond perfect. I really love the shimmery card stock that you used and the matching envelopes. I cannot wait to send them out to all of our family and friends. I will definitely be using Fine Prints Design again in the future. Thank you again for such a great design!"

-Becky Armstrong

Petite Pockets! Same great presentation, Smaller Size, Smaller Price Tag - Star Fish Petite Pocket Fold & Filigree Scroll Petite Pocket Fold

I LOVE these petite pocket invitation sets. They are the perfect size for an invitation, response card, and enclosure card (directions, reception, accommodations, etc). Two new additions are our Star Fish & Filigree Scroll Set. Ideal for weddings, sweet sixteen parties, girls weekend getaway, or anything else that requires a little more information than just a simple invitation. Just like our full size pocket set, these come in over 200 colors, textures, and patterns. The possibilities are endless!

Puttin' On the Ritz - Single Layer Invitation Set with Crystal Accent

This set is so New York Glam for such an affordable price. Perfect for a New Years Eve wedding or a Holiday party. Colors, fonts, and text can all be changed to coordinate with your event. Notice the coordinating graphic printing on the envelope. Sure to stand out among your guests stack of bills and junk mail.

Puttin' On the Ritz Invitation Set:
- Printed Invitation - Tea Length matte or metallic
- Printed Response card - matte or metallic
- Invitation envelope with design
- Response Card Envelope
- (1) crystal accent

Eastern Shore Pocketfold Wedding Invitation Set

I just adore my new Eastern Shore Pocket Wedding Invitation Set. Inspired by the peaceful waters and beautiful wildlife of the ceremony location, this invitation really set the tone. Features a chocolate "dot" pattered pocket with light blue and white accents. Perfect for a destination wedding weekend. These invitations are totally custom and will be tailored to your event. Colors, size, fonts, text, patterns, etc can be changed.

Eastern Shore Wedding Invitation Set:
- Patterned Side Pocket Fold (shown in Cocoa-DOT) 5x5 square
- 2-layer printed invitation (matte backing, metallic printed layer)
- 3 Staggered enclosures (metallic - printed on one side) - Response card with 2 additional enclosures
- 2-layer invitation seal (matte backing, metallic printed)
- Textured Matte Linen response envelope
- Textured Matte Linen invitation envelope

Fine Prints Testimonial

Amanda is so easy to work with, and it was such a pleasant experience interacting with her to design our invites! She was extremely patient with me as I asked for numerous alterations and changed my mind a million times. She came up with a design that was perfectly tailored to my special event. The invitations are bright and colorful and are printed on very high quality paper. They looked ten times more expensive than they were, and I received many compliments from my guests. I can't wait to plan my next party so I can order more creative invites!

-Kelly Hanighen

Fine Prints Testimonial

The following is a quote from a recent client:

I started to stuff my save the dates and the labels just finish them off perfectly. They add some color to the boring white envelopes. They were also great labels in general. They were so easy to peel off and reposition, but so secure at the same time. I can't begin to tell you how much I love them. I can't wait to send them out and hear what everyone has to say.

Also, we got so many compliments on our thank you cards from the engagement party. I loved the monogram on the back. I'm looking forward to starting to plan my invites!!

Thanks again!

~ Meg O'Connor

~ ANCHORS AWAY ~ Vintage Style ALEXIS Nautical Wedding Invitation Set

I'm really excited to show off some photos of our new "Vintage Style ALEXIS Nautical Wedding Invitation Set". The Vintage style comes from using a mix of textured card stock and printed backings & liners. The invitation backings have that worn in look that we expect from vintage. The moment you touch these textured invitation you will FEEL the difference. We also used a thin twine to wrap around the invitation and the table number card to really tie in the nautical feel. Perfect for your seaside ceremony!
Shown in the photos:
Square 2-layered invitation with textured envelopes. Custom design & printed liner and custom address printing.
2-layer response card with textured envelope
Textured thank you cards with textured envelope.
2-layer Table cards

REAL BRIDES SPOTLIGHT: Sarah & Walter - June 21st, 2009 Wedding

photos courtesy of Aaron Spicer, Aaronspicer.com

Sarah and Walter found us online and agreed to come in for a consultation. Like most brides, Sarah was looking for more than what she found with catalog invitations. She knew that she wanted Aqua and Brown invitations that were simple and classy, but what she found in catalogs were lacking that “something extra special”. After toying with the idea of our Tea Length invitations, she and Walter were almost instantly smitten when they saw our Pocketfold style. Walter was impressed with the organization and design of the Pocketfold. All the pieces fit nicely in place and the look is nothing but elegant. (See ladies, the groom does have opinions on these things!)

After the style was nailed in place we moved on to the finer details of the invitation (colors, textures, wording, and fonts). Sarah and Walter chose a striking matte brown for their Pocketfold, shimmering metallic aqua as their accent color, and classic metallic ecru for their printed pieces. The mixing of metallic and matte card stock really gives depth to the invitation and really expresses that it is an important piece of stationery. Combined with a beautiful script font and an elegant casual font, the results were timeless. Sarah really wanted to find a way to incorporate their same last initial so we added a beautiful script “S” to the top of the invitation, the seal on the front, and even the background watermark on the printed pieces. We just love the colors they chose and the classy look of the invitations.

Working with Sarah and Walter was a true pleasure. After the few short hours we spent together and lots of emails, we feel like their invitations really matched them as a couple. We wish them loads of happiness for many years to come and would welcome the chance to work with them again!

What did Sarah have to say about Fine Prints:

"Thanks to Fine Prints we had unique and beautiful invitations at a price that made sense. There are so many choices you have to make as a bride and so many ways to spend your budget. It was nice to know that we were getting a great deal on high quality invitations. I was so pleased to hear from my friends and family how much they loved our invitations. One friend even sent her lost response card the day after the wedding because they were "too gorgeous to go to waste." And, Amanda worked hard to help us get everything we needed, when we needed it (maybe I was a little behind!). And, she had the answers to all those little fine points on manners -- the ones that you want to do right, especially on your wedding invitations!"

Vendor Recap - Who did Sarah & Walter choose for their big day?

Ceremony: The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Washington, DC
Reception: Jaleo Restaurant, Bethesda, MD
Bride Apparel: David's Bridal...- from Sarah -with cool Paul Smith Shoes :)
Groom Apparel: Luigi Baci
Cake: Pralines Bakery, Bethesda, MD
Floral: Margie's Floral Designs, Frederick, MD
Photography: Aaron Spicer, Aaronspicer.com
Invitations/Stationery: Fine Prints (That’s Us!) – from Sarah -"Thanks to Fine Prints we had unique and beautiful invitations at a price that made sense. There are so many choices you have to make as a bride and so many ways to spend your budget. It was nice to know that we were getting a great deal on high quality invitations. I was so pleased to hear from my friends and family how much they loved our invitations. One friend even sent her lost response card the day after the wedding because they were "too gorgeous to go to waste." And, Amanda worked hard to help us get everything we needed, when we needed it (maybe I was a little behind!). And, she had the answers to all those little fine points on manners -- the ones that you want to do right, especially on your wedding invitations!"