Invitation Consultants Blog - Wedding and Party Inspiration

{Sex and the City 2} 2 Ways: Date Night & Girl's Night Out

Hello darlings! Sex and the City 2 comes out in a little over a week!  Can you hear the pitter patter of Manolos against the floors of the theater? I can practically giggle with glee over how excited I am to see this movie. Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha never disappoint, and I can't wait to see how outlandishly fabulous their new adventure is going to be. We know from the previews that Carrie and the girls are going somewhere exotic, and that they will happen to run into AIDEN! Aiden was so sweet on the show, and while I adore Mr. Big, I can't get over Aiden's puppy dog eyes and rugged sophistication. YOU VOTE: Who is Carrie's soul mate?

Then, To get you in the mood to get carried away, check out these 2 inspiration boards: one based on a night with your soul mate watching Sex and the City 2 (maybe he's not into the chick flicks, but he can't argue that this is a must-see) and one for a night out with your own girls! 

Images from left to right: Rebel Romance, Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Noth shot by famed Annie Leibovitz, the most elegant invitation, Palatial from Invitation Consultants, a classic martini, Chanel lip color, Kate Spade Glam heels, Kate Spade Give it a Whirl Bracelet, House of Harlow 1960 bangle.

Wednesday Trendsday: A Wednesday in Wonderland

Tim Burton + Johnny Depp + A Childhood Classic + Disney Magic + Unexpected Gothic Glam = Alice in Wonderland!

It all adds up to one very exciting film and tons of opportunities to get inspired by the color schemes, textures, and styles in what is sure to be one wild wonderlandic adventure. The highly anticipated flick has created trends in fashion, makeup, home decor, and of course party planning. I couldn't be more excited about the Alice inspired possibilities. Tea parties, hat parties, and playing card parties are just a few of the themes you can run with if you find yourself mad as a hatter about Alice.

Find some inspiration from some of my favorite wonderful little items from left to right:

Heart Bracelet and Evil Queen of Hearts Wallet from Disney, Mad as a Hatter, Off With Her Red!, and Absolutely Alice from OPI,  Red Suede on Black and the Queen of Diamonds from our Casino Night Invitation collection, and Drink Me Necklace from Claire's Alice in Fashionland collection

Tons of bloggers and party planners have joined the Alice in Wonderland tea party including Hostess with the Mostess with her Alice in Wonderlandia party from Lollipop Events, Ritzy Bee with her Alice's Un-Birthday Party, and Skimbaco Home with their round up of Wonderland inspired home decorating ideas.

March 5th is the release date, so you better not be late!

Will you be visiting Wonderland?

Wednesday Trendsday: Olympic Edition

Have you been watching the 2010 Winter Olympics? In addition to the awesome athleticism and international competitions you may have spotted the little red cuties above. They're red knit mittens with an embroidered maple leaf and Olympic ring design and they're all the rage! These $10 mittens have sold out and are now hot commodities on eBay. They're an adorable trend and so spirited in support of the Olympic events. Even Olympic mascots Quatchi and MukMuk have donned the maple leaf mittens. If you can get your hands in a pair of these toasty gloves, you may want to throw an ice skating party. It's the perfect time of year for a trip around the rink.

Check out adorable skating invitations and other winter party invitations!

Wednesday Trendsday: Mommy-to-Be Fashion

This morning, Antoinette and I were gushing about how much we adore Heidi Klum's style. She is so perfect for her role as host on Project Runway and her and her hubby Seal seem like loving and kind parents. They certainly have had the practice at being new parents as they recently welcomed their fourth child, daughter Lou Sulola Samuel (quite the name!). Not only does Heidi juggle Project Runway with her multiple design projects and appearances, but recently she announced two collections of maternity wear she has designed for A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity. The lady has her act together, and that's why we're fans! Plus, her lines looks like they will be classy, chic, a little trendy, and very sophisticated so expecting mommies can feel their best. Both collections will be available online and in stores this Friday.

Heidi's baby bump style reminds me of our modern mom baby shower invitations. They are fashionable and adorable and so perfect for the stylish mommy-to-be in your life!

To all our expecting mommies out there, tell me what is your favorite article of maternity wear that makes you feel awesome?

Wednesday Trendsday: Sweet Paper Banners

Paper and fabric banners, garland, pom poms, and papel pacados are just about everywhere! They are oh-so-cute, and so easy and affordable to DIY! No wonder they've made their way to invitations. Check out these cute cupcake and banner invitations: Cupcake Girl and Happy Cupcake by Ashley Woodman of Simply Put. A festive trend is Mexican papel pacados which are colorful lattice like designs that are typically cut into tissue paper. The gorgeous papel pacado above is custom designed by Etsy seller, aymujer. Similar banners are featured on Sunlight Siesta, an adorable invitation by Picture Perfect that is fitting for a Mexican fiesta. 

So, what do you think? Will you be trying out this paper perfect trend anytime soon?

{Wednesday Trendsday} Ideas That Sparkle

When I spotted an article in Martha Stewart Weddings 15th Anniversary issue about using glitter as an accent to wedding attire and decor I had one of those wistful moments in which I wanted to plan my own wedding all over again. I fell in love with the pink and gold twinkling images and the shimmering accents. The article focused on glittering decor and celestial motifs like hanging five point stars and even sprinkling glittered stars along the aisle. The images really centered on stardust and sparkle, and they reminded me of our Preston Bailey wedding invitations. I know you may think it's a stretch, but when you take a peek at these invitations in person, you see a dimension of glimmering colors on the shimmer paper they're printed on. The pink and cream colors in Pink Fantasy just lend themselves to sparkling inspiration. Check out Martha's glittering inspiration here, and our Preston Bailey wedding invitations. If you doubt the glittery-ness of the invites, order a sample and see the sparkle for yourself. It's sweet and subtle and oh-so-dazzling.

{Wednesday Trendsday} Pocket Wedding Dresses

My 2 BFF's got engaged! I'm pumped, NO, I'm super pumped! I could not be more thrilled for them. Okay, sorry for the burst of excitement, but this is the first time I'm sitting down to write and give my best friends' weddings a little pondering. Jenn is scheduled to marry her fiance Joey in Winter 2010, and Carly will tie the knot with her long-time beau Stephen in Spring 2011.

You may remember Carly from my brief mention of her in my birthday party post. She's unique, sweet, smart (a graduate student in molecular medicine- what is that even?!?), and a whole bunch of great adjectives I'm leaving out. She's also stylish, but not particularly trendy. Carly doesn't get the hippest additions for her wardrobe and she sticks to more traditional or classic pieces when she's shopping. When I asked her for a few words that describe her dream wedding she said timeless, classic, and clean. But then she pulled a trendy requirement out of her pocket: she wants a wedding dress with pockets! How fun. Just think of all the things you can keep in your wedding dress pockets. Lipgloss, your cell phone so you can update your Facebook relationship status or Tweet I DO!, or a sentimental trinket like a locket with a loved ones' photo. The possibilities are endless!

I love these pocket-perfect dresses above and I really adore the idea of the bridesmaid dresses having pockets as well to tie in the unique silhouette. What do you think? Would you wear a formal gown with pockets? If so, what would you put in them?

p.s. stay tuned for posts about Jenn and Carly's save the dates, engagement party invitations, bridal shower invitations, and wedding invitations. 

Dresses featured above: J Crew (sold out, but oh-so-gorgeous), Alfred Angelo, Watters, and Lela Rose (as featured on Martha Stewart weddings).

{Wednesday Trendsday} Global New Year's Eve Nuptial Style

SURPRISE!  It's Antoinette here for your Wednesday Trendsday!  Reilly and I decided to pull a switcheroo this week so make sure you stay tuned for her post tomorrow!

10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1!

It's true that Christmas is upon us, but another holiday is just around the corner!  Every year, many brides choose to tie the knot on New Year's Eve.  It's somewhat symbolic to do it this way in that you are starting a new year as newlyweds and it gives people two very good reasons to celebrate in one special night.  One of my favorite things to do on New Year's Eve is watch the fireworks display from other places around the globe.  It's something that the world can celebrate together - another year on this beautiful planet Earth.  Have your ceremony start around eight o'clock and dance the night away! 

If you've gotten married, or are planning to marry on December 31st, didn't/don't you feel this need to look superbly snazzy?  Of course every bride strives for this on their wedding day, but the glitz and glam of New Year's would make me feel that added pressure to look doubly gorgeous.  I've pulled together a few looks for brides seeking a little something extra and paired them with an ideal city to wear it in!  You might not be marrying in Rio, but your wedding can certainly take inspiration from it!

The Pretty In Paris look hails from designer extraordinaire Vera Wang.  She is correct in saying that this Dorothy gown's glamour is a total understatement.  A ballgown of tulle, organza, chiffon and bead work, this masterpiece is soft and available in varying shades of champagne.  You'll be bubbling with excitement as you walk down the aisle.

Our Beautiful Big Apple gown comes in lots of haute hues.  We chose the vibrant plum for the bride to toast to the occasion in.  Trendsetters for 2010 will think outside the box.  Creatives or bold fashionistas will love this chic and unexpected mermaid Magnolia gown, also by Vera.  A perfect look to wow your sweetie at midnight!

Luxe In London pulls from the trend of incorporating black into your bridal palette.  Some sources say to add just a touch of it, but since it's New Year's Eve, we think that you should go all the way.  If you can't possibly wear Jenny Packham's Dazzle dress down the aisle, it's a perfect reception piece for your send-off to 2010. 

You don't have to be a Brazilian supermodel to sport our Ravishing In Rio runway look.  Jenny Packham's Hollywood dress is ideal for bridal starlets all around the globe.  Plunging necklines can be quite flattering for many body types and it has just the right amount of bling to sparkle under the moonlight for your New Year's kiss.

Happy (almost) New Year!  It's never too late to be fashionably early! 

{Wednesday Trendsday} Couture Florals

I bet flowers are not the first thing you think of when it comes to Christmas and holiday decor (except for the classic poinsettia) but JL Designs will make you think again. JL Designs is a couture Floral and Event Styling firm out of Orange County, California. One visit to their blog, and Carissa (JL Designs' Owner) will have you daydreaming about flowers, lace, sparkling broaches, and all things glamorous and sweet. Take for example, her arrangements for this Urban Glam photo shoot. They are fashion-forward, sleek, and the bouquet of black mini calla lilies is to die for. If you take a peek, you will see she used feathers as a collar around the lilies. Feathers are an emerging (and gorgeous!) new wedding trend.

Carissa recently launched a new line of sustainable, botanical pieces that are perfect for the holidays! Each piece possesses a little something special- from her use of bark to create tubed vases, to her petite arrangements wrapped in thick lace with sparkling appliques. They're just dreamy! There are a variety of sizes and shapes to choose from and any of them would make a great gift or centerpiece for your holiday party. The designs are also a great jumping off point for wedding inspiration. Carissa's Cedar + Birch + Bark arrangement reminds me so much of this wintry, forest wedding invitation.

Thanks to Carissa for sharing your new designs with Fab*Blog! For all of you out there, it's not too late to throw a holiday party! If you already have one planned, tell me in a comment below: how are you decorating for your holiday shin dig?

{Wednesday Trendsday} A Holiday Wish List

Last week, Brittany shared her holiday wish list with you featuring fabulous items from Etsy. I have a few trendy and not-so-trendy little items that have caught my eye this holiday season, but I can't shop for myself without thinking of my mini-me. My mini-me is my 2 year old niece Sydney. She is the sun of our family. She lights up every room, and never fails to make us insanely happy. Lucky for me, she looks just like me and people often mistake her for my daughter. We have the same hair color, face shape, and smile. We have other things in common too. For example, we both enjoy musicals, reading, and eating dessert before dinner. We also have the uncanny ability to make a clean room look like a tornado hit it in about 30 seconds. This season when I'm dropping hints to my husband here are few things I'll be wishing for, and a few things I would love to get Syd the Kid:

A book for me: Occasions by Kate Spade. Kate Spade is my favorite designer. I love her simple and whimsical styles, and this petite book infuses those styles in party planning ideas for all occasions- big and small. It's the perfect addition to my library, and may be perfect for someone on your list as well!
A book for Sydney: Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. This book was my favorite as a child, and I have a hunch she would love it too. Madeline is about a brave little French girl who lives in a convent. My mom lived in a convent in Canada as a child, so this story would be sweet for Sydney to associate with her grandma. 

Stationery for me: Cecily Blue by Whitney English. I've had my eye on this sweet note cards since we added them to the site. I love the varying shades of blue. 
Stationery for Sydney: Pink Bubbles by Whitney English. These bright note cards are perfect for any little girl and I know Sydney will love them. She can also use them as thank you cards when she celebrates her third birthday in January.

Shoes for me: Diamonte Suede Platform Peep Toes by J.Crew. These Italian shoes really are irresistible. They are a little pricey, so I think I may just get these if I've been REALLY good. So, not likely.
Shoes for Sydney: Fabric Ballet Flats from J.Crew.  These are also a little bit of a splurge but they're an adorable jumping off point for holiday shoe shopping inspiration. At the young age of two, Sydney's favorite toy is my heels so I think she would appreciate a fine pair of shoes under the tree this year.

Something sweet for me: Walk on Air Enamel Bracelet from Kate Spade. I just adore this bangle! It's perfect for any girly-girl in your life who likes things sweet and simple.
Something sweet for Sydney: Oatmeal Bear from Pottery Barn Kids. This cuddly bear is perfect for any little one and as an added bonus, $10.00 of the purchase price benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  

Top it off for me: Red Sequin Heart Headband from ban.do. I love unique headbands and Sydney loves borrowing them from me, so this would be a gift we could share.
Top it off for Sydney: Glimmer Pom Pom Hat from J.Crew. This would be adorable and warm for Christmas and the remainder of the winter season.

Crafty for me: Pencils with Swarovski Crystals. These pencils are so cool looking, and would look amazing on my desk. They would make the perfect gift for any of your creative friends or family members.
Crafty for Sydney: Play Doh 24 Pack. It's incredible to see what someone so little can do with some big ideas and a bunch of mushy Play Doh. This is one of our favorite activities and these colorful containers would make great stocking stuffers.

Thanks for reading about a few of my favorite things! What is on your wish list this year? Stay tuned next week for Antoinette's holiday wish list!