Kristy Says – It’s a Jaime Givaway!

It’s a Jaime Thing blog is announcing it’s very first giveaway this week and ladies be sure to check it out! Planning a smaller more Intimate Wedding – this book is for you and it could be yours! All you have to do is comment on Jaime’s blog with your response to one of the following:

1. Your own creative Letter To The Uninvited.

2. Advice for brides looking to plan an intimate wedding.

Kristy Says thanks to It’ A Jaime Thing!

Last night I read a lovely blogcomment regarding a post of my painting trek to NM. The comment was left by on of my favorite bloggers, Jaime from It’s a Jaime Thing. She said that I was like a “modern day Georgia O’Keeffe” in the photo and that just made my day. Minutes later she emailed to let me know that she had featured my work on her blog – what an honor!!! So thanks Jaime for the blog love, and for the amazing post yesterday.

Budget Savvy Blogger

About two weeks ago I was presented with the opportunity to contribute to the Southern Wedding Lauch Party Swag Bags. Of course the Momental Team was thrilled to go to work creating our Vintage Lace notes to be included in the bags. Choosing a color palette of pale blue, pool, and fuchsia, the note cards turned out to be a favorite accessory of attendee and blogger, Jessica Miller of the popular blog Budget Savvy Bride

I would like to send my sincere thanks to Jessica for mentioning Momental Designs in her blog. Any bride that has been bitten by the blogging bug, should definitely check out the Budget Savvy Bride. Reading Jessica’s blog is like talking to one of your best girlfriends over coffee as you celebrate her bridal successes and root for her when things get tough. Fellow brides can get some great tips as they follow her wedding planning journey as she creates the wedding of her dreams, without creating a nightmare of a bank account.

Kristy Says consider Picasso Calla Lillies

About two years ago I traveled to Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia and spent the day painting in their many lush greenhouses. One of my fav illustrations that day was the Picasso calla. As I was flipping through my new copy of InStyle Weddings last week I noticed that the Picasso Calla is the new “it” flower, and rightly so! With shades of purple making a huge comeback this season, the Picasso bloom is a stunning choice with its rich aubergine hue, touches of crisp white and graceful shape.

Detail from Kristin’s invite last spring.

Kristy Says Ritzy Bee Blog is a must read!

I have been following Ritzy Bee for quite a while now and find endless inspiration there each week. This blog is a daily read filled with expert recommends from a sought after wedding planner in the Northern VA/DC area, Maria Cooke whose insight and eye for detail is respected nationwide. Most recently Ritzy Bee was honored with the “Top Blog” Distinction from the Editors of Southern Weddings. Southern Weddings loves “The variety – Maria combines great planning tips, fab finds, and daily inspiration all in one hot spot”.

I am quite honored to say that last week Momental Designs was mentioned as a “great ” designer to check out for “plenty of inspiration and loads of paper goodness!” Yay!

Kristy says custom invitations can be affordable!

Tips to save when working with a custom invitation designer

1. Choose a design currently in the designer’s portfolio and request discounted pricing if only a limited number of customizations are requested. For example, recently Sarah contacted me and absolutely loved my “River Tree”. She has a limited budget but wanted invitations with personality. We negotiated a discounted price to include customization of font, paper color, and layout only, instead of beginning a new design from scratch.

2. Limit the number of cards you will need. For example, instead of having a separate card for the reception information, have your designer incorporate that info directly onto the invitation.

3. Opt for a response postcard instead of a response card and envelope. You will save twice; once on the postcard postage and then again on the postage for mailing the entire set (your invitation set will be a bit lighter). Not to mention you will be doing a bit to save on paper!

4. Negotiate with your designer to allow for certain aspects of the design to be DIY. For example, Ikeeshaa recently requested that I create the top layer of her invitation, cut all borders but deliver everything loose for her to assemble at home. She is saving a good amount by taking on this project while still being able to send her guests a custom designed invitation!

5. Address your own envelopes. This is the time to rally the bridesmaids. The secret to great looking envelopes – a fine width calligraphy pen(not the refillable kind). Even everyday handwriting will look fancy when written with this type of pen!

6. Do you love those trendy pocket style folders? Think twice. They add weight, thickness and rigidity thus adding often significant postage costs. Not to mention adding a pocket can add at least $2.00 to the cost of your invitation set. When budget is a concern I recommend an Ensemble Folder made of the same shimmering papers as the more expensive pocket style folders. My Ensemble Folders still present the invite beautifully, but don’t add a lot of weight or cost!

Have you thought of other ways to save – please share!

Kristy Says enjoy your fonts!

A little Holiday gift from me to you! I receive so many emails asking “what font did you use in this invitation?”. Here are three of my clients’ favorites! These can be found at the best font site www.myfonts.com Enjoy!