Pretty Things: Ombre Details

I'm completely smitten over these pretty ombre details!  This trend has really caught my attention and can be seen all over.  The look from dark to light in the same shades.... it's so beautiful.  Thinking of an invitation design with ombre...  

 cake

 Floral Centerpiece

Dessert backdrop

Lela Rose Dress

Nails

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Postage rates increasing

Yes, you heard it right.  The USPS is increasing their rates. Effective January 22, 2012 their new rates will be as follows:

Letters (1 ounce) - Increase to $0.45
Postcards - Increase to $0.32

   

They still have their wedding forever stamps so if you want it at the $0.44 rate, get them before Sunday.  Their new forever stamp will be in honor of Chinese New Year.  I haven't seen the new postcard stamps, but hopefully they get rid of the herbs and get something cuter!  To see more about the new adjustments, click here.

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Wedding Websites

Becoming more and more popular, wedding websites are a great supplement to have along with your invitations. It is a place where you can have detailed information about you as a couple, where and how you met, favorite photos together and of course, the story of the proposal. It's a great way to tell your guests a more personal side of you as a couple.

It is also used to put information on some of the things you maybe didn't include in your invitations. Some of those are detailed directions, maps, hotel accommodations, and fun things to do around town. This is also the place to put any gift registries since having them on your invitations is an etiquette no-no.

projectwedding

weddingjojo

ewedding

Many of the wedding websites are free, but there are others that have more features and come with a monthly or one time fee. Browse around different ones and put some time into them. That way you can get your guests to visit your site and get them more excited about the big day!

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Bridesmaid Thank You Cards

A "thank you" goes a long way. It can be in any form and it's really just the gesture to make that person feel your expression of gratitude! My bride asked me to design her personalized thank you cards for each of her bridesmaids and I thought it was the sweetest thing!

She gave me all their names and words that best describe each of them. She wants them to know how special they are and thank them for being a part of a special day in her life.

So as a token of her appreciation, she will be giving them 2 necklaces to wear on the wedding day. To include both necklaces on the card, we created custom slits with a plastic pocket in the back for the chains.

I designed them to match her invitations which I will feature shortly so stay tuned!

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Hanging mobile and chandelier ideas

I've been wanting to create a hanging mobile/chandelier for quite some time now, but I'm having the hardest time deciding on a style I like. I would love for it to go in the studio, but I'm also thinking I can make one for an upcoming party. Here are some of my inspirations....

doily chandelier

Jar Chandelier

Effervescent Chandelier via Orange Beautiful

String Chandelier

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Guest Book Ideas

Guest books are so fun. There are many different and creative ways to get your guests involved.... and best thing is you you can use them for any event! It's a great keepsake so why not?

From left to right: 1. Now this is what you call an all-in-one; a note written by your guests, then they take a picture with a Polaroid, slip both items into a pocket and after the event, you put it all together to form your guest book. I love that idea... what a unique scrapbook from a crafty bride! 2. This bride who also owns JL Designs bought an assortment of So CAL postcards and had her guests sign them. After the wedding, her mom sent them to her and her husband throughout the year to remind them of their special day. 3. This guest book idea would be great to display in your house. I know it would go great in ours! From time to time, you can sit down and read them together as a couple. 4. Elise designed this guest book with engagement pictures on the front cover and will be gluing mini envelopes inside. Guests will sign blank business card sized paper and insert them into their own mini envelopes. Sounds like another unique scrapbook idea!

And lastly, the wishing tree. As suggested by Dynamite Weddings, it can be used as a centerpiece and guest book in one. Cards are hung on the tree and guests can write in their well wishes. These are all great ideas for guest books, it's hard to pick just one. What do you plan on doing?

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Q&A: Gift Registries

With so many gift registry options, figuring out which one is best for you as a couple can be overwhelming. There are TONS of department store registries ranging from the reasonably priced to the more extravagant boutiques. A registry becoming more popular are honeymoon and even... a mortgage registry? WoooW! With all this, what is the best way to inform your guests? Hopefully these can answer some of your questions.


Q: Can I put my gift registries on my invitation?

A: NO! A major NO! You're not suppose to put any type of registry information on your invitation because it's tacky. You can put these details on your wedding website, if you have one or on bridal shower invitations. You can also ask your family and bridal party to inform everyone.

Q: We don't want presents, but would prefer monetary gifts?

A: Again, this is considered rude to ask for money in any way, shape or form. You can ask your family and close friends to "spread the word", but never put it out there formally. Think about it... how would you feel if someone asked you for money if you were attending a wedding as a guest? Kinda uncomfortable and just weird.

If your guests ask, you can tell them you prefer cash, but inform your parents, immediate family and close friends so they can tell guests for you. There will still be some guests who prefer to give gifts so create a registry with a few items so you can give them options. If you want to read more tips on asking for cash gifts, click here.


Regardless on what you want, always remember that it is a gift and it it something that someone gives to you. Be thankful and appreciative because they don't have to give you anything!

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Dolldine Designs featured in Exquisite Magazine

Thank you Exquisite Magazine for the feature in your fall 2009 issue. We are so, so thrilled and excited! Pick up your copy today to read further for great inspiration and ideas!

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Wedding E-book

For all you brides looking for Q&A's to ask your wedding vendors... look no further! Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs has created the complete guide which you can download here absolutely free! Found via A Lucky Orchid Wedding

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Sophisticated Fushia Frenzy

WOW, this is just GORGEOUS!!! Featured on Project Wedding, this wedding was located in San Francisco, CA at the Bentley Reserve Conference Center. The beautiful event design by Gloria Wong is just breath taking! Her work speaks for itself because her own wedding was also featured on one of my favorite blogs, Style Me Pretty. Just immaculate!

Photo by Weeks Photography via Project Wedding

Wonderful work done by Andrew Weeks Photography, Gloria Wong Design, Nancy Liu Chin Floral Design and I Dream of Cake.

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U'nieka & Nathan: Reception Items

Just finished the final touches... menu cards, programs and thank you cards. Their wedding is this weekend and I know it will be wonderful! Congratulations again U'nieka and Nathan! I wish you both the very best!

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Down for a cookout?

I certainly am if it's this In-and-Out trailer! I've been hearing a lot about this lately and since lovely is a HUGE In-and-Out fan, I thought I would google it and see what I find....

via Veiled Vows
photo credit AHS Photography

Isn't that so awesome?!? This looks like a rockin' wedding, but the cookout trailer would also be perfect for one of our summer gatherings or picnics. Key things: 1. the trailer is available in certain areas and lucky for us, I think it's So CAL. Wonder if they would come to SD? 2. booking is a "first come, first serve" basis and lastly 3. a big bummer they don't serve their famous fries or milk shakes. I'm still down for this cookout!

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Invitation Style

source: Brides.com

Need some inspiration in finding your invitation style? Try taking this quiz to help you. And if you need more ideas, schedule a consultation with Dolldine Designs and we will help you achieve the look you envision.

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For the LOVE of wine

For those wanting a little freebie... BV Beaulieu Vineyard has a great custom wedding program, My Wedding, My Wine which offers FREE custom wine labels, favor tags, programs and a wine tasting mat. How great is that! Dolldine Designs can of course, also create these items to match your wedding paper luxuries!

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A Bridal Faire

It's our first bridal show and we're excited to be a part of The Wine Country Bridal Faire at the Ponte Winery. If you're in the Temecula area, come check out this beautiful venue and taste some great wines. This can be your potential wedding location. And please don't forget to stop by and visit our booth, we'd love to meet you. One admission is free if you log on to register. We can't wait to see you there!

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Organized 101

Two very important things about me if you don't already know: 1. I have a strong case of OCD and 2. I LOVE Martha! I know... I know... it can be bad sometimes, but what can I say? I came across this great planner by Russell + Hazel that is absolutely needed to get through busy days. And for our brides-to-be, they have this great wedding organizer which is a wonderful resource. You can even download free worksheets for planning out important details.

They have everything needed to stay organized including storage bins, boxes, magazine holders; you name it. And what do you know... Martha uses them in her studio as well! Look how great that looks!

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Wedding Art

Details, details, details. It's all about the details! I came across this beautiful Wedding Graffiti and thought.. what a great idea! It's so simple. The art or monogram comes on a transfer adhesive which you can place on any smooth surface. After you're done, it will peel away quickly not damaging the underlying surface. It personalizes your day and you can use it for any event.

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