The price for a one ounce first class stamp is now $.44.  Keep in mind that using a non traditional sized envelopes (which includes square envelopes) or heavier standard envelopes will be charged additional postage.  To ensure that you purchase the correct amount of postage for the outer envelope take a completed invitations (envelopes included) to the post office and have them weigh it.

The post office has also issued a new stamp design for weddings, which features two rings with a ribbon (above).  This stamp is only available at the $.44 postage rate.  If you are concerned about your stamps matching (outer envelope and response envelope), you may want to consider a custom stamp.  Custom stamps may be ordered at Photo.Stamps.com or Zazzle.com.  These stamps are beautiful, but are more expensive than regular postage because you have the ability to customize them.  Prices vary by vendor and by size of the stamp you purchase.  I encourage you to visit each website and consider adding this unique touch to your extraordinary invitations!

If you are planning an event and need to capture essential guest information…then you need a Guest Information Box!

Into Stationery has created a new Guest Information box.  This customizable elegant box is shaped like a treasure chest and holds all of your critical event/guest information.  Each box comes with a set of alphabetical tabbed cards and 100 insert cards.  You may capture the following information on the insert cards:

• Guest name and address
• Check if you mailed the Save the Date, Invitation and Thank You Cards
• The gift you received
• Additional Information such as the menu selection
• Reception Planning Information (number attending, RSVP card number, a list of all attendees coming with this guest and table numbers)

This customized box retails for $30 and additional inserts are available in packs of 50 for $10 each.

To order your custom box contact us at info@intostationery.com or order directly online at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=19091568.

Proper etiquette says no Registry Card.  By definition a “gift” is something given voluntarily.  It’s the thought that counts…therefore, gifts are thoughtful.  Meaning your guests really ponder their purchase.  A Registry Card may make some feel compelled to buy something and only the things that you’ve selected.  Additionally, I’ve learned that many people don’t like to be told what to buy someone (go figure).  Since weddings are the coming together of families there are many generations represented on your guest list.  So you must keep in mind that there will be some guests who expect a more traditional/formal flare from start to finish, and others who will expect a modern event.  With that said you want to make sure you don’t alienate anyone.

So how to your guests find out where you’re registered if there is no card?  Proper etiquette says the way to announce where you are registered is through word of mouth.  Family and friends tell others as they RSVP for other pre-wedding affairs.  Word does travel fast, so rest assured that all of your guests will know where you are registered.

Now that you know what proper etiquette, how should you decide whether to include or not to include a Registry Card in your invitations ensemble?  Well, when deciding keep these few points in mind…

• If your wedding is traditional and formal throughout don’t stray from that format with the invitation…Don’t include the Registry Card.
• Know your guests.  Will they expect a Registry Card?
• Do you feel a responsibility to pass the torch and educate others about the traditions and etiquette of this special occasion?

Stay tuned for more etiquette tips and tidbits as you create your lasting first impressions!

Thanks to our friends at Unforgettable Event in San Diego, one of Into Stationery’s designs was featured in the October/November 2008 edition of San Diego Style Weddings Magazine.  Into Stationery provided a menu card to complement their tablescape.  We were honored to be asked for our assistance and pleased with the outcome of their tablescape and our small contribution!

This elegant design features black moire paper and a crystal rhinestone buckle and can be used for any invitation or announcement.  If you’re interested in finding out how this design could be customized to accentuate your upcoming event please inquire by email (info@intostationery.com).

Welcome to Into Stationery’s Blog!

We’re very excited about the opportunity to connect with you about all things paper!  Since paper is one of our favorite subjects we aspire to ensure that you will never think of paper quite the same again, after tuning in to our posts.  Over the coming months we will be sharing:

• What’s new with Invitations and Stationery
• Invitation etiquette
• Answers to any questions you may have
• Pictures of designs we’ve created

So stay tuned and check back often to read each new post!