We are custom letterpress invitation designers. We love letterpress and the tactile result of beautiful custom designed wedding pieces. You can see a small sample of our work at www.farfallawedding.com
Farfalla Samples May 21, 2008
We have officially restocked our sample supply. We were running low for awhile there but it’s back and fully stocked once again.
If you are interested in a sample of some recent work, just shout. Samples are $5 each and include one letterpress piece, and coordinating envelope. The sample fees will be credited toward any future orders.
Happy sampling!
Reception Eats 101 May 13, 2008
Plated, Buffet, Hors d’oeuvre, dessert only. For most weddings, those cover all your bases.
I think hors d’oeuvre and dessert only are pretty self explanatory. But please make your guests aware of the light fare for the evening. You don’t want your guests to be famished expecting a meal, and end up with spring rolls and/or cake only. There if nothing wrong with going with either of these options, just let your guests know what to expect, and don’t schedule your reception during a traditional ‘meal time’. In my book when it comes to receptions, lunch is 11:30a-1:30p, and dinner would be 6p-8p.
Now for the big guys:
Plated reception vs Buffet
I consider plated to be more formal. It will typically have a few courses, an appetizer, plated salad, possibly an intermezzo followed by an entree, and the dessert among at least half a dozen other options. Dessert can be your cake, and/or in addition to your cake.
I prefer a plated meal, I think it takes some of the burden of your guests, allows them to relax and enjoy the food, and not wait in line to get their chicken, which never seem to be quite hot enough. I also feel like there is never enough of the ‘good stuff’ on a buffet unless you are first in line. Also, many options are hard to serve buffet style, I think steak is not a good buffet choice.
Buffets are great if you have a ton of options, want to include different specialty bars (like a pasta bar, sushi bar, made to order stir fry bar etc). But you must admit, it can be hard to juggle a plate for some older guests.
I also think buffets take away from guests getting to chat. Inevitably, someone will be missing from the table when a killer joke gets told, or when the videographer comes around for well wishes* (I will reserve my opinions on that for a future post).
If you want two options for your plated meal, let’s say chicken and steak you also have some serving options. Ask your venue about a duet entree (everyone will get steak and chicken). It’s not as expensive as it may sound, and a lot less work than tracking RSVP meal preferences, and color coding placecards because your venue requires it. Guests also won’t have to choose in June what they want to eat in September.
Buffets are not necessarily less costly either. Do your research, talk to your venue, and do what is best for you. I’m just sharing my two cents.
A Few of our new favorite cakes May 8, 2008
I love the show Ace of Cakes on the Food network, I’m a dork like that. And I stumbled onto their real site to see what else they can make, beside hockey rinks and beagles. And I LOVE some of their more traditional cakes. Here are a few of my favorites:
I love the color variation from dark to light.
I also love the strips of fondant wrapped around each layer on this one. And the flowers are a nice break from traditional roses.
Both photos courtesy of CharmCityCakes.com
2008 Wedding Stamps May 8, 2008
Here they are- Dun dun dun dunnnnn
I’m not very impressed, all they did was change the color for the 2007 set. But oh well. So the bigger question is, when will these bad boys be for sale? Well no one really knows at this point, but the gossip is that you can buy them starting in June. I did some hunting and the official release date is June 10th. So if you just have to have them, at least you know if they fit your timeline.
But remember, very few people will even notice your stamps, so use whatever postage is appropriate, don’t worry about having to use bells, or landmarks, or butterflies.
Cash bar part two May 5, 2008
One more thought, a consumption bar usually will never work out in your favor. You need to do some real math to figure out if going with a consumption bar versus an open bar will really work to your advantage. I’ve always found that it does not, but if your think it will, go for it as your guests will still have full bar options and not be aware that you are saving some $$ on the backend.
Cash bar? Just say no May 5, 2008
I beg you, if you only heed one word of my advice. Skip a cash bar.
I know it is tradition is certain parts of the country, but truly, it’s not appreciated by your guests. If you are making the choice for financial reasons, there is no shame is just offering beer/wine or forgoing any type of alcohol in favor of soda, mixers, juices, teas etc.
If you are doing it because “that’s how our family does it”… please think about the inconvenience to your guests. Many guests don’t bring wallets/purses to weddings, let alone do guests typically expect to have to shell out $4 for a screwdriver ($4 is on the low end mind you).
I don’t like to judge the brides-to-be because it’s not my place. However, ditch the favors, ditch the custom napkins if you ordered them, and fork off the extra charge from your venue for the bar to be included, whether you choose a full top shelf bar, a selection of wines, or good old Coke and Pepsi.
Your Uncle Stuart might never say anything, but I am a firm believer that he is most definitely a little miffed that he flew across the country for your wedding, got you the All-Clad pan set you registered for, and finds himself going back to his hotel room to get some cash so he can have a drink at your wedding.
Your guests will thank you, at least I as a guest would thank you and I think I speak for most guests-to-be on this topic.
May Monthly Special May 5, 2008
We’re bringing it back. The ever popular 20% off all orders. March was the first time we went this route, and it was immensely popular, so if that is what the people want, that’s what we’ll provide.
I consider our letterpress pricing to be among the most reasonable as is, but understandably it is a more expensive route overall. So we’re here to help!
May Letterpress Special
20% off all orders placed by 12midnight on Saturday, May 31st.
No catches or fine print. Fine print annoys us too.
