Simply Unique Invitations ~ The Wedding Design Blog for Modern Brides

SIMPLY UNIQUE INVITATIONS Bridal Purse Give Away!!

2011-04-19T13:46:00.001-04:00

"Tiffany" - White Ostrich Feather Bridal Purse
Currently Featured in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine

I am very excited to announce the SIMPLY UNIQUE INVITATIONS Bridal Purse Give Away!

This classic ostrich feather bridal purse shown above is one of my favorite handbag creations that I designed and handcrafted myself. Currently featured as a "Hot Pick" in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine, this is an original design that is right on trend.

I am ecstatic to be offering this $279 value to one lucky winner!

Here are the drawing details:

Drawing to be held at 2pm on June 1st.

2 Steps to enter:

1. Join Our Mailing List
2. Send us an email letting us know that you have joined our mailing list and reference the "SIMPLY UNIQUE INVITATIONS Bridal Purse Give Away" in your email.

Special Note - For every 3 friends you get to enter, we will include your name a second time in the drawing! Please send us an email giving us the names of your friends after they have entered: hello@simplyuniqueinvitations.com.

For more information on the purse, please visit my Sherri Weese Designs Etsy shop where you can view additional images, as well as a full detailed description.

Good luck!

Simply Unique Invitations Announces New Shop on Etsy Featuring Exquisite Accessories for Weddings and Special Occasions!

2010-02-16T17:35:00.011-05:00

We are very excited to announce our new Etsy Shop featuring original hand crafted accessory designs by Simply Unique Invitations' Designer & Founder, Sherri Weese. These fabulous creations include exquisite trend setting accessory designs for weddings and all special occasions.

Now available for purchase exclusively on Etsy, her stunning designs include: embellished handbags and bridal handbags, delicate feather and flower fascinators that can be worn alone or with bird cage veils, embellished silk bridal bouquets, bridal hair combs, bridal hair pins, and bridal shoe clips. Be sure to check the shop often, as we add new pieces regularly!

The Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sherriweesedesigns

"Inviting Tradition" ~ Original Custom Invitation Featured in Weddings by Ritz Carlton Magazine

2009-12-17T14:15:00.020-05:00

I was honored when Weddings by Ritz Carlton Magazine contacted me this past summer asking me to submit an original invitation design which incorporated 2 different cultures, I knew I had the perfect set to send to them... one of my all time favorite designs! This boxed set was created for an Irish bride with a groom from Arizona. The bride wanted to incorporate her Irish heritage, but in a modern, more chic presentation using traditional patterns and textures rather than readily identifiable "emerald green." I wove the bride's background into the piece by using a plaid ribbon inspired by autumn leaves and a traditional Irish wedding blessing. For a finishing touch, I found the perfect Southwestern-style brooch to acknowledge the groom's roots. It was certainly a challenge, but it came together beautifully and I couldn't be happier with the end result! Their magazine can be found at all Ritz Carlton hotels, worldwide. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Special note: I have to give a special "shout out" and big "Thank You" to their photographer, Dan Vermillion, for doing such an amazing job capturing all of the details beautifully!

Hindu Wedding Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

2009-11-16T13:25:00.002-05:00

Credits: CUSTOM EVENT GROUP (3), In His Grace Photography, Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey (2), Jessica's Country Flowers, Simply Unique Invitations, Dollface Studio, ABC Dragoo

Created for a client, this inspiration board was designed for an out of doors ceremony with a color palette of rich and vibrant shades of magenta and fuschia, along with soft, subtle shades of pink, and natural greens. The coordinating invitation will be placed inside of a green silk box and secured closed with a fabulous fuschia ribbon and rhinestone closure.

Fall Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

2009-11-02T12:20:00.006-05:00

Credits: Simply Unique Invitations, Jessica's Country Flowers, Adeline and Grace Photography, THE WEDDING PLANNER, Boyfriend/Girlfriend, Chelsea Nicole, Chelsea Nicole Photography, Love Life Images

Romantic Soft Pink Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

2009-10-29T13:42:00.005-04:00

Credits: Simply Unique Invitations, Corbin Gurkin, Corbin Gurkin Photography, Carla Ten Eyck, Karen Wise, Kristin Vining Photography (3), Twin Lens, Raya Carlisle Photography, Ariel Yve

Spring Lavender and White Inspiration Board by Sherri Weese

2009-10-28T18:29:00.011-04:00

Credits: Michael Oppenheim Photography, Suthi Picotte (3), Robert and Kathleen, Jubilee Events (2), Simply Unique Invitations, Rochelle Mort, Blooms by Martha Andrews

How to Create the Perfect Balance When Incorporating 2 Cultures Into 1 Incredible Wedding Invitation Design

2009-09-25T15:44:00.017-04:00

Recently, I was asked by a luxury bridal magazine to answer some common questions from their readers wanting to incorporate their family heritage and cultural traditions into their custom invitation suite. I thought it would be helpful to share here as well!

1. What are some of the most compelling ways a couple can incorporate their family heritage and cultural traditions into their custom wedding invitation suite?

The use of colors, patterns, and textures is the most compelling ways a couple can incorporate their family heritage and cultural traditions into their wedding invitations. All of these elements combined in the right way can invoke a mood or feeling that will instantly resonate with your guests. The invitation suite is the perfect opportunity to debut your theme and set the tone for the entire event.

2. What are a few things to know or keep in mind when striving to do so?

First, try to keep the design concept as simple as possible. It's very easy to become overwhelmed from trying to incorporate too many themes or ideas from two different cultures into one design. Second, even if you are very familiar with your own background or culture, it's also very important to spend a lot of time extensively researching both cultures prior to coming up with a design concept. Start by compiling a list of your most favorite traditions, rituals, national icons, and color schemes from each culture. Then, select the top 1 or 2 from each culture that are most important to each of you, and that can easily be incorporated into the invitation design.

3. Can you give some examples of memorable invitations you’ have created for couples in this regard?

I created a custom design for a couple wanting to combine Southwestern and Irish cultures into their theme. Both sides of the bride and grooms families were very concerned about 2 completely different cultures and traditions coming together in 1 breath-taking invitation suite. We found the perfect Southwestern style brooch that had the perfect colors to match the Irish inspired plaid ribbon. Although the bride had originally wanted to use her family crest, the final design ended up being more perfect in the end. It was most important to her to make sure that we included the Irish Wedding Blessing somewhere on the invitation. In the end it really was the perfect blending of 2 completely different cultures represented in the way that the bride and groom had originally intended. They were amazed that such a simple-looking invitation suite could capture so many aspects of both cultures without becoming too complicated in appearance.

4. What are some great ways to incorporate such heritage and traditions subtly?

For example, use a family crest as the main design element that can be the theme weaved throughout the entire ensemble. Even the most subtle design element, such as a traditional wedding prayer watermarked onto the background, can be another thread used in the weaving process.

5. What are some great ideas, inspirations and tips for couples combining dual backgrounds and wishing to represent both sides of the family in their invitation ensemble?

Remember that coming up with a design is a process and a journey. It's important to keep an open mind when starting out on the journey. Many times, the invitation design that you end up with in the end is the one that has culminated over time. You may begin the process with doubts or apprehensions. However, with some thoughtful planning and honesty about what is most important to each of you, it will come together perfectly in the end. Sometimes you will need to compromise and sacrifice certain design elements representative of your culture in order to have the perfect invitation suite in the end. Have patience!

Look for the invitation design mentioned above, in the next issue of "Weddings by Ritz Carlton Magazine!"

Fabulous Navy ~ The New Black!

2009-06-12T18:07:00.013-04:00

Without a doubt, navy blue is the hottest color trend for weddings right now. More and more brides are requesting navy for their wedding theme. However, I have encountered two common concerns from brides and thought I would try to address them by creating an inspiration board that shows just how stunning it can be.

The first common concern?... "I want to do a navy and white wedding but how do I do it without it being too nautical?" As you can see from the inspiration board above, a navy and white can be very sophisticated and traditional without giving a nautical feel. The second most common concern?... "I want my bridesmaids dresses to be navy, but will it look good with my grooms men's black tuxes?" YES! Want to take it to the next level? ...navy bridesmaids dresses, and the guys in navy tuxes! HOT!!

Navy can be paired with anything from apple green, soft pink, blue, or lavender, to vibrant yellow or gold, blue, fuchsia, and even orange. Navy attire with any of these will make for an amazing ambiance, not to mention incredible photographs that will last a lifetime!

Adorable Couture Cupcake Wrappers!

2009-05-28T15:23:00.015-04:00

Who doesn't love cupcakes?! We came across these adorable and chic textile-inspired cupcake wrappers recently and because of their unique qualities, we just had to share them with you! Designer & Founder, Carrie Middlemiss of Bella Cupcake Couture followed her passion when creating her exclusive line of couture cupcake wrappers.

According to Carrie, she wanted to design something fashionable for the bottom portion of the cupcakes and has always said, "Why should the frosting have all the limelight?"

Each wrapper is sized perfectly to hide the crinkly, translucent paper in which they are baked. Once inside, each cupcake becomes an adorable and trendy eye catching design that will add sophistication and elegance to any occasion.

Each wrapper is made of recycled paper and is printed with soy inks, adding the additional benefit of a "green" cupcake! Carrie envisions her wrappers at weddings, bridal and baby showers, and as birthday gifts, or even a little treat for yourself!

All images copyright Bella Cupcake Couture.

Limited Edition Luxury Handbags

2009-04-29T15:32:00.021-04:00

"Marcelle" Bridal Handbag ~ $820.00

White & green velvet leaves adorned with small white roses & large pink silk & velvet rose.

I am often asked where I find my inspiration when designing couture invitations. The truth is that I never know where I am going to find it! It could be anything from the fashion runways, to another artist within the industry. One such artist whom I've found as a great source of inspiration for a long time has been couture handbag atelier, EJ Stern. Perfect for weddings or any special occasion, I thought I'd share a few pieces of her work with you!

"Pink Poppy Pyramid" ~ $595.00

Green leaves adorned with pink & black poppy. Semi-precious pink pearl handle.

Designing magnificent one-of-a-kind and limited edition luxury handbags from her studio in Boca Raton, Florida, EJ Stern has been featured on Oprah and in numerous publications such as Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine. Her creations have even been exhibited in museums and art galleries.

"Darcy" ~ $890.00

Purple orchids & spider orchids dance above white orchids & green tropical leaves. Swarovski crystals add sparkle.

Using only the finest European couture silk and velvet flowers and leaves, each design is made to order and is exquisitely fashioned by hand - leaf by leaf, petal by petal. Many of the silk and velvet flowers are adorned with Swarovski crystals. All bracelet handles are made with the highest quality pearls and semi precious stones. Stern demands that the craftsmanship be meticulous and flawless.

"Pink Rose Pyramid" ~ $595.00

Green leaves adorned with pink velvety rose. Semi-precious light green pearl handle.

Choose from an existing design - make color, flower or design changes. For those with truly discerning tastes, the EJ Stern Studio will work closely with you to create the perfect handbag for your special occasion.

"Cameron" ~ $750.00

Green & brown bearded irises dance above yellow & brown orchids & green tropical leaves. Swarovski crystals add sparkle.

To view more designs and for more information visit the EJ Stern web site.

Luxury Bridal Jewelry Rental

2009-03-23T14:46:00.049-04:00

It's no secret that much of my invitation design inspiration comes from exquisite jewelry. Recently I came across a fabulous find that I wanted to share. Adorn Brides offers exquisite luxury jewelry rental for your wedding day! What a wonderful opportunity to add "red carpet elegance" at a fraction of the price - without sacrificing quality.

Featured on numerous TV shows, Adorn Brides offers an array of diamond and pearl necklaces, bracelets, and ear rings that retail for thousands of dollars, but you can rent them for a fraction of the retail price. You will be relieved to know that insurance is included in the rental price!

Here is just a small sampling of the breathtaking jewelry that they offer for rental...

NECKLACES

The "Lighton" Diamond Necklace
Retail price: $5,100 - Rental price: $200

The "Spencer" Diamond Necklace
Retail price: $9,800 - Rental price: $360

The "Hartley" Pearl Necklace
Retail price: $9,300 - Rental price: $350

The "Beckford" Sapphire & Diamond Necklace
Retail price: $45,000 - Rental price: $1,500

EARRINGS

"Clemons" Marquis Diamond Earrings

Retail price: $7,200 - Rental price: $240

"Hartley" Pearl Drop Earrings

Retail price: $3,100 - Rental price: $120

"Windsor" Large Diamond Stud Earrings

Retail price: $19,370 - Rental price: $620

BRACELETS

"Lloyd Bangle" Pearl & Diamond Bracelet

Retail price: $7,600 - Rental price: $290

"Livingston" Marquis Diamond Bracelet

Retail price: $19,350 - Rental price: $650

"Roup" Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Retail price: $19,400 - Rental price: $650

View the entire collection on the Adorn Brides web site. Visit their "How It Works" page for more details on the rental process. "Each piece is professionally inspected and cleaned so you can feel confident that it will shine and sparkle with brilliance."

Luxury Wedding Industry Conference

2009-02-11T15:06:00.017-05:00

We were very honored to have received an invitation to attend this year's engage!09 Something Blue luxury wedding business summit at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman this June. Designed to bring together many of the "best of the best in the wedding industry - from speakers to attendees" - Simply Unique Invitations was selected to receive a coveted invitation to attend this intimate "high impact" business summit. Speakers this year include Preston Bailey of Preston Bailey Designs, Darcy Miller of Martha Stewart Weddings, Sylvia Weinstock of Sylvia Weinstock Cakes, and Antonia van der Meer of Modern Bride and Elegant Bride magazines - just to name a few!

Presented by Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce of Engaging Concepts, they wanted to "create an atmosphere of effortless networking allowing for an open exchange of ideas, information, inspiration, and candid discussions of the issues and opportunities facing everyone in today's luxury wedding industry."

Visit their fabulously inspirational engage!09 web site for more information on this wonderful event!

Buyers Beware... All Silk Invitation Boxes are NOT Created Equal!

2009-02-06T16:49:00.016-05:00

It is truly amazing to me just how many overseas box manufacturers are advertising that they are selling "silk" invitation boxes of "exceptional quality" for a price of $15 - including shipping. As someone who has years of experience working with overseas box manufacturers and has seen their products first hand, I can tell you that they are NOT 100% hand woven silk (they are indeed 100% polyester), nor are they of "exceptional quality." What they also don't tell you is that you will get a bill for import duties & taxes into the US that is not included in their $15 price. This must be factored in when comparing pricing.

It is important to note that there are different levels of quality, not only of the construction materials, but the craftsmanship as well. 90% of the time, box manufacturers use their lowest skilled workers to assemble in bulk quantities.

In addition to using polyester fabric, they use a thin cardboard as the base of the invitation box construction, and a thin layer of foam padding on the outside top of the box, and the inside bottom of the box. These are NOT heirloom quality.

At Simply Unique Invitations, all of our invitation boxes are constructed from wood - not cardboard. What's more, we offer 100% hand woven pure silk - or - a lower priced faux silk (polyester) for all of our products. Both include wood construction and premium grade padding that is thicker to provide a more luxurious look. We include padding in all of the usual places AND up the sides of the inside of each box as well.

Most importantly, we do NOT use "bulk workers" to assemble our boxes. In fact, we pay extra to have only the highest skilled craftsmen assemble all of our products. We have worked very hard to ensure that our products are the best quality out there today and are true heirloom quality. You know your friends and family will receive a gift that will last a lifetime!

Be sure when you are shopping around for your silk invitation boxes that you obtain all important details and ask the right questions. Here is a list of questions that we recommend asking manufacturers...

1. Is the fabric 100% pure hand woven silk?

2. What are your boxes constructed from?

3. What thickness of padding do you use and where specifically is it used?

4. What calibur of workers do you use to assemble your boxes?

5. How much extra will it cost me in import duties & taxes to import 100% pure silk boxes into the US?

For more detailed information on our products please visit our "Collection" page on our Simply Unique Accessories web site.

It's All About The Details!

2009-01-07T16:24:00.088-05:00

We are very excited to be featured in the current issue of the luxurious bridal magazine, Weddings Unveiled. Known for inspiring style for southern weddings, Weddings Unveiled Magazine prides itself on featuring trend setting wedding resources with a "fresh, edgy take on classic, sophisticated style..." Needless to say we were delighted when they asked us to submit an original black & white invitation design last November for their upcoming January issue.

Our submission was a fabulously fun couture collaboration between Simply Unique Invitations and authorized dealer, Lindsey Luxa of Dragonfly Custom Design. Lindsey's original invitation design was inspired by her client wanting to take her bridesmaids off on a week-long bachelorette get-away to Paris. A small group of friends who loved to travel and more importantly - shop! - decided this would be a wonderful way to say goodbye to their best friend's single hood.

Wanting to capture the essence of Paris, Lindsey decided on a dramatic black & white print to use as the cohesive theme throughout the invitation design. Choosing to finish off the presentation with a Simply Unique Accessories black silk box secured closed by a luxurious black ribbon and exquisite Ultra Couture Closure, Lindsey was able to flawlessly pull together a complete invitation presentation for her client.

Top Image: Page layout - bottom right - silk invitation box and couture closure deisgn copyright Simply Unique Invitations, LLC.
Bottom Image: Page layout - top right invitation design by Lindsey Luxa of Dragonfly Custom Design.

Black & White - The Season's Hottest Trend!

2008-11-18T19:35:00.041-05:00

The hottest color scheme for the 2009 wedding season is without a doubt black & white! A trend that began on the fashion runways earlier this year, it has also found it's way into couture wedding invitation design as well!

When Diane Von Furstenberg debuted her Fall 2008 collection featuring fabulous black & white patterns, she not only set the stage for the hottest new color trends in the fashion world, but also provided inspiration to designers within the couture invitation industry. Continuing the black & white trend, her "La Petite Velise" show took place in Florence, Italy and debuted the Cruise/Pre-Spring Collection 2008/2009.

Here are just a few pieces from her stunning collections...

Consider a "Black & White" wedding theme and start with your invitation design! Whether you choose to incorporate a modern contemporary pattern, a large floral print, or prefer more conservative and simple black & white solids, you can be sure that you will be right on trend!

All of our Simply Unique Invitations authorized dealers are ready to work one on one with you to create the perfect Black & White wedding invitation that will set the tone perfectly for your trendsetting event!

Fabulous New Fabrics!

2008-11-06T15:35:00.014-05:00

Perhaps the most exciting new addition to our line this year has been our 100% Dupioni (hand-woven) silk fabric manufactured exclusively for us. You'll be inspired by 100 colors in our palette! You're sure to find just the right shade to incorporate into your invitation presentation, providing the perfect opportunity to give your guests a taste of what's to come. You will find that by incorporating a cohesive theme into your invitation design, the remaining details of your wedding or event will fall into place much more easily.

As if our new 100% Dupioni fabrics wasn't enough, we also debuted our line of Faux Silk fabrics as a more economical option when selecting and designing your invitation presentation. The Faux Silk line features 100 colors in the palette as well!

Favored Keepsakes Added to the Line!

2008-11-05T20:20:00.013-05:00

We recently introduced the latest addition to our accessories line... fabulously fun silk favor boxes! A step away from our invitation boxes, pouches, and folios - but a logical progression none the less. They have been a long time coming and we're very excited to get them out to our dealers! The fun part is that they can be left plain for a more simple look and feel, or my personal favorite is to customize them with a gorgeous imported silk and velvet flower. Then, tuck a hand written note to your guests inside thanking them for their love and support on your special day. The perfect favor for a garden or spring wedding!

All can be purchased through our authorized dealers listed on our Simply Unique Invitations authorized dealers page.