Tips for all Occasions

Tips for Birth Announcements

A birth announcement is a printed paper card sent to friends and family to inform them of the birth of a child. Because your birth announcement is your child’s first introduction, it should be tasteful but also fun and attractive. Text usually includes some or all of the following information: gender, baby’s name, date of birth, time of birth, weight, length, and parents’ names. Pictures are not included with most traditional birth announcements. The rule of thumb for birth announcements is to send them to everyone you think might want to know. While announcements should be sent out as quickly as possible after the birth, friends understand that parents of newborns have their hands full and it is not unusual for months to pass before announcements are sent.

Tips for Matching Folded Notes

Most people who receive your birth announcement will send a gift. Thank you notes that match your birth announcements are a nice touch. Folded Notes generally have the child’s full name printed on the front of the card. The inside of the card is reserved for your personal hand-written message. Thank you notes are typically sent as soon as possible after receipt of the gift. A matched thank you card is the perfect way to show your appreciation for your child’s first gifts!

Tips for Invitations

Functionally, an invitation is simply a printed way of asking someone to attend an event. However, your invitation is really the first hint of your celebration, and your invitation should match the occasion in style and theme and may also include an enclosed RSVP. In addition to providing them with necessary details, your invitation will offer your guests a hint of what is to come. Attractive design, high quality printing, and appropriate text are the ingredients for a perfect invitation. Invitations for most events are typically sent out four to six weeks in advance, but less formal occasions require less notice. Sometimes an enclosed RSVP is applicable. Remember…fun events start with fun Invitations!

See also: Tips For Invitation Wording

Tips for Holiday Cards

Functionally, a holiday card is simply a printed way of wishing friends and loved ones well during the holiday season. However, your holiday card is also a reflection of your family’s closeness and style. Our most popular holiday cards are photo cards, which consist of colorful papers designed to have a family picture attached on the front. The inside of the card features a custom printed holiday message, a “generic” holiday message, or is left blank for a hand-written message. Typically, holiday cards are sent to all friends, neighbors, close business associates, and family, as well as to all who send you a card. While most people try to send holiday cards around Thanksgiving, it is appropriate for cards to arrive right up until the holiday being celebrated. Remember…holidays are fun and so are Holiday Season! or Holiday Photo! Cards.

Tips for Moving Announcements

Functionally, a moving announcement is a printed way of telling friends and loved ones that you are moving and how to get in touch with you. However, your moving announcement also reflects your personality and your feelings about your new home. By sending a moving announcement, you are asking the recipient to keep in contact with you and your family in this new phase of your life. Typically, information relayed in the text of a moving announcement includes names, date of move (if applicable), new address, new telephone number, and sometimes email address. Remember, new places are fun and so are Moving Announcements!

Tips for Engagement/Bridal

Bridal showers and engagement parties range from very formal events to casual get-togethers. There are two rules of thumb for these events: First, the bride and groom should set the tone for the party, including guest list, theme, date, etc. Second, be sure that the invitation matches the tone of the event; if the bride requests a casual oyster roast, avoid invitations that are extremely formal. You may even consider having the bride view the invitation before ordering. Be sure to send an invitation to the bride and groom for their scrapbook. Remember, a Bridal Shower or any special Party party is your opportunity to celebrate the important events in a loved one’s life!

Tips for Invitation Wording

The following suggestions may help you when wording invitations.

When titles are used, the husband's title always comes first:

Without titles, the wife's name should come first:

With children's names added, the father's name should come first, then the wife's name, followed by the children's names, listed according to age (oldest first):

In using Jr., III, etc. (a comma should always precede):

For a Widow or Married Woman:

Use of Plurals:
When names end in "s," "x," "z," "ch," and "sh" add "es"

When names end in "o" or "y" add "s"

Only use an apostrophe to show ownership, never to form a plural:

In many cases the plural form of a name is not desirable as simply using the word Family: