An Unparalleled Celebration: Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Introduction

You can feel it in the air. The excitement. The anticipation. The beads. Yes, Mardi Gras is just around the corner, and there’s no place in the world quite like New Orleans when it comes to celebrating this unparalleled festival.

If you’ve never been to Mardi Gras before, you’re in for a treat. This five-day party features parades, costumed revelers, delicious food, and—of course—lots of booze. And while everyone celebrates Mardi Gras a bit differently, one thing’s for sure: you’re guaranteed to have a blast!

So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to New Orleans and join the party!

What Is Mardi Gras and Why Is It Celebrated in New Orleans?

Ah, Mardi Gras. A time for revelry, debauchery, and non-stop celebration. But what is it, exactly?

Mardi Gras (which means “Fat Tuesday” in French) is a celebration that takes place the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It’s a time when people can let loose and enjoy themselves before the austerity of Lent begins. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in New Orleans since the early 18th century, and it has only grown in popularity and scope since then. Today, the city comes alive during Mardi Gras, with parades, parties, and revelers filling the streets.

If you’re thinking of experiencing Mardi Gras for yourself, there’s no better place to do it than in New Orleans. The city knows how to throw a party, and you’ll be sure to have the time of your life if you visit during Mardi Gras.

What to Expect From Mardi Gras Celebrations in New Orleans

First and foremost, you can expect a LOT of fun. Mardi Gras is a time when people from all walks of life come together to let loose and have a good time. The atmosphere is electric, and the excitement is palpable.

You can also expect to see some amazing costumes. Mardi Gras is the perfect opportunity to dress up in your most outrageous outfit and show off your creative flair. Be prepared for people who go all out with their costumes—you’re sure to see some interesting sights!

Lastly, be prepared for the food. New Orleans is known for its delicious Cajun cuisine, so you’re in for a real treat. There will be plenty of amazing food to choose from, so make sure you come hungry!

The Vibrant History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans

You may know that Mardi Gras is a time to let loose and have some fun, but what you may not know is the rich history that surrounds this unique holiday.

Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a celebration that began in the city of New Orleans. It marks the end of the Carnival season, which starts on Twelfth Night (January 6) and ends on Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday).

What began as a small religious celebration has turned into one of the biggest parties in the world. With parades, costumes, and beads aplenty, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is an event that you don’t want to miss.

Parade Floats and Decorations

It’s not a Mardi Gras celebration without the amazing floats and decorations that adorn the city of New Orleans. If you’ve ever been to one of these parades, you know they can be quite a sight! While they look spectacular from the sidelines, what you don’t get to see is all of the hard work that goes into creating each float. It takes countless hours of painting, gluing and wiring to create these colorful works of art.

Behind the scenes, it’s a chaotic scene with string lights everywhere and creative minds in full-swing. Watching someone put together a handmade creation at 3 am might sound like madness to some… but when you throw in some classic New Orleans jazz playing in the background—you’ll find yourself kind of enjoying it.

It’s moments like these that make Mardi Gras in New Orleans unlike anywhere else in the world!

Conclusion

Carnival is a time of unparalleled celebration. It’s a time when the city of New Orleans comes to life. From the Mardi Gras parade floats to the music in the French Quarter, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So if you’re looking for a party that’s second to none, you need to head to New Orleans for Mardi Gras!

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Wedding Invitations and where to begin

You’re probably familiar with the expression “New Year, New You.” It’s a popular one for a reason: New Year’s is a time to reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the coming one.

For many people, goal-setting revolves around improving aspects of their life such as their health, career, or relationships. But what about those resolutions that are a little more fun? If you’re looking to plan your dream wedding in 2023, we have some tips for you.

Types of Wedding Invitations

There are three main types of wedding invitations: formal, semi-formal, and informal. Formal invitations are the most traditional, while informal invitations are more casual. Semi-formal invitations occupy a middle ground between the two. Below we dive a little deeper into each and what either can do you for.

Formal invitations are typically sent by the bride’s parents and include the names of both the bride and groom. The invitations are usually very traditional in both style and wording.

Semi-formal invitations are usually sent by the bride and groom themselves and can be more creative in both style and wording.

Informal invitations are typically sent by close friends or family members of the bride and groom and can be the most creative of the three types. It is worth noting that modern-day weddings have taken on the characteristics of all three types in various ways as more and more couples seek to differentiate themselves from others in new and very creative ways.

There are also a few other types of invitations that are less common but still worth mentioning. Destination wedding invitations are sent to guests who will be traveling to the wedding location. They often include information about travel and lodging arrangements. Elopement invitations are sent to guests who are not invited to the wedding ceremony but are invited to the reception. Lastly, rehearsal dinner invitations are sent to guests who are invited to the rehearsal dinner, which is held the night before the wedding. It is worth mentioning digital invitations as a fresh new medium for younger couples.

Which type of invitation is right for you? That depends on your style and the tone of your wedding. If you’re not sure, we are always available to answer questions regarding your vision here.

Crafting a Theme for Your New Year Wedding

So you’ve set your wedding date for next year and you’re starting to think about your theme. What should you do to make sure that your planning process goes as smoothly as possible?

First, start by crafting a theme for your wedding. This will help you to stay organized and on track as you plan every detail of your big day. It can also be a fun way to personalize your wedding and set the tone for the celebration.

Think about the vibe you want to create and the mood you want your guests to feel. Do you want it to be fun and festive, or elegant and romantic? Once you’ve nailed down the basics, you can start brainstorming ideas that fit with your chosen theme.

Balancing Style, Design, and Functionality

One of the key elements to any successful wedding is finding the right balance between style, design, and functionality. When you’re creating your wedding invitations, it’s important to ensure that each invitation suitably reflects the look and feel of the special day, but is also functional and easy for guests to understand. While you may be tempted to go for an ultra-stylish look with complex designs and calligraphy, remember that it should still remain legible and easy to read.

To strike this balance, start by choosing your paper type and color scheme. Then, make sure the font is big enough so that the text can easily be read and understood. Finally, keep it simple by avoiding overwhelming amounts of information or too many decorative elements that might distract guests from the essential details such as date, location, RSVP contact details etc. With a few thoughtful touches here and there you’ll have invitations that will make a lasting impression on your guests!

What about timing?

When it comes to planning your wedding invitations, many different elements also factor into planning like dresses, favors, venue, guests, and the list goes on. But in the midst of all of that, making sure that your guests receive their invitations in plenty of time will help check items off your list. Below are a few things to remember.

First and foremost, make sure that your invitations are addressed correctly and with the correct spelling. Double-check to be sure there are no mistakes! Second, consider whether you need to include additional information with the invitation, such as directions to the venue, accommodation suggestions or a dress code. Finally, give your guests plenty of notice by sending out invitations at least six weeks before the date of the wedding—this will give them enough time to plan their attendance. If it is a destination wedding, giving six months notice is very good timeframe to allow for changes with your guests.

These simple tips will help ensure that all of your guests receive their invitation in good time and have all the necessary information they need to share in this special day with you!

Making an Impression With Creative Customization

At this point of your wedding planning journey, it’s time to start making an impression with creative customization. Custom-designed invitations are a great way to make sure your guests feel special and give them a glimpse into the theme of your wedding. There are so many different options to choose from, from laser-cut designs to bright colors and printed patterns. No matter what you choose, the possibilities are endless!

With the advent of new technology and design processes, customizing wedding invitations has never been easier. You can even craft a completely unique invitation with the help of online design experts or experienced wedding stationery teams. You can pick and choose all the details, including typefaces, size, paper stock—the list goes on! Whatever design you end up choosing will be sure to impress your guests and set the tone for an amazing event.

Conclusion

When it comes to wedding planning, it’s important to start with the end in mind. By planning your wedding around your goals for the new year, you can make sure that everything falls into place.

By sending out invitations early, you can make sure that all of your guests can be there to celebrate with you. And by choosing a date that’s convenient for everyone, you can make sure that everyone has a chance to be a part of your big day.

With a little bit of planning, you can make sure that your wedding is everything you’ve always dreamed of.

Superbowl 57 and its design

Are you ready for some football? The Super Bowl is coming up, and this year it’s in a very special location: Arizona!

This isn’t just any old Super Bowl. It’s Super Bowl LVII, and it’s bound to be a good one. The high-flying Kansas City Chiefs against the multi-talented Philidelphia Eagles should put on a good show. I think collectively the football world cannot wait to see Patrick Mahomes battle Jalen Hurts on the big stage playing in the biggest game of the season.

Not only will the game be exciting, but the location is beautiful too. Arizona is known for its sunny skies and stunning landscapes. Arizona is the perfect setting for America’s biggest sporting event. From the rocky red cliffs of Sedona to the cactus-studded deserts of Tucson, there’s something beautiful to see around every corner.

Superbowl LVII: A Look Back

It is always nice to look back on past the big contest and the teams that play in them. This is the fourth time that the big game has been held in Arizona with Glendale, the location for this year’s event, hosting it three times. The first time Arizona played host was in 1996 when our team the @Dallas Cowboys played the @Pittsburgh Steelers for a great classic game. Sadly, we didn’t get there this year but maybe next time.

The art direction of this event is also something that stands out. The logo, which was designed by Lucinda “La Morena” Hinojos, is an excellent contrast to the previous logos in the past. This year’s logo has pops of color with Arizona’s vibrant fun nature. Hinojos @lamorena_art, who is Mexican-American and Apache Native American, is both the first Chicana and the first Indigenous artist to paint the official Super Bowl artwork. For her, the artwork represents a spiritual and cultural masterpiece, that will inspire and inform everyone of her native culture and history. She hopes the piece will be a symbol for everyone to remember who you are and embrace the very thing that makes them different.

We love the design and hope the NFL seeks to bring many more departures from the standard normality for their logo designs.

Why Arizona Is a Beautiful Place to Play

The Super Bowl is set to take place in a truly breathtaking location: Glendale, Arizona. Arizona is the perfect place to host this major sporting event with its iconic red rocks, gorgeous sunsets, and lush green landscapes.

The Desert Landscape and Flora of Arizona

When talking about the beauty of Arizona, you can’t ignore the unique desert landscapes that make up the majority of the state. This includes some of the most iconic features of Arizona, such as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. But there’s so much more to explore! From towering saguaro cacti to exotic wildflowers, the desert is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

In addition to its stunning scenery, Arizona is home to a wide range of diverse flora and fauna. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during Super Bowl LVII, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of cacti and succulents bursting with vibrant colors! For those looking for a more natural experience, Arizona also has plenty of hiking trails leading through forests, canyons and rivers.

Conclusion

The Super Bowl is a time when people from all over come together to celebrate the athleticism and strategic planning of the best football players in the country. But the Super Bowl is more than just a game. It’s also a time when people can come together to enjoy the beauty of Arizona.

We cannot wait to sit down with family and enjoy everything the event brings especially the commercials.

Why is paris the city of love?

Photo by Daniel Bounliane on Unsplash

You’ve probably heard the phrase “Paris is the city of love.” But have you ever wondered why? Sure, Paris is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. But there’s something about it that just seems to make people fall in love. What is it? Well, to answer that question, we have to go back in time a bit.

The History Behind the City of Love

When we think of Paris, we often think of love. The City of Love. The city where romance was born. But why is that? How did Paris become the go-to destination for love and romance?

It turns out, the history behind Paris is full of love stories, both real and fictional. From the love story of Romeo and Juliet to the real-life love story of King Louis XIV and his mistress, Madame de Pompadour, it seems like Paris was always meant to be the City of Love.

And, of course, there’s the story of how Paris got its most famous symbol of love – the Eiffel Tower. The tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and was originally meant to be a temporary structure. But the people of Paris fell in love with it, and it has become one of the most iconic symbols of the city.

Paris’ Spellbinding Beauty

The historic architecture and charming atmosphere is also significant contributor to Paris being considered the City of Love. With its picturesque streets, historic architecture, and charming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it has such a spellbinding effect on people.

Even if you’ve never been to Paris, you’ve probably heard of the city’s legendary romance. Couples have been flocking to Paris for centuries in search of love and enchantment. And it seems to work; according to some studies, Paris has the highest rate of marriages in the world!

There’s just something about this enchanting city that makes people want to fall in love. Maybe it’s the magic of the Eiffel Tower or the allure of a stroll down the Champs-Élysées. Whatever it is, Paris is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for love.

The Legacy of Artists and Writers

Artists and writers have been drawn to Paris for centuries, thanks to its unique blend of beauty, culture, and history. The city has been the birthplace or home of some of the world’s most renowned creators, including painters like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet, and writers like Ernest Hemingway and James Baldwin.

What is it about Paris that inspires such creativity? Some say it’s the city’s romantic atmosphere, with its narrow streets and intimate cafes. Others argue that it’s the mix of old-world elegance and contemporary energy that makes Paris so special.

Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt that Paris has a magical allure that continues to inspire artists and writers from around the world.

Food, Wine, and Romance

Who can forget the delicious food, rich wines, and romantic atmosphere that Paris is known for? It’s no wonder why Paris has earned its reputation as the “City of Love”. The city is filled with cozy cafes, charming bistros, and Michelin-starred restaurants that offer up some of the best dining options in the world. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or an indulgent meal with friends, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds in this city.

The wine scene doesn’t disappoint either – there are plenty of bars and wine bars to choose from, offering a huge selection of red, white, and sparkling wines from France’s renowned winemaking regions.

You can also take it one step further by taking a wine-tasting tour around the city. From tasting the finest bottles in some of Paris’ best cellars to learning about its rich winemaking history from knowledgeable guides – it’s certainly an unforgettable experience.

Some people might think that love is simply in the air in Paris, but the city has worked hard to make itself synonymous with love. From the city’s beautiful architecture and romantic atmosphere to the love stories that have been set in its streets, Paris is a city that has always been associated with love.

So if you’re looking for a city that will make you feel in love, Paris is the place to be. With its charming streets and passionate culture, Paris is a city that is sure to sweep you off your feet.

It is clear that with all that Paris has to offer, it is probably the people that give it the life it needs to flourish as such a beautiful and vibrant place. The next time you consider traveling to Europe, there is no better place than Paris as a start.

Why Tote Bags Make the Perfect Gifts for Destination Weddings

Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular every year. If you’re lucky enough to be invited to one, what gift should you bring?

A tote bag is a perfect option because it’s useful and can be customized with the couple’s names and wedding dates. Plus, it’s something the bride and groom can use on their honeymoon or when they travel together in the future.

In this post, we’ll explain why tote bags make the perfect gifts for destination weddings and give you some ideas for how to customize them.

They’re Perfect for Carrying All Your Essentials.

Tote bags are the perfect gifts for destination weddings because they’re versatile and perfect for carrying all your essentials.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or getting ready for your big day, a tote bag is a great way to carry everything you need. They’re roomy enough to fit all your clothes and toiletries, but still compact enough to carry with you on the plane or in the car.

And unlike traditional suitcases, totes don’t take up a lot of space, so you can easily store them in your room or in the trunk of your car. Plus, they’re perfect for packing souvenirs and other goodies from your trip.

Giving a tote bag as a gift is a great way to show that you care and that you want them to have everything they need while they’re away from home.

They’re Lightweight and Easy to Carry Around.

Another way totes are a perfect gift is that they are extremely lightweight. Though there are many different types and sizes like these here, finding the perfect one as a gift is key to the person receiving it. They’re also big enough to fit everything you need, but not so big that it’s cumbersome to carry.

They Make a Great Souvenir for Your Guests.

Tote bags have incredible flexibility that increases their value for you and your guests. They can be used as a travel bag, a beach bag, or a grocery bag. Because guests may want to slim down the number of things they need to carry, it fills in every gap needed to ensure no one is ever without anything they need while being stylish at the same time.

We love tote bags because they’re practical and customizable, and we know your guests will love them too!

You Can Customize Them to Match Your Wedding Theme.

Customization is a big draw for these types of gifts. The chance to add any kind of personalization, logo, image, or date that makes it special is a welcome addon. To go with this we have the tote bags themselves, which are hand-made with a great amount of detail to ensure they last.

We also offer a range of other personalized gifts, including notepads, stickers, luggage tags, and more. Our products are perfect for couples having destination weddings, corporate groups having out-of-town events, and families organizing trips abroad.

We love working with brides and grooms to create unique gifts for their big day! If you’re interested in learning more about our customization options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Planning the Most Romantic Fall Wedding

Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

Fall weddings are definitely the most romantic weddings of the year! From the cozy, autumnal colors to the chilly weather that just begs for cuddling, everything about a fall wedding just feels magical.

But how can you make sure your fall wedding is truly as romantic as you dream it will be? Here are our top tips!

What Makes a Fall Wedding Romantic?

Photo by Eric Muhr on Unsplash

When it comes to wedding season, most couples opt for a spring or summer wedding. But have you considered a fall wedding? There are so many reasons why a fall wedding is the most romantic option.

For one, the weather is perfect. You don’t have to worry about sweltering heat or humidity, but you still get to enjoy all the beauty of fall foliage. Plus, fall is a time for cozy fires and romantic dinners by candlelight.

Another reason to choose a fall wedding? The holidays are just around the corner. What could be more romantic than celebrating your love surrounded by family and friends?

Colors That Evoke Romance in the Fall Season

Photo by Omid Armin on Unsplash

While most wedding colors are versatile enough to be used in any season, there are a few shades that are particularly romantic in the fall. Burgundy, gold, and green are all beautiful choices that will set the tone for a romantic autumn wedding.

You can incorporate these colors in a variety of ways. Maybe your invitations will be gold with green accents, or your bridesmaids’ dresses could be a deep burgundy color. You could also choose green and gold centerpieces for your reception tables or use fall leaves as décor to add natural beauty to your venue. No matter how you decide to use them, these colors will help create an aura of romance on your big day.

The Changing of the Seasons and How It Impacts Your Wedding

As the leaves change color and the weather starts to get a little cooler, you may be dreaming of exchanging your vows in the fall. Here are a few things to consider if you want to have the most romantic fall wedding:

1 The changing of the seasons is one of the most romantic things about fall weddings. Not only will all of the leaves be changing color, but the weather will be perfect for a wedding—not too hot and not too cold.

2 Since fall is such a popular time for weddings, you’ll need to book your venue and vendors well in advance. Make sure to start planning your wedding as soon as possible if you want to have your dream fall wedding. Remember that weddings aren’t the only events being held around this time.

3 The fall colors are perfect for wedding decorations, so take advantage of them! You can use pumpkins, oranges, apples, baskets, barrels, pinecones evergreens and other fall-abundant decorations to create a beautiful autumnal atmosphere.

Creating a Romantic Ambiance with Lighting and Decor

When it comes to creating a romantic fall wedding, lighting is key. Use candles, lanterns and fairy lights to set the mood and create a warm, intimate atmosphere. You can also decorate with leaves, acorns and berries to add a touch of natural beauty. And don’t forget the mistletoe!

Foods and Drinks That Will Make Your Fall Wedding Romantic

Fall is the most romantic season of the year, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by having a fall wedding! From the beautiful colors of the leaves to the delicious autumnal flavors, everything about a fall wedding is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

To make sure your fall wedding is as romantic as possible, you’ll want to include some seasonal foods and drinks in your menu. Here are a few of our favorites:

Pumpkin pies, apple pies, and cranberry pies for dessert, hot apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes for drinks.

Tips for Making Your Fall Wedding the Most Romantic Ever

Here are a few tips to help make your fall wedding the most romantic ever!

1 Choosing a venue that embodies the spirit of the season. Whether it’s an autumnal-themed restaurant, park, or garden, make sure the setting is right for you.

2 Decorate your venue with autumnal flowers and foliage. Pumpkins, gourds, leaves, and berries make great centerpieces, place cards, and favors.

3 Serve seasonal cuisine. Think pumpkin pies and cakes, harvest-themed salads and appetizers, and spiced hot drinks.

4 Incorporate popular fall decorations. Give your wedding a cozy Fall feel by incorporating elements like fireside chats, warm candles, sheepskin throws, and rustic decor.

5 Pick mellow accoustic tunes for the night. Round out the romantic atmosphere with live music or DJs playing mellow acoustic tunes all night long.

6 Add a shower of fall leaves to your ceremony. Finally what could be more romantic than exchanging your vows in the falling leaves of autumn?

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

How to Build an Event Brand

Event Branding Sample Logo Design: Pura Vida Costa Rica

It doesn’t matter if you are planning an 8-person tea party in your backyard, a 200-person wedding by the beach or a 1,000-person trade fair in a convention center, these events all need extensive planning. Event branding has long been a practice in many special events before it even got its name. It could be as simple as the practice of using custom monograms to adorn favors, programs, and decorations, the application of a color motif for the outfits and decorations or the use of a certain type of music to liven up a party. All of these things make up your event brand.

Now I know some of you may say, this concept is overkill for a small children’s party that I’m planning for my 7-year old daughter, but really it’s not. Whether you’re planning a big event or a small event, you always put an effort into the lots of little things that make up the party theme.

Here are 5 simple steps that will help you build an effective event brand:

1 Identify your target audience: Who are your guests?
Before you start making other decisions you should figure out who you hope to appeal to the most. This will be your guiding light.

Consider the demographics. Are you expecting mostly male or female guests? What age group? What kind of lifestyle do they have? Their tastes, personal preferences, and hobbies. What kind of music do they listen to? Understanding your target audience will help you create an event brand that will appeal to them.

2 Define your brand characteristics: What is your event about?
Now that you have identified your guests, the next step is figuring out what your event is about. What do you intend to achieve? What kind of experience do you want to give them? Walking away from this event, what feeling or memory do you want your guests to take with them?

Be precise about your mission and vision, this will define your brand. In application, your brand’s characteristics should be reflected in everything that you will create for the event beginning with written content, collateral design, graphics, and the entire experience.

Event Branding Sample Applications Pura Vida Costa Rica

3 Design your Visual Identity
What is a logo? A symbol or design adopted by an organization to identify its products, uniform, vehicles, etc.. The logotype may also come in the form of a monogram. It represents your event’s identity and allows you to be picked out in a crowd easily.

Your logo should be distinctive, visually appealing and it must represent everything your event is about. The choice of logo, fonts, color palette and other visual elements that you decide to use for your event will define and represent your brand once you start applying them across all your event collateral like invitations, programs, favors, party supplies, decorations, brochures, tickets, etc.

4 Set up your website
Although this might be a little overkill for a 1-year-old’s birthday or a 7-year-old’s backyard tea party, bigger events like weddings, anniversaries, reunions, launch parties, conventions, and other corporate events may require an event website. In these cases, it is essential to establish your brand in all media platforms that you choose to use to establish your visual identity. For smaller scale events, you can apply your logos/ monograms or visual themes to your Facebook page or Instagram and all other social media outlets you choose to engage with people.

Event Branding Sample Applications Pura Vida Costa Rica

5 Shout about it
Event promotion is all about building up the anticipation for your guests. Do not forget that the first point of contact starts with your announcement. For most events, this happens on the day your guests receive their invitations in their mailboxes. This is why it is crucial that the initial contact shocks and awes the receiver. The design of your invitation will say a lot about your event. It is an introduction, a prelude, a preview to what’s coming ahead. At this point, your guests are already deciding whether they will or will not attend. If you make it compelling enough they might just say yes or give it a maybe. But if your message comes across as boring, your invitations might just end up in the trash bin. So do not skimp on your invitations if your budget allows it, hire a professional to create this for you.

Past the point of introduction, you may continue to engage with your guests via your website. Events that require you to communicate more information than the basic what, when and where, should use a website or Social media page to provide more details. Be sure to have the link printed in your invitation that directly takes them to this page. For the tech savvy, a QR code would be very helpful.

Blogging and posting updates on your website or social media page is a way to keep your audience interested and excited. If you haven’t lost their attention yet and have given your invitation a maybe, this might just make them want to go. Be sure to maintain your event brand throughout.

Take the time to write the narrative for your site or page to make sure that it goes along with the style of the event that you are planning. Make it personal. Talk about the various activities you have planned out. Tell them why they absolutely must not miss the event. Be sure to make it personal.

I know for those planning a small children’s party this will seem too much and you’re probably thinking ‘I gotta do all of that???’ but to simplify things, it comes down to knowing who you are doing this for, considering what they like, picking a theme, keeping it in mind as you plan along and sticking with it.

Monogram

Plenty of people are unaware of the rules behind monogram design.  Before we begin with the discussion on protocols, let’s talk about what a monogram actually is.  A monogram, according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, is a sign of identity usually formed of the combined initials of a name.  A monogram is a design, consisting of one, two or three combined or linked initials used to represent a person’s or a couple’s identity.  Below are some examples of how to use each style.

His and Her’s

Monograms may be used to add a special touch to a personal item to mark a special event, a milestone or an achievement, to give it more meaning.  The rules for personal monograms are pretty simple and may be summarized by the following rules:

Monogram styles, rules and protocols

Engaged Couples

As a general rule, engaged couples should not use their married monogram initials until after the wedding ceremony takes place.  As an alternative, engaged couples may use a combination of their first name initials or just simply spell out their first names, ie., K&B or Katherine & Brandon.  Traditionally the woman’s initial is first, but it is up to the couple how they want to list the initials or names for monogramming.

Modern-day exceptions allow for engaged couples to use their married monogram for items in their registry. The married monogram may also be used in the wedding invitations, announcements and other related wedding items like wedding programs, aisle runner or unity candle.

Monogram styles, rules and protocols

After the Wedding

Couples can begin using their married monogram initials once the ceremony has taken place. Typical monograms consist of the husband’s last-name initial in the center and the first-name initials of the couple on either side in a smaller font.

If the couple is not going to share a last name after the wedding ceremony, they can use the two initials of their last names side by side in the same font. The couple chooses the order of the initials. I.e., Hudson and Lee would be “HL” or “LH.”

Monogram styles, rules and protocols

Monogram design could be simple enough for you to create on your own. Some stationery vendors also accept monogram design service for more elaborate options. Some styles may include small graphic elements that not only represent the person/ couple’s identity with motifs related to the of occasion that’s being celebrated.