I finally finished making our save-the-dates!  It was easy making them except writing the addresses.  I’m not good at calligraphy so I decided to just use my own everyday handwriting.  I saved by writing the addresses myself, using coverstock that I already have and printing the save-the-dates in my home printer.

Keeping up with the theme of the wedding, I used knots and sailboat images.  I’m sorry I forgot to take a photo of the back which has the travel info.  The vellum wraps around the save-the-date covering both the front and back.

Overall, I spent a little more than $20 for 25 of these save-the-dates:

7 coverstock 8.5×11 = free (I have in stock)
13 vellum 8.5×11 = $10.50 (50 pack)
41′ knot = $3.77
25 envelopes = $6.25

TOTAL = $20.52 + tax

Stay tuned tomorrow for template and instructions on making them.

I recommend setting up room blocks in Newport, as hotels in the area get booked up pretty quickly around Summer time.

We inquired with 6 hotels in the area.  We went with Best Western for the proximity to venue and prices; and Howard Johnson Middletown for their better reviews and prices.  Click here to download the list of questions I compiled to ask when inquiring about room blocks.

Below are the info I gathered for each of the hotels we inquired about for our May 22, 2010 wedding (Howard Johnson Middletown, Best Western Mainstay Inn Newport, Hyatt Regency Newport, Newport Beach Hotel and Suites, Holiday Inn Express Middletown, and Marriott Newport):

Howard Johnson, Middletown RI

• How many rooms can we block at a time?
  10
• Is it possible to add more in the future if we need more?
  Yes, based on availability
• What is your policy with rooms in our room block that don’t get booked?
  The unbooked rooms get released 7 weeks before the first check-in date
• Do we have to pay for the rooms if they don’t get booked?
  No
• Is there a deadline to book in our room block?  When will the rooms be released from our block?
  7 weeks before the first check-in date
• Do you offer discounts?
  Yes, 15% off the rack rate
• How much is the rate?
  $186.15 (standard), $203.15 (deluxe)
• How do guests book rooms in our room block?  Can it be done online?
  Rooms in blocks cannot be booked online, guests will have to call
• Can our guests book special rates (e.g. AAA, government/military, senior)?
  No
• Is there a minimum number of nights required to book?
  No
• Do you distribute welcome bags to guests?  If so, is there a fee for this service?
  Yes, at no additional cost
• Is there a fee to set up a room block?
  Yes, but it was waived

Read on…

Carolina Herrera Sample Sale
August 8, 2009
10am – 6pm

Carolina Herrera Invites You to the Secret Sample Sale of the Season!
Saturday August 8 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
954 Madison Ave, New York City
	Please call 212-249-6552 to be added to the list Email: Michelle.Kim@cherrera.com
	• 30-70% off Select Carolina Herrera Bridal Gowns • Collections through Fall 2009 • Many sizes and styles available • Mother of the bride and select evening wear 50% off

Michael C Fina Jewelry Sample Sale
545 5th Ave, New York NY
1-800-288-3462

In addition to John moving in and our wedding planning, I’ve also been busy with my friend’s invitation to her Fall wedding.  I finally finished creating a mock-up…

Jasmine bought top-open envelopes and I’m afraid that the RSVP card and envelope will remain in the envelope when guests take the invitation out.  So I decided to use a gold spiral paper clip to attach them all together.

Click here for more information or pre-register.

Kate’s Paperie Bridal Brunches are back! Let Kate’s wedding professionals give you the inside scoop on designing the perfect wedding invitation, from the type of paper to the method of printing. Plus, you’ll receive a special discount just for stopping by!

Here’s a list of the dates and locations:

Each session is from 10am – 11:30am.
March 22nd – Soho
April 19th – 3rd Ave
May 3rd – Greenwich
May 17th – 57th St
June 14th – Soho
July 12th – 3rd Ave
August 9th – 57th St

Admission to this event is $10 per attendee. Each person will receive a $10 Kate’s gift card.

In addition, whether you are ordering your wedding suite, business cards or social stationery through Kate’s Custom Printing Department, you will receive a Kate’s Paperie Giftcard for 15% of your total (custom printing) purchase through May 7th. It’s Kate’s way of celebrating the New Year and thanking you for your custom stationery purchase. *Note: This gift card cannot be used toward initial purchase.

Reservations required. To reserve a space, please call Judy at 212.630.0710 ext. 304.

Filene’s Basement world famous bridal event “Running of the Brides” is here.  Find more than a thousand famous designer gowns priced at $249, $499 and $699.  The event starts at 8:00 am.

• Feb 20 :: Hynes Convention Center, Boston MA
• Feb 27 :: Filene’s Basement Union Square, New York NY
• Mar 20 :: Filene’s Basement Buckhead, Atlanta GA
• Jul 24 :: State Street, Chicago IL
• Jul 31 :: Mazza Gallerie, Washington DC
• Aug 21 :: Hynes Convention Center, Boston MA
• Oct 16 :: Filene’s Basement Warrensville Heights, Cleveland OH