Featured Product - Water Bottle Labels

Dress us plain water bottles to match your wedding style with personalized labels! These personalized water bottle labels make great favors, or make a great addition to your out-of-town bags. The adhesive, 8 1/2" x 2 1/2" labels are available in three styles. Labels with a leafy flourish design and scrolled frame design are printed with the monogram shown and your wedding date in your choice of background color: azure, chocolate, ebony, grape, kiwi, leaf, palm, lipstick or tangerine. Photo labels are printed with your photo, names and wedding date and the colorful stripe design only as shown. Photo will be printed exactly as submitted. Allow five working days for production. Water bottles not included.

Pricing
$38.50 for 25
$42.00 for 50
$45.50 for 75
$49.00 for 100
$13.30 for each additional quantity of 25

Prices do not include shipping, or sales tax in applicable states. Custom designed water bottle labels are available for an additional fee.

Favor Boxes!

We've got another great item in our new product line-up for 2010 - Favor Boxes! Currently, there are over 10 different styles to choose from, and each style is available in over 30 different colors. We also have a few styles that are offered in our full line of cardstock colors, and the boxes and tops can be mixed and matched in different colors.

These are perfect for adding a ribbon, tags with your monogram, or even embellish them with rhinestones. We also have the capability to print directly onto the boxes, so if you're looking to add your monogram or even a photo the options are endless! I'm sure you'll be seeing lots of pictures of these in our blog next year!

Sale Items - Penny Laine Imprintables

I have a few boxes of imprintables from the Penny Laine collection, which we no longer carry.

Each box is only $5, and includes 10 imprintables and 10 envelopes, which could easily be printed at home with your inkjet printer. Or, we can print them for you for only 50 cents a page, plus a $10 set-up fee. They are cute designs, great for a shower, a luncheon, or just an excuse to get together!

I have 4-6 boxes of each design, let me know if you are interested in them. If you are local, you can just pick them up. If you are not local, I am happy to ship to them to you at cost.

Personalized Stamps and Embossers Are Here!

We are excited to announce the arrival of our newest product - personalized stamps and embossers! Great for return addresses, bookplates, canning labels & cookie exchanges, and personalizing stationery such as favor tags and note cards! What's even better - the design of every stamp is interchangeable with any other stamp in our stamp die collection - meaning you change the centers and/or the circle designs! Each self-inking stamp comes with a standard with a blank ink cartridge, and you may purchase additional ink in either a single color or in unique two-color combinations!

Personalized stamps and embossers also make great gifts, especially for those “people who have everything!” Perfect for stamping letters, gift tags, luggage tags, books and more, it’s one of those things you may not buy for yourself, but you’d love to get!

Voted One of the Best - 3 Years in a Row!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! For the past THREE years, Salutations has been named one of the best wedding invitation companies in the Metro Detroit Area. We are SO grateful for everyone who took the time to vote for us in this year's WDIV's "4 The Best" Contest.

We have been working very diligently this fall to launch our new product line-up and hope to share our new website with you by the New Year. All of the amazingly kind words that you shared about us have encouraged us along the way, and remind us daily why we are in this business!

Tiny Prints to the Rescue!

Holiday cards and more from tiny prints.

My husband's birthday is the beginning of November, our anniversary is in the middle of November, and Thanksgiving comes at the end. When December rolls around, my son's birthday is the first week, mine is the second week, my daughter's is the third week, Christmas follows a week later, and before you know its New Year's! Talk about a busy holiday! After the rush of wedding season dies down in the fall, the last thing on my mind is designing my own holiday cards. I know, a cardinal sin for someone who designs invitations for a living...

If your holiday season is anything like mine, or maybe you just waited too long to order custom designed holiday cards, then you will be happy to stumble upon Tiny Prints!. I know many of you are working tirelessly on your holiday cards, but if you’re starting to feel the holiday crunch I recommend Tiny Prints. They have just about every type of holiday card, invitation, or announcement you can imagine. And with Black Friday looming, there are major savings to be had.

Use the code THANKSALE to save up to 40% off your entire order. Offer expires on 11/28/09 at 11:59 pm (PT). More details on this sale can be found at tiny prints.

Of course we know many of our Salutations customers are die-hard DIY'ers, and for that you deserve a sale, too! While we are prohibited from selling the Envelopments' product line directly on our website via a shopping cart, you can still email us your order. Send us an email with your blank stock order, and include HOLIDAY in the subject line to receive $10 off any order of $70 or more. Offer expires 12/31/09.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Birchcraft Holiday Cards 35% OFF!!!

Can you believe that the holidays are already here? This year we are adding a personalized holiday card selection to our online catalog. There are several different styles of cards to choose from, and they can all be personalized. You can even upload a photo and create your own holiday photo card!

We have over 760 designs to choose from, with a selection for both personal and business use. Your cards can be personalized with a verse of your choice, your name, and a return address for your envelopes, in a variety of ink or foil colors. Instant online proofing makes sure you are satisfied before you purchase.

These cards are all available through our Holiday Website and offered at a 35% discount. Turn around is very quick - most orders are shipped in 2 business days. This truly is a great deal, if you shop around you'll find we always have very competitive pricing!

Raquel has to be one of the most generous people I have ever met. Her sister Delicia is getting married in New York, and Raquel has planned a rather elaborate reception for her back home in Michigan. I have never seen another person work so selflessly to pull off such an elegant reception. Raquel has not spared a single penny in this entire process to ensure that her sister has nothing but the best, right down to the last detail.

Delicia had picked out an invitation from our online Birchcraft selection, but it was a very elegant invitation in black and ecru with vellum and a black satin bow. This didn't really go with the sage and pink decor at the reception, and I was worried that a black and white seating chart with no graphic or detail wouldn't be "fancy enough" for her reception. After talking with her wedding planner, I learned that her tables had a beautiful overlay with a swirl pattern in sage green sewn throughout it. I had a swatch of the overlays mailed to me, and I was able to carry this theme into her seating chart. It looks so stunning with the soft pattern in the background and mounted in our antique silver frame.

Free Printed Envelopes

In this economy, people love getting something for FREE. Birchcraft is offering their own "Stimulus Package"! Any invitation order placed off the website between now and October 31, 2009 will receive Free Printed Return Addresses on your outer envelopes. Simply select the font and ink color of your choice while you are placing your order. The charge will automatically be deducted when you check-out.

Spring Cleaning Sale!!!

Our subdivision will be hosting its annual Sub-Wide Garage Sale on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday June 4th, 5th, and 6th. I will be offering most of our inventory left over from when we closed our store.

For all you brides out there and mother's to be, this is a GREAT opportunity to pick up imprintables, overstock Envelopments items such as pocketfolds, envelopes, and metallic cardstocks for pennies on the dollar! The garage sale was a huge success last year, I only wish that I had more time to pull more items out. We had people that came all three days just to see what was "new". I have a few unity candles, a couple of cardboxes that we used to rent out, a toddler sized tux, and lots of other items.

We are located in Huntington Park Subdivision, which is off Powell Road between Ridge and Napier in Plymouth (just off M-14 and the Beck Road exit). Stop by and check it out, and please - spread the word!

Lindsay's Extras

I created Lindsay's invitations earlier this year, and her reception was this past weekend! Lindsay's seating chart has a very subtle blue background, with a very pretty grunge floral graphic blended in. It adds just enough pizazz to the seating chart, but doesn't overpower the simplicity or make it difficult to read the guests' names.



The same graphic was carried over to Lindsay's tented table numbers. The background in the table is a little deeper adding a splash of color to her tables. Again, Lindsay's taste is reflected in the simplicity of the design, with just the table number and their names printed.

A HUGE thanks to Craig David Butler Studios for sending these images over - God knows how much nicer their images are than mine!

Julie's Reception Items

Julie asked me to design her seating chart for her wedding reception. When we first met, she brought with her a sample of her invitations. I was able to match the fonts exactly, and created this monogram for her reception pieces. Although you can't tell from the picture below, her colors are actually navy blue, light blue, and cream! (On my screen, the picture is showing up yellow and burgundy!) The true colors printed out so beautifully, I think this may be favorite seating chart! I love how the graphic is so subtle in the background, it really transforms the look of the seating chart.



Julie also asked me to design her table numbers. She originally just wanted the monogram and table numbers printed in navy blue on the shimmery white paper. On a whim, I sent over an extra proof with the pattern from the seating chart in the background. Since her table linens are all white, I though it would add a nice pop of color to the tables. She LOVED them, especially since there was no difference in price to add the color in the background! (The colors show up much better in the picture below.) Julie showed her proofs to everyone at work, and ten minutes later I had an email from one of her co-workers asking if I could design her seating chart as well.



I also designed a 2-page booklet program for Julie. This is probably one of my most popular program options, and it works especially well for those with larger wedding parties or more detailed ceremonies.

Thank you Julie for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your special day, and for all the rave reviews I am getting from your co-workers!

Iwonka's Pocketfolds

There are so many elements about Iwonka's invitations that I love! Anybody that really knows me knows that I am partial to the deep red and brown colors :) I also love the graphic that was used in her ensemble, and I love how the curls in the font pick up the swirls in the graphic. I was also very excited about the seals on the outside of the pocketfold. Each of her invitations have been personalized with her guests' name and incorporates the graphic. Althought, proofreading 200+ polish names was not the easiest task for me!



I also love the format for her envelopes! Normally, I would suggest to my clients to use a colored envelope if it is available in your color scheme. But with the vibrant colors this graphic adds to the metallic ecru envelopes, I was really happy with the end result! For those newbies out there looking for ideas and gathering price info, we do not charge extra to print a graphic on your envelopes. Just one more reason to consider Salutations for the design and printing of your invitations, and it really ties the whole ensemble together!



Iwonka's custom maps were one of the most complex maps I've had to design yet. Her church and reception were not very close together (Farmington Hills and Troy), and most of her guests had to travel to attend her wedding. Rather than making the map double-sided, Iwonka elected to have an overview of the major Detroir area highways, with blow-up details for the church and reception location. Also included on her map are her accommodations, and information letting her guests know that there was a complimentary shuttle between the hotel and the reception.

At the last minute, Iwonka decided to add a Seating Chart to her order.

Her extras tied back to the original invitation to carry her theme throughout the reception, including table numbers, 2-page booklet programs, and two styles of favor tags. One is a folded card that she could hand write a person note for each of her guests and attached to the out-of-town baskets at the hotel. The other is just a flat tag that was attached to favors!

Envelopes - Reduced Price for Quick Sale!

I just checked in my latest shipment, and realized that I ordered the wrong stock! If you are looking for 3.5x5 Envelopes in Azalea (E1), I have 240 of them that I am willing to let go for 27 cents a piece! Shoot me an email and the first person to respond is the lucky winner! I'll even pick up the shipping!

Nikki + Scott's Z Cards

Unfortunately, being as busy as I was last year, I was not able to dedicate as much time to my blog as I would've liked. However, I have several designs from last year that I just love, and even though the weddings have came and gone, I still intend to post a few of my favorites!





When Nikki and Scott first came to me, they really loved the look of the pocketfold invitations but only had the budget for a panel card. While I tried to assure Nikki that panel invitations could be just as stunning as pocketfolds, I could tell she really wished the pocketfolds were in her budget. Then, last spring, I purchased a new die and convinced Nikki and Scott to be my guinea pigs! The result is this beautiful Z Card invitation ensemble, which acts like a pocketfold in the sense that the inserts are all banded together, but is not as expensive as a pocketfold.

The z-card itself is made from shimmery black cardstock, and has a champagne backer between the die cut and the printed invitation layer. I love the look this combination of fonts produced, and it compliments the design. Nikki's set included a response card and envelope, a reception card, and a double-sided custom map. For out of town guests, their invitations also included a rehearsal dinner and brunch insert. All of her inserts were printed on metallic cardstock.



I particularly liked how the same graphic was carried through all the pieces, but has been manipulated on each piece so that it gave each insert a unique look.



Map cards can be tricky at times. I always let my clients know that I'll try to fit everything on a single-sided card to help keep the costs down, but sometimes it doesn't always work out that way. Nikki's map is a good example of this. The three biggest factors that impact the design of each map are the the number of locations, the distance between each location, and the size of the map card. Because we needed Nikki's map to fit inside the wrap that holds all the inserts together, and this is driven by the size of the response card/envelope, her map card needed to be double-sided. This allowed us to show the detail between her hotel, reception, and ceremony locations and provide the guests with a route from any single location to either of the other two locations.

I have to admit, I am very fortunately to have such nice people as clients time and again. Nikki and Scott are no exception. I really enjoyed working with this couple, they were so open to my ideas and trusting of my abilities. Best wishes to the two of you, thank you for letting me be a part of your special day by giving me the opportunity to design your invitations!

Krystal + James Reception Pieces

Occassionally, I get contacted by the mother of groom! Cyndi was looking for a seating chart for her son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Krystal's reception. Cyndi's sister had passed away last last fall, and as her brother was going through her belongings he stumbled upon some program paper she had purchased. The paper was embossed with beautiful calla lilys, and Cyndi really wanted to carry that theme through the rest of the reception. Since Krystal and James' colors are ivory, champagne, and brown I designed the calla lily into the background of the seating chart. For their table numbers, I reversed the color scheme to play up the champagne color against the ivory colored linens. Their table numbers are double-sided panel cards printed on metallic champagnium cardstock with brown lettering, and also serve as a menu for their guests!

Henry + Angela's Pro Pics!

Many, many months ago I promised to post pro pics from Henry and Angela's wedding for everyone to see... I'm so glad Henry sent me this CD because the images are beautiful! As much as I would like to fill this post with pictures of my work, I feel the need to post some of my favorites from the CD that truly captured the moment of the day!




This is probably one of my favorite shots - I love the "candidness"!



Each of their guests had an escort card which included the graphic from their invitation ensemble, as well as the name of the table they were seated at. I typically don't recommend using table names in lieu of numbers because I feel it makes it difficult for guests to navigate through the reception area to find their table, but it worked perfectly for their intimate wedding! Each of their tables is named after a place that is significant to them - their first date, where Henry proposed, their favorite places, etc...




The program fans were perfect for their outdoor ceremony! The bottom of the program explains the significance of the Chinese Tea Ceremony, and the back of the program has a thank you from each the bride and the groom to their parents. It was so touching to read their thank you's, it is very apparent both Angela and Henry come from very loving families!

And last, but not least, Henry's vows to Angela! I realize the picture may be too small for you to read, but if you know Henry and Angela and the story of their first date, it's sure to bring a smile to your heart!

Just couldn't resist a picture of the reception area, the lighting at night makes this place amazing!

A few shots of the table signs, with the significance of each location explained below. Each table also had a list of all the table names and the story behind it for all the guests to enjoy!

Thank you Angela and Henry for allowing me to be a part of your very special day! I will be looking for you this May when I head out for the Stationery Show again this year!!!

Donna's Save The Date

Donna was looking for something modern but not too bold for her Save The Dates. Since her colors are melon and bright green, I used this Z Card in a light ivory and accented it with the melon and just a touch of the green. Her envelopes reverse this color scheme - the outer envelopes play up the bright melon color, and are lined with the light ivory. I love getting colored envelopes in the mail, and if envelopes are available in one of your paper choices, I always recommend using them. It doesn't cost anymore than a white or cream envelope, and it's always exciting to open the mailbox and discover that you have something besides bills and junkmail to open!

Postage Increases

The post office announced yesterday that new postal rates will go into effect May 11, 2009. Since most invitations require a 2-oz postage stamp, the price will go up from 59-cents to 61-cents. This also means that the one ounce stamp for response envelopes will rise from 42-cents to 44-cents. If you are using a response postcard, the postage stamp will increase to 28-cents.

If your response cards are due back around or shortly after May 11th, I suggest either purchasing a Forever Stamp which does not require additional postage, or purchasing custom 44-cent stamps. You may also want to consider purchasing custom stamps for your outer envelopes and postcards. In previous years, the post office did not offer the "new wedding stamps" until after it exhausted its inventory of the old postage rate. This often meant that you had to add one or two cent stamps to meet the new postage requirements.

I will gladly provide the design for the custom stamps at no charge if you are ordering your invitations through Salutations. I only ask that you provide me with one stamp for my samples!

For more information regarding the upcoming postage changes, please check out http://www.upsp.com/.

Cooper's 4th Birthday

Most of the projects I work on are wedding related, but this invitation was a fun change of scenary for me. Cooper is getting ready to celebrate his 4th birthday, and his mother was looking for something fun and "boy-themed"! We definitely accomplished that task with this sports-themed design. I love the lead-in at the top - an All Star Celebration for our M.V.P.! I tied the envelopes in with the invitation by adding the stars on the return address. Cooper was so excited to see his invitations, his mom even let him pick out the stamps!

Happy Birthday Cooper - I hope you have a great time at your party!!!

Anita's Custom Programs & Menus

Anita was throwing an 80th Birthday Party for her husband Jim. She had ordered invitations through someone else, but they were not able to provide her coordinating programs. Anita brought me one of her invitations, which were made of a black metallic paper with a deep metallic red and silver foil stripe along the bottom edge, and printed on metallic paper. Her booklets are made of the same black metallic paper, printed on the white metallic with a silver foil backer. The program is listed on the left side of the program, with the menu printed on the right. The booklet has the deep metallic red and silver foil stripe carried through on the outside edge so that it coordinates with her invitations perfectly!

Johanna's Boarding Pass Invites

Johanna is having a destination wedding, and what better way to invite your guests than a Boarding Pass Invitation! I have been wanting to do a boarding pass style invite for months now, and when Johanna came to me and mentioned she wanted to do something fun for wedding invitations, I knew I had a taker! Johanna chose these fun, bright colors to set the tone for her tropical wedding. Each of her invitations is personalized with her guests' names, and even includes the departing airport code of each guest! The second insert provides her guests with travel information, resort information, and an itinerary for the festivities. Johanna did not need a response card for her invitations, but this style of invite could easily accommodate a tear-off RSVP postcard. The ensemble is bound together by a metallic jacket, and includes a monogram band wrap. Her set is completed by a matching metallic envelope that has been printed with each guests' name! Keep an eye out for Johanna's announcements, which will have a more traditional flare!