HOW TO CHOOSE PRINTING FOR YOUR WEDDING INVITATIONS

You have a lot of options when it comes to your invitations. Depending on your wedding style, there are four basic types of invitation printing to choose from.

*Engraved Invitations

Very formal, elegant, and expensive. This is because the wording is actually etched onto a steel plate which is then inked. Typically you will receive the actual plate used for printing as a keepsake.

Black ink is usually the best color for this style. Fine cotton paper is used with this method because it will readily accept the ink and leaves the letters raised a bit off the paper.

This type of printing is quite a bit more expensive than thermography, so engraving is usually done for ultra-formal wedding invites..

* Thermography

Though less expensive than engraving, thermography yields similar quality. If an invitation looks engraved but the paper behind the printing is smooth, you have thermographed printing.

The key to thermography is in the ink, which contains a special powder. When heated. the ink rises a bit and becomes shiny.

Thermography is one of the most popular printing methods today. It is great for formal looking wedding invitations, and colored inks.

* Lithography

Most couples today tend to opt for the offset lithography, because of its cost-effectiveness and speedy delivery times. This type of printing is probably what you're probably most familiar with where an inked impression is made to a plate or a rubber cylinder and transferred to paper. Ink colors are mixed in cans from Pantone or RGB colors for exact matches. The printing appears as a flat image.

This type of printing is most commonly used for textured papers or paper that can't be produced via thermography, or engraving. It is probably the easiest printing method and one of the least expensive printing options.

* Laser Printing

You can use laser printing to create your own invitations. While the lettering will appear crisp, it won't provide the rich raised look of engraving. Laser printers use an electrostatic charge to transfer images onto paper.

***Recommended online sites for Wedding Invitations***

10% off Wedding Stationery at Minted.com

Paper Source Wedding Invitation Collection

Jasmine MacDonald is the editor of Weddings By Ashlee and Merry Brides which will provide you with daily ideas and tips to help you plan the perfect wedding while staying within your budget.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jasmine_Macdonald

How to Accessorize Your Wedding Day Look

By Cori Russell

OK ladies, here's music to your ears (and neck, and wrist)... now that you've got your wedding dress, it's time to accessorize it! There's no doubt about it, the right baubles perfect your wedding ensemble. Here's what you need to know to accessorize like a pro.

Bridal Jewelry Style Tips

Keep it Simple

Before the fun begins, please heed this advice. When it comes to your bridal jewelry, less really is more. Simple jewelry makes a timeless fashion statement; overdo it and you risk a phone call from Diddy asking for his bling back.

Formality Rules

Along with all other accessories, the bride's jewelry, should reflect the formality of the wedding celebration. A small, informal wedding calls for simple jewelry, while a large, formal wedding calls for more elaborate pieces.

Complement the Gown

Wedding dress style also plays a major roll in jewelry selection. As a general rule - the more detailing on the gown, the simpler the jewelry, while a dress calls for added embellishment.

Let Your Neckline Lead the Way

Your dress neckline will guide you towards what pieces and styles you'll wear. Many gowns are strapless or have low necklines, which is a perfect style to showcase a great necklace. If your gown has a high neckline, you may want to forego the necklace and concentrate on finding the perfect earrings.

Make It You

Above all, wedding day duds should reflect your personal style. So stick to studs if you've never worn chandeliers, and if you've never left the house without your favorite strand of pearls - around your neck is where they should be when you say "I do."

Pick your Metals:

The shade of your wedding dress will guide you to which metals work best:

If your dress is white - choose platinum or silver jewelry, as yellow gold may clash with stark white.

If your dress is off-white - either golds or silvers/platinums will work.

If your dress is ivory - the slightly yellowish undertones call for gold jewelry.

Pick Your Gems:

Pearls - A Classic Choice

The tradition of pearl bridal jewelry stems back to the ancient Greeks, who believed pearls promoted marital harmony. And of course, style icon Jackie O donned a strand the day she became Mrs. Kennedy, further cementing pearls as the refined gem of choice for brides everywhere.

Diamonds - The BFF of Jewelry

Diamonds didn't get their "girl's best friend" status for nothing. They're always good to add a touch of sparkle to your wedding dress. The good news for your wallet is that faux varieties work just as well.

Add Some Color

Of course, colored stones/gems present a great way to incorporate some color into your wedding day look, so don't shy away from blues, pinks, yellows - you name it.

Pick your Pieces

Necklaces:

The Choker: The classic choker features one to three strands worn close around the neck. This length works well with a jewel or bateau neckline, as it may get lost if too much skin is showing.

The Collar: This Victorian style consists of three or more strands fitting securely around the middle neck. This length is a great accent to a low or strapless neckline.

The Princess: This length falls about 16 inches to the hollow of the neck and often supports a pendant. This style works with almost any but a high neckline.

The Matinee: This style hits the top of the bust and looks great with a bateau, jewel, or a lower neckline with sheer fabric covering the décolletage area.

The Opera: The opera necklace is a long single strand falling below the bust. It creates a dramatic look when paired with a very high neckline.

Earrings:

Keep your earrings simple if your necklace is especially large or grand. You also may not want to wear earrings at all if you're wearing a tiara - as the two may compete. On the other hand - if you're going sans necklace, consider highlighting your look with elaborate earrings. Remember, the key to accessorizing is balance.
Deck your Wrist?

Although not as common as necklaces and earrings, brides can wear a bracelet with sleeveless, short-sleeve, and three-quarter sleeve gowns. However, a watch is best left at home on your wedding day unless it's a family heirloom or antique.

**Some great online jewelry sites you can check out to plan your bridal jewelry.

Pearl Jewelry at Ultra Diamonds

Ross-SimonsJewelry

MyJewelryBox.com

*For more wedding advice please visit our sister site: Weddings By Ashlee

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. http://www.elegala.com/ is a complete weddings and wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to walk brides and grooms through every step of the planning process.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Russell

How to put your wedding invitations together

Now that your've gotten your wedding invitations addressed and ready to go, what's the best way to fit it all into the envelope? Packaging up the invitation and it's extras can be as confusing and time-consuming as everything else you have done for your wedding....here is a method that should make things easier for you:

1. Place the response card face-up under the flap of the response card envelope.

2. Place a small piece of tissue paper over the lettering of the invitation.

3. Put any extra enclosures (reception cards, maps, directions. and so on) inside the invitation. Put the response card and envelope inside the invitation as well. The lettering should be facing upward.
4. Place the invitation inside the inner envelope with the lettering facing the back flap. Don't seal this envelope. (The inner envelope isn not typically gummed anyway.)

5. Put the inner envelope inside the outer envelope. Again, the writing on the inner envelope should face the flap of the outer envelope.

6. Seal the outer envelope. Make sure the envelope is properly addressed and contains your return address. Stamp and mail.

Hint: Instead of wearing out your tongue purchase a water applicator wand (with sponge) from an office supply store. These are very cheap and well worth the cost.

**Recommended Online Wedding nvitation Sources (Shop online to save money!)

• Buy 100 Save-the-Date Cards, Get 25 Free! at Ann's Bridal Bargains


• Create custom wedding invites for as low as $129 per 100! at JeanM
  

Besides the obvious tools to looking your best (fitness, nutrition, style...) here are some lesser-known health and beauty tips for silky hair, glowing skin, sparkling teeth and healthy nails.

Hair Treatments

Conditioners, special shampoos and other hair treatments can increase the shine of your hair, help protect it and even repair some damage. But if you're afraid of the high price tag that often accompanies salon quality products, here are some simple at-home hair remedies that do the trick.

Dull Hair Remedies

Four household products ensure lustrous hair:

1. Lemon juice - mix it with water and rinse for added shine and bounce
2. Baking soda - mix it into your shampoo to eliminate dirt and grease.
3. Beer - after shampooing, rinse hair with flat beer to add body and shine
4. Tea - boil tea leaves and let cool; apply liquid to dry hair and let sit for 20 minutes; rinse with warm water.

Oily Hair Remedies

Two solutions to fight greasy hair:

1. Carrots - boil and mash them and apply to hair; let sit for 15 minutes; wash and rinse
2. Aloe and Lemon - mix ½ teaspoon of aloe and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with regular shampoo; wash and rinse.

Dry Hair Remedies

Apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Work any of the following ingredients through hair; put on a shower cap or wrap with saran wrap; let sit for 20 minutes; wash and rinse.

1. Mayonnaise
2. Olive oil/ baby oil/coconut oil
3. Egg yolk
4. Mashed avocado
5. Mashed banana

Skin Treatments

Forget expensive designer products. Glowing skin is as easy as opening the fridge:

Oily Skin /Acne Remedies

Create a mask or spot treat with any of the following ingredients:

1. Garlic - natural antibacterial properties make garlic a great acne treatment. Press into a paste and apply on acne
2. Honey and apple - mash together, and apply to individual pimples
3. Tomato paste - apply a layer to face and let dry, rinse
4. Cooked oatmeal - apply a layer to face and let dry, rinse
5. Egg yolk - apply a layer to face and let dry, rinse

Dry Skin Remedies

Soft, supple skin is a cinch with any of the following:

1. Almond oil - use as a primer before foundation or as a night moisturizer.
2. Banana - mash and apply to face; let sit for 20 minutes
3. Mayonnaise - apply to face; let sit for 20 minutes

Exfoliating Remedies

Slough off dead skin cells with these simple solutions:

1. Coffee - mix a quarter cup of ground coffee with a tablespoon of salt; rub on face then rinse off.
2. Pineapple - a natural acid exfoliant; puree pineapple and apply to skin; let sit for 20 minutes.

Nail Treatments

Most nail damage is the result of environmental influences (washing dishes, housework, yardwork, etc.), so try to protect your nails from these culprits. But when all else fails, one at-home remedy can rescue dry, brittle nails:

1. Olive oil - olive oil moisturizes nails and softens cuticles without weakening them, preventing hang nails caused by dry skin. Soak nails in olive oil for a few minutes every week.

Tips for Teeth

Teeth discoloration can point the finger at many offenders - ageing, smoking, consuming staining foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, cola, and blueberries. So it's inevitable that many turn to teeth whitening to restore those that were once pearly.

You have your pick of expensive teeth whitening procedures and over-the-counter chemical treatments, but for a more natural solution, try making a paste of the following ingredients:

1. Strawberries - they contain malic acid, which acts as a mild astringent when mixed with baking soda or powder
2. Lemon juice and salt - lemon juice also contains acid
3. Apple cider vinegar and baking soda
4. Orange peel and bay leaves

You can find even more beauty tips in this complete health and beauty guide.

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala is a comprehensive weddings and wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Russell