A few weeks ago, I was a bridesmaid in my second wedding of the year for my friend Vanessa. Vanessa and I met as graphic design interns turned new hires for a plush and novelty toy company. She put her professional graphic design expertise and hands on DIY skills to good use throughout her beautifully planned event, starting with the invitation.
She opted for the pocket fold style wrapped in a thick ribbon and sealed with a “Vanessa and Kevin” graphic that was used throughout her big day. Inside guests found all the information needed on each of the four inserts and the main invite area.
This brown, peach, and fold color palette followed her throughout her big day.
Upon driving in, guests were guided by her hand painted “Wedding” arrow sign. (Seen here, not in place, but in her mom’s backyard for a photo!)
At the reception, guests came up to these beautiful cork boards (from Home Goods!). She designed a sign so guests knew to find the “key to our seats.” The mismatched skeleton keys were attached to our personally tea stained tag escort cards.
Readers may know that I’m not a fan of straight, traditional guest books. What do you do with a book of names? I prefer interactive guest “books”, especially those that turn into art.
Vanessa’s guest book was a puzzle with a faded picture of their hands after getting engaged. Guests took a blank puzzle piece, gave their “piece of advice” with a fine point Sharpie, then inserted the piece into the second hole of this box. Assembled, it should make a beautiful memento for their home.
Once inside the reception, we were greeted with the continued peach and modern vintage color palette. Inside our folded napkins were beautifully designed menu cards that mimicked her invitation. At the center of the table, each guest received one of four Godiva chocolate bars wrapped with another coordinating decorative wrap.
Receiving hotel welcome bags is a fun modern tradition these days. As an active stalker member of theknot.com forums, I know there’s always a new post about what to put in these bags. I took the above photo of Vanessa’s so you could see what’s inside. Water, snacks, chocolates and Advil. My favorite item was the Rice Krispies Treat snack with her wedding date written on the writable message area. It was all tied with the custom designed tag that continued throughout her theme.
Can’t wait to see what graphic designed items she makes next. Maybe baby announcements? :)
PS Today’s Vanessa’s Birthday! Happy Birthday V!
I am interested in finding out how to make the please find the key to your seat sign.
Hello!
I love the keys on the cork board idea that you used. Can you please tell me where you got the metal hangers? The small metal doohickeys that are on the push pin? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated!! :)
I am emailing my friend Vanessa as this was her wedding and her DIY craft to find out where she got them. Stay tuned!
Hi Jennifer. I heard back from the bride, Vanessa. While she can’t find the exact retailer she bought this (since her wedding was a few years ago) from she did share that it’s call “ball chain” and she purchased it as a spool. The finish she got was antique bronze. Hope this helps narrow down your search! Good luck!