Custom hand lettering by Rachel Snyder

Wednesday, December 24

Wedding Site


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Saturday, December 20

Calligraphy Tip

CALLIGRAPHY TIP

When you have found a calligrapher to address your wedding invitations, ONE of the IMPORTANT questions to ask is....

"Do you use a waterproof ink, if not do you waterproof the outer envelope?"

REASON:

It only takes a single drop of water to make the "beauty just RUN off!"

Even if the INK is not waterproof you want to make sure that your calligrapher is able to waterproof the envelope.

Visit me at: Elegant Touch Invitations or Calligraphy by Rachel Snyder

Sunday, December 14

Naming Your Tables

IF YOU NAME YOUR TABLES

It may be harder for your Guests to find their table if you name your tables, THERE IS A SOLUTION for this.

You can provide a layout of the reception area, beautifully done too! You can place the room layout outside of the reception area. Guests can then easily look at the layout and find their way to their table!

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU STAY POSITIVE

Sunday, November 30

Place Cards

Something to Remember:

If your having calligraphy for your place cards take into consideration the size. You want to make sure that your place cards are of adequate size to accommodate the long names on your list. It is hard to write really "small" (and still be pretty) it's even harder to write real tiny using calligraphy.

Adding calligraphy to your place cards will keep the elegance flowing from the time the invitation was received right through your reception. They may seem small but your Guests will enjoy having those "small" keepsakes.

Photo Badge

Wednesday, November 5

Addressing Etiquette

OH MY GOSH, WHERE DO I FIND ADDRESSING ETIQUETTE? I'M TOO BUSY, WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW?

When you submit your guest list to me, if there are questions that you have about etiquette, I will be glad to help you...I am going to list a few....there is more where these came from so don't worry.

  • No abbreviations; spell out states, streets, avenue, etc.
  • It is acceptable to use a "bullet" then the apartment number or you can spell out Apartment ## on another line.
  • Do not use "and Family" on the envelopes; Address the outer to

    Mr.and Mrs. John Somebody, Junior; Inner envelope gets the NAMES of only the people you wish to invite.

Married Couple-woman w/title; Outer: Dr. Jane Jen Somebody
Mr. John Jim Somebody
Inner Envelope: Doctor Somebody
Mr. Somebody

If both are Dr.'s: Outer: Doctor John Somebody
Doctor Jean Somebody
Inner: The Doctors Somebody

The Reverend ????; Brother ?????; The Right Reverend ??????; Sister??????;

The Honorable John and Mrs. Somebody;
US Senator: Senator Name and Mrs. Lastname

CHILDREN 16 AND OLDER OR CHILDREN 18 AND OVER

Children still living at home 18 and older should get their own invitation
(Some go with children 16 and older; this is a personal preference)

Children living at home (under 18) name's should go under the parents names on the inner envelope

If your reception is at the same location as the ceremony you don't have to have a reception card; it is acceptable to make reference on the invitation (i.e. Reception immediately following ceremony)

Now, I read that to mention attire is NOT used anymore....FALSE.
Some Bride's actually want people to know that this is a "Black Tie" affair
(Have you ever been getting ready for a wedding and wonder....am I over dressed, am I too casual?) In talking with Bride's I have discovered that a lot of them want Guests to know NOT to wear sneakers or flip flops!

*This note is from me and it's free to everyone who reads it...Ha Ha! This is the Wedding Day of the Bride and Groom. The key words here are BRIDE and GROOM!!!

*Another freebie is for the BRIDE (and GROOM) if you are asking multiple people for $$, you can EXPECT to hear WHAT THEY WANT...there is a honest way around having to hear this. If you do not know what it is, email me and I will share it with you. If I post it then it won't be a secret anymore!!

Don't put a name on the back flap of the outer envelope, the address of who is giving the invitations OR where the gifts are to be sent.

On the reply envelope the address of the person who is taking care of the guest list....It doesn't have to match the back flap of the outer envelope.

Don't stuff your envelopes before they are completed by the calligrapher!











A little History about Invitations

Once upon a time, (just a little humor there) when a daughter was to be married, her mother would get out their finest stationary to handwrite the invitations. Since "way back when" the mail was hand delivered to Guests'. To ensure that Guests' invitations arrived with the beauty and elegance that was intended, the Wedding Invitation would be be inserted into the inner envelope. By having the outer envelope addressed and handled with dirty hands and sometimes not being protected from the weather, the inner envelope had to be perfect with each Guests name written in the most elegant way.

To this Day, Wedding Invitations are a VERY important part of your Wedding. The families wanted the invitations to reach the Guests' with class and style showing the importance of their daughter's wedding.

Today, many Brides keep it "Traditional" which is fine. Many Brides do not keep it "traditional" which is also fine. Now just about any thing goes, we have so much to choose from, so many options that if a Bride can come up with it....She can do it. The fact remains that your Wedding Invitations are ABSOLUTELY a HUGE part of your wedding. They will show your personality, excitement, class, and you will be giving everyone a "one of a kind" piece of art as a keepsake. With handwritten calligraphy, no two are exactly the same. Calligraphy is authentic, beautiful, and something that every Bride-to-Be should have done.

Remember.... Your invitation will be giving Guests their first "look see" into your SPECIAL DAY!!!!

Don't let the addressing of your invitations be an after thought, if you are able to swing it in your budget, GO FOR IT!! Your Guests will absolutely love it and you will not regret having your invitations hand addressed with beautiful handwritten calligraphy. By adding an "elegant touch" from the beginning will captivate your guests'. Making your Wedding stand out.
Don't hold back, let everyone see your personality and style in every invitation.


Sunday, October 19

Add more Style

Custom picture done for client.

Add your own style


Add your own style with handwritten calligraphy....Have your menus,place cards, escort cards, marriage certificates done the way YOU want it to look! Show it off, it's your wedding:)

Place Cards


Place Cards make wonderful "keepsakes" for guests'. Small things that make BIG statements! This one was written on Martha Stewart stationary, with the Table Name on the inside of the card written in a Bright Orange Ink.

The Beauty of Handwritten Calligraphy


Italic Font Addressing in Blue Ink. Add color to match the theme of your Wedding or just add COLOR! It is beautiful any way you look at it.

Wednesday, October 1

Virginia Bride Magazine

now in the fall edition of Virginia Bride Magazine you can see my calligraphy ad. Just Click on Elegant Touch Invitations Calligraphy by Rachel Snyder and it will take you to my site!

You will also find many other vendors, I hope you check it out and you find something that you are looking for :)

Wednesday, September 24

Hunting Hills Country Club/Show

Hi to all of the future Bride's I got to meet on Sunday!!
I am posting some information for all of you and that you will find it helpful. Don't hesitate to contact me directly, I will meet with you for a free consultation and I will also give a free quote. I enjoy meeting with you and letting you get the chance to know me so you feel comfortable and confident! Here are some things to remember for those of you who have decided on my calligraphy services.

1. Your satisfaction is greatly important to me

2. I have already started booking for '09. I book on first come basis. When you decide to go with calligraphy remember that it definitely takes a bit more time than just sitting down and addressing the envelopes

3. You can talk with your stationer and usually you can have the envelopes shipped while or prior to having your invitations printed. Time is very important, especially since a lot of you had wedding dates so close together and some on the same day.

4. I will be glad to answer any questions that you may have. I know that by having your invitations addressed early (a little earlier than what the "etiquette" says, you will be glad in knowing that your invitations are addressed and ready to be in the mail.

5. Always order at least 10 extra envelopes per 100. It is cheaper to order envelopes at the time you place your order rather than waiting. Mistakes definitely happen no matter who is doing the addressing :O

6. Turn around time varies...depending on the quantity and how elaborate you want the addressing.


7. It is best to test the envelopes WITH A FOUNTAIN PEN TO CHECK FOR BLEEDING OR IF THE PAPER IS TOO SLICK,ETC.

Ladies, May '09 and August '09 are starting to book pretty quickly, so don't wait. I look forward to working with you . Did you guys enjoy the bridalshow

You can always visit my sites to look at pictures and to find out more information:
http://www.calligraphybyrachelsnyder.com


Thursday, July 31

Elegant Touch Invitations


For a list of Professional Vendors in the Smith Mountain Lake area visit:

SMLWeddings.com

If you want a Smith Mountain Lake Wedding visit:
http://www.smithmountainlakeweddings.com


Monday, June 30

Elegant Touch Invitations-links


Here are some links you can check out for vendor services. There are vendors around the Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, and surrounding areas. I hope you are able to find the things you need with ease!

Visit Links for more services.
http://smithmountainlakeweddings.com
Kerry is very helpful and easy to talk to
http://smlweddings.ning.com
vendors
http://www.tastefulplanning.com
beautiful cakes
http://www.SMLWeddings.com
vendors
http://www.aztecrental.com
wedding supplies and (click on wedding planner) and a list of vendors will come up. (If you click on Elegant Touch Invitations it will take you to my flickr page.
http://www.virginiabridemagazine.com
magazine full of virginia vendors (look for my add)

For your handwritten calligraphy needs you can take a look at my pages:
http://www.flickr.com/eleganttouchinvitatons
http://blog.eleganttouchinvitations.com
http://photos.eleganttouchinvitations.com
http://www.eleganttouchinvitations.com
http://www.calligraphybyrachelsnyder.com

Elegant Touch Invitations by Rachel Snyder

I am a member of the Bath County Chamber of Commerce, The Washington Calligraphers Guild as well as the most recent Cambridge Who's Who.

If you would like to contact me, I do not prefer my web mail, but rather calligraphyrae@gmail.com

Any questions feel free to contact me.

Rachel Snyder

Calligraphy by Rachel Snyder-Payment

For payment I accept Cash and I accept Pay Pal.

Tuesday, May 20

Virginia Calligrapher

Virginia Calligraphy: Roanoke, Lexington, Staunton, Waynesboro, Bath CO. Virginia,
and all the surrounding areas. Out of State clients are welcome

I provide handwritten calligraphy services for Weddings and Special Events.
I will provide you with a free estimate, sample, and (for local brides) a free consultation.
Just choose the font style that you would like to have. You can simply fill out the request form on either of my websites: Elegant Touch Invitations or Calligraphy by Rachel Snyder

You can check out my BLOG
for MORE!

Elegant Touch Invitations-Calligraphy by Rachel Snyder

Elegant Touch Invitations-Calligraphy by Rachel Snyder.
Adding "an elegant touch" to your Wedding from the BEGINNING!
I can address your envelopes with beautiful handwritten calligraphy in several different fonts or customize the entire invitation set. More places to see some my work are:
http://blog.eleganttouchinvitations.com
http://photos.eleganttouchinvitations.com
http://www.blog.calligraphyrae.blogspot.com

also: http://www.calligraphybyrachelsnyder.com
calligraphyrae@gmail.com

Take a look around and let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you:)

There will be a bridal show at The Hunting Hills Country Club in Roanoke Virginia in September. I look forward to seeing a lot you there. If there is something you would like to see there... contact me and let me know. There will be several gift certificates given out.