Inspired by an opulent crystal chandelier, one of  our favorite floral designers Karen Tran transformed The Grand Del Mar into a virtual fairy tale using a palette of gold and ivory, luxurious linens and  several jeweled details including custom designed pocket menus by Simply Posh Design.

This table is perfect for a couple that desires an elegant, old world and highly sophisticated style.  Our thanks to the talented Tim Otto for capturing these images — Bravo!

I am delighted to announce a recent partnership formed with the fabulous Oh My Dog Photography to launch a collection of holiday cards exclusively designed to showcase your pets at their very best. I had such a terrific experience working with the owners at Oh My Dog Photo when they bravely took on the task of photographing all 3 of my dogs including one very young and tenacious puppy.  For anyone looking for a unique card this year, consider making an appointment with Oh My Dog — not only will you love the portrait or art book options they offer, but you can also choose an image to be spotlighted on all your holiday correspondences.

Here is what Oh My Dog had to say on a recent blog about this collection:

Just in time for the holidays, we’d love to announce our new Holiday Cards for this season! We’re so excited to be able to offer these absolutely, stunningly beautiful holiday greetings. We have 4 new customizable designs to choose from thanks to the creative efforts of Jennifer at Simply Posh Design. The cards will come in sets of 10 and start as low as $40. These cards are offered exclusively through OH MY DOG! Photography and make a perfect addition to your pet’s portrait session. If you are one of our esteemed OH MY DOG! Photography alumni, these cards will provide an excellent opportunity for you to use your digital files. Call us today! 760.479.0553 or contact us through our website, www.ohmydogphoto.com

I often receive calls from clients after they have received their final custom invitations with lots of questions regarding the “correct” way to address the envelopes to their guests.  Emily Post likely has more rigid rules than I, but I can offer some guidelines and golden rules when it comes to addressing.

Technically an invitation should be addressed as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Jane, Johnny and Bella Smith (this line is for any children that may be invited)

10964 Windsor Lane (spell out street name completely without abbreviations)

San Diego, California  92118 (spell out state)

Q:  CAN I INCLUDE “AND GUEST” for invitations addressed to single friends?

A:  NO or at least TRY NOT TO.  If you know someone well enough to invite them to your wedding celebration then you should know them well enough to call and ask for the name of the guest they would like to bring.  Not only is this more gracious but will also save you worry at the end when preparing place cards.

Q: SHOULD I HIRE A CALLIGRAPHER TO ADDRESS MY INVITATIONS?

A:  Hiring a professional to address your invitations is never a bad idea and will definitely add a touch of elegance to your invitation presentation.  Expect to pay between $2-$4 per envelope depending on the style you choose, preferred ink color etc.  Keep in mind, most calligraphers can do much more than traditional script.  Ask to see writing styles and choose the one that best fits the flavor and theme of your event.

Whether adding the expense of a professional calligrapher works within your budget or not, the most important thing to remember is that the envelope should always be hand addressed. No matter how horrible you think your handwriting may be, it is always better than the appearance of a computer generated label.  Remember to purchase extra envelopes to allow for errors and consider any friends or family members that have nice handwriting that would be willing to help.  A hand-addressed invitation is more personal.

On occasion clients have asked Simply Posh Design to address their envelopes using the same colors and font styles as those chosen for the main invitation.  Whereas this option will remove the personal touch hand addressing provides, it is still much better than tacking on a computer-generated label.

Good luck!

At Simply Posh Design I am always trying to find new ways to “you’re invited” through innovative invitation design.

So when a wedding coordinator recently called and asked if Simply Posh could create a “Seaside Fantasy” suite of stationery, I anxiously jumped at the opportunity.

The result: Transforming a regular starfish into a sensational bejeweled masterpiece! To save costs, we opted to use a paper box to house the invitation and found a beautiful handmade paper to line with. Whereas certainly a silk invitation box and letterpress print process would have added even more elegance, it also would have given the appearance of a more formal affair than the barefoot on the beach ceremony that was planned.

I am a big believer that the invitation sets the tone for any event and the theme for this one was “casual elegance.”

Don’t forget to carry your theme throughout the wedding which includes menus, place cards, programs etc. It’s a nice finishing touch and just a little something extra you can give to your guests.

For more invitation design inspiration, please visit href=”http://www.simplyposhdesign.com”>Simply Posh Design

Featured at the Bridal Bar December, 2008

(SAN DIEGO, CA) Simply Posh Design was recently invited (and immediately accepted) the privilege of being included as the latest addition to the San Diego Bridal Bar’s list of premier event vendors.

Located in La Jolla, California, this darling storefront serves as a one-stop-shop for brides and party planners alike to receive complimentary (that’s fancy for FREE) event planning concierge services. Professionals in every aspect of event planning are pre-screened, invited and required to pay a membership fee so that the services a bride or party planner receive are truly complimentary with no-strings-attached.

You can stroll inside, sip a little wine or champagne and talk to an event professional about your vision, budget needs, preferences etc. and be steered to a number of portfolios, videos and product samples that may just be a perfect match to what you have in mind.

Members of the Bridal Bar have been carefully selected so that regardless of whether or not you enter with a modest or extravagant budget, you’ll be sure to find some options here. go to www.bridalbar.com for more information.

And if you happen to pay a visit during the month of December, be sure to check out their whimsical hot pink and lime green holiday table featuring bejeweled menus and place cards by Simply Posh Design.  Who says Christmas needs to be red and green?

(SAN DIEGO, CA) Simply Posh Design is pleased to announce www.simplyposhdesign.com  

Q:  What makes Simply Posh design Posh?

Specializing in couture and custom invitations, Simply Posh strives to make each invitation as unique as the person or event it is intended for.  Often utilizing luxurious elements such as silk boxes and jeweled embellishments, Simply Posh Design invitations and announcements are sure to make a lasting impression on all those that receive a “Posh piece.”

Of course not every celebration has the need or budget to use the dazzling couture bejeweled invitations which is just fine with me.  If there is one thing I’ve learned since creating Simply Posh Design, is that every bride and/or party planner has a total event budget and the invitations and coordinating pieces such as menus and event programs should fit comfortably within that range.

Posh does not necessarily mean expensive.  The philosophy behing SImply Posh Design and inspiration for its company name, is that all correspondences, whether it be a short note written on customized stationery or a stunning luxurious wedding invitation, should communicate the personality and personal style of its sender.