Invitations That Really Deliver

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Hello there, shoppers! How’s this last week of August treating you? Here’s hoping you’re living it up. With the kids heading back to school and life getting a bit more hectic than it’s been over the last few months, it can be difficult to fit in a fair dose of fun, but this phenomenal barbecue weather we’ve been having is begging for attention. It even looks like Earl is going to visit and leave us in time for a fabulous Labor Day weekend! And just think of the terrific September and October weather after that.

Yup, I say it’s time to plan a party! Besides, the invitation options out there these days make the whole inviting part so, well, inviting, that it’s tough to resist getting bitten by the hosting bug.

Should you not have much time to pull a late-summer soiree  together or simply prefer going the spontaneous route but refuse to cut corner in terms of class — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – check out paperlesspost.com. Sent to your guests in a virtual envelope with lush textures you swear you can feel on the screen,  the invitations are the next best thing to paper. (Bonus: You can reward yourself for being green.) The design options have always been numerous on the site and now, thanks to a partnership with Magnum Photos, there is a limited edition collection of invitations featuring iconic images of the 20th century. Absolutely breath-taking.

What are you waiting for? Sign up now for free and get 25 free “stamps.”

Then again, if you feel print is the only way to go, I have some great news for you, too. First, local stationery gem The Dandelion Patch has a special incentive for area brides-to-be, currently planning perhaps the biggest party of their lives. Through Nov. 1, purchase at least 75  personalized pieces of wedding stationery from William Arthur at the Patch, and the store will give you an additional 25 free of each item, from invitations to response cards to thank-yous, etc.

Also, another favorite website of mine, tinyprints.com has recently been rolling out a new “deal of the day” each Thursday. The pattern so far has been to offer at least 50 percent off a specific item or several. Such deals have recently been offered on mommy cards and business cards, personal notebooks, gift tags, address labels, graduation party invites and more.

Of course, if you’re looking to go the freebie route, I highly recommend checking out Pingg.com — lots of design options, various privacy options, very organized. And did I mention free? (If you don’ t mind paying, Pingg will also send invitations via snail mail for you.)

Happy shopping — and hosting!

– Natalie Kaar

Ps. Last call for half off at Nielson’s Frozen Custard on Specialicious!

Tags: invitation options, Natalie Kaar, Northern Virginia Magazine, paperlesspost.com, S.W.A.G., Specialicious, stationery discounts, The Dandelion Patch, tinyprints.com, wedding invitations