The Envelo e Please ow' Navigating the invitation process with ease. An invitation sample from Terri Trepeck at Invites Ink! Roz Keith I Special to the Jewish News here are so many choices when it comes to the big invitation deci- sion. Whether planning a wedding, bar or bat mitzvah or other event, you can decide to do-it-yourself (DIY), make it semi- homemade, buy engraved, thermography, letterpress. Oy! Are you getting a headache yet? Most of us want some customiza- tion and creative input but don't want to completely do it alone, at home — without support or expert resources. T lhere to start: DIY or hire a pro? The majority of invitation "shoppers" want to be able to do some research on their own before actually meeting with an invita- tion professional or deciding to go it alone. Once we have a sense of what we like, don't like and/or what type of event we're plan- ning, we want to connect with a company or individual that can walk us through the process. When working with an invitation professional, here are some things to look for: •Ask to see current samples of their work •Get references from friends and acquaintances •What is the turnaround time? •How quickly can you get an appointment for one-on-one service? •Do they carry a variety of styles and brands? •Does their personality align with yours? •Are there products in your price range? •Can they handle the addressing and calligraphy? Dana lshbia, owner of The Write Stuff in Oak Park, always tells her customers "to get organized, don't try to keep up with what others are doing and to relax ... this is a fun, exciting time!" For the past 18 years, lshbia has helped turn dreams into reality with her full-service invitation business. Trends: What's hot? •Colors: This year the hot Pantone color is Tangerine Tango (Spring 2012) •Style: Letterpress and other techniques that deliver texture. Vintage is also very C12 celebrate! I March 2012 popular. •RSVP: More people are moving to email vs. snail mail especially for bar/bat mitzvah. •Paper: Natural materials with an eco- conscious approach. •Design: Couples are getting custom mono- grams designed and then building their invitation from there; vintage design, silhou- ettes and botanical are leading the way for wedding invites. Choosing the right wording You've set the date, found a venue and even selected the perfect invitation. Now, comes the hard part. How do you find just the right words to include stepparents, siblings, significant others, deceased parents and more? This is one of the questions that invitation gurus ask most often. Fortunately, there is no right way any- more to extend your invitation, via a printed gesture, to guests on behalf of yourself or others. Many formalities have gone by the wayside in lieu of more modern approaches that tend to be inclusive rather than exclu- sive and accommodate blended families. Whether you are planning a wedding for yourself or your daughter, celebrating a bar mitzvah or throwing a bridal shower, the invitation experts can help you craft just the right message. Criteria to consider for the message •How formal is the affair? •Are parents throwing the wedding? •Are the parents of the bride and groom involved? •Are there stepparents to consider? •How do you include parents if you and your fiance are planning/paying for your own wedding? •What if a parent is deceased? Does his/ her name appear on the invitation? •Is the ceremony going to be held in a religious sanctuary or a reception/banquet space? According to Terri Trepeck, owner of Invites Ink! in Bloomfield Hills, "There are very few rules about bar/bat mitzvah invita- tion wording." There are several popular options that can be tailored to your specific mitzvah and personal preference. Most of the time, the invitation is extended by the parents of the child who is becoming a bar or bat mitzvah. Once in awhile, it is the child who is doing the inviting. Here are several ideas for you to try out. You can also include your son or daughters Hebrew name in the invitation wording. Remember, this is not something to stress over. "You are preparing for a joyous occasion, and the invitation should be a reflection of the joy, happiness and pride you are feel- ing about this milestone event," reminds Trepeck. On a final note: Our community is blessed to have a party professional to suit every personality, taste and budget. As you get started shopping for invitations, the Internet can be a conve- nient way to browse and gather ideas. When you are ready to actually sit down with an invitation consultant, remember to shop local. There's nothing like personal service, one-stop shopping and professional advice from an expert who's seen it all. You can reach Invites Ink! at terri@InvitesInk.com or The Write Stuff at dish1000@comcast.net. ❑ Roz Keith is the owner of PartyPlanningPlus.com and writes about party tips, tricks and trends. Her blog Bar/bat mitzvah wording optioft. Happy occasions when shared with family and friends , O become life's cherished memories Please join us when our son Adam Michael Is called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah It would be our pleasure To have you join us In worship and celebration When our daughter Marci Lynn Becomes a Bat Mitzvah Wedding wording options Bride and groom's parents sharing in the expense equally: Mr. and Mrs. David Green Mr. and Mrs. John Rosenberg Request the honour of your presence At the marriage of their children Amy Lynn Green to Steven Andrew Rosenberg Bride and groom giving the wedding: Amy Lynn Green and Steven Andrew Rosenberg Request the pleasure of your company At their wedding "MitzvahPlanner can be found on www.thejewishnews.com/author/miLvahplanner. Invitation Countdown This at-a-glance timeline will get you started. For more details, you can go to www.invitesink.com . •7 to 12 months: Send a save-the- date card •6 to 9 months: Start browsing invitation styles •5 to 6 months: Write the wording, order invitations •2 to 4 months: Get hotel information, plan weekend itinerary, address, stuff, seal, stamp •8 weeks: Mail invitations •4 weeks: Order place cards, napkins, kippot •2-3 weeks: Print place cards with names of guests •1 week: Complete seating chart •Day of: Mazel Tov! Enjoy.