Tip of the day:  Style and photograph the invitation suite at each wedding you shoot!

Here are 3 ways you can be sure to get your hands on the bride and groom’s lovely stationery:

• Include it in your “What to Expect” guidelines as soon as she books you

• Ask the wedding planner to bring a copy to the wedding

• Email the bride and politely ask to be included on the guest list so you can receive an invite. (Be sure to let her know you will not be sending in an RSVP, but you will definitely be there!)

Why is this important to do?

So many reasons! First of all, the wedding invitation sets the tone for the event. To see the full vision for the celebration from start to finish, it’s important to see the design of the Invitation Suite. Secondly, whenever you include photos of the invitation suite in submissions to blogs and magazine, you have a much greater chance of getting featured! We learned that tip from Miss Emily Ayer, Art Director of Southern Weddings Magazine & Blog when she was our guest speaker at Branches and Light 2012.

The above photo was taken by me (Nancy) at one of my May weddings this year. I used a beautiful flower from a nearby Magnolia Tree to add a touch of Southern elegance, which really made the photo cohesive with the rest of her outdoor reception on a Southern estate.  Be creative in the things that you incorporate in your invitation photos! Flowers, rocks, pretty leaves, or elements from their table centerpieces can all be used to enhance the photo.

xo!

Nancy