We're here to help. If you order them online, you can enter the code at checkout. If you don't want to order your invitations online, you can schedule a free phone appointment or consulatation right on our blog or by emailing Yvonne at invitationsbyyvonne@gmail.com. Here is a Sneak Preview of Yvonne's "Pick of the Week" through the end of January 2012.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Yvonne Launches Invitation "Picks of the Week" Program!
We're here to help. If you order them online, you can enter the code at checkout. If you don't want to order your invitations online, you can schedule a free phone appointment or consulatation right on our blog or by emailing Yvonne at invitationsbyyvonne@gmail.com. Here is a Sneak Preview of Yvonne's "Pick of the Week" through the end of January 2012.
Posted by Yvonne's Invitations & Favors at 10:43 PM 2 comments
Labels: carlson craft invitations, daisy invitations. spring invitations. flowers invitation, discount, discounted, heart-themed invitation, invitations, pink flower invitation, popular spring invitations, purple invitations, riviera invitation. awaken invitation, spring 2012 invitations, trim invitation
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Candy Bars with a Personality!
Yes, I admit that our blog has been just a tad bit ignored with our last post being back in June of this year and we're soooo sorry :( So, you ask...what is Yvonne's excuse for being MIA in the blogosphere? Well, this year, we have decided to take a plunge into a second sector of our business with Yvonne's Candy Bar Boutique, and boy, has this taken off tremendously!! Candy bar favors have always been a favorite of mine. I remember receiving my first candy bar favor when a close friend had a baby boy and she she gave out a "Hereheis" candy bar announcement rather than a traditional one with all of her baby stats on the wrapper in place of the candy bar's nutritional data. I thought this was so clever and one of the cutest things ever. Since then, I have made them myself as a hobby for friend and family celebrations. Now, I am proud and happy to offer them as part of our offerings to brides, moms and everyone planning a special event!
"...I have always loved "bling" ever since I can remember. I love clothes with rhinestones, I love extra-glitzy jewelry, I just love love love sparkly, glittering stuff! So, it was perfectly fitting of me to make my bars...glittery...blingy and so I decided to embellish my bars and Yvonne's Candy Bar Boutique took off!"
These are the embellished poinsettias on Yvonne's "Christmas Bar-Candy Bar." The poinsettias on the candy bar are embellished with glitter and rhinestone centers. Click here to see pricing & details. |
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Yvonne's Yo Gabba Gabba Candy Bar |
Yvonne's offers embellished bars for every occasion from children's birthdays, to sweet sixteens, holidays and just about everything in-between. We hand-make all of our candy bar wrappers and can custom-design just about anything for any type of themed event! We differ from other candy bar shops out there in the way that we offer the completed hand-assembled candy bar and hand-embellishments (glitter, rhinestones, ribbon and trinkets), taking the "customer-assembly required" out of the purchase. Each candy car is hand-glittered and hand embellished one-by-one with lots and lots of Tender Lovin' Care (TLC)!
Yvonne's "Cocktail & Kisses" Candy Bar |
Visit our shop on Etsy to see what the buzz is all about: www.etsy.com/shop/yvonne923
Posted by Yvonne's Invitations & Favors at 8:22 PM 0 comments
Labels: candy bar favors, candy bar wrappers, children's birthday parties, chocolate favors, handmade, hershey bars, milestone birthday, personalized party favors, themed birthdays, unique party favors
Friday, June 10, 2011
An Interview with "Special Moments Caribbean": The Newest Event Planning Business to emerge in Sunny St. Lucia!
Yvonne's Invitations & Favors is proud to partner with Special Moments Caribbean in providing couples with personalized service in their selection of invitations, favors, save the dates & more for their destination wedding.
YIF: Thia, please explain to my readers what you do and what Special Moments Caribbean is all about.
SMC: Special Moments Caribbean is a newly opened Destination Wedding Planning business located in Saint Lucia. We offer customized experiences for our couples! We will work with them on providing a full range of services including accommodation suggestions, airport transfers, tours, detailed planning, design, coordination and execution of all wedding events.
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"Island Adventure" Invitation by Yvonne Great for destination weddings or summer fun, this sandal-shaped invitation is accented with tropical flora and stripes. Click Here To Shop |
SMC: I have worked in the event planning industry for approximately 15 years, at various levels. Weddings have always been the most exciting to me. It’s one of the most important days in a couple’s life where they should be able to focus on, and enjoy each other. Being able to make their moments come alive while having them able to enjoy the experience is very satisfying to me. I have worked in a resort setting as well at an event planning, décor and production company which entailed only an aspect of weddings. Then, I realized I wanted to be more involved in the planning of the couple's entire wedding experience and offer additional services to enhance these moments for them and and their guests.
YIF: Please explain what packages you have to offer and/or what is included in a typical "booking"?
SMC: All Special Moments Caribbean packages include all legalities, wedding officiant, witnesses, and basic décor set up for the ceremony. We offer an "Elope Package" which incorporates the entire ceremony with a champagne toast. We also offer two themed packages: The "Creole Theme" for a Saint Lucian-type of set up and a "Sun Sea & Sand Theme" for a more Caribbean-type of set up. Special Moments Caribbean also offers a fully customized package. There are various upgrades and add-ons available with florals, entertainment and photography.
YIF: Are there any other services which you provide?
SMC: Special Moments Caribbean works with various vendors throughout the US and Canada who are able to offer other wedding services such as printing (invitations, save the dates, etc), veils & head pieces, bridal accessories, wedding favors and photography. Yvonne's Invitations & Favors is one particular vendor who offers a great variety of Destination Wedding and Beach-themed Invitations and Favors.
YIF: In your expert advice, what greatest advice would you give people starting to plan a destination wedding?
SMC: Planner! Planner! Planner! Start researching the destination and local planners who are available to help you plan this special day. Local planners have a better idea of what the destination and venue can provide. They will also be able to coordinate with various vendors on your behalf which in itself is one of the most time consuming parts of planning a wedding.
Timing is also important. Ensure that you give your guests enough notice so they are able to plan financially, as well as apply for time off from work, and make travel and accommodation arrangements. Also ensure that your dates do not coincide with major holidays or weekends as your friends and family may have plans already. Yvonne's Invitations & Favors suggest sending out Save the Dates four to six months prior to your event. Click Here to view their collection of Save the Date Announcements for your special event.
Consider the climate. When choosing your destination, be mindful of the climate in respect to the time of year (dry or rainy season), the kind of event you would like, and the type of dress you would like. All very important factors to consider for your wedding event. Also be mindful of guests and advise them on what they should expect.
Finally, take a trip to the destination to scout out your venues and get a feel for the island, if possible.
YIF: What is the biggest advantage of hiring a professional event planner?
SMC: Although the flash and excitement of impending nuptials can be intoxicating, it can also be overwhelming, especially for a bride choosing to have a Destination Wedding. Special Moments Caribbean always recommends that you contract the services of a reliable and trusted planner who is able to help you make sound decisions while you deal with other details and the emotions related to planning your special day. It is important to have regular consultations with your planner and provide as much information as you can in regards to your specific needs, wishes, style and taste so they can make the best suggestions and sound decisions. Your planner is also able to ensure that you don’t exceed your budget!
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Tropical Glass Photo Coaster Favors Charmingly adorned with enough starfish, seashell and sand dollar accents to commemorate your tropical affair! Click To Shop |
SMC: Saint Lucia is one of the most, if not the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. Known for sun, sand, sea, romance and adventure, Saint Lucia has been awarded the best Honeymoon destination by World Travel Awards eight times! (2002-2004, 2006-2010)
Saint Lucia offers many beaches with both white sand on northern beaches and black sand on some beaches in the south of the island. There are many activities for couples to take part in whether they are having an elopement or a having guests accompany them. Some of these activities include zip lining, off-roading, waterfall and rivers tours and many others to choose from. There is a wide selection of restaurants with several types of cuisine. Saint Lucia also offers Duty-Free shopping for guests to the island. Throughout Saint Lucia there are many romantic getaways for accommodation and setting up of events. Many of these activities and accommodations were featured in the 14th series of ABC’s “The Bachelor.” So, why not start the experience from the moment you say “I Do!”
YIF: Describe the most memorable couple or event you've worked with and why?
SMC: The most memorable couple I have worked with is Aylson and Danny. They had planned on getting married in Mexico. However, six weeks prior there was the outbreak of the swine flu and a burst of violence in the area where they were to be married. Alyson and Danny quickly contact the company I worked with at the time. I was able to plan the perfect wedding weekend retreat for them, and their family and friends. The weekend began with an in-room welcome reception on Friday evening, followed by the wedding on Saturday and a beach bonfire after the reception. We took care of arranging several tours including zip lining, snorkeling and several activities around Rodney Bay, the entertainment hub. Everything worked out fantastic for everyone! To this day, I have maintained a friendship with the bride and groom who have expressed their gratitude on every wedding anniversary!
We thank Thia of Special Moments Caribbean for chatting with us and sharing her expertise with our readers!
Posted by Yvonne's Invitations & Favors at 1:18 AM 3 comments
Labels: Beach favors, beach weddings, caribbean wedding, destination wedding, destination wedding event planner, elopement, event planning, St. Lucia Wedding, tropical events
Monday, March 7, 2011
When Event Planning & PR Collide: Yvonne's Interview with "Three Events & PR"
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Three is among Yvonne's Invitations & Favors "Vendor Community" Contact Yvonne for Marketing & Partnership Opportunities! |
Q: Maria, please explain to my readers what you do and what your business is about.
A: My business is two-fold, there's the event planning side and the public relations side. Event Planning is my passion, it's what I'm good at! I love every aspect of it, even the not so glamourous side, which every business has. I take events and match them to the image of the company who's playing host. I also do social events and those are handled on a more delicate canvas, they're more personal so they get a bit more TLC than the corporate events. Public Relations is the other side of my business which I also enjoy! I can be approached to help a client with a PR plan and execute their needs within that field. What I truly love is when the two collide and I need to plan an event that will need the PR.
Q: Where did your inspiration come from on starting your own pr/event company?
A: Like I said, my first love is Event Planning, but bringing in my education of the Communications and the Public Relations field I thought it complimented the Event Planning nicely. Pairing them both together only enhanced my skills and have helped me reach not only the clients who want to host events, but the ones that need the Public Relations. It allows me to reach a more broader audience and meet great people! The reason I started my own business is the good ol' 'Be Your Own Boss' reason. Who doesn't want to be the boss? Aside from the cliché reason, I get to execute my vision as I like it, the image of the company is mine, and it is something that I am very proud of.
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Join Three on May 11th for a Charity Fundraising Event benefiting the SPCA of Westchester, NY! For more info visit Three Gets Furry facbook page! |
Q. What does the "three" in your company name & logo stand for?
Q: Please explain the "pr" part of your business. What services do you offer?
A: Public Relations is needed by all kinds of businesses and individuals. Whether you're a florist, a restaurant or a singer/songwriter; public relations is something that could help anyone who has a message to send to the public. With this comes media / press coverage, press kit designs and now-a-days social media marketing. The social media spectrum is growing every day with sites like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin being at the top. It is crucial for any business to have all three in order to keep up with the masses. It is a commitment, but it will deliver your message and most importantly it costs you nothing to use these services!
Q: What advice would you give to a small business owner or entrepreneur just starting out, on how to get their name out there?
A: Network, network, network! You want to meet anyone who is high profile and in your area. You will be surprised as to who knows who and how you can connect with people who are more than willing to help out! Everyone's been in that position at one time or another. Networking events are a great place to start! Once you connect with businesses and individuals that will help your business rise make sure to keep those relationships. Making connections is easy, keeping relationships is what counts!
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Three says it on a Personalized Candy Bar By Yvonne! Candy bars make great marketing tools. Just like a business card except yummy. Visit Yvonne's Etsy Shop for Candy Bars |
Q: What are the 3 most common mistakes you see people do when using social media?
A: The number one common mistake is having a Facebook or Twitter and not be active on it. It says a lot about a company if you log on to their accounts and notice they haven't been active for months. People want to see your updates and what the company is up to. This can translate into whether the consumer thinks your company is "hot & happening" or not. I know if I'm researching let's say a restaurant and I see they are inactive or have a weak website, I'll be more inclined to go to the restaurant with all the tweets, status updates, promotions and nice website over the one who doesn't.
Second is not having the respective social media buttons linked to your website. For example, I have links on my website linking the visitor to my Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin accounts, then my Facebook to my Twitter and website and so on. They should all be connected to each other on some level and don't forget to remind people where they can find you other than on the social site they are currently using.
Lastly, I see businesses who only use one mean of social media, and that will only connect you to one type of person who's connected to that specific site. I will find myself going on a website, finding interesting enough for a certain brand of social media that I'm using and not for another. For example, if I go on a website and they only have a Facebook when I was looking for a Twitter account I will most likely not 'like' them on Facebook because I don't feel like having my Facebook newsfeed clogged with updates from that specific company but wouldn't mind the same company on Twitter. For those who know of both sites, know that they both have a very distinct end result than the other. My advice is to have both so you can reach as many people as possible!
Q: Explain the "event planning" portion of your business and what you offer.
A: I offer event planning for both corporate clients and individuals looking to throw a social event or intimate gathering. I like the fact that this gives me a broad range of events that I can plan for a variety of clients. A corporate client could need a product launch, store opening or charity event which I would take on all the logistics of the project and execute accordingly. A social event such as a wedding or gathering for any occasion would entail in how much help the individual needed in the planning. Either way, it could be some help or helping plan the whole event. Event planners are truly indispensable to any event!
Q: What do you like most about the event planning side of your business?
A: The planning! I love to plan, set things up, make lists, organize and watch the final product come to life! An event is like one of those impossible 1,000 piece puzzles I used to try and complete when I was a kid. Each piece symbolizes one detail, and in that detail another detail is tied to it. Once all the pieces are being placed together the event is coming to life and truly completed when all the details come together to form the perfect picture puzzle. The same feeling you get of accomplishment and of witnessing your hard work is the same feeling I get when I look around one of my events. I'm just upset I can't grab that live shot and frame it like you could the puzzle, but of course that's when a great photographer comes in handy!
Q: What is the biggest advantage of hiring a professional event planning firm?
A: The biggest advantage is expertise. Event planners know all the new trends, know all the good vendors and will put together the details without stress to the client. Once an event planner has a family of vendors you can be sure they work with them on a regular basis and with that, get more discounts for the client who wouldn't get any on their own. The event planner will always have your best interest at heart. I don't know of any planner who wouldn't want to make their client's event spectacular! Not only do we get joy from the joy our clients feel to see a successful event, but the event is a reflection of our work and this is what we pride ourselves on.
Q: Where do you see your business in 5 years?
A: I see it flourished and maturing. Having the same humility and determination of greatness our roots have possessed.
Q: How do you plan to get there?
A: Honesty, trust, pleasantries and successful results for my clients.
We thank Maria Lago, Owner of Three Events & PR for stopping by and sharing with us their inspiration and expert advice. We wish Three much continued success!! If you are interested in learning more about Three's Event Planning and/or PR services, please viist their website or facebook page and let them know Yvonne's Invitations & Favors sent you!
Posted by Yvonne's Invitations & Favors at 10:45 PM 0 comments
Labels: candy bars, charity event, corporate event, entrepreneur, event planning, facebook, fundraiser, hospitality, linkedin, marketing, public relations, social media, twitter, vendors, wedding
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Yvonne's "Top 10" Invitations of 2010!
It's a New Year and lots to look forward to! If you are planning a special event in 2011, and looking for ideas on themes, let these Top 10 Invitations inspire you! It's time we look back at 2010 and see which were the most popular invitations sold by Yvonne's Invitations & Favors! Starting with number 10, down to number 1, these invitations cover many trendy event themes that will continue to be hot in 2011! If you don't see what you had in mind, please visit our website: http://www.invitationsbyyvonne.com/, or Contact Us for more unique inspiring ideas and we can put some suggestions together for you!
CLICK HERE TO SHOP THIS INVITATION
"Party Punch Out - Black" Invitation Make this black circle invitation all your own when you select an edge design that complements your party's theme. Designs offered are: Beach Party, Birthday Party (Shown), Cocktail Party and Girl Party. Select a verse or write your own to be printed in your choice of lettering style and flat gold or silver ink. The circle is perforated and will need to be detached from the sheet. 5 3/8" x 5 3/8" (Card) CLICK HERE TO SHOP THIS INVITATION #7 ~ "Trimmed in Aqua" Invitation This invitation has been a popular pick among brides surrounding their big day around a "Tiffany-Blue" color-theme. With matching accessories and favors, this simple & classic invitation, trimmed in Aqua compliments many blue-color schemes for numerous events! |
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Trimmed in Aqua Invitation Aqua and pearl border your invitation wording on this bright white card. Highlight this enchanting color by choosing aqua ink and a matching aqua liner for a coordinating look with class. 5 1/2” x 7 3/4” (Card Invitation) CLICK HERE TO SHOP THIS INVITATION http://www.invitatationsbyyvonne.com/ #6 ~ "Off to the Ball" Invitation This invitation is perfect for any princess event, whether a Wedding, Bridal Shower or Sweet Sixteen. Incorprating a Disney-Princess theme in event planning, proofs year after year, to be age-proof! Read our prior post about Princess-Themed invitations. ![]() "Off To The Ball" Invitation Make dreams come true with this dreamy invitation featuring a pearl embossed scene of Cinderella on her way to the ball! The look is completed with a delicate white satin bow. Due to the unique size of this invitation, extra postage is required. Customer assembly is required. 7" x 7" #5 ~ "From the Heart" Invitation: Who can resist this heart-themed invitation with ribbon? A favorite among many Brides planning their Special Day on during Valentine's Day Month or who simply want to incorporate a Romantic Theme! Coordinating Heart Favors also available. ![]() "From the Heart" Invitation This simply elegant invitation features a die-cut heart that is accented by your choice of satin ribbon. Your names and wedding date are printed on the front of this white z-fold invitation. Tuck your reception and respond cards behind the ribbon inside the invitation. Extra postage required. #4 ~ "Autumn Daisy" Invitation: This vibrant invitation screams fall harvest! Among the many fall invitations we offer, this was a top seller because of its colorful, and and bold design. Coordinate in matching brown or rust-orange color lettering to comliment your entire theme down to teh very last detail! We also offer a variety of matching Fall-themed favors! ![]() A white z-fold invitation insert tucks away perfectly into this translucent pocket featuring an autumn daisy on the front. The insert has a pre-cut ribbon in the color of your choice: lemon, black, white, silver, blush, magenta, bay, breeze, navy, purple, olive, sage, orange, ginger, claret, mocha, or passion. CLICK HERE TO SHOP THIS INVITATION http://www.invitationsbyyvonne.com/ #3 ~ Message In A Bottle Beach-themed events and Destination Weddings are becoming bigger and more elaborate each year. When surrounding your theme around the beach, sand and seashells are your palatte. That is why this transluscent unique invitatation is among Yvonne's Top 3! Coordinating favors also available. "Message in a Bottle" Invitation Write your adventures down on a message in a bottle. Printed on a translucent paper, the image of a bottle appears to have just arrived at shore. Please indicate names to be printed on the top and the date to be printed on the bottom of your invitations. #2 ~ Fashionista Everyone went wild over this Fashionista invitation in fuchsia and black zebra stripe! This fun and electrifying invitation was in popular demand for Sweet Sixteens, Bat Mitzvahs and other fun Girl Events! This invitation will contiunue to sizzle it's way into 2011! Coordinating Girl Event Favors also available. Note: This invitation's design can be changed to accommodate ANY event! "Fashionista" Invitation It's you sweet sixteen so celebrate in style with this bright white, tea-length invitation card featuring a French kiss and ebony background with zebra design. CLICK HERE TO SHOP THIS INVITATION www.invitationsbyyvonne.com #1 ~ Two Lives, Two Hearts Modern Romance best describes "Yvonne's Invitations" #1 Invitation of 2010! This invitation proves no doubt that love is classic, and love has no boundries with this double-heart design! This best-selling design was popular among Valentine's Day Brides and Brides choosing a Romantic Theme. Coordinating Hearts favors also available. "Two Lives, Two Hearts" Invitations Invite family and friends to "celebrate the beginning of your new life together" with this white z-fold invitation. Your wording is displayed on the inside middle panel. The wording on the inside right panel reads "Two lives Two Hearts joined together in friendship, united forever in Love". Thank you for stopping by. We hopr you have enjpoyed our count-down. All invitations above will be available through 2011. Please contact us for samples or if you have any questions :) invitationsbyyvonne@gmail.com |
Posted by Yvonne's Invitations & Favors at 9:33 PM 2 comments
Labels: beach invitations, Best-selling Invitations, Damask Invitations, Heart-themed Invitations, Most Popular Wedding Invitations, Tiffany-Blue, Trendy Invitations, Valentine's Day Wedding