5 etiquette guidelines for traditional wedding invitations

Written by Jackie Mangiolino

When it comes to formal, traditional wedding invitations, there are entire books written on etiquette, and I’ve read nearly all of them. As a traditional invitation designer and etiquette lover, it’s my job to know every obscure rule in the book.

However, as a couple planning to get married, you may be more focused on the look of your invitation, than on hidden code within the wording. But proper, formal invitation etiquette will tell the story of your wedding, so it’s important not to make a major faux pas. I mean, the invitation is the first thing a guest sees, so let’s leave a good impression, right?

Here are my top five etiquette guidelines and tips for creating successful traditional wedding invitations.

View The Anatomy of a Wedding Invitation in closer view here on the Minted Wedding Planning Guide.

1. Check the spelling.

Spelling mistakes are by far the absolute biggest, and most common, mistake I see. It’s also a costly mistake to have to fix (not to mention, embarrassing). As a designer, the fonts we work with are often not compatible with spell-check software. Without the ability to run a spell-check, it is important for couples to carefully proofread their invitations before printing. At the end of the day, it’s the couple’s responsibility to check for all spelling, especially details, such as the spelling of their names, family member names, and key information, like the time, date, or location.

“Fashion District” wedding invitation by Jill Means

2. Position the bride’s name first—unless there are two grooms.

As with most etiquette traditions, this stems from when the bride’s family hosted the wedding, and thus invited guests to witness the marriage of their daughter and her future husband. While hosting norms (and who pays) have evolved over the years, it’s still standard for the bride to be first on the invitation, and for her initial to be on the left/first for monograms. Of course, if you’re having a same-sex wedding, this rule can happily be thrown out the window, and you and your partner will decide which of you will be first.

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Minted Artists in the Press February 2019

Congratulations to Minted artists who are featured on The View, Buzzfeed, and more. Join the fun of spotting Minted artists in the press by uploading PR clips on your social media with the hashtag #mintiespotting.

The View (February 5, 2019)
Featuring “Minimalist Quote” Keepsake Square by Phrosné Ras, “Where The Heart Is” Custom Art by Annie Clark, classroom valentines “Valentine Floss Boss” by Baumbirdy, “For the Record” by Robert and Stella, “Photo Fun” by Jessie Steury, “Five Stars” by Sarah Cohn, “More Than Tacos” by Erin L. Wilson, “A Pawsome Valentine” by Sovelle, and “Hedgehugs” by Erica Krystek

The Knot (Spring 2019)
“Refined Desert” featuring “Gallery Abstract Art” invitations by Alethea and Ruth and “Joyfully Ever After” place cards by Faiths Designs

Buzzfeed (February 2, 2019)
“18 Websites You Can Easily Shop for Valentine’s Day Cards” featuring “Little Octopus” by Karidy Walker and “More Than Coffee” by Lehan Veenker Valentine’s Day Greeting Cards

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Minted gives a first look at innovative designs at NSS 2019

Written by Amy Schroeder

Minted was pretty in pink and pampas grass for the annual Community Cocktail Party, at Mercantile 37, located at 517 W. 37th Street in New York. “Mountain Range” removable wall mural by Sadie Holden.

Styling by Natasha M. Lawler of NML PR. Photos by Sara Wight

If 2018 was a yearlong celebration of Minted’s 10th anniversary, 2019 has already ignited a celebration of Minted’s decade ahead. At least, that was one of the underlying themes of Minted events at this year’s National Stationery Show (NSS) in New York, held February 3–6 at the Javits Center.

Like years past, Minted artists traveled near and far to attend the four-day tradeshow described as “the place for all things paper.” Petra Kern and Maria Murphy of Lulaloo flew thousands of miles from their respective homes in Slovenia and Switzerland, Afton Harding of Clara Jean Design and her mother Shauna Little traveled from Utah, and Mansi Verma made a jaunt from New Jersey.

What made this year’s NSS different compared to previous years? Firstly, the date change—from the traditional May to February, which brought surprisingly warm temperatures for New York. For Minted artist Kim Dietrich Elam, who’s attended NSS five times, the 2019 show seemed smaller in comparison, but just as entertaining and exhilarating. “Minted’s booth featured beautiful fabric swatches by the artist community and was super Instagram-able, as always,” she says. “And the free wine tasting throughout Javits was a fun addition.” Kim said one of the trends among show vendors that “spoke most to her” was the use of witty and irreverent sayings on a wide range of stationery and gift products.

During the Minted Community Cocktail party on February 4, Minted Founder and CEO Mariam Naficy reflected on 2018 highlights, such as the transition to monthly artist commission payments and the development of All-In-One cards. She also shared exciting news about 2019; namely, that plans are in the works for the second Camp Minted, scheduled to take place July 29–31, 2019, in Las Vegas.

Here’s a recap of our whirlwind, action-packed NSS 2019 experience of exhibiting at the show, hosting artists Jordan Sondler and Aspacia Kusulas at the Minted booth, and celebrating with artists at the annual Community Cocktail party.

The Minted Booth at National Stationery Show 2019

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Most Memorable Minted Moments of 2018

Written by Amy Schroeder

We’ve already plunged wholeheartedly into the new year, but we believe in taking time to reflect on what made 2018 truly momentous. Thank you for helping to make Minted’s 10th anniversary year one for the books. And thank you to the Minted artists who shared their anonymous feedback in the Most Memorable Minted Moments poll. Here’s a look back (in no particular order) at some of the noteworthy events, product launches, and surprises that stood out in the minds of Minted artists around the world.

Possible tie: Camp Minted and surprising Petra Kern

August 7, 2018: Petra Kern was nearly speechless in the moments after Minted Founder and CEO Mariam Naficy presented the award for winning top prize in Minted’s What a Bright Time Holiday Photo Card Challenge.

We’re not sure which event was more memorable: Camp Minted or when Minted Founder and CEO Mariam Naficy surprised Petra Kern during Camp Minted. Toward the end of the live-broadcast community awards dinner ceremony, Mariam approached table 14, holding an oversized check facing inward to hide the name on the payable line. “I think you’re probably realizing,” Mariam said. “I am holding a $10,000 check. Right, Elvis? I’m here to award the 2018 Holiday Card Challenge winner. … My heart is pounding. I’m very nervous. I’m going to approach… and the winner is: Petra Kern.”

WATCH A VIDEO OF THE PETRA KERN SURPRISE >>

As the largest “Mintie meetup” to date, nearly 200 Minted artists traveled from around the world to attend the Las Vegas retreat, August 6–8. With a series of insightful panels, design workshops, and creative meetings of the mind, many attendees viewed Camp Minted as an action-packed way to celebrate Minted’s 10-year anniversary.

“Camp Minted was life-changing,” writes a Minted artist anonymously in the Minted Moments poll. “I’d built some relationships virtually prior to that, but getting to real-life connect with these amazing people was invaluable.”

Minted Founder and CEO Mariam Naficy hugs Petra Kern, the first-place winner of Minted’s Holiday Photo Card Challenge.

Minted artists at Camp Minted from left: Susan Asbill, Stacey Meacham, Karidy Walker, and Heather Francisco.

More about Camp Minted >>

“Nearly 200 artists lit a ‘collective fire’ at Camp Minted’”
“How a Slovenian former journalist won top prize in Minted’s 2018 Holiday Photo Card Challenge”
“Minted’s 10th anniversary community awards recognize artist leadership”

Moving to monthly commission payments was a Very. Big. Deal.

We’ve interpreted the “amazeballs” and “heck yeah!” gifs that artists posted on the Community Facebook Group to represent Minted artists’ happiness about the transition from quarterly to monthly commission payments. In 2018, we also began delivering artist commission reports in Excel and implemented Payoneer, a new payment platform for processing artist payments and tax forms. “Monthly payments are EVERYTHING,” writes an anonymous Minted artist in the Most Memorable Minted Moments poll. “I can’t believe we got by on quarterly ones before. It’s been by far one of the very best changes to the Minted model in the last year!”

Hitting the bullseye with the Minted + Target partnership

“BIG NEWS!! Two of my greeting card designs are now being sold at Target. #dreamsdocometrue” writes Minted artist Jennifer Pace Duran on her Twitter and Instagram.

When Minted made its Target debut with everyday greeting cards in fall 2017, we were excited about entering a whole new product category. Target guests were just as delighted with Minted’s new line of cards as the Minted artists whose designs were displayed at one of the world’s most recognized retailers. Armed with our learnings from the kickoff, in 2018 Minted expanded its Target partnership with Mother’s Day greeting cards, followed by the rollout of 49 holiday products, including 16 sets of boxed holiday cards, single greeting cards and holiday gift packaging items.

One anonymous artist commented in the Minted Moments poll that Minted Greeting Cards Challenges have given her a fresh new perspective on her designs. ”It’s been amazing to see how diverse Minted has become and how they’ve opened so many more doors for me as an artist,” she writes.

Melanie Mikecz’s “Multicultural Santas” design made a positive impression in Target stores and on this Scary Mommy writer.

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Minted Artists in the Press January 2019

Congratulations to Minted artists who are featured in Parents Magazine, Southern Living Magazine, HGTV Magazine, Style Me Pretty’s Instagram, and Jillian Harris’ Instagram. Join the fun of spotting Minted artists in the press by uploading PR clips on your social media with the hashtag #mintiespotting.

Parents Magazine (February 2019)
“6 Things That Delight Us This Month” featuring “Rainbows! Unicorns! Glitter!” Minted foil valentine by Holly Whitcomb and “Valentine Cutie” Minted valentine by Pixel and Hank

Southern Living (January 2019)
“The Mood Board” featuring “Pointillism” Minted fabric by Alethea and Ruth

Style Me Pretty Instagram (December 29, 2018)
Featuring “Elegant Serifs” Minted save the date card by GeekInk Design

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Sent With Love Valentine’s’ Day Challenges : Special Prizes

Announcing the Special Prize winners of our Sent with Love Non-Foil Valentine’s Challenge and Sent with Love Foil-Pressed Valentine’s Day Challenge! We looked to you, our talented community of artists, to further push the boundaries of Valentine card design and bring a broad range of styles to our diverse customer base. These fresh, unique designs will surely inspire love at first sight.

Congratulations to all our winners!

Sent with Love Non-Foil Valentine’s Day Challenge

Out of the Box Award
For the most design-forward, innovative Save The Date that you would only find at Minted.

Big Painted Heart by Jackie Crawford

Runners-up: Love is in the Hair by Jessie Steury, tissue hearts by Carrie Moradi, and
Dot by Carolyn MacLaren

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A Date to Remember Save the Date Challenge: Special Prizes

Love is in the air, and we’re excited to announce the Special Prize winners of our A Date To Remember Save The Date Challenge! Many couples come to Minted in search of unique and beautiful designs to help reserve their wedding date and set the tone for their special day. In this Challenge, we looked for a broad range of fresh, highly unique designs that will appeal to our diverse customer base. We were seeking a range of styles extending from elegant reinvented classics to bold and modern to Millennial minimalism.

Congratulations to all our eye-catching winners!

Out of the Box Award
For the most design-forward, innovative Save The Date that you would only find at Minted.

romantic evening by Sumak Studio

Runners-up: artistic by Kate Ahn, A Million Times by Paper Raven Co, and Painterly
by Four Wet Feet Studio

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Minted’s First-Place Challenge Winners of 2018

It’s hard to believe 2018 is already at its end, with a brand-new year on the horizon. This past year was a remarkable one for the Minted artist community, a group of designers and artists who continue to raise the bar with creative and compelling designs, for everything from stationary to textiles.

The Challenge-winning designs of 2018 played with color, texture, and pattern in truly unique and special ways, showing us that there’s no need to settle for standard. Let’s take a look at the winners throughout the year.

Minted’s 2018 First Place Challenge Winners

Adventure Awaits Graduation Challenge
“Striking Yea r” by Jessica Williams
Announced January 25, 2018

Fabric Frenzy Challenge
“Thrive” by Jess Franks
Announced February 01, 2018

From This Day Forward Letterpress Invitation Challenge
“Punchy Peonies” by Alethea and Ruth
Announced March 05, 2018

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How Designer Julia Hall Turns “Inspiration Block” Into Her Secret Weapon

Written by Daryl Lindsey

Minted Designer Julia Hall at her home studio in Queens, New York. Studio portraits by Stefan Klapko.

Most artists and designers know the pain of feeling “blocked,” when creativity and inspiration feel like they’re clear on the other side of a big, brick wall. For Minted Artist Julia Hall, that feeling is just as common as it is for the rest of us — but Hall has managed to take her “blocked” moments and turn them into opportunities for growth, both as an artist and an entrepreneur.

“Artist block” is even what helped her reach her current career path as a stationery designer. “I went to college for painting, but it never felt like a perfect fit,” Hall explained, recounting feeling stressed and blocked while trying to carve out a path for herself. “Finding stationery, where I can do different styles for different designs, and incorporate hand drawing, painting, digital work, and photography has been very freeing.”

Thinking outside the box while feeling creatively blocked helped her design the invitation suite she would use for her own wedding — and led her to a major career success. Hall created her most popular design, “Holiday Frame,” in a last-minute, down-to-the-wire Minted Challenge submission for their 2016 holiday contest.

Hall is based in Queens, New York and works full-time as a digital designer in Jersey City, New Jersey while running her successful Minted business on the side. We spoke with Hall about how she finds inspiration (even when it’s hard) and what it means to be a stationery designer in 2018.

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‘Tis the season for Minted at Target: Artists celebrate rollout of Minted holiday cards and gift packaging

Written by Amy Schroeder

Minted Founder and CEO Mariam Naficy posted this photo at a Target store in Minneapolis with Brady Wood, SVP of Artists and Partnerships, on her Instagram.

The 2018 holiday season will go down in history as yet another major Minted milestone. We’ve expanded our Target partnership by rolling out 49 holiday products in phases, beginning in November with 16 sets of boxed holiday cards, followed by single greeting cards and holiday gift packaging items. And with Minted-branded endcaps in nearly all Target locations, it’ll be difficult for guests to not take notice.

The launch marks the debut of Minted wrapping paper rolls, paper gift bags, stickers, and gift tags with ribbons—an exciting moment for the company, says Deborah Baltodano Tilson, Minted’s Director of Business Development. “We had so much fun working on this project and love showcasing an array of artists’ designs. The community should be proud—Target is a big deal,” Deborah says.

Minted Founder and CEO Mariam Naficy led the creative direction of the Minted Holiday collection for Target. “Mariam wanted to showcase the products and brand in the best way possible, and she put a lot of thought into every detail, from the manufacturing to the packaging, displays, and product placement,” Deborah says.

Minted artist Carrie O’Neal posted this shot on her Instagram showing herself (wearing the “TOUCHDOWN shirt”) and friends holding rolls of Carrie’s “Little LaLa” wrapping paper in Cincinnati, Ohio.

What’s it like for Minted artists to see their designs for sale in their local Target stores? For Joyce Pinheiro of Travel and Tart, it was a bit surreal—in the best possible sense. “I always dreamed of seeing my designs in big retail,” she says of seeing her “Presents” design on a gift bag and stickers in a San Bruno, California, store. “The best part was seeing a Target guest walk up to the display and gush about how beautiful the Minted products are. It makes me proud to be part of an amazing community with such talented designers.”

Minted artist Kim Morgan took this photo of Minted wrapping paper rolls at a Target store in Gilbert, Arizona. Featured from left: “Multicultural Santas” by Melanie Mikecz; “Plum Flowers” by Katharine Watson; “Little LaLa” by Carrie O’Neal; “Indigo Wave” by Yaling Hou Suzuki; “A Merry Little Christmas” by Sandy Gervais; and “Bohemian Border” by Susanne Kasielke.

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