Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Get to Know 1st Impressions Invitations...


Get to Know the Owner Cathy Colbert



Not your typical graphic artist...

Come learn more about the team
We would love to get to know more about you and your special event! 
Please fee free to contact us with questions and ideas: we would love to help!

Interested in more information?
Check out our website: www.1stinvite.com or 
contact 1st Impressions Invitations' owner Cathy at cathy@1stinvite.com or 702-290-6805 
to set up your consultation today!

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Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Cathy, what jobs do you do as a coordinator?

I often get asked that question....truth is, I often have to be a jack of all trades. There are the fairly expected jobs, but then, there are some that I never imagined would be come a regular staple, funny or otherwise! Some I have added to my portfolio....

1) Ensure that Ceremony has been prepped with all details: i.e programs, aisle runner, 
check on decor, music, ushers, flowers, officiant etc.

2) Ensure that Reception has been prepped with all details: i.e escort cards, center pieces, music, 
confirm catering timeline, confirm all vendor set-up, and any other amenities that need to be set-up



3) During Reception, ensure proper flow of evening, assist with grand entrance, be aware of 
catering schedule, toasts, dancing, etc.

4) Seamstress! (Sewed a bridesmaid back into her dress after the zipper completely broke)



5) Coordination of all Vendors, Deliveries, and Set-up

6) Coordination of all Wedding Party Members: transportation, communication, logistics, etceteras 

7) T-shirt designer (Upcoming Bachelorette Party)




8) Assistance with Pictures: Pre-Wedding and Post-Wedding coordination of all wedding party/family)...I am often just off camera holding things or assisting the photographer.

9) I carry with me a Bridal Emergency Kit (just in case): Kit Includes such items as stain sticks, hairspray, safety pins, a sewing kit, scissors, Static Guard, deodorant, straws, Band-Aids, snacks, etceteras

10) Cook! Food Prep - smaller parties where caterers are not hired...







11) Handle any emergencies that arrive, prevent and fix any issues should they arise.

12) Invitation Design and production: you may have already guessed at that ;-)






13) Pack up gifts/cards, miscellaneous ceremony and reception items and have them ready to be
 taken to a family members car at the end of the night

14) Crafter-extrordinare! Putting together gifts and party favors.







15) Dance Instructor! When needed, I have given dance lessons: something simple and ofter at my couples'  homes. Being a retired ballet dancer and former Jubilee Dance Captain does have it's benefits! Look out "Dancing with the Stars!"








16) Romance Decorator! Ensuring the Bridal suite is decorated and as romantic as possible for the new Mr. and Mrs.!


Interested in more information?
Check out our website: www.1stinvite.com or 
contact 1st Impressions Invitations' owner Cathy at cathy@1stinvite.com or 702-290-6805 
to set up your consultation today!


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Saturday, August 29, 2015

We LOVE Love!


We LOVE Love!!!




It is the reason we work in the special event industry: Love stories and celebrating the best day of a couples’ life is thrilling. Being able to work behind the scenes to ensure it goes smoothly….that’s incomparable! Here, in the most recent collaboration with Harry O Productions, 1st Impressions Invitations' Event Coordination...


Modern 1920’s Art Deco 


A match made in heaven…Erica and Chris met on Match.com and this past August proved that Love DOES happen in the places you least expect. The couple wed in the beautifully appointed performing space, Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center, in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.

Reynolds Hall is known for it’s gorgeous Art Deco inspired design. The couple decided to play off of the building’s inherent beauty and incorporated the art deco feel into all of their wedding, from the feathers and grandeur of their floral center pieces to the custom die-cut invitations and the Bride’s gorgeous beaded vintage inspired floor length gown.




The ceremony was sweet and focused on the couples’ hope to be each other’s partner, standing next to one another through all joy, sadness, and trials in life. The colors of the wedding day melted into the colors of the beautiful and grand lobby of the Reynolds Hall in creamy shades of cool grey, ivory, copper, and white. They exchanged vows at the top of the lobby stairs in front of an striking chiffon drape.






Playing off the Match.com story, the couple created an “ice-breaker” game, inviting the guests to find their “match” somewhere at the wedding for the chance to win a prize. When we first discussed it, Erica wasn’t sure if the guests would get into it or not. When I made it from the cocktail hour upstairs to the ballroom, the DJ informed me that the guests immediately started running around giggling and checking each other’s cards: the prizes were gone with-in the first 5 minutes of the reception! It was such a cute homage to the couple’s history and a fantastic way to introduce the families and friends to one another.


Menu Card with "Match" Playing Card

Art Deco Inspired Centerpieces courtesy of Enchanted Florists

Art Deco Inspired Centerpieces courtesy of Enchanted Florists

One of my favorite moments of the day was before the wedding ever began…the groomsmen and groom arrived at the bridal suite location to transform it into a suite of tasty treats, champagne, monogramed robes, and small tokens of thanks for the girls of the bridal party before their arrival. It was such a charming and considerate gesture!























Get inspired by this amazing couple! Not only are they smart, gorgeous, and a complete joy to work with, but are working for the betterment of mankind. Chris is a survivor of Stage 4 Low Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and this past year raised over $50,000 towards research. Find out more about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) at https://www.lls.org/. 


Quick selfie with the bride before the couple jumped into their limo!

Ready to do this! Quick pic before lining-up for the ceremony



It was my sincere honor to be a part of this wedding celebration: congratulations Erica and Chris! May your future be filled with immense joy, laughter, and more love with each passing day. Cheers!

Special Thanks to:
The Smith Center



Culinary Arts Catering
Enchanted Florist
Harry O Productions
1st Impressions Invitations
Glenn Brogan Photography
High Class Studios Videography
Body Spa
Pastor Ed Bruning
RSVP Rentals
Bell Trans
Lasting Keepsakes





PS - Fun memento of the evening: What is a bridesmaid to do when her entire zipper breaks from top to bottom? Call the Coordinator! I stitched her back into her dress - such a trooper! Even let me catch a fun pick of her on the dance floor to admire my handiwork! 


Interested in more information?
Check out our website: www.1stinvite.com or 
contact 1st Impressions Invitations' owner Cathy at cathy@1stinvite.com or 702-290-6805 
to set up your consultation today!




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Saturday, August 15, 2015

Adults Only...? Plus One's...? How to be specific!




It's safe to say we spend a huge amount of time talking with each one of our clients. We chat about their weddings, careers, pets, dress colors... If you didn't know, we're half stationers, and half therapists most days.  All jokes aside though, our clients confide a lot in us when it comes to what they are dealing with. Whether it be there invitation wording, how to mention a family members passing, or how firmly is it to let their guest know that children and plus one's are not invited. It seems harsh, but something it needs to be addressed. 

We take this very seriously. It's not only our job to, but we know how important it is. When it comes to invitations, it's never polite to be too straight forward. It can be tricky! Needless to say we have a few tricks up our sleeves on how to dodge this. 

We all know the "Adult only reception" comment at the bottom of an invitation normally does the trick. However, some still consider it rude. We suggest adding this comment in other panels as well. For example, make your RSVP card work better for you! Again, be specific and add "List each adult name". 

At the end of the day, this is your big day. Make it clear what you want and ask a professional to help make this happen for you. We love to help!

Interested in more information?
Check out our website: www.1stinvite.com or 
contact 1st Impressions Invitations' owner Cathy at cathy@1stinvite.com or 702-290-6805 
to set up your consultation today!

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