Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique

25 FREE Wedding Invitations

2011-03-20T21:59:00.002-04:00

HEY BRIDES!

Here's another great special offered by one of our paper lines:

Checkerboard (www.checkernet.com) is offering 25 FREE wedding invitations when you purchase a minimum of 25.

For example, if you need 100 invitations, you'll only pay for 75.

HURRY. This offer ends on March 29!

Make your appointment (919.462.9618) so we can help you select your pretty paper and get a great deal at the same time!

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique Bridal Open House

2011-03-13T21:16:00.004-04:00

The honor of your presence is requested at our
Bridal Open House!

You're invited to our boutique to see what pretty paper we have in store for you! We'll happily answer your questions about paper and other accessories to help make your big day special. Bring your fiancé. Bring your friend. Bring your family.

Pick your day: Wednesday, April 6th 5pm - 7pm or Saturday, April 9th 11am - 3pm
Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique
115-A West Chatham Street, Ashworth Village
Downtown Cary
919.462.9618
www.shopcutebuttons.com

The Beauty in Letterpress Invitations

2011-02-13T22:30:00.005-05:00

How is a letterpress wedding invitation different from any other? We are often asked this question.

So to help our brides out, we found a great definition on Sugar Paper's website to help define it: Dating back to the 15th century, letterpress is the original method of printing. Today, it is considered an art form in itself. Letterpress uses the relief method, in which a reversed, raised surface is inked and then pressed into a sheet of paper to obtain a positive right-reading image. Each piece of paper and envelope is hand-fed into an antique press one sheet at a time, giving each character an impression that cannot be replicated with modern machinery.

We have two great letterpress vendors ~ Louella Press and Designers' Fine Press ~ who help us create letterpress paper suites that our brides absolutely love!

Thanks for the 2011 Bride's Choice Award!!

2011-01-31T20:23:00.001-05:00

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique was awarded the Bride's Choice Award by Wedding Wire. We are so grateful! We love brides, and it's always nice to be loved right back!

FREE set of Thank You Notes

2011-01-08T07:58:00.003-05:00

It’s Your Big Day ~ Thank Them with Style!

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique is offering a FREE set of flat thank-you notes to brides who order their wedding invitations during the entire month of January

A perfect way to save money and spread the bridal gratitude. (Hurry! offer expires January 31, 2011)

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper After-Christmas Sale!

2010-12-27T19:25:00.002-05:00

20% OFF STOREWIDE *
Dec. 28 thru 30

50% off Holiday Items (decor, invitations + cards, etc.)

Can't make it in? Visit www.shopcutebuttons.com
and enter HOHOHO in the coupon code for the 20% off savings!
Phone orders accepted too at 919.462.9618!

*excludes custom paper and custom invitations

Assembling Wedding Invitation Paper Suites

2010-12-16T13:21:00.003-05:00

Our brides often ask us how to assemble their paper suites. We are happy to show you how when you pick them up from us. But, here's a great piece we found on the Crane's website about the proper way to do so. Enjoy!

For the most part, wedding invitations are assembled in size order. The invitation itself is first. The enclosure cards are stacked on top of the invitations, not inside. The reception card is placed on top of the invitation. Then the reply envelope is placed face down on the reception card. The reply card is slipped face up beneath the flap of the reply envelope. These are the most frequently used enclosures.

Any other enclosures are added face up in size order (usually at-home card, directions card, accommodation card, pew card, etc.). The single-fold invitation and its enclosures are placed into the inside envelope with the fold of the invitation at the bottom of the envelope and the engraving facing the back of the envelope. You can tell whether or not you stuffed the envelope correctly by removing the invitation with your right hand. If you can read the invitation without turning it, it was stuffed correctly.

The procedure for assembling traditional invitations (those with a second fold) is similar. The enclosures are placed on top of the lower half of the invitation's face in the same order described above. The invitation is folded from top to bottom over the enclosures. The invitation is then placed into the inside envelope with the fold toward the bottom of the envelope. As with other invitations, traditional invitations are correctly stuffed when they can be read without being turned after being removed from the envelope with your right hand.

Once stuffed, the inside envelopes are inserted into the outside envelopes. The front of the inside envelope faces the back of the outside envelope.

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique Welcomes Marley's Cat Tales THIS Saturday!

2010-12-09T21:32:00.004-05:00

You're Invited! This Saturday from 11a - 2p, Marley's Cat Tales (www.marleyscattales.org) will be at Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique to answer all of your questions about the ins and outs of fostering. Marley's Cat Tales, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue. We love, love, love rescue groups!!!!

Who can't resist a cute kitty? Also, they will be selling their 2011 Fundraising Calendar featuring the charcoal drawings of Raleigh artist Cindy Reddish. These one of a kind calendars make a perfect gift for the animal lover in your family, friends and employees or co-workers.

Cute Buttons will be donating some of the day's proceeds to this great organization! Our boutique kitty, Tiki, can't wait to see you!

The (Wedding) Envelope… Please!

2010-11-29T21:43:00.004-05:00

By Peggy Post, The Emily Post Institute

As the great-grandaughter-in-law of Emily Post, Peggy Post helps carry on her family’s great tradition of teaching etiquette rules for all occasions. Peggy is a director of The Emily Post Institute and the author of more than twelve books.
The world may be getting more casual, but etiquette, especially for weddings, is always relevant. Here at The Emily Post Institute, we are constantly asked about wedding invitations and related stationery: "What is the proper invitation wording? What are the correct ways to address the envelopes and package the enclosures, and when should invitations be mailed? How to word save-the-date notices and response cards?" Because happy couples and their families rely on you, the retailer, to be their knowledgeable resource, here are some of the Institute's suggestions for helping your clients with wedding invitation etiquette. Let’s start with the wedding invitation envelope...

One Envelope or Two? Traditionally, a wedding invitation is sent in two envelopes, an outer envelope which is addressed and stamped, and an inner envelope—containing the invitation, reception card, reply card and other material such as directions—which bears the names of the people invited. Although it may seem complicated or overly formal, a second envelope is actually very practical because it clarifies exactly who’s invited: other family members, children, and whether or not an invited guest may bring a guest. It’s perfectly acceptable, however, for a couple to omit inner envelopes.

What’s Written on the Envelopes? The outer envelope is addressed with the names and address of the person(s) invited: Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. The inner envelope repeats the guests’ last names: Mr. and Mrs. Smith. It’s also fine to informally write the names of close relatives and friends: Grandmother, Aunt Sue, or Jessica and Henry on the inner envelope.

Addressing Envelopes 101:
• Addressing a married couple: Wedding invitations are always addressed to both members of a married couple, even though the bride and groom may know only one or think that only one will attend.
• Addressing an unmarried couple living together: Invitations to an unmarried couple residing at the same place are addressed to Ms. Nancy Fellows and Mr. Scott Dunn.
• Addressing a married woman doctor or two married doctors: If the woman uses her husband's name, the address is: Dr. Barbara and Mr. James Werner. If she uses her maiden name: Dr. Barbara Hanson and Mr. James Werner. If her husband is also a doctor and they use his last name, the address is either: The Doctors (or Drs.) Werner, or Drs. Barbara and Robert Werner.
• Handwrite envelopes: Wedding invitations are special. Address them in handwriting—the bride’s, groom’s, friend’s, host’s, or a calligrapher’s. No computer-printed labels!
• Avoid abbreviations: Street and Avenue are written out, although two-letter state abbreviations are okay (due to US Postal Service preference). A person’s middle name may or may not be used. If it is, write it in full instead of abbreviating; omit it if the name won’t fit on one line. It’s okay to abbreviate Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Dr. when addressing envelopes.
• Inviting guests for guests: Write "and Guest" on the inner envelope right after the invited guest’s name. If no inner envelope is used, the "and Guest" phase is not written on the outer one; instead a note is included in the invitation or a verbal invitation is extended by the couple: "Please bring someone with you."
• Inviting children: If children are invited, their names are written on a line below their parents’ names on the inner envelope. If no inner envelope is used, children’s names are written on the outer envelope. Children aged thirteen and over usually receive their own invitations.
• Using a return address: A return address is necessary for the US Postal Service. The USPS preferred place is the upper left-hand corner of the envelope, but the back flap is okay, too.

Black Friday + Saturday at Cute Buttons: 15% Off Custom Orders + Holiday Cards and Invitations

2010-11-23T22:23:00.003-05:00

BLACK FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SALE!
Mention this blog post to get:

15% off ALL Personalized and Custom Orders

15% off ALL Personalized Stationery Orders

15% off ALL Holiday Paper including Personalized Holiday Cards, Boxed Cards, Boxed Photo Cards, Place Cards, Holiday Party Invitations

Our Extended Holiday Hours to Help You Get Ready for a Merry Season:

DECEMBER 1st – 31st:
Monday through Friday ~ 10a - 6p
Saturday ~ 10a - 5p

It's Holiday Card and Party Invitation Time!

2010-11-14T17:40:00.005-05:00

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique is YOUR Place For:

* Holiday Photo Cards
* Social Holiday Cards
* Corporate and
Business Holiday Cards
* Holiday Party + Dinner Invitations

We make it really easy:

1. Select your card or party invitation
2. Send us your photo (if you selected a photo card)
3. Select your greeting or invitation text. Or if you need ideas, we are happy to help you craft something fun and festive

...And you're done!

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique is located in Ashworth Village at 115-A West Chatham Street in downtown Cary!

www.shopcutebuttons.com
919.462.9618

The place for colorful wares + pretty paper

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique's Third Annual Holiday Open House to benefit SAFE Haven for Cats

2010-10-24T18:43:00.005-04:00

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique is hosting its third annual Holiday Open House to benefit SAFE Haven for Cats (www.safehavenforcats.org) on Thursday, November 4 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In addition to enjoying food, merriment and great shopping, customers can purchase $2 raffle tickets to win prizes (all proceeds from the raffle go towards SAFE Haven). Local businesses like Michael's Memories, The Green Kangaroo, Arbonne Cosmetics, The Pleasant Bee, Bedazzled, Jewels by Park Lane and others join Cute Buttons in donating great prizes to be given away during the open house.

SAFE Haven For Cats (SHFC) is a no-kill shelter for cats located in the North Raleigh area of North Carolina. They are a unique community-based animal shelter. In addition to providing adoption services for cats and kittens in need of good homes, they also manage a foster program for animals requiring a little extra love and care. They also assist the community in providing feline spay and neuter services in connection with the SAFE Care Feline Spay Neuter Clinic.

Cute Buttons opened its doors in downtown Cary in September 2008. In just two short years, the store has become a local favorite spot to find stationery, invitations and gifts. Come on out next week and get a jump on your holiday shopping!

Get 25 FREE Wedding Invitations!

2010-10-17T22:50:00.004-04:00

Hey Brides: Here's another great special offered by one of our paper lines: Checkerboard (www.checkernet.com)is offering 25 FREE wedding invitations when you purchase a minimum of 25. For example, if you need 100 invitations, you'll only pay for 75.

HURRY. Offer ends November 1. Call us to make your appointment so we can help you select your pretty paper and get a great deal at the same time!

Holiday Cards + Invitations

2010-10-08T23:08:00.004-04:00

It's that time of the year to spread holiday cheer with Halloween and Thanksgiving invitations, holiday party invitations, holiday photo cards and social and corporate holiday cards. Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique has some great ideas to help you say "Happy Holidays". Some of our vendors are even offering specials for added incentive to get you in the holiday spirit:

a. Checkerboard (www.checkernet.com) is offering FREE printed return printed addresses on your holiday cards through November 1.

b. Whitney English (www.whitneyenglish.com) is offering 20% off of all holiday photo cards through October 15.

Come by today and let us help find the right card plus invitation to say Happy Holidays!

Be Cute and Organized at the Same Time

2010-09-28T22:40:00.007-04:00

Oh it's hard being a professional. Having to carry around all of those files, papers, documents and of course, Chanel's newest lipstick color. Can you carry your necessities and look stylish at the same time? Of course you can. With these new LifeSTYLE File Totes we just brought in the boutique. They have combined the convenience of a file box with the elegance of a stylish handbag to give you a fashion accessory that’s both functional and fun. Stop carrying your files in a man’s briefcase, or stacked in your arms, or worse, sliding around on the seat of your car. Be professional, neat and organized, without sacrificing style. These bags have two six-inch file rods embedded in core and three interior pockets. With colors like ruby red, lime, pink, chocolate and a few others, you can have it all! You can find them at Cute Buttons Gift and Paper for $59 or on our website at www.shopcutebuttons.com.

Cute Buttons Couple - Kelly + Tyler

2010-09-24T21:51:00.007-04:00

We love working with other wedding vendors in the Triangle to help make our bride and groom's day memorable. Here's a shot of the pretty paper we produced for our clients, Kelly and Tyler. It was taken by local photographer, Michael Williams, of www.michaelsmemories.com during their reception at the Prestonwood Country Club in Cary. We did their festive holiday card/save-the-date card last year and helped them create their beautiful invitations (simple, yet elegant with a monogram) in time for their June wedding. Thanks to Michael for sending us this pretty pic!

Save-the-Dates to Announce 2011 Weddings!

2010-09-15T22:36:00.006-04:00

If you're getting married in 2011, the countdown is on! So how do you let friends + family know the particulars about the BIG DAY? With a Save the Date Card! These cards are announcements that let your guests know the date, time and location of your wedding.

When do you send them out? Typically four to six months prior to your wedding. If the majority of your guests will be traveling from out of town, you're planning a destination wedding or you're getting married during a holiday season, you might want to send them out sooner (six to nine months is recommended). Guests will appreciate the extra time to request time off from work and make appropriate arrangements for travel and hotel. But don't send them out too early so they won't get lost in a kitchen drawer or a bedroom nightstand.

Save the Dates can be fun, whimsical, corny, stylish, silly, serious, but most importantly - reflect the style of you and your groom-to-be! Some girls want their announcements to match their future invitations and other paper suites. Others want their Save-the-Dates to match the colors of their reception. Some opt for something that will not be too "matchy-matchy" and will stand out on their own. While others want an announcement that includes the couple's picture. Either way, work with your stationer to find cards that give your guests a preview of what's to come!

Choose from postcards, magnets, die cuts, ribbons, embellishments, deckled edges or any look to reflect you and your fiancé's style and budget. Keep the language to a minimum. Include your names, the date, city, venue location. Add the words "Invitation to follow" or "More details to come" or any other language that suits your card.

Next step? Grab your prospective groom and start looking for paper that gets you in the festive mood to plan your big day!

Proofreading Wedding Invitations

2010-09-04T12:38:00.004-04:00

Hey, guys and gals.

I saw this great blog post on Hip Ink's Blog called "How to proofread your invitations (the right way!)", so I just had to re-post it word for word. I hope it is as helpful to you as it was to me. Enjoy:

In order to avoid confusion and social faux-pas (perish the thought!), it is critical that you proofread your invitations several times until you are confident that all of the information is correct. Proofing your event information to ensure that is complete and contains no errors will help to avoid guest confusion and additional costs caused by missing or inaccurate information.

Here are some tips to help you proof your invitation suite. Make sure you proof not only your invitation, but also your RSVP, additional enclosures etc.:

TIP: Proof from a printed source
If you have received a full physical sample of your invite, you should always proof from your printed invitation. If you received only a digital proof, it’s best to print your invitation and accessories and proofread a hard copy rather than relying on the on-screen version.

Read your invitation aloud
Proofread all parts of your invitation suite by reading it out loud. If possible, have another person listen and read along while you read it out. This method is a good way to catch missing words or doubled words, as well as general grammar issues.

Read everything backwards
Read everything backwards focusing on the words themselves. It may sound strange, but this is a powerful tool for finding spelling errors, as sometimes your mind will subconsciously fix errors making it appear as though everything is correct when it really isn’t. In this case, familiarity breeds mistakes, so taking time to concentrate on each word out of context will make your proofing that much more effective.

Check names
Check the spelling of all names on the invitation (including parents, children etc.). You would be surprised at the errors you might find!

Check addresses, dates and numbers
Check all dates and numbers carefully. This includes things like making sure dates are correct, day and date match, addresses are complete and correct (especially street numbers if included) and also checking telephone numbers etc. Having guests arrive on the wrong day or at the wrong location is an unfortunate consequence of these types of errors, and it happened to me at my own bridal shower!

Check response methods and additional information
Check to ensure your RSVP information is correct, along with information like website addresses etc. Make sure to proofread any cards with additional information as well (accommodation cards, itinerary cards etc.).

Check the overall invitation layout, graphics etc.
It’s important that you make sure the details of your invitation are accurate; but, it is also very important to proof the entire invitation for errors in colour, spacing, fonts etc.

Find a proofreading partner (or two, or three)!
Once you have proofread the invitation a few times, have someone else proofread it as well. It is easy to overlook a mistake on your invitation when you know what the invitation should say. Have a few people who aren’t familiar with all the details (co-workers, neighbours, friends) go over your invite for an unbiased review.

As a designer, I think one of the main issues is that clients can often forget that we don’t know the details of their event as intimately as they do, and unfortunately proofreading isn’t part of the service. I can’t say that I don’t “read” your invite, but I don’t know how to spell your father’s first name correctly or what time you’ve decided to start cocktail hour, so that means the responsibility of proofing has to rest completely with *you*.

Don’t be a statistic. You know, I’m only telling you this because I care. Friends don’t let friends make errors on their invitations

We've Moved!

2010-08-31T22:06:00.003-04:00

...and boy are we excited for our customers + friends to see our new digs!

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique looks forward to you now visiting us at our new location:
Ashworth Village
115-A West Chatham St.
Cary, NC 27511

To say thank you for your continued support, we are offering 20% your entire purchase. Just bring this coupon in ~ excludes custom invitations and personalized items (offer expires September 30, 2010).

We can't wait to see ya!
www.shopcutebuttons.com

We're Moving!

2010-08-16T17:35:00.006-04:00

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique is moving to Ashworth Village at 115-A West Chatham Street in downtown Cary, North Carolina! If you have questions, feel free to call us at 919.462.9618. Our phone number will remain the same.

We will be closed August 20-26 for vacation and to move. We will reopen on Friday, August 27 in our new location. Don't worry ~ we'll keep you posted about our Grand Re-Opening Party!

Same colorful wares + pretty paper just in a great new spot...

Cute Buttons's “Bridal Open House" + Southern Bridal Show + Expo

2010-08-10T16:57:00.005-04:00

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique is hosting a Bridal Open House on Tuesday, August 17th from 5pm – 7:30pm at our boutique located at 312 West Chatham Street in downtown Cary. We welcome you to our boutique to see what pretty paper and pretty products we have in store for you! We'll happily answer your questions about the perfect paper and other accessories to help make your big day special! Bring your fiance. Bring a friend. Bring your family. Please RSVP to www.info@shopcutebuttons.com.

Also, come visit us at the Southern Bridal Show & Expo on August 15th from 11am - 4pm. We will be with other great vendors at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh at the Jim Graham Building. For more information, visit www.foreverbridal.net.

We hope to see you at both events!!!

Wedding Programs and Escort Cards at The Matthews House

2010-08-05T10:57:00.006-04:00

Beautiful wedding programs and escort cards add just the right touch to outdoor summer weddings. We had lots of fun working with Morgan and Michael (...and Morgan's mother, Donna) for almost a year helping them get ready for their big day at The Matthews House last month. We thank them for allowing us to create their save-the-dates, wedding invitations, thank-you notes, wedding programs, table cards and escort cards. Our calligrapher does wonderful work we might add! Thank you to Scott Clevenger (www.scottclevengerphotography.com) for these fabulous pictures. Did we say we love summer weddings?

Enjoy!

Questions From Our Awesome Customers - Gift Ideas for Baby Showers

2010-07-28T22:45:00.006-04:00

Questions From Our Awesome Customers - Gift Ideas for Baby Showers

q: I'm going to a baby shower. The mom-to-be doesn't want to know if she's having a boy or girl? Any gift ideas?

a: Ahh. It's nice to know that some people still believe in the element of surprise.

Babies are a blessing, so we wish every mom-to-be a healthy and happy delivery!

We have cute gift ideas for the new bundle of joy. We love our baby spoons. Both boys and girls have to eat, so why not feed them with Beehive Kitchenware Company's lead-free pewter spoons that can be washed in mild soap (shown)? Who wouldn't coo over the baby pigs, chicks, rabbits and ducks featured on these adorable spoons?

Also, our silver-plated baby banks and picture frames,and "Mommy & Me" (shown), and fabric picture frames are great gifts. Pregnancy and baby journals are also a popular item among the "mom-crowd".

We have a great local woman who embroiders burp cloths. They're soft, cuddly and come in colors that are fit for any new prince or princess.

And don't forget the mom. We have gifts to pamper her and make her feel special as she winds down her last months of pregnancy. Bringing an extra gift (which of course, doesn't have to be expensive) for the woman of the hour is always a nice touch.

Be Sweet!
Keep your questions coming

Here Comes the Grooms...Mens Gifts

2010-07-20T17:40:00.006-04:00

What about gifts for me and my boys? That's a question we often get asked by grooms-to-be about gifts to give the members of their wedding party. After all, everything doesn't have to be all about the bride (shh...I'm whispering now).

What do we recommend? Well, popular groomsmen gifts at Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique are colored and personalized shot glasses, leather money clips, picture frames, personalized flash drives (shown) and cd cases or a box of men's personalized stationery for those daring to be different. Of course the tried and true personalized two-tone, stainless steel flask (shown) which holds up to six ounces of their favorite beverage, is a hot item among grooms. Just make sure you don't get us in trouble with your future Mother-in-Law if you choose to present them at your wedding reception...

Colorful Wedding Table Number Cards are Great for Summer Wedding Receptions

2010-07-07T17:52:00.005-04:00

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique happily created these colorful table number cards for our bride who’s getting married this weekend at the Matthews House in Cary. Remember: table number cards not only help your guests find their seats, but by making them fun and colorful, they can add to the decor of your reception table. We layered ecru linen matte paper on green, orange and magenta shimmer papers. These colorful table number cards will be dispersed among different tables to provide a whimsical setting.

With the right place cards, menu cards, flowers and china added to the mix, you’re all set to celebrate your Summer “I-do’s”!

Pajamas are All the Rage at Cute Buttons

2010-07-02T12:58:00.007-04:00

We just got these super cute pajamas in the store. Pajamas in a stationery store, in this heat? Yes, yes we did. And they are cute. 100% cotton, lightweight and colorful (...and of course, machine washable). These two-piece sets are great for cool nights lounging at the beach. If a beach isn't in your future anytime soon, pair the bottoms with your favorite tee for your "staycation" or just for evenings when you get home from work. Lightweight enough to take you into the Fall!

FOUR great colors to choose from (blue circles, blue paisley, red and green). Sizes S/M and M/L with draw-string pants ~ enough room for you to splurge on a pint of Edy's ice cream. Come in to see them, call in your order at 919.462.9618 or jump on our website! www.shopcutebuttons.com

Cute Buttons' First Annual Christmas in July Open House

2010-06-22T22:18:00.000-04:00

Ho! Ho! Ho! ~ You're Invited!!!

Thursday, July 8th: “First Annual Christmas in July Open House” (12pm – 7pm)
Storewide inventory clearance (both holiday and non-holiday merchandise). Pick your discount off the tree!

Wait, there's more holiday cheer! Let Paula, our "gift expert", show you how to:
- Wrap the perfect gift
- Create gift baskets
- Make beautiful bows
(Demonstration will be held from 6p - 7p)

$5 per person. Advance reservation required for the demonstration. RSVP at 919.462.9618 or info@shopcutebuttons.com

Space is limited! We're located at 312 West Chatham Street in downtown Cary, NC

Whitney English Offers Special on Personalized Stationery

2010-06-07T21:51:00.000-04:00

Ok, procrastinators. Yes, brides, we are talking to y-o-u! So you really did get the Lattice Pocket Pie Mold AND the Picardie Glass Tumblers from Williams-Sonoma that you've been crossing your fingers for! Whoo-hoo!. Now you have NO EXCUSE not to send those thank you notes from your engagement parties, bridal showers and weddings. One of our great vendors, Whitney English, is running a "TWICE AS NICE" special on personalized stationery. Order 25 or more stickers, calling cards, flat stationery and note cards, and double your order at no additional cost! Don't forget, stickers are great for wedding favors and goodie bags for you out-of-town guests too! This special runs now through June 16th!

Come in our boutique today or see a preview of some of their pretty paper on www.whitneyenglish.com. We can help you pick out the right style and color to show that you are grateful for the new additions to your kitchen.

Questions From Our Awesome Brides - Can I Still Do A Menu Card If We Are Having A Buffet?

2010-06-01T17:15:00.000-04:00

q: My fiance and I are having a buffet at our wedding reception, but we still want to do menu cards. Is that okay?

a: Yes it is. Menu cards aren't just for six-course seated formal wedding dinners at country clubs. They're also great for buffets too. Heck, they're even fun for receptions that include pig pickin's or hot pots of lobsters.

Just make sure you pick a theme that is fun and matches the style of a buffet. The card should include your married name, the date of the reception, and allows wedding party guests to see what treats they are in store for. We did this one layer menu card for a bride who got married at The Matthews House in Cary. Her card was simple and included a monogrammed watermark. We chose simple fonts that matched the elegance of her venue.

And yes, you can put the wedding cake on the menu card. It is after all, what every guest came to see (and eat)~ besides the bride.

Be Sweet!
Keep your questions coming

Write On!: Journals are "What's In" at Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique

2010-05-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

What's the "must-have" item of Summer 2010? No, it's not Manolo Blahnik Shoes in the new Sex and The City Movie. (although that would be a nice gift to snag, but we digress..) It's a pocket journal. Cute Buttons will help you find a delightful way to record notes, thoughts and must-do’s in a fun and fashionable way. When that inspiration hits you, just whip out this colorful little journal out of your bookbag, purse or tote. After all, writing emails is oh so passé! And besides, it's fun to go back and see what you were thinking in that very moment in time.

We have a cute selection to choose from in our store or you can shop for one that fits your style from your couch on our site. This cutie-pie one shown one the left has a hardcover with elastic band and is just six inches tall with 112 lined pages. The one shown above is only 4 inches wide and 4 inches tall with unlined pages. Can't go wrong with either. Happy Writing!

Graduation Gift Ideas

2010-05-18T13:52:00.000-04:00

Congrats, graduate! Time to celebrate them. Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique has the gifts they're sure to love:

- passport holders and luggage tags for jet-setters
- journals and personalized stationery for writers
- cutie-pie picture frames for the BFFs
- colorful magnetic boards (like this cute pink one on the left for $29) for college dorm rooms, home and work offices, and work cubicles
- Choosey Chicks stylish tees and Jane Marvel bags for the fashionistas
- and gift certificates for those who are independent and want to select their own reward

You name it. We've got them. And of course we wouldn't be a stationery store without the cutest selection of graduation cards to choose from. After all, they deserve it!

Questions from Cute Buttons' Customers - How Do We Say 'No Gifts, Please'?

2010-05-11T16:41:00.000-04:00

q: My uncle and his fiance both are in their 70s and are getting married this year! They don't want their guests to buy them gifts because they feel they have enough stuff to last them two lifetimes. How do we help them let their guests know not to bring gifts?

a: Who says young love is where it's at? Love the second time around is sooooo sweet.

It can never be said enough.It's not acceptable to put "no gifts" on your wedding invitations. By the way, it's also not acceptable to put your registry on your invitation either, but we digress. We worked with a couple who didn't want gifts, nor did they want anything donated in their name for a charity. We printed "Your presence is the only gift we request" on their reception card. Short, but to the point. We recommend the same language ~ or some variation of it ~ for your uncle and his bride-to-be. Also, word of mouth is the other acceptable option. You can help them let friends + families know of their wishes.

Of course, there are going to be people who feel like a party is not a party if they don't bring a gift. That's okay, because that's on them. Remind your relatives to be gracious and by all means, make sure that guest is thanked appropriately.

Please be sure to save a piece of wedding cake for us!

Be Sweet!
Keep your questions coming

Questions from Cute Buttons' Customers - Bridal Shower Invitations

2010-05-05T21:19:00.000-04:00

cute buttons tidbits (great questions often asked by our even greater customers)

q: My girlfriend and I are throwing the bridal shower for our friend who's getting married in July. What are some do's and don'ts for sending out invitations and asking for gifts?

a: July will be here before you know it, so it's time to get excited.

With that said, we recommend choosing an invitation style that fits the bride's personality. Incorporate colors and patterns that remind people that a festive occasion is right around the corner. (Like the San Lori bridal silhouette invitation shown here).

Her bridal shower invitation does not necessarily have to incorporate the color scheme of the wedding. It's great if they do, and it's okay if they don't. If you choose to go with non-wedding colors, with a spring and summer wedding, we recommend pinks, purples, chocolates, lime greens and tangerines. Choose two different ink colors or two different font styles to create that special invite. Make sure you include all of the pertinent information like date, time, location, RSVP information with a date. It is acceptable to have guests respond to a phone number or email address.

And finally, we must say that it's probably not appropriate to "ask for gifts", but more than likely they will be coming your way. You can include the registry information on the shower invitation (not on the wedding invitation, please). That way you can make sure they get the all-clad stainless steel 3-qt. casserole dish from William and Sonoma that they've been salivating over.

Be Sweet!
Keep your questions coming

Thanks, MOM!

2010-04-27T18:51:00.000-04:00

THANKS MOM...(and sister, stepmother, grandmother, aunt, in-law, neighbor, friend and cousin too)!

happy mother’s day

sunday, may 9

we have the gifts she’s sure to love…

Come to our store at 312 W. Chatham Street in downtown Cary or shop online at www.shopcutebuttons.com

Guest Books Don't Have to Come in Just Cream and White Anymore

2010-04-22T16:26:00.001-04:00

Weddings. Birthday parties. Baby and Bridal Showers. Engagement parties. Graduation Parties. Bah Mitzvahs. They're on the way. All you need now is a stylish guest book to know who came to the festivities. We love this handmade one by Rag & Bone.

Their handcrafted guest books are available with 360 signature lines and lay flat when opened. We have a variety of colors in the store to choose from ~ like this handmade oyster pattern. So cute! View more of their great selection on line at www.ragandbonebindery.com or come into our store and check out the pretty selections we have!