As we talked about in an earlier post, the invite is an important first step in party planning. Today, I’m really happy to share with you the final concept we came up with for the invitation to my Celebrations book launch party. But first, I have to say that I loved hearing all your ideas for the potential concept of the invitation.
Here are some ideas you shared with me:
• The invitation as a puzzle
• Me as a shirtless gladiator on a chariot
• Me on a bed of roses à la American Beauty
• An invitation in the shape of flower, using a color scheme of different shades of purple
• An invite told in a story format handwritten on a brown card
• Champagne bottles as invitations with custom labels
I actually loved the American Beauty concept so much that we tried it out. Here’s the image of me in comparison to the original image from the movie (you can click on the image to make it bigger):
As you can see, I’m no Mena Suvari, so we nixed it.
Luckily, I have a private creative consultant (who also happens to be my partner) Theo Bleckmann, who has helped me create concepts for some of my past party invitations. We were talking about New York City landmarks and became inspired by the statue of Atlas holding up the world on his shoulders in Rockefeller Center. It is such an iconic image in a landmark destination.
I was so fascinated by the image that I felt it was the right direction to go in. Here’s the final invitation:
What do you think of the invitation? Let me know in the comments.
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
The Event Mogul
January 13, 2010
I love the invite.. especially the earth being made out of flowers…. Are you going to invite some of your fans or do a ticket giveaway on your blogg?
The Broke-Ass Bride
January 13, 2010
AMAZING! Epic. I just love it.That american beauty one is pretty fly too. I love you for trying it.Congrats on the launch, Preston!
Courtney
January 13, 2010
You are awesome, Preston! The final invite is amazing; although I love the first option and think you should save it for another party invite!Congratulations on the launch (+ of course on the book)! How exciting. I can't wait to pick up a copy!
Anonymous
January 13, 2010
This is so funny. I really love your sense of humor.
Crystal Milton
January 13, 2010
I love love love it! VERY CREATIVE! I would have never thought of that as an invite for a book about celebrations but it totally works!
Susan Moolman
January 13, 2010
Preston, this is exactly why we love you so much!
Jiyoon
January 13, 2010
Final invite = magnificent!Congratulations on your new book and I can't wait to pick one up and ogle at your amazing work.
carol griffin
January 13, 2010
I think you are probably the "ONLY" person in the industry who could do this-and it would work. You have a marvelous persona for this type of marketing. Great luck to you. C
bloglines
January 13, 2010
Eric A. says…..FAB, you're the man!Good luck on the book launch party!Wish I could be part of it, a worker, guests etc…Eric A.EAE SIgnature Events
Ati of Gekd Boutique
January 14, 2010
Congrats on the launch, Preston & I LOOOVE the final invitation! You and the globe are just absolutely gorgeous!
Anonymous
January 14, 2010
Preston,It's a fabulous invitation! Holding up the world via the beauty of flowers. This will definitely be an amazing launch…Congratulations!!!
Anonymous
January 14, 2010
Dear Preston,If I look like that at 60 I would put it on my invite also………Very creative..xxooMelissa
Shelley
January 15, 2010
Stunning. I love the concept – your creativity shines through! Congratulations on the launch. You're beautiful. I can't wait to enjoy the book!Shelley xo
Anonymous
January 26, 2010
It is very creative and I would want to go to a party with an invitation like that!! Love it and love you more. Siaba
Brian Kelly
February 2, 2010
Love, love,love it!