Archives for January 2014

20 Must-See Wedding Beer Labels

January 31, 2014 by Cindy Springer Leave a Comment

Wedding Beer Labels We Love

Some of the most creative beer labels to come through our queue here at Bottle Your Brand are wedding beer labels made by home brewers. Beer brewing and creativity seem to go hand in hand, and we applaud home brewers everywhere for their talent. Making craft beer is an art form in itself, but making a label worthy of that beer is a feat of pride.

In this post we’re sharing some of our favorite customer created wedding beer labels with you. Those of you who are graphic savvy and use a program like Illustrator, InDesign or Photoshop, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to upload your completed artwork to order your wedding beer labels on our site. We have a fondness for your quirky style and your subtle (or not so subtle) play on words. For those of you who need a little assistance with beer label design please visit our wedding beer labels page. There you’ll find designs that are easy to edit. Either way we hope you’ll let Bottle Your Brand be a part of your special day by providing you with your wedding beer labels.

While you’re viewing these creative wedding labels be sure to note the names given to each beer. The first label we share is “Pure Hoppiness”…need we say more?

We hope you’ve enjoyed the handiwork of our talented customers. If you need help making your own beer labels please email us at [email protected]. We’re happy to help with any questions you have. Happy labeling!

I Have a Logo & I Want to Make My Own Labels

January 28, 2014 by Cindy Springer Leave a Comment

“I have a logo and I want to make some water bottle labels.”

We specialize in water bottle labels so we hear that a lot. Whether you need water bottle labels, wine labels or any kind of stickers, as long as your logo is high enough resolution and the correct file format, you’ll get stellar print results. There are a few caveats to this, however; and those would be file type and file resolution.

What File Types Work?

Let’s start first with what files won’t work. Please do not upload files from Word, PowerPoint, Paint, or any files from screenshots using (ctrl +c) PC or (cmd +c) MAC. If your logo has a .docx, .pptx, or .bmp file extension, please have us check the resolution. Most likely you’re going to end up with fuzzy print results. Why don’t these file types work? In a word, resolution. They look great on your screen, but these files are typically only 72 pixels per inch (ppi) resolution and a 72 ppi file is not going to print clearly. Every monitor’s native screen resolution is 72 ppi. If you copy and paste a logo off a website, due to its naturally low resolution, a file printed from that screen shot usually results in jagged edges. A blurry or fuzzy label is not professional looking and that’s not how you want to be represented, whether your label is for a kid’s party, a wedding or a corporate event.

These file types ARE recommended: PNG, JPEG and SVG.

The resolution of your logo must be 300 pixels per inch. Just because your file is a JPEG or PNG it doesn’t mean it’s automatically 300 ppi. We’ve had customers upload tiny, 72 ppi JPEGs and wonder why their logo looks blurry on the screen. If you’re not sure of your logo’s resolution, simply email it to us as an attachment and ask us to examine it out for you. We’ll open the logo in a graphics program and do a resolution check. We do our best to check orders as they come through the queue, and if we see a blurry file we make every effort to contact the customer. Every now and then we might miss one, or your contact information doesn’t let us find you, that’s why we want you to be informed about what files work best.

Logos, Color and Your Corporate Water Bottle Label

There are some companies that have guidelines regarding the presentation of their corporate logo. If your company is one who has strict brand standards, then most likely you have a Brand Manual. These manuals call for specific standards for logo presentation which may or may not include clear space, corporate colors, placement & position, and minimum size. You can email the brand manual to us so we can assist you with complying to those standards. Since our website accepts files in RGB color and logos are almost always in CMYK color, it’s helpful to us to have the CMYK information. In fact we recommend you place your order and email us your CMYK original file for printing.

Help! My Logo Has a White Box Around It!

Please see the example above. The logo on the left is a JPEG and the one on the right is a PNG file.

Upload a file with a transparent background in order to avoid having a white box around your logo. A JPEG file will always have a default color in the background. PNG files are great for avoiding the white box effect. Using a PNG file for the best results when you’re creating a label with a any other background color other than white.

See how the JPEG leaves a white box around the logo, whereas the logo on the right all you see is the logo and the background color? If all you have is a JPEG of your logo then the only solution is to forego having a color background and stick with white. A logo with a transparent background allows for flexibility in background color choices.

Water Bottle Label Sizes

We sell two water bottle labels sizes: 8 inches by 2.125 inches and 8.25 inches by 1.75. These are fully self-adhesive labels you put on your own bottles. If you’re ordering Custom Bottled Water you don’t have to purchase the labels separately. We send bottled water orders to you with the labels on them.

Self Adhesive Water Bottle Label Templates

These files are for ordering labels only, not for ordering bottled water. Please convert to JPEG or PNG for uploading. These files allows for 1/8 inch bleed on all four sides. Download our label templates here if you want to make your own labels, which means you’re uploading an artwork file you made in a graphics program.

8 x 2.125 water bottle label template

8.25 x 1.75 water bottle label template

All of our labels are waterproof, so you can order with confidence knowing that our labels will hold up in ice and water. If you have any questions about making your own labels. Please feel free to email us at [email protected]. Visit our website for Live Chat on weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm Pacific time. We’re always happy to help. Happy Labeling!

Valentine’s Day Favor Bags – A Simple Craft Project

January 24, 2014 by Jenny Walters Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever been given the task of coming up with a Valentine’s Day Party favor, and you’re on a budget, we know how difficult it can be. We have a super cute, super easy and super cheap Valentine’s Day favor to share with you. Using a 3-inch by 3-inch custom sticker from our pre-made label templates, a lace-cut paper doily, and a ribbon, we show you how to dress up a basic white paper favor bag. For our label embellishment we chose Hearts on a String. Fill the bags with your favorite Valentine’s Day candy and these bags are sure to be a hit.

Supplies you’ll need:

White paper favor bags (24 pcs.) 6 1/2″ x 2 1/4″ x 3 1/2″, about $4.25 for 24 pieces
Paper doilies, $1.99 for a package of 30
Spool of 1/4 inch ribbon, under $10 at Joann Fabric and crafts
Hole punch
Custom label, 3-inches x 3-inches from Bottle Your Brand

Step by step instructions:

Order your label from Bottle Your Brand. We ship within two business days so you still have time for Valentine’s Day.
Place your sticker on the bag before you fill it while the bag is flat. It’s easier to line it up and make it straight.
Fill the bag with your choice of candy. We like M & M’s.
Fold the top of the bag over approximately 1 inch.
Fold a 4-inch doily in half and place over the fold of the bag.
Punch two holes through both the doily and fold of the bag, approximately 1.5 inches apart.
Thread 12″ of 1/4 inch ribbon through the holes and tie a bow in the front just like you would to lace your shoes.

Voilà. Your Valentine’s Day favor is now complete. Each favor bag should take about 2 minutes or less to assemble and cost less than $2 each, (not including the candy.) This craft project can be adapted to any size favor bag, just be sure to purchase the corresponding doily size and a label that is to scale with the bag. You’ll find other fantastic label designs in our pre-made templates. If you like to make your own labels and stickers, you’ll find other square sticker templates that are blank, which allows you to create or upload your own artwork. Other square label sizes we offer are 4-inch square and 5-inch square.

If you’ve made your own party favor bags with one of our stickers please share the results with us. We’d love to see your photos! Email us at [email protected]. Happy labeling!

45 Wedding Wine Labels Made by Real Couples

January 21, 2014 by Cindy Springer Leave a Comment

You’ve chosen a venue, picked a caterer but now you need to think about the final touches for your wedding. Have you considered personalized wedding wine labels? In this post see examples of wine labels made by couples just like you. We show you 45 wedding wine labels from actual orders. Some of them are photo wine labels and others are text only. All of them are unique, whether made from a wedding wine label template or made from scratch. We’re sure you’ll feel confident enough to make your own labels after you’re finished viewing this post.

Eight Wedding Wine Labels With Messages

The wedding verses on the above wine labels are listed below

A wish is a dream your heart makes.
He Asked, She Said YES!!
Many Thanks & Much Love. For all that YOU do…Please have a glass (or Two) on us!
May our love be like good wine, grow stronger as it grows older.
55 Days Til I Say “I do”. Thanks for all your good wishes for the soon to be Mrs.
To our Family and Friends, Thank you for the unconditional support, encouragement, love and laughter.
Eat, Drink, and Get Married.
Good Luck Champagne.

Beach Theme Wedding Labels-One for Each Wine Served

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue Photo Wine Labels

Make a Wine Label with a Popular Verse

This verse was used to create a very simple, yet elegant wine label, “Let us celebrate this occasion with a good wine.”

Two Funny Wedding Wine LabelsThese funny wedding wine labels give some humorous advice. The first says, “The secret to enjoying this wine. 1. Open the bottle and allow to breathe. 2. If it does not appear to be breathing, give mouth to mouth. The second is pretty amusing too, “Like Good Wine, Marriage Gets Better With Age Once You Learn To Keep a Cork In It.

“Pun-ny” Wine Labels

Wedding Ring Wine Labels

Wedding Rings are featured on this wine label in a photo that was uploaded by the engaged couple. Make your wedding rings the focus of your wine label with a photo.

Photo Wine Labels

Many couples use a favorite photo with a custom message to add a personal touch to their wedding wine favors.

Wine Labels Made From Memories

Photos from childhood and a screen shot of a Facebook conversation make interesting wine labels for your wedding. Each couple shared a little bit of their story with labels like these.

Wine Labels Made with Clip Art

Custom Artwork Wine Labels

Custom graphics can be uploaded directly to our site to create wedding wine labels. If you have a graphic designer working with you, th eartwork file can be uploaded directly to the design canvas. The resolution should be 300 pixels per inch for optimum results.

Wedding Wine Labels Made from a Photo Shoot

Take a series of photos and upload them to create a personal story on your wine labels. This couple made six wedding wine labels with their black and white photos. A pop of hot pink is a fabulous touch.

Wedding Wine Labels with No Text

For a fast way to make your wine labels simply upload your photos. No text needed, the photos speak for themselves.

Wedding Wine Labels Made with Text Only

You don’t need a graphic artist or a professional photo shoot to make custom wedding wine labels. These four labels show how strategically placed text. with the right color and fonts. make amazing looking wine labels. A perfect favor for anyone on a budget.

Use a Template or Make Your Own From Scratch

There are two ways to make a wedding wine label: use our templates or make your own from scratch. We show you examples of both labels. To use a ready-made wedding wine label template is easy. Start here to choose a design. After you select a design and choose a quantity, click Personalize. From the design canvas click Edit on the text and start typing like you would in a Word document. We recommend you create an online account so you can save your designs and choose your favorite to order.

Make Your Own from scratch by starting on this page. Start typing and change the text style, size and color. From your computer upload a photo or clip art. Use the online tools to arrange your label. It’s actually quite fun and easier than you might think.

Have questions about making your labels. Email us at [email protected].

Buying Wedding Wine: How Much Is Enough?

January 19, 2014 by Jenny Walters Leave a Comment

When planning to buy wine for your wedding the question always comes up, “How many bottles do we need?” There are a lot of variables influencing the answer to this question, so we’ll address them and also give you a handy wine-buying-calculator to help you. Your caterer will have his or her own formula for how much wine to buy, but anyone planning a wedding wants to know upfront how much it’s going to cost. In order that you won’t be shocked by the numbers, we’re giving you some tools to prepare yourself. We’ve consulted the experts at Total Wine to come up with the following information.

Factors Impacting the Number of Bottles to Buy

The Number of Guests – Obviously…but seriously, not everyone drinks wine, but the majority of your guests will raise at least one glass in a toast. Figuring the total bottles of wine needed starts with the initial guest count.
The Age of Your Guests – In general, a younger crowd drinks more than an older one. (That says something about wisdom coming with age doesn’t it?) If the majority of your guests are in their 20’s and 30’s consider adjusting upwards the number of drinks per guest for the first one or two hours.
Food Service – You can figure one glass of white wine and two glasses of red wine are served per multi-course meal. Buffet style service will generally require less wine service.
The Time of Day – If your event begins before 5pm, or you are also serving liquor or beer: ½ bottle of wine/person per 3-hour period.
Self Serve – If you’re brave enough to let guests serve themselves, add 10% to your original estimate.

A basic rule of thumb is to figure each 750 ml bottle of red or white wine will provide approximately five 5-oz. servings. When deciding the number of wine bottles to purchase, buy more wine than you think you need. Calculate on the basis of five glasses, rather than six, per 750-mL bottle.

Glasses of sparkling wine or Champagne are generally smaller than glasses of table wines, so you can figure on getting eight glasses of sparkling wine from a bottle. Plan on at least glass of sparkling wine for a toast to the newlyweds.

The approximate number of servings per bottle of table wine depends on the size of the glass. Glasses of the same type do not necessarily hold the same amount. To determine the number of wine bottles to purchase, remember that a glass is filled no more than half full. One bottle serves five people a 5-ounce drink; two bottles serves ten people; three bottles serves 15 people. Always allow for overages and have extra bottles handy. You don’t want to be caught short on one of the most important days of your life.

Before making your purchase, check with the wine store to see if unopened bottles can be returned for a refund.

According to national retailer Total Wine: “Most guests will consume two drinks during the first hour of your event and one drink during each following hour. When planning an event serving wine, beer and spirits, the general rule of thumb is that:

50% will prefer WINE
30% will prefer BEER
20% will prefer MIXED DRINKS

If you do not anticipate serving mixed drinks at your event, then you should plan on 60% of your guests consuming wine and 40% beer.”

Calculate the Bottles of Wine You Need for Your Wedding

Use this formula to estimate how many bottles of wine you need to purchase for your wedding. This is based on the number of hours your event will last. Download this PDF Wedding Wine Estimator to take to the wine store or your meeting with the caterer.

Number of Guests = G Drinks Per Guest = D

1 hour = 2 drinks
2 hours = 3 drinks
3 hours = 4 drinks
4 hours = 5 drinks
5 hours = 6 drinks

G x D x 0.6 ÷ 5 = Total Number of 750 ML Bottles to Purchase

For example: 90 (guests) x 5 (# of drinks for 4 hours) = 450 x 0.5 =270 ÷ 5 = 54.

Download our WINE BUYING CALCULATOR and print to take with you when you shop for wine.

When deciding the number of wine bottles to purchase for a wedding, buy more wine than is needed, and allow for slight overages: calculate on the basis of five glasses of wine per 750-mL bottle, rather than six.

Before making your purchase, check with the liquor store to see if the unopened wine bottles are refundable. A good rule is to be generous but never pressing.

Add Custom Wedding Wine Labels to Your Bottles

To take your wine service to the next level remember to order custom wedding wine labels. A custom wine label placed on each bottle makes it part of your wedding décor and it becomes a wedding favor. Your wine label design can include a photo, your wedding monogram, a thank you message and include your wedding colors or theme. Start on this page to view our wedding wine label templates or upload your own wine label design starting here. You also have the option of making a Champagne label. If you have questions about making your own wine label please email us at [email protected]