Your invitations are your guests’ first sneak peak into the wedding day and that can be a little daunting! You want to set things off to a flying start, but with so many options and ideas out there it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s why we’re sharing this agony aunt Q&A with the wonderful Laura at Pen & Paper; not long ago a budding bride herself, the wedding world whisked Laura up and has kept her there ever since, creating bespoke stationery. Having been on both sides of the industry, Laura is a great helping hand every step of the way.
1) There seem to be endless options of items your stationer can make!? Save the dates, venue cards, directions and dietary RSVP’s… Which ones are most important?
Your essentials are your invitations and information cards; you can't get away with not telling people the plan! The other options are also important, but if you're on a budget then these are the things you can do without. Just remember you need to provide a way of receiving your information back from your guests.
Your essentials are your invitations and information cards; you can't get away with not telling people the plan! The other options are also important, but if you're on a budget then these are the things you can do without. Just remember you need to provide a way of receiving your information back from your guests.
2) I haven’t chosen a theme for my wedding yet but want to send my ‘save the dates’, what should I do!?
I like to meet with my couples to talk through their wedding from the word go. You can gain a lot of vision when speaking to them face-to-face and I get to understand what they want from their day. The ideas come to me from that; I will show them some imagery or draw sketches and we build on things from there. Even if you're just doing save the dates it's important to have a theme for your suite; it tells a story!
I like to meet with my couples to talk through their wedding from the word go. You can gain a lot of vision when speaking to them face-to-face and I get to understand what they want from their day. The ideas come to me from that; I will show them some imagery or draw sketches and we build on things from there. Even if you're just doing save the dates it's important to have a theme for your suite; it tells a story!
3) I have no idea when to send my invitations! Can you suggest a wedding stationery timeline?
If you've sent out Save The Date's then I would suggest sending formal invitations 4-6 months before the wedding. if you haven't opted for Save The Dates, then earlier. The earlier the better to avoid your guests making other plans!
If you've sent out Save The Date's then I would suggest sending formal invitations 4-6 months before the wedding. if you haven't opted for Save The Dates, then earlier. The earlier the better to avoid your guests making other plans!
4) Apparently there are ‘rules’ on wording your wedding invitations!? Will my stationer help with this?
There aren't really rules any more; some couples like a laid back feel, others like it more formal - it's up to you!
There aren't really rules any more; some couples like a laid back feel, others like it more formal - it's up to you!
5) How worried do I need to be about keeping my stationery similar to my theme?
Most people like their suite to flow if they have a colour theme, but it depends on the individual. Go with what you feel is right.
Most people like their suite to flow if they have a colour theme, but it depends on the individual. Go with what you feel is right.
6) I love the idea of making my invitations exciting to open! Do you have any suggestions?
This is my favourite part of stationery; doing new things! I have made invitations that are paper planes, bespoke laser cut designs, used acrylic for the invites and table plans... The wackier the better!
This is my favourite part of stationery; doing new things! I have made invitations that are paper planes, bespoke laser cut designs, used acrylic for the invites and table plans... The wackier the better!
7) My plans are all very last minute! What lead time do you need to make a bespoke invitation?
Working with local suppliers and supporting small businesses is really important to me and also allows me to turn things around quickly sometimes just as long as 2 weeks!. It depends on the suite you have chosen as the more components the longer it will take.
Working with local suppliers and supporting small businesses is really important to me and also allows me to turn things around quickly sometimes just as long as 2 weeks!. It depends on the suite you have chosen as the more components the longer it will take.
8) My venue is deep in the countryside, how do I get a long list of directions to all of my guests?!
I can create beautiful illustrated maps - this is a much more attractive and interactive option that an A4 google maps print out! Illustrated maps are increasing in popularity.
I can create beautiful illustrated maps - this is a much more attractive and interactive option that an A4 google maps print out! Illustrated maps are increasing in popularity.
9) How should I display my wedding menu before the wedding and how can I ask guests if they have any dietary requirements?
Most couples haven't decided on their wedding breakfast when they send invitations, so my advice is to include a space for dietary requirements in your RSVPs. Your caterer will then provide dishes suitable for them.
Most couples haven't decided on their wedding breakfast when they send invitations, so my advice is to include a space for dietary requirements in your RSVPs. Your caterer will then provide dishes suitable for them.
10) I have terrible handwriting, will my stationer address my envelopes for me?
Yes - I have done this for couples. It really adds something having your addresses written in a lovely calligraphy script.
Yes - I have done this for couples. It really adds something having your addresses written in a lovely calligraphy script.