Inject your stationery with personality and build anticipation for your big day from the moment the envelope lands on the doormat
Let’s not kid ourselves: your guests will be silently judging your wedding from the invites onwards. The stationery you’re drawn to – glitzy, hip or cute – is a great indicator of your style, and should be a hint of what to expect on the big day. As well as tying in a teaser of the theme or style, why not go the extra mile with something that stands out?
1. Keep it cohesive
When picking your invitations, think about how the design will translate to your on-the-day items: “Your full stationery suite should be treated as one collective entity,” says Ann Martin of Jack & Jess, who created a full suite with this cute ‘Tie the Naut’ design. “This achieves a consistent and streamlined style. Work closely with a professional stationer who can create personal touches in the same theme, such as customised cocktail lists at the bar.”
2. The golden touch
Crystals and glitter not your style? If you’ve opted for minimalist typography but still fancy a bit of luxe, EYI Love’s foil-lined envelopes are a discreet but impressive touch. Creative director Lorna McGinnigal tells us: “The weight, feel and quality of our ultra-thick envelopes add a stylish edge to your wedding stationery from the very first impression.”
3. Frock forgery
Have themed weddings had their day? Plenty of wedding experts are reporting just that. If your big day doesn’t have a recurrent motif that will make your stationery stand out, why not hone in on one particular detail, such as your dress? Intricate laser-cut cards can perfectly replicate delicate lace, like this stunning design from Cards4ever. “Keep them simple, or customise them with a beautiful crystal or pearl embellishment,” advises Flo Thom at the Edinburgh stationer.
4. Stick to the script
You’ve spent a fair chunk of time and money sorting out your invites, so unless you have elegant handwriting that’ll do them justice, you might need to call in the big er… pens. A creative calligrapher, like Laura E Patrick, can transform your envelopes into works of art. She also offers classes where you can learn the art of ultra-chic penmanship.
5. Art attack
If you’re looking to really wow your guests, you’ll find it tough to beat a bespoke wedding artwork. Commission a quirky illustration that provides clues to the aesthetics of your celebration, complete with the two of you, and it’ll take centre stage on your guests’ fridge door. The Caricature Card Company can even include details such as your venue, pets or private jokes in your commission.
6. Catwalk cards
We all wish we had Kate Moss’s hotline to John Galliano when it comes to sorting out our wedding dress. Don’t abandon your dream of having one of fashion’s finest involved in your big day just yet, though, as Matthew Williamson has collaborated with Papier on an exclusive range of wedding stationery. Featuring some of the designer’s most iconic prints, the new collection includes invites, menus, place names and personalised note cards, including this Butterfly Leopard invite (from £1.09).