PLANNING
ASK THE EXPERT : WEDDING STATIONERY
HEATHER MCMILLAN , FOUNDER OF AWARD-WINNING BYBLOSSOM WEDDING STATIONERY TALKS TO US ABOUT MAKING YOUR DAY EVEN MORE PERSONAL WITH THE PERFECT DESIGNS
WHY DO YOU THINK IT ’ S SO IMPORTANT FOR A COUPLE TO HAVE BEAUTIFUL WEDDING STATIONERY ?
Wedding stationery sets the tone for a couple ’ s wedding day and it ’ s an expression of their style as a couple . Great stationery should excite guests and make them feel valued and special . On-the-day stationery that ’ s well designed enhances the guest experience and , when coordinated with invitations , creates a polished look that ties the whole event together .
WE OFTEN THINK ABOUT INVITES AND PLACE CARDS FOR TABLES , BUT WHAT OTHER TYPES OF STATIONERY SHOULD COUPLES CONSIDER FOR THEIR BIG DAY ? We believe there are three ‘ essentials ’: a seating plan , table numbers ( or names ) and place name cards , which can include menu choices . There are endless other options , such as a welcome or order of the day sign , order of service booklets for the ceremony , reserved seat signs , and on-table items like menus , wine lists , and favour tags .
Later , at the evening reception , all sorts of things are on offer ... perhaps gluten-free food , flip-flops , a sweet table or toiletries
– a small sign can make everything clear ! Some of the more unusual items we ’ ve designed include hotel room door hangers and bookmarks . The options are limitless !
HOW LONG BEFORE THEIR WEDDING SHOULD COUPLES THINK ABOUT SORTING THEIR STATIONERY ? Some couples meet us years in advance , especially if they have a bespoke brief . Once they ’ ve booked a venue , it ’ s never too early to chat . We start work whenever they ’ re ready , usually 3 to 6 months before they would like to take delivery , but suggest a minimum of 6 weeks from our initial meeting . Allow about 3 months to plan and design on-the-day stationery .
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS COUPLES NEED TO KNOW WHEN THINKING ABOUT THEIR STATIONERY ?
• Explore the options . Making your own stationery is great if you ’ re crafty and have time , but work out the cost of materials and printing as this can add up .
• See samples before ordering invitations . Paper and print quality vary hugely .
• It ’ s never too early to speak to a stationer ! Getting the design right can take time .
• Enjoy the process ... it should be fun !
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