As a custom wedding invitation designer, engaged couples want to know what my design process is like! There are so many options a stationer can offer for your wedding stationery, and part of my expertise is making the experience personal and stress-free, whether you are in New England or across the country!
It all starts with filling out my contact form so that I get to know a little bit about you and your wedding, so I can put together an estimate for your unique wedding invitations based on quantity and printing techniques ( letterpress is my absolute favorite, but I love digitally printed paper too!). Once we are both beyond excited to work together, all the fun stuff begins!!
CONCEPT & CONSULTATION
I’ve created a personal questionnaire that allows you two to cuddle up on the sofa and write down some of your favorite memories as a couple, as well as gush a little bit about your wedding day style. It allows me to get to know you a little better and is the perfect starting point for your custom invitations. I also love being able to meet couples in person at one of my favorite breweries, so you can feel the paper and types of printing methods, and for those who are not local we can totally chat via phone or FaceTime (and send samples the old fashioned way, like pen pals.)
Based on all the little details you provide me, and my natural designer instincts, I’ll create a mood board, like the one below which I will then use to craft your invitation design.
Invitation Design SKETCHES
The next part of the invitation design process is sketching at least two unique design concepts for you to choose from. The sketching process allows me to show you different ways we can showcase the vision and style of your wedding day into the invitation, and easily make changes to the layout of elements of the design. This is your chance to choose a concept that you love and is custom illustrated and crafted for you two.
REFINE the Design
Once a concept is chosen, I start to bring the design to life with color, original illustrations and real typography. I’ll send you a digital mockup of your suite, so you can see how all reply card looks with the envelope color, as well as all the individual elements to proof. You’ll have a chance to explore different color options, chat more about printing techniques, see different typefaces and of course, edit the wording as we go along. I include two rounds in this part of the process so we can make sure it’s absolutely perfect before it’s printed.
PRINTING & PRODUCTION
Once you give the final sign off, the final design will be ready to be printed. Some pieces I can print in the studio, and over the years, I’ve developed close working relationships with a few stellar printers who specialize in letterpress, screen printing, and digital printing. I’ll make sure your stationery is well loved every step of the way.
Once everything is printed, we can meet up for a drink, and I get the absolute pleasure of unveiling the final invite to you, or they can be lovingly packed and shipped to you, wherever you might be! I can also provide assembly, so all you have to do is drop them in the mail.
Wedding Day Details
I’m personally a big fan off reception details that pull in elements from the invite, right into the tablescape and decor. As a full-service design studio, you can also lean on me for all those little things like custom menus, bar signs, napkins, favors, programs, swizzle sticks, welcome bags…. if you can dream it, I can help make it happen!
Throughout the entire process, I am available to answer any questions you might have, provide suggestions on things like color, printing methods, how to organize your guest list, and help you in any way I can. Aside from the cake tasting, the invitation design should be the most exciting part of your wedding planning journey!
