Originally posted on Polka Dot Bride November 7, 2008 
Today’s expert interview is with the lovely Suzi! Suzi heads up Alannah Rose Stationery which produces many gorgeous designs every year. Polka Dot Bride readers known I’m a fan of Alannah Rose and I’m so excited Suzi took the time to have a chat!
Tell me about yourself?
An art director with a million ideas! I’ve got so many designs in my head, it’s hard to find the time to put them all to fruition! On a personal level, a mum to two gorgeous girls who inspire me every day.
What inspires you?
Pretty things, blogs, interior design, gardens, my children. I’m renovating at the moment so home magazines are my bible – amazingly they are a great source for ideas. A lot of what works for the home can work for a wedding.
What is your number one tip for brides?
Make a list, set a budget and stick to it.
Look for the best quality suppliers you can find to fit within your budget.
Tell me about your wedding?
Image from Alannah Rose Blog
We had a modern orchid theme. The bridesmaids carried burgundy cymbidium orchids mixed with hydrangeas. My bouquet was cream with the same flowers. The colours were carried across all stationery from invitations, RSVP cards, place cards, table numbers, cake bags, service books and seating plan. The tables had orchid centre pieces and each guest received a silk orchid pin hole flower. They all wore them on the night so the guests fitted with theme!
My dress was by Luci di Bella who is just amazing.
If I did it all again today, I’d go with a black and white theme. Timeless and elegant. Fluffy white flowers, black trimmings and still a Luci di Bella gown.
What do you love about Australian Brides?
Their ability to carry through a theme.
I’m finding my brides are wanting not just the invitation but the entire stationery suite. They want the idea to carry through to the entire day, so the availability of matching menu’s, place cards, table allocation boards and bon bon tags is a must.
What should brides start with when they’re planning their stationery?
Numbers. The first thing you should do is make a list of all possible guests so you have and idea of how many invitations you’ll need. From here you can set your budget, and theme. You can then start searching for stationery that will fit both of these requirements.
What was your most memorable wedding moment?
Probably my own wedding day – our first dance. We did a slow jive to ‘Ain’t that a kick in the head’ to much accolade and cheering.
What are the biggest mistakes you see brides making?
Not saying thank you.
There’s nothing better than good old fashioned manners. Your guests have helped you celebrate, and given you a gorgeous gift – it doesn’t take long to hand write a special note to let them know you appreciated them being there.
Alannah Rose Chantilly Chandelier
5 things a bride must get right?
1. Invitations! These are the first glimpse your guests will see of the wedding. The style, colour and tone of the invitation will give them a hint of the stylish occasion that is to unfold.
2. Dress. This is the hero of the day. Everyone wants to know what the bride will be wearing, and will remember how she looked on that day. Make sure it’s timeless, you feel comfortable and in it, and think that in 10 years time would you look back and wear the same thing again. If the answer is yes – it’s the dress for you.
3. Hair and Makeup – You don’t want to fuss all day, make sure you have a style that will go the distance.
4. Music. There’s nothing worse than a wedding with bad music. Make the event enjoyable for all guests and choose something that will appeal to all ages.
5. Shoes. No bride wants blisters. Make sure they are comfortable as well as glamorous and make sure your survival kit includes Bandaids just in case!
What do you love about the industry?
The beauty, opulence and love that makes a wedding celebration so special.
I love being a part of so many couples special days.
I also love the feedback from clients that I’ve helped contribute to making their day a memorable one.
How do you keep your product fresh and different?
I do two collections a year and revise the current range annually.
Thank you Suzi for joining Polka Dot Bride today! Check out more of Suzi’s work at Alannah Rose Stationery
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