Many of our clients come to use with the dilemma of how to achieve the perfect look for their wedding stationery and styling details. Here are some pointers on how to choose wedding stationery:

Create a mood board

This is the ideal place to start. Go wild! From the moment he gets down on bended knee look out for things that evoke your personal style. Magazine cut outs, fabric swatches, paper samples, colour swatches, flowers, the possibilities are endless. Have fun.

Once you have so many bits and pieces you don’t know what to do with them it’s time to focus. Amazingly you will be able to see a resonating theme through your collection. Edit out anything that leads off in a different direction until you have a look and feel that you can imagine transpiring on your wedding day.

Find a vendor

Now you know what style you are trying to achieve you have a decision to make.

Do you go with a cookie cutter approach where you use an already designed set of stationery where your details are added? Or do you have something beautifully bespoke created? Both options have their benefits and both can vary in cost between vendors.

Most importantly use a vendor that you feel represents your style and you enjoy their portfolio of previous work.

Set your budget

Whether you are planning something bigger than a Royal Wedding or just a small private event for your closest family it is important you consider what portion of your budget you will spend on stationery. The invitation is what sets your guest on the journey to the destination that is your wedding so it is an important consideration.

Generally invitations cost from around $4 for something simple to over $15 for an elaborate design. The printing method will also dictate your cost. Methods like letterpress, screen printing, foiling and laser cutting will be more expensive.

You must also consider the additional stationery items you need to order as the cost of these can quickly outweigh the invitations.

Deciding on what stationery to order

There are so many stationery options to consider. Your needs will be specific to your event. Everyone needs an invitation but do you need an RSVP card, map and info card? Possibly if you have many guests from out of town you might. Do you need a formal RSVP card or is it a small wedding where you know they all will make it? Is your wedding at a busy time of year? Will you need a Save the Date?

Don’t forget the ceremony and reception. Do you need Order of Service booklets, place cards, seating charts, table numbers, menus, wishing well cards or gift tags for the bonbonniere?

Take a minute, have a cuppa and think about what you really need. Don’t spend your pennies on things that you won’t really use but make sure you get the important stuff.

The design process

If you are ordering bespoke stationery this part is crucial to getting the beautiful stationery you have dreamed of.

Bombard your vendor with everything you believe is relevant to getting the design right. Send them pictures of your mood board and speak to them, preferably in person. Nothing can beat a face to face meeting where you both talk through the design, look at samples and most importantly come up with ideas. In one meeting you can choose the size, style, colours, printing technique and general design and walk away feeling excited about what is being produced. At the very least talk on the phone so you can clearly express your likes and dislikes. In the age of computers we have lost some of that personal touch and in turn details can be lost in translation.

All vendors will have a slightly different process but usually they will email through a design proof for you to approve before they start printing. Planning your wedding can be an overwhelming experience so it is important to choose quality vendors that will take the worry out of the process so you can enjoy one of the biggest events in your life.

Images and stationery by Rubi Monday

Ms Gingham says: Great tips by Kylie. Thinking about what you need and not just ordering the lot may help you get the stationery of your dreams!

Rubi Monday has evolved from owner, Kylie Shadlow’s love of artisan crafts combined with a passion for retail. We are located in the Sutherland Shire but service all of Sydney and beyond.