Planning a destination wedding is anything but ordinary and that’s exactly the point. On Polka Dot Wisdom today we’ve invited the wonderfully talented Kirsty of For Keeps Illustration to share her insights on how to work with a stationer for your destination wedding. Kirsty is sharing why thoughtful, beautifully designed paper goods are more than just invites – they’re travel guides, keepsakes, and little love notes that set the tone for your celebration. As a stationer who’s endlessly inspired by meaningful moments and faraway places, Kirsty believes that your stationery should feel as personal and unforgettable as the destination itself. Enjoy Dotties!

If you’re planning a destination wedding, chances are you’re not doing things the “typical” way. Maybe you’ve chosen a windswept Scottish clifftop, a sun-washed villa in Italy, or a little English village where time slows down and the teacups don’t always match. However your day is unfolding, one thing you need to help it run smooth for your guests is a cohesive stationery suite.

As a stationer (who’s obsessed with destination weddings) I know I’m biased… but stationery the first experience your guests have of your wedding and it also serves as a travel guide, packing list, and invitation to let their hair down and enjoy a getaway all about celebrating love. It doesn’t get better than that in my opinion.

If you’re reading this, then I’m assuming you’re the kind of couple who love meaningful details, old-fashioned post (I’m working hard at keeping this system alive!), and the charm of a hand-addressed envelope.

Here’s my advice on why working with a wedding stationer for your destination wedding can be one of the best decisions you make.

Wedding stationery for destination weddings needs to strike a balance: beautiful and useful. Think hand-painted maps to guide your guests, timelines to help with travel plans, and helpful info on the local culture.

Your stationery might include:

  • Custom save-the-dates or invitations tailored to your destination
  • Illustrated maps, packing guides, or travel tips
  • Order of service booklets, welcome notes, or menus that match your style

When created expertly, they help your guests feel part of your story from the moment your vintage stamp lined envelope lands in their letterbox.

When you work with a stationer, it’s a collaboration, not just a transaction. You’re choosing someone who’ll take the time to get to know you, understand your vision, and translate it into print. That’s especially important when planning a wedding from afar.

A mood board is a great place to start. It doesn’t need to be polished – just a collection of vibes you want. It’s then up to the stationer to help you create a cohesive mood board that’ll influence your stationery suite (and also help you visually communicate with your other vendors).

Clear, kind communication is key. A stationer isn’t  just there to create artwork, part of their role is  to help guide timelines, ask the right questions, and make sure everything feels intentional and relaxed.

Clear communication is super important when developing your designs with your stationer – they’re an artist, and need that feedback. Be open and honest about your thoughts, ask questions, be proactive (even if it feels a bit awkward). I know for a fact that your stationer wants to provide you with the most beautiful stationery suite, but it can only happen with your thoughtful input.

Read and re-read. I know it’s easy to breeze past this part, but slowing down now helps to avoid little errors later: a misplaced date or a misspelt town for instance. It’s worth taking a quiet moment when you’re not distracted to go over every concept sketch, colour palette, pre-lim designs, fonts, etc. Bonus points if there’s tea and biscuits involved.

Personalised stationery services that are designed for couples who appreciate the details and who care about the little things has more meaning. The feeling of beautiful paper in your hands, the joy of a handwritten note, and the idea that beauty lies in the small details (and moments). For couples who value slower living, thoughtful design, and the beauty of tangible things in a digital world, a truly personalised stationery suite is more than just paper. It’s a way to preserve a moment in time.

And one day, when you open that box of keepsakes, it’ll still feel just as meaningful and take you right back to that place where all felt right with the world!

About the Author: At @forkeepsillustration, wedding stationery becomes a story worth framing. Led by artist and memory-keeper Kirsty Wyatt, each suite is designed to feel like you on paper… filled with warmth, whimsy, and just the right touch of nostalgia. From detailed illustrated invitations to menu designs, everything is made with meaning in mind! Kirsty also offers Live Illustration for weddings across Western Australia — a guest experience that’s equal parts entertainment and heirloom (and is super cool!). Portraits are painted on the spot in under 10 minutes, giving your loved ones a keepsake they’ll treasure long after the last dance. Sentimental, story-rich, and completely custom: stationery for the romantics, the nostalgic, and the ones who save their cinema tickets.