Behind the Scenes: The Making of an Invitation Suite

 
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From the moment you inquire through my website, my goal is to facilitate a collaborative process in creating an invitation suite that truly captures who you are as a couple and is completely unique to your wedding celebration. 

The proposal

The first step in our creative process is information gathering. I like to have a phone chat or in-person meeting, so I can take the time to get to know who you are as a couple. We chat about everything from your likes and dislikes regarding colors and styles, to the logistics of your venue and the size of your event, so that your invitation suite will be fully customized to your day. 

Once we are able to connect, I focus on curating visual inspiration that will be used as a jumping off point for style and inspiration. We’ll be able to use this to narrow down which styles and colors you gravitate towards.

If you’ve ever made an inspiration board on Pinterest, think of it like this - We will be making the Pinterest board of your wedding invitation dreams! Which colors do you like, which do you hate, what fonts draw your eye? Your custom inspiration board will contain all of your must-have elements.

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The design process

Now that we've covered the logistics, it's time to write it out. While I can lend you words if needed, this part of the process is where you, as a couple, get to have the fun of crafting your sound. Once you've created your message for your guests, I can start crafting a custom design just for you.

This is where the magic happens; your vision comes to life!

You’ll be presented with three completely different concepts that I’ve created, based on information gathered in the proposal stage, to determine which you gravitate toward and then funnel them down into your ultimate dream invitation suite.

In this stage we'll also discuss imagery, introducing you to the different types of paper to choose from, and finessing the words you'll be sharing with your guests.

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Let's talk imagery!

This is something that makes my designer heart pitter-patter. I love to incorporate imagery, often created from scratch, that is unique to you as a couple or to your venue. We can also incorporate illustrations done by loved ones, to make it even more personal to your day. 

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The paper used for your invitations is just as important as the design itself. I will begin gathering material samples that’ll be mailed to you, so you can get a personal experience with them, just as your guests would. You can now begin to explore the look and feel of linen, smooth, textured, and mottled finishes. You’ll also be able to see the differences in the bright whites and creamy creams, and pick the perfect tone for your envelopes and other details cards.

Once you've chosen your favorite paper stocks, and decided on your favorite fonts and images, we'll move into the final stages of the creation of your invitation suite.

In this stage you'll be presented with a final proof in which we can make any adjustments to the suite that you’ve chosen. A tweak or two, and we are through! You love it, I love it, and we are on to production!

The production process

Depending on the design and paper chosen, the production process may consist of digital printing, letterpress, foil printing, or sometimes it's even a combination of methods. While printing, I'm constantly checking the pieces to ensure color consistency across all printed items.

Assembly begins!

I love the process of adding together all the textures, fancy papers, wax seals, ribbons, custom postage - all of the elements that add that extra wow factor! Printed pieces are complete so I can now start compiling everything. Envelope liners are installed, step-layered backing is compiled, and ribbons and bellybands are added.

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Your invitation suite will then be packed with care before they are sent out to you for stuffing and mailing! I also offer stuffing and mailing services if you are a busy bee.

You are in for the most amazing day of your life, and I am over-the-moon excited to help you with your unique vision! Let's create an invitation suite perfectly representative of your love and the ritual of your union.


Engaged? Ready to start the custom stationery design process?