When it comes to wedding stationery, we see so many people try to insert their own opinions into the couple’s decision making process. It’s tiresome, and I often feel for the couples who are fielding the unwanted advice. Here’s what we see most often, and our take on it…

 

Your parents feel they should be listed on the invitation, but you (as a couple) are hosting and paying for most of the wedding.

You have full decision making reign on this one. As the hosts, you are creating something to deliver to guests that will be a direct invitation from you. The wording should reflect as such. I would politely remind your parents that they will be listed in the formal ceremony program, and leave it at that. If you would like to soften the delivery, perhaps leading the invitation wording with “Together with their Parents” or “Together with their Families” might appease them and satisfy all parties here.

 

Your venue insists on providing the “paper” for your wedding reception tables.

Oy. This one makes me cringe every time I hear a client mention this. Just tell them NO. They are simply trying to find sneaky ways to tie in their logo and Chef’s name. There’s a caterer I’m very familiar with that does this often and it looks tacky every single time. They use cheap copy paper, horrible fonts, and add their big logo at the bottom. I feel sorry for their clients after the wedding is over. All you see in their table décor and reception photos are these hideous pieces of thin paper scattered onto plates.

…and don’t get me started on their standard banquet table number cards, reminiscent of 1995. Yikes.

Simply tell them you do not feel their “complimentary paper” is a good fit for your vision, and tell them to please remove this service from your package. While you appreciate their (self-serving) offer to provide these free-of-charge, let them know you will handle this on your own.

 

Your bridesmaids would like a say into their dress color and style.

This one I’m torn on. I do feel you have a say in this, but so do they. They will be wearing this for a full day, as well as be photographed in it repeatedly. Not to mention, they are likely footing the bill for it. I recommend asking their input, taking them to a few bridal shops to see their styles, and deciding on the dresses together!

 

Your photographer suggested doing a “first look” before the ceremony.

You know they know their stuff! You hired them for a reason, and I would take most of their suggestions into consideration. They have likely done hundreds of weddings, and know what makes the day run smooth & what yields the best and most photo opportunities. I would strongly consider this one!

 

Your family is upset about the day/time/location you’ve selected for your big day.

Listen, no matter when/where/how you plan to carry out your wedding day, someone will always be upset about something. Someone will not be thrilled about the miles they have to drive. Another will be grumpy because they don’t like mid-week weddings. Yet another will be offended that you aren’t having the ceremony in a church. The list could go on & on. However, the only thing that matters is that you have selected a special date and place that works well for you as a couple – you have extended an invitation to your closest friends and family to join you. It is to their discretion if they accept or decline the invite. Any further banter from them, I would just let it roll off your back. They will get over it, and you’ll live happily ever after!

 

What other ways have you had or do you expect to have people insert their opinions into your wedding planning process? How did you or will you handle the situation? Leave your input below!

 

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TAGS: Indianapolis Carmel Zionsville Brownsburg Fishers Westfield Custom Wedding Invitations Ceremony Programs Order of Events Menus Table Numbers Acrylic Wood Laser Cut Laser Engraved Wedding Planner Florist Paperie Stationery Shop Laser Cut Wedding Invitations

Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the many wedding invitation options available during your internet searches? Do you wish someone would break it down the invitation details for you? Good news, brides-to-be – that’s just what we’re going to do for you on today’s blog!

Below are a few of the most popular wedding invitation formats and styles we see our custom stationery design clients select during the design process. While these are not all the options available to you (the options really are endless), we find these to be the front runners when it comes to wedding invitation popularity…

 

1. The Flat Panel Wedding Invitation Card
   
   The flat panel invitation card is simply that – a one-sided, single layer card. It’s main focus is on the fonts and printed design itself. It is typically paired with a response card and response envelope, a details card, and a mailing envelope. Should you opt to dress up this wedding invitation suite a bit more, there are some lovely options you might consider: a belly band to wrap around the stacked invitation pieces, a lovely liner inside the mailing envelope, or you might even consider splurging for an upgraded print method (letterpress, thermography, or foil stamping, just to name a few).
   
   
   (Photo Credit: Kaylee Creighton Photography)
    
2. The Pocketfold Wedding Invitation
   
   This one is a popular selection for our Indianapolis brides who are looking for something to reflect their classic and more formal wedding style. This is an especially fitting invitation format for weddings that feature a plated meal, as well as if you’re requesting specific guest attire. This wedding invitation style also comes in handy for the couples who need to provide guests with lots of wedding weekend details, as it provides a handy pocket for multiple details cards to be included. To add to this elegant wedding invitation card, you can dress up the exterior with a layered closure tag or even a custom wax seal!
   
   
   (Photo Credit: Meg Adamik Photo)
    
3. The Laser Cut Wedding Invitation
   
   This particular wedding invitation style has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Custom laser cut details add another level of elegance and sophistication to wedding invitations, unmatched by any other printing or design methods. Whether the laser cut details on your wedding invitation are minimal or elaborate will determine how pricey this option can be. For many laser cut designs, you would be surprised how budget friendly a laser cut wedding invitation can be!
   
   
   (Photo Credit: Kaylee Creighton Photography)

 

Keep in mind that these are simply the most common invitation options we see our local clients select in the Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville and Brownsburg areas. We love when new clients, both local and long distance, approach us with a fun new idea that we haven’t seen done before!

When doing your research for your “dream” wedding invitations, what have you seen in your internet and Pinterest searches that catch your eye? Have you been to any wedding stationery shops and viewed tangible samples? Did you find any other elements that are on your invitation “wish list,” such as a particular paper style, a custom invitation shape, or perhaps something else? We would love to hear what you’re seeing out there that’s catching your eye! Drop us a comment below – we’d love to hear from you!

Wishing you the best during your wedding planning!

 

When we were approached by bride-to-be, Kelly, to help her in designing and creating acrylic pieces for her upcoming nuptials, we were over the moon! We absolutely love creating laser cut and engraved acrylic elements for weddings. They are such lovely and elegant pieces, sure to make a statement in any ceremony or reception setting.

 

Here are some of our favorite photos from their wedding day at the Balmoral House...

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly's wedding bouquet had the perfect blend of greenery and rich fall hues, don't you think? The loose leaves give it a casual boho look, which is so on trend at the moment.

 

It was a beautiful Fall day for outdoor photos, capturing the incredible Indiana Autumn foliage. Those golden and amber hues leaves make for a stunning wedding photo backdrop.

 

 

This was our first event at the picturesque Balmoral House in Fishers, Indiana. We just love it when we get to provide wedding stationery and laser cut goods at a new venue! Every wedding venue has it's own unique style and vibe, providing for interesting backdrops and photo ops. Didn't Kaylee Creighton Photography capture Kelly & Zach's day beautifully? (Not only does she offer fine art wedding photography at an affordable price point, she is a peach to work with! Be sure to check her out, brides!)

 

 

Julie with Flowers of Geist brought so many lovely floral details to every element of the wedding day. The vintage fire place mantle was adorned with a custom garland to coordinate with the bride's bouquet.

 

 

 

Isn't that such a darling wedding ceremony space? What a perfect ceremony location for Indiana brides hosting a small wedding, but would still like something formal and elegant. Now on to the wedding reception, where the fun laser cut wedding details really come into play!

 

 

 

Looking for a unique way to display your guests' seating assignments? Consider a clear acrylic seating chart! What a "wow factor" this piece adds to the wedding reception entrance. Kelly had a specific vision and precise fonts in mind during the design process - making this piece coordinate perfectly with the wedding day style & perfectly displaying the couple's attention to detail!

 

 

 

 

We were thrilled with how their cake table turned out, and were honored to play a small part in it. The vintage dresser, the gold cake stands, the laser cut topper & acrylic sign, and the subtle florals and greenery on the cake all came together in perfect harmony.

 

 

While we're doting on this wedding at the Balmoral House, can we take a moment to admire their patio - a perfect setting for the end of the wedding reception & the couple's last dance of the night? Those twinkle lights are so romantic!

 

 

We are so happy for our clients, Kelly & Zach! Congrats!

Here's a list of other contributing vendors, who provided the other pretty wedding details featured in the photos above. If you see something you love, be sure to contact them!

 

Photography | Kaylee Creighton Photography

Flowers | Julies Flowers of Geist

Dress | BHLDN

Suit | Express

Cake | The Cake Hole

Venue | The Balmoral House in Fishers, Indiana

Laser Cut Cake Topper | Interprintations

Clear Acrylic Signage | Interprintations

Makeup & Hair | JW Designs | Simply Blue

Rentals | Something Borrowed Wedding Rental

 

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TAGS: Indianapolis Carmel Fishers Zionsville Brownsburg Wedding Invitations Wedding Stationery Programs Menus Invites Custom Design Paper Shop Graphic Design Wedding Planning Venue Ceremony Reception Interprintations