A Conversation With An Ontario Wedding Stationery Designer
Earlier this month, I sat down with Simply Stationery owner Sheeba to discuss some burning questions my clients and I have over working with an Ontario Wedding Stationery Designer.
Getting To Know Simply Stationery
Simply Stationery has been serving the Ontario wedding industry for over ten years. Sheeba went to school for graphic design however she didn't enjoy designing logos, brochures and corporate designs.
She got her start in the wedding industry when family members started to get married by designing their wedding invitations. Things quickly grew from there, and she has worked on hundreds of designs since. After starting over ten years ago, Sheeba has fallen in love with the different paper, textures and designs that she works with each wedding season.
Q&A With An Ontario Wedding Stationery Designer
Sarah: What can my clients expect once you receive their inquiry?
Sheeba: Once the couple reaches out, I send a general pricing guide, and the process gets started from there. It is a very personalized one-on-one process and varies depending on the direction they want to go in.
Before sending over a quote, I like to look at samples and inspiration to help spark my creativity. From there, I send the couple a rough quote that is a bit more specific to what they want. After the quote has been sent out, we set-up a meeting to look up physical samples. This meeting can be done over Zoom or in person.
Depending on the couples vision and time comitment I may be more involved in the design process as some couples want me to take in terms of fonts, colours, styles etc.
Sarah: What can my clients expect from you if they choose to book you for their wedding invitations?
Sheeba: Once we have a few design options to choose from, the couples provide quantities and decide on wording of their invitations. Services are confirmed with a deposit of 50% and covers the materials and design. While the remaining balance is paid upon delivery.
Our clients are provided with two final design options where customizations are available until a final design has been approved and sent to the printer. Once the wedding invitations are printed, we assemble them and get them ready for our clients to pick up. During this process we communicate with the couple if they would like any additional wedding day stationery items such as seating charts, welcome signs, menus, programs, table numbers, etc. and incorporate these into their wedding stationery design.
Sarah: How has inflation affected you as a wedding stationery designer?
Sheeba: There has been significant fluctuation in pricing and inventory levels due to the wedding boom and a shortage of goods. It is all about timing and planning things accordingly to ensure the items are in stock. If availability of supplies changes, then price changes too and is a direct reflection of any shortages or how difficult it might be to get that item in.
Sarah: Given the current state of the wedding industry, what would you recommend to newly engaged couple who are looking for wedding stationery?
Sheeba:Your wedding stationery is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding day. Whether it’s a save the date or the actual wedding invitation.
It sets the tone for the whole wedding. So, you do not want to rush the process. I recommend starting the wedding stationery design process as early as possible. In an ideal world, I would recommend 9 months to a year in advance.
By starting the process further in advance we are able to know more accurate costs and have a better idea as to what is in stock for supplies. To save on costs and avoid disappointment I recommend ordering all your wedding stationery at the same time.
Sarah: Do you have a certain style of design that you like the most?
Sheeba: I absolutely love all the different things you can do with paper. From textured paper to reflective material. There is so much you can do with your wedding stationery. There are so many different materials that we wedding stationery designers can use now, it’s more than just paper - wood, boxes, acrylic, wax seals. I love creating unique designs and learning new techniques along the way.
Sarah: What is one piece of advice you have for newly engaged couples?
Sheeba: Plan ahead. As soon as you get engaged, establish some sort of guest list as that will help you figure out what everything is going to cost. From finding your venue to picking the date and determining how many invitations you will need. I also recommend deciding what aspects of the wedding are most important to you, and deciding on which vendors you want to work with. Do your research. You can never start too early.
Important Things To Note With Your Wedding Stationery
After my conversation with Simply Stationery, I got a better understanding as to the creative process of working with an Ontario wedding stationery designer.
In reflection of our conversation I learned that it is never too early to start the wedding stationery design process. The earlier you start the process the most cost effective it may be to your budget.
If you need help finding a wedding stationery designer or other Ontario wedding vendors that reflect your wedding design and vision, I would love to help you! With my Full Wedding Planning package I work with you to find the best vendors that suit your needs. So, head on over to my contact us page and fill out my inquiry form to get the process started!
