5 Common Mistakes: Wedding Stationery
As we all know (or can imagine), planning your wedding involves juggling a million details and aspects! Everyone has their opinion on what is the most important or what sets the tone. Some may think your dress or venue is where your planning begins but it could also easily be your stationery. Your stationery can set the tone for your big day and gives guests a first glimpse into what to expect. If you are stuck in a place of not knowing where to start, you most likely are not alone. There are many aspects, in addition to the design, to think about when planning out your stationery.
Here are five common wedding stationery mistakes you may want to avoid —and how hiring a professional calligrapher can save the day!
Waiting Too Long to Order Invitations
One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating how much time it takes to prepare, print, and send wedding invitations. The design process can take months depending on how intricate of a design you are thinking of. You want to factor in time for revisions and edits. Once your design is finalized you will need time to have it printed which can also take some time once all the proofs are approved. Once approved and printed they will have to be shipped and assembled! Many assume that it’s something they can handle a few weeks before the wedding, only to find themselves panicking when they realize the timeline is much tighter than expected.
How a Calligrapher Can Help:
When you work with a professional calligrapher, they’ll guide you through a realistic timeline to ensure everything gets done on time. Calligraphers often schedule consultations well in advance, allowing for plenty of time to design, approve, and execute your stationery. They understand the importance of deadlines and will keep you on track, making sure your invitations and other stationery are sent out without any last-minute rush.
Choosing the Wrong Paper or Materials
Choosing the right paper and materials for your invitations can be a make or break for the overall design. Some couples try to save money by selecting cheaper paper, only to discover that it doesn't work well with ink or doesn’t match the luxurious feel they were going for. Others may overlook details like envelopes, leading to invitations that feel incomplete or mismatched.
How a Calligrapher Can Help:
Professional calligraphers are experts in paper quality and materials. They know what kinds of paper will absorb ink beautifully, what finishes give the best results, and how to pair materials for a polished look. When you hire a calligrapher, you benefit from their expertise in selecting the perfect paper and envelopes to ensure that your stationery feels cohesive and high-end.
Overloading the Design
With so many ideas floating around Pinterest and Instagram, it’s easy for couples to overcomplicate wedding invitations. Some try to incorporate too many design elements, colors, or fonts, which can lead to invitations that feel chaotic and confusing. Less is often more, especially when it comes to elegant wedding stationery.
How a Calligrapher Can Help:
Calligraphers specialize in creating elegant designs that feel timeless. They can help you narrow down your ideas and ensure that your stationery reflects your vision without feeling cluttered. With their understanding of balance and composition, they’ll create pieces that look sophisticated and professional while still capturing your personal style.
Overlooking the Importance of Envelopes
Many couples focus so much on the invitation itself that they forget how important the envelope can be. Your envelope is the very first thing your guests will see when they receive your invitation in the mail. A poorly addressed, plain envelope can detract from the excitement and elegance of the invitation inside.
How a Calligrapher Can Help:
Hand-lettered envelopes are one of the most beautiful details you can add to your wedding stationery. A calligrapher will ensure that each guest’s name and address are beautifully written, adding a personal, luxurious touch before they even open the invitation. The extra care and attention to detail that comes with calligraphy on the envelope shows your guests just how special they are to you.
DIY-ing Without the Right Tools
Some couples may attempt to DIY their wedding stationery to save money or because they enjoy crafting. However, without the proper tools, knowledge, or experience, DIY invitations can end up not at all how you imagined. Ink may smudge, fonts may be off, or envelopes may not align correctly.
How a Calligrapher Can Help:
By hiring a professional, you remove the stress of DIY mistakes. Calligraphers use high-quality materials, specialized tools, and years of experience to produce flawless invitations. What may take you hours to attempt (and potentially redo) can be done quickly and expertly by a calligrapher, ensuring every piece of your stationery is exactly as it should be.
Wedding stationery is more than just paper—it’s the first impression your guests will have of your wedding. Avoiding these common mistakes by hiring a professional calligrapher will not only ensure your invitations look stunning, but will also save you time, stress, and potential headaches down the road.
