We had the privilege of connecting with stationer Kelly Devera from Love Sky Design to talk all things wedding stationery. Kelly founded her business 11 years ago and she is both esteemed and adored in the Calgary wedding industry. We are so fortunate to know her and work with her.
She has some amazing insight to offer couples about wedding and day-of stationery from invitations down to escort cards.
What services does a stationer usually offer (from the least to the most)?
A wedding stationer offers a wide range of paper goods used to share information and messages regarding the wedding. Save the date and invitations allow the guests to get a first glimpse of the wedding day. Then there’s day-of stationery that includes a lot more paper goods that can be included. Welcome sign, seating chart, escort or place cards, menus, table numbers, programs, signage, and more.
Does hiring a stationer automatically mean it needs to be custom?
It depends on what the stationer offers. Some stationers only design and offer templates online and some offers only custom design. Others do a bit of both.
What is the average spend on stationery?
The wedding invitation and stationery budget is typically about 2% to 5% of your all-in wedding budget. This includes save the date, invitations, postage, and day-of stationery which can include seating chart, programs, signage, menus, etc. Depending on what the couple choose to invest in. The percentage could be more or less.
Do you ever have clients choose their stationery design before finalizing their overall wedding design?
Sometimes. Clients can fall in love with a specific theme, colours, or design before finalizing their overall wedding design. Inspiration can start anywhere.
What are the benefits to hiring a stationer opposed to buying an etsy template and getting it printed?
A stationer helps guide you through the process of designing your invites and day-of stationery. They give you a more personalized experience and share their expertise to help you create stationery that will make your day extra memorable and personalized.
Most Etsy templates are limited to what changes you can make, and it will not have the same experience compared to working with a stationer. Printing can also be a challenge if the client doesn’t know where to go. Sometimes I get brides coming to me saying they need help with their invites because they tried to print it themselves and the colours are off or not what they expected. A stationer has experience with printing and will be of great value in solving printing issues and other challenges. That’s part of our job, too. From design to printing, we make sure the end product looks good and our client is happy and satisfied.
If someone has a limited budget, what would you say is the bare minimum for stationery?
If the budget is limited, I think the bare minimum would be investing on memorable invitations as it is a special keepsake and something tangible that clients and their guests can keep for years to come. Digital save the dates and using wedding websites for RSVP and information will also help cut cost.
Timeline
When should someone send their save the dates? Mailed vs. digital?
Save the dates are typically sent out 6-12 months prior to the wedding. If it’s a destination wedding, it’s better to send it out within 9-12 months to allow guests to book time off and prepare financially. I would keep the same timeline for mailed or digital save the dates.
When should invitations be sent out? Mailed vs. digital?
Many resources will tell you to send out invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding but I respectfully disagree. I think invitations should be sent out 3-4 months prior. I suggest the RSVP date should be 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This way, the couple has enough time to let their guest know in advance as well as give them enough time to collect RSVP.
Most of the time they also have to follow up with late RSVP and that can cause unnecessary stress as the wedding comes close. I would keep the same timeline for mailed or digital invitations.
What’s the best way to collect RSVPs?
Wedding websites are best to collect RSVP. If you have allotted time and preparation, the old-fashioned way of an RSVP card mailed back and collecting replies that way could also work. But nowadays, people don’t use that. It can also get lost in the mail. Wedding websites are the best because it’s the quickest and most efficient way to receive responses.
If couples choose to do digital RSVPs, do you have a specific website you recommend they use?
The couples I have worked with has typically used The Knot and With Joy.
Day of Stationery
What are the most important day-of stationery items to have?
The seating chart or escort cards. Stationery that will guide your guests to where they are seated will help with confusion and timing of the program.
What day-of signage is a must have?
If it’s a big wedding with a lot of guests, definitely a seating chart!
When does a couple need a seating chart? Name tags? Escort cards?
If you have a lot of guests, the seating chart combined with a place card helps a lot with organization of where people will sit. People often mistake the difference between escort cards and place cards (name tags). Escort cards tell your guests which table they will be sitting similar to what a seating chart does. This card 'escorts' you to your table. Then once they go to the table they choose their own seat. Place cards tell your guests exactly which seat they are sitting in. They are often already laid out at each place setting. If it’s a small intimate wedding, then a seating chart might not be needed if the couple is open to letting guests sit wherever they want.
When should I hire a stationer?
Stationers require more time for custom orders to be completed so the sooner we know if you want to work with us, the better.
That way we can ensure we allot enough time for us to work together and supplies are ordered early to avoid last minute shipping fees. Clients can also enjoy the journey with us in creating something personalized, memorable, and unique just like their love story.
We are so grateful for amazing stationers like Kelly! If you would like to explore her work or get in touch with her for your stationery needs you can find her on these platforms:
Website: www.loveskydesign.ca
Instagram @loveskydesign.weddings OR @loveskydesign
Facebook : Love Sky Design Inc.
Pinterest: loveskydesign
Thank you for stopping by! If you found these tips helpful and you’d love more assistance planning your own wedding, be sure to check out The Wedding Crash Course! A full day workshop to help couples plan their own wedding. See you there!
Much Love,
Ashley-Dawn
