weddings and special events and private estates: Tips from The Pros - Part VIII - Paper House

Some of our clients are going green to help save the environment and when they do, we have great resources for them. However, for our clients that love paper, from the texture to how it sets the tone for an event, we have great resources.

Recently, I interviewed Anahi Carrillo Felch of Nicobelle Paperie and asked her questions that we are asked frequently.

GP: What should a bride do to prepare for a consultation with you or a paper house?

ACF: The creation of a wedding invitation begins with a consultation by phone, email or in person.

My goal during this consultation is to find out all about the couple and the event that they are planning. The more details they can provide, including photos of the dress, flowers, and wedding location and descriptions of likes and dislikes, the better. Even the story of how they met and what interests both share are great help in putting together the perfect invitation.

Then we’ll note which pieces they will need (invitation card, response card, reception card...) and any pieces they are interested in for the reception (menu, program, escort cards..).

GP: Do you work with couture only?

ACF: No, we also have some ready made invitations to choose from such as Monique Lhuillier.

GP: What is couture?

ACF: In couture everything from the design and printing process, to the embellishments and materials are different. Each and every project is one of a kind and made to fit the couple’s personality and style.

GP: How much should someone budget for the following with couture:

ACF: Each project is very different. Based on the complexity of the design, as well as printing costs, letterpress designs begin at $2,000 for 100 invitation sets and $800 for 100 save-the-dates.

GP: If someone does not have the budget for couture, what are alternative routes that they can take and still be happy with the paper and style?

ACF: Any extra touch can make an invitation set feel special:

Paper bands – a custom designed or patterned paper band wrapped around your invitation will keep all your pieces together & add an extra design element {wedding logo, monogram, a pop of color…}

Envelope liners - lining in solid paper or custom printed patterned paper add a lovely surprise for the recipient.

Pocket Folders – can be sealed with a wax seal, decorate label, ribbon, or paper band.

GP: What part of the planning process should they plan to meet with you?

ACF: It is always better to have more time than not enough. Wedding invitation etiquette suggests save the dates be sent 6 months in advance & up to 12 months if it is a destination wedding. Wedding invitations should be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding or 10 to 12 weeks in advance if it is a destination wedding.

It is recommended you start the save the date and/or wedding invitation process at least 6 to 8 weeks before the date you would like to receive them. Turnaround time is approximately 3 to 4 weeks from approval of your proof.

GP: What is the quickest time you are able to turn an invite around - ready made paper with Flat printing?

ACF:Usually, we need at least 2 weeks from approval to finalize a job.GP: What are the different types of printing?

ACF: We offer a variety of printing techniques. The most popular method is letterpress printing, which delivers a luxurious finish and impression on paper. Other methods we offer are offset (flat) printing and engraving.

GP: I am always hearing conflicting opinions on whose name should go first on the thank you?

ACF: Traditionally, a man's name preceded a woman's on an envelope address, and his first and surname were not separated (Jane and John Kelly). Nowadays, the order of the names—whether his name or hers comes first—does not matter and either way is acceptable. The exception is when one member of the couple 'outranks' the other—the one with the higher rank is always listed first.

Nicobelle Paperie is a couture wedding invitation and social stationery studio that specializes in creating designs that are truly unique and that complement your special event.

We meticulously customize each design to be an inspired reflection of our client’s stories.

Our capabilities also apply to business needs and include personal calling cards, business cards, corporate event stationery and other custom design and print work.