[wedding design] custom invitation process

I can’t believe it’s almost March… it’s been a busy beginning of the year producing spring & summer wedding invites, which unfortunately makes it difficult to keep up with blog posts. So, I utilize social media whenever possible [especially Papercake’s Instagram page]. This keeps my business up to date, showcasing new designs as I create them (with a few lifestyle shots in between 😉).

I love that Instagram just added a new feature [share multiple photos and videos in one post]. Since I was actually in production on an order, I decided I would share my custom design process in one post. I then realized I should share these photos here, as well, to give a visual of how it all works.

note > I have many local clients that I’m able to sit down & meet with, but I mostly work with clients nationwide (and international – many thanks to Etsy)!

> After the initial inquiry, design inspiration emails and quote approval, a mock-up PDF is started via email. I can also mail paper color swatches to choose from, based on the events theme.

> Once revisions are made and design is finalized, I can then order supplies and make an actual sample invitation for approval… print production & assembly can start after that! 

> these photos show an example of my pocket-on-the-back invitation suite.

A 2-layer pocket-on-the-back invite with details & Rsvp enclosure cards, response & outer envelopes [papers: white matte + cool grey & real grey matte]

[stationery design] watercolor collaboration

Inspiration comes when you least expect it… especially while lounging on a Lake Tahoe beach. This time it brought on a collaboration with Marissa Marquez of Colormonger … check out these watercolor images she painted while relaxing and enjoying the view!

Two watercolor paintings paired with custom typography = unique wedding invitations! [paintings by Marissa Marquez]

Quickly after seeing her amazing artwork, my mind started dreaming of typography along with paper & envelopes to match. I ended up designing a save the date and a wedding invitation (an rsvp card is also available if needed). I’m so excited about this new addition to my portfolio and hope we can work together in the near future…!

Etsy Shop > you can choose from the diy digital design (if you can print yourself) or the print listing (if you need me to print, provide envelopes & ship to you).

Save the Date cards featuring a lakeside mountain watercolor painting

[Shop] My Stationery to Fashion Collection Debuts!

I’ve been busy working on growing my design business through a partnership with VIDA, a new kind of fashion company that connects graphic designers (like me) with producers to bring our work to life. Through VIDA I’ve designed tops, wraps, totes, and more with my favorite motifs. I’m excited that VIDA is providing another way for people to enjoy the graphics I’ve created over the years for my stationery clients!

Example: San Francisco Skyline graphic… from paper to fabric

Plus, VIDA has another wonderful mission besides supporting designers, artists, and photographers around the world. For every product sold, VIDA hopes to provide the gift of literacy to the makers they work with.

My collection is small at this point but will continue to grow as I design and add new items. I’m really proud to share the first designs with you! VISIT MY COLLECTION here!
*Use code VIDAWELCOME to get 10% off your first purchase.

EVERY SALE BRINGS Papercake Designs CLOSER TO VIDA SLATE STATUS:
• My art will be promoted by VIDA + YOU and all of my customers will receive a $25 VIDA Gift Card!

I hope you’ll enjoy viewing my collection, and maybe even find something you’d like to wear or carry! If so, please share a photo with me 😉 #papercakedesigns

Thanks!

[Real Weddings] San Francisco Skyline Custom Stationery

Congrats to Kate & TJ, married May 7th 2016 at the University Club of San Francisco!
I designed their full stationery suite from the save the dates to invites, and finally reception cards. I’m so thrilled that they sent me a few gorgeous photos from their big day to showcase!

2-layer san francisco skyline invite card [beige + navy metallic]

After their save the dates were sent out [see below], Kate & TJ wanted to customize my SF city skyline wedding invitation suite. We changed the paper colors and fonts, and moved the skyline to the top of the 5×7 invite card.

We also carried on this design style & paper color combo for their reception stationery; table signs, large format program, and 2-layer escort tent cards!

reception stationery *photography by quincy cardinale

save the date card with envelope; fonts were chosen for this piece first then picked up for the rest of the invitation & reception suite 

[Real Weddings] A Romantic and Glamorous Wedding Reception

Photography by Sun & Sparrow

Congrats to Michelle & Raphael, married on August 22, 2015 in Santa Monica, California!
Uyen, from Sassy Girl Weddings, first asked me to design their Save the Date postcards incorporating blush & gold colors. For the reception at Casa Del Mar, we needed glamorous stationery to complement the venue and the couple’s romantic theme. Below are just a few stunning photos [by Sun & Sparrow] showcasing not only the escort, table & menu cards printed on soft blush metallic finish paper with dark gold ink accents, but some incredible inspiration of Uyen’s wedding planning expertise!

single-layer escort tent cards

2-layer table tent cards

tall menu cards

Monogram floor lighting

Sweetheart table

7-tier wedding cake

 

[save the date] custom design wedding inspiration

Need a custom Wedding Save the Date? See below for some design inspiration and ideas on what we can create for you (paper, ink & fonts can change based on your theme):

Custom Nautical Wedding  / 2-layer card with envelope

Engagement Photography / flat card printed front & back with envelope

Vintage Cinema Ticket / card with envelope (optional guest/return address label wrap)

San Francisco Skyline / card with envelope

Eye Chart design for an ophthalmologist couple / Postcard

Full frame photo/ postcard

Filigree / 2-layer card w/envelope (custom guest address labels)

2-layer card w/envelope (magnet strips added to the back)

[Real Wedding] A Colorful Great Gatsby Inspired Event

Congrats to Michelle & Kevin, married on September 19, 2015 at The Generals Daughter in Sonoma, California. I can’t get over how gorgeous all the colors came together in these amazing photos by Rebecca Gosselin Photography.

When I met with Michelle, I was so excited to utilize her fun color palette when designing her custom invitations into a unique, art deco styled suite. I also created a ‘Great Gatsby’ themed monogram to use throughout their stationery (see matchbook & cuff links too!). Everything really came together beautifully by combining the stunning bouquets [by Fantasy Flowers] with the wedding day coordination [A Savvy Event]. I had to find time to showcase just a few of my favorite photos for your planning inspiration! 😉

[Wedding Invitation] Mailing Tips

Once production & assembly is completed on my wedding invitation orders, I like to remind my clients to add postage to their RSVP postcards /or response envelopes … but more importantly, to bring in a completed invitation suite to the post office to be weighed before buying all postage! Below are even more essential envelope & mailing tips:

• Double Wedding Envelopes are Traditional. Pockets are Modern. Using double envelope sets is a wedding tradition that dates back hundreds of years. While they are still very commonly used, they tend to be reserved for invitations that are more traditional in style. However, a pocket folder IS the inner envelope.
• Use Invitation Tissue. When all folded up, the panel with the pocket falls on top of the invitation card panel. During mailing the v-shaped pocket will rub against the printing causing smudges. You can prevent this by the addition of invitation tissue. Just place a single piece between the two panels to help prevent smudging. [5.5″ square tissue / A7 tissue packs / 5×7 or 6×6.]
• Stamps & Postage: Make sure you bring a completed invitation to the post office and weigh it to calculate exactly how much postage you will need. (note: square envelopes will cost extra). See what stamps they have available and if none are to your liking you can have custom stamps made up online to match your theme.
• Hand canceling: You can bring all your invitations to the post office and request that they be hand-canceled*. Machines print bar codes on the envelopes, but hand-canceling — just marking each stamp — keeps invitations neat and prevents damage that machines can cause (they will still go through sorting machines, but will skip the first one).  For even more info on hand canceled envelopes, check out the post via the knot, also see “4 secrets the post office won’t tell you” by Love Inc Magazine, and lastly, Read Before You mail!
  *call ahead to ensure that your post office location offers this service or if you can use their stamp to mark the stamps yourself.

image via Charleston Crafted

[Wedding Invitations] Coming Up Roses

Thanks Brides California for featuring Papercake’s eco-friendly, tear-off Rsvp invitation design in their “Coming Up Roses” article [June 2015 issue]. I’m so excited to see our simple, but unique, custom suite showcased along the other amazing stationery designs utilizing rose & gold details.

> this all-in-one invitation can be personalized by changing the paper & ink colors, fonts, or selecting a different floral illustration to match your theme. See the etsy listing for lots more info & how to get started. 

> the guest / return address label wrap shown above is optional