For this installment of the Handmade Wedding Series, Jan — one half of the Poppytalk blog duo — shows us some of her favorite invitations and other wedding-related paper-goods. She's been a guest on the Storque as Featured Buyer, and she's got a great knack for "the hunt" — finding beautiful handmade items and emerging talent. Since doing the invitations is one of the first things couples have to nail down, let's get to it!

I've always been a huge paper-goods fan, and if it were a perfect world, I would have letterpress machines installed in my home, so I could pop out something new on a whim. I was thrilled to be asked by the Etsy crew to participate in their Handmade Wedding Series and to contribute a guide on wedding invitations and paper-goods.  There are so many options out there when it comes to wedding invitations and the quality of designers with shops at Etsy now just keeps getting better.  I couldn't think of going any other way.  With the launch of Alchemy, you can put out a request for custom invitations too.

If I may give a word of advice, I would definitely go with something less trendy and more classic in design. When it comes to wedding invites, keep in mind that they are something you pull out and look at over the years. Classic designs always stand the test of time.  I also am a huge fan of letterpress, and letterpress and weddings just go together so well.  With those ideas in mind, I bring you my guide to invitations and paper-goods on Etsy!


These hand calligraphy designed invitations by  LHCalligraphy are stunning.  The design fee includes the invitation, reply card, reception card and envelope address and return address for the outer envelope.  They are then printed on a letterpress and would be so special to receive.


I love the idea of a custom map for wedding guests.  This set, by LHCalligraphy, is not only useful, but also a great keepsake.   Each map is drawn according to your specifications and then letterpressed.  They can also be enlarged into a watercolor painting for a beautiful memento.


I like the idea of going green for a wedding.  Earmark makes these simple and modern invites that are printed using soy inks on 100% recycled papers and envelopes in a wind powered facility!


Marijke Janssens of EnfinLaVoila is an amazing graphic designer.  Luckily for us, she designs the most unique and beautiful wedding invitations from her studio just outside Brussels, Belgium.  She has many designs to choose from and you can do a custom order through her Alchemy page. The cards are printed on professional ultra matt paper, 230 gr/m.  The envelopes are French (Clairfontaine).



Inkylivie has designed a beautiful save the date set using black and red.  She prints these on nice thick textured Luxe paper from Paper Source.


Another great idea that many paper-good designers do is offer sample packs of their invitations/announcements, etc.  Like this letterpress sample pack from paperstories  out of Chicago.  They also offer eco-friendly choices, printed on 100% tree-free cotton paper using non-petroleum-based inks.


I really like this wedding poster by  unlesssomeonelikeyou. This is such a fun idea and a great keepsake of the big day.


Rachael from pistachiopress has a great eye for design, as you can see from this sample invitation.  All pieces are hand fed into an antique printing letterpress which gives them a very distinctive feel.  She prints on Crane's lettra paper, which is 100% cotton, which leaves a beautiful impression.


There are so many great ideas for Save the Date mail-outs, but I thought this one from InvitaPaperStudio was rather clever using the calendar idea.  They are printed on white luxe cardstock and layered over a rich color cardstock.


A custom wedding logo/motif by BellaBella is an idea that could take you in so many different directions.  They have a collection of rare antique initials that could be used as a customized logo, which could then be used to add to your invites, thank-you notes, rubber stamps, etc.  They send a black and white, hi-res file that you forward to your designer to incorporate into your creative ideas.  They will also be happy to discuss with you making your new logo into an invite through their shop.

Other Wedding-related Paper Goods

everyjotandtittle's place cards

Cheerupcherup's programs


sarahridgley's coasters


paperedtogether's coasters

kellydesigns4u's gift tags 

APunkinCardCompany's gift tags 

 

IntoStationery's bridesmaid and bride holder/favors (which also double as a sachet afterwards) would be extra adorable for a brial shower.

Who's your favorite paper artisan? Leave it in the comments!

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