The moment guests open your invitation, the font choice, design, type of paper and packaging tells a guest what to expect on the wedding day. Not every bride or groom has an eye for design or knows what they’re looking for, so it’s a good idea to choose a professional who specializes in fine stationery, paper goods and/or all the above.
Read on for our talented stationery vendors’ wisdom, and get inspired by their favorite invitation suites from real weddings.
Bering’s
Weddings in Houston: What makes Bering’s special and what’s the story behind the store? What makes it a great place to visit?
Bering’s: Bering’s opened in 1940 by Augie Bering III, our current President & CEO’s grandfather. It started as only a lumber yard and traditional hardware store, and through the years, has evolved into the most unique retail store that continues to sell hardware, as well as upscale gifts, including china and crystal, kitchen essentials, gourmet foods, children’s and men’s apparel, chocolates, coffee, stationery, and outdoor living.
At Bering’s, we pride ourselves on being a one-of-a-kind treasure house, a modern general store, providing unparalleled customer service, and carrying a carefully curated product assortment for the home.
Bering’s is a wonderful place to visit because of the incredible staff and wide assortment of products. We truly have something for everyone in the family!
WiH: What can a bride or groom expect when they partner with Bering’s? What does the consultation process look like when creating wedding invitations?
B: When couples work with Bering’s, they can expect outstanding customer service and a finished product that is everything they dreamed of and more! Selecting wedding invitations can be a daunting task, but not at Bering’s!
We encourage couples to schedule an appointment at either of our locations, so we can ensure that a skilled and creative wedding stationer is available to help guide you through the process, making it a stress-free experience.
During the appointment, you and your stationer will discuss what you are looking for in terms of design for your invitation, look through samples, walk through the appropriate etiquette, and review pricing.
WiH: What types of invitations and paper goods do you offer for pre-wedding and weddings?
B:
- Save-the-dates
- Invitations for: Engagement party, bridal shower, couples shower, bachelor/bachelorette party, bridesmaids luncheon, “grooms golf day” or “cigars with the guys,” rehearsal dinner, welcome party/toast, farewell brunch, post-wedding reception
- Thank you notes
- Custom stationery
- Announcements
- Custom napkins, coasters, koozies, cups, lids, sleeves, balloons, plates, boxes, bags, ribbon, bottle openers, labels, matches, playing cards, cocktail stir sticks, frisbee, treat cup, serving board, hard plastic serve ware, tumblers
- Mini pinatas, sparklers, poppers, paper plates, napkins, placemats
- Custom bridal and guest books, pens
- Place cards, menus, programs, signs, foam boards, escort cards, table numbers, gift tags, hostess gifts, signature cocktail sign, welcome bags, favors, seating chart
WiH: What are your favorite trends and/or designs for invitations and paper goods? What do you expect to be big in 2022 and 2023?
B: Big weddings are IN this year, and we continue to see big weddings in 2023. Our brides love vellum, adding their unique monogram to all aspects of their wedding stationery and party goods, a custom watercolor, and silk box invitations.
Our favorite trends are colorful invitations, an abundance of florals, shades of blue, acrylic clear invites, belly bands, statement liners, greenery, and wax seals.
WiH: Do you have any wisdom or advice for our newly engaged couples?
B: We always recommend that couples HAVE FUN with their wedding stationery – let it show your personalities, love and style.
If you love color, include COLOR! If you love your dogs, include beautiful watercolor paintings of your furry friends. Your wedding stationery is the first impression your guests will make of your special day, so make sure it’s as special as you are.
We recommend getting started early for all of your wedding stationery and party goods! Orders are taking a lot longer than previously, so we ask that you come in with a realistic time frame in mind.
Paper Place Austin
Paper Place Austin: Paper Place is a locally owned and women-operated stationery store in Austin, Texas. We are lucky enough to be in business for over 43 years and continue to serve our community with the most up-to-date and beautiful custom wedding invitations, stationery, fine pens and an assortment of gifts.
WiH: What can a bride or groom expect when they partner with Paper Place Austin? What does the consultation process look like when creating wedding invitations?
PPA: Our couples can start their wedding paper goods process by making an appointment online with one of our talented consultants. We’ll have a consultation, either in-store or virtually, and brainstorm the vision from start to finish. We will present you with various options of printing processes (letterpress, foil, engraving etc.) and lead you to font choices and embellishments. After we have a good idea, we create a digital proof that can be edited until it’s approved to print!
WiH: What types of invitations and paper goods do you offer for pre-wedding and weddings?
PPA: You name it, we’ve got it! Starting with “Save the Dates” and invitation suites, all the way to the day-of paper goods (think beautiful menus, escort board displays, name cards + ceremony programs). Top it off with beautiful custom thank you cards at the tail end of your process.
WiH: What are your favorite trends and/or designs for invitations and paper goods? What do you expect to be big in 2022 and 2023?
PPA: We’re seeing lots of beautiful added textures! We love the addition of beautiful silk ribbons, wax seals, vellum overlays or textured papers.
WiH: Do you have any wisdom or advice for our newly engaged couples?
PPA: Start this process sooner than you think! It’s best to give yourselves plenty of time to be creative and work through different design options.
The longer you wait, the fewer options may be available due to supply availability or production times. It takes the stress away!
Wild Wolf Creative Co
Weddings in Houston: Tell us about Wild Wolf Creative!
Brittany Wolf, Wild Wolf Creative: My name is Brittney Wolf, and I am the owner and designer of Wild Wolf Creative Co. I have several years of experience in the wedding industry, but I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business this past year. I know what you’re thinking… in a pandemic? Yes! It has been a wild ride, but it has been nothing but rewarding.
I first fell in love with custom stationery back in college as a design and production intern. From that moment on, I was mesmerized by the intricate designs and the process of creating this beautiful work. Getting to be a part of someone’s wedding day is extremely special.
WiH: Wild Wolf Creative shares great tips for newly engaged couples on social media. What are a few words of wisdom you can share with our audience?
WW: You can never give your guests too much notice! If you are expecting many out-of-town guests or you’re throwing a destination wedding, more time is better! No one will complain about having extra time to plan.
WiH: What can a bride or groom expect when using your services?
WW: I believe in creating unique moments that will leave a lasting impression; with that being said, I want to get to know my couples and their love story. Before we even get started on the design, I send over a questionnaire to get all the details! Once I get to know you a little better, I will then work up a customized proposal just for you with the items we’ve discussed. What differentiates us from our competitors is that we offer custom designs, unlimited revisions, and personalized service. Providing these three things ensures that every detail is covered and you can relax and enjoy the big day.
WiH: Let’s talk wedding trends! What trends are you seeing? What’s your favorite trend for 2022?
WWC: Since the pandemic, there has been a trend toward simplicity. Given the challenges of planning (or postponing) a wedding, couples are looking for simplistic designs to help communicate the essential information. While minimalist designs are nothing new by nature, I am seeing a lot of neutral tones and colorful, monochromatic minimalism in 2022.
For more wedding invitation inspiration, visit our Pinterest!
“Wedding Invitation Inspiration and Tips From Our Favorite Creative Experts” – Spotlight Weddings in Houston Vendors – Invitations + Stationery: Bering’s | Paper Place Austin | Wild Wolf Creative Co | Photography: Amy Maddox Photography | Holsomback Photography
Contributors: Patty Darby Photography / Jillian Grace Photography / Feather and Twine / Paige Newton Photography / Mustard Seed Photography / BLVD Photography