Stationery things to know

When a bride -to-be contacts me about their invites most will already have a clear idea of what they would like, usually vintage love, rustic/Irish, coastal/destination, winter or childhood sweethearts. If a groom to-be contacts me its usually about ticket style GAA, Rugby or tractor invites! There is definitely a growing trend where the groom to be is getting more involved in the invitation selection. Everyone wants something a bit different from the ‘norm’ which showcases their theme or personality. Coming from a graphic design and packaging background my invites mainly focus on imagery and typography. Several of my designs are postcard style and feature a stamp with the bride and grooms names, location and wedding date. The postcard idea follows through in the relaxed wording in a handwritten style. These informal invites will set the tone of the big day and also are the most cost-effective option too! The wedding invite theme can be followed through with Save the Dates, RSVPs, Evening Invites, Directions/Accommodation and even Thank You cards.

There are several existing designs to choose from and all designs are created by Impack so can be adjusted to suit your requirements, perhaps you need a colour change, or would like an image of your venue incorporated. If you don’t find exactly what you are looking for I can create a design based on your theme or idea and make these formal or relaxed, modern or vintage so you can have something truly original for your big day. 

Some photographers are offering a pre-wedding or engagement shoot and several couples have chosen to include these image(s) in their invitation suite. This is a lovely idea for a really personal card and works well. Having a specific shoot gives the flexibility of choosing your backdrop and adding your own styling and ‘props’, capturing your theme and introducing your colour scheme. 

For those who like all the information in one place then a 6 page invite is a great idea. 6 page invitations can include all the information your guests may need and also include a perforated RSVP which detaches into a postcard with the bride and grooms return address pre-printed. Guests can choose to RSVP via post, email or telephone. The remaining 4 pages will contain the front image, main invite, directions,  accommodation or anything else that will fit!. 

Another great option for frequent travellers or couples getting married abroad are the Passport wedding invites. Details of where couples met or got engaged can be included as part of the invites.

For me as a designer I get great satisfaction in helping couples create their unique wedding invitations that are personal to them. It helps them to set the scene for their special day which they will celebrate with their family and friends.

If you are looking for great quality stationery at prices that won’t break the bank please checkout www.impack.ie You can choose day and evening invitations, rsvp cards, place cards, save the dates, thank you cards, ceremony booklets, table plans and more. You can select as little or as many elements as you wish, all created with the same look and feel. 

If you have an idea in mind and would like to discuss it further give me a call on 01 822 0361 or email me louise@impack.ie 

Wedding Photographer Top Tips

A camera is just a camera, it’s the photographer that takes the pictures. All too often, and especially in today’s economic climate, couples seek out the absolute lowest price. This is great if it gets you the photography you want. So what do you want from your wedding photographer?
Remember the last wedding you attended as a guest. Can you remember the details? What dress did the bride wear? What colour suit did the groom go for, and what was on the menu? Over time memories fade but the photographer captures the detail and emotion of the day – your day. In a few short years these are the images that will take you back to your wedding day.
6 Top Tips for booking your Wedding Photographer

1. Choose a photographer that you get on with. After all the photographer will be around for most of the day and someone that puts you and your guests at ease will produce great photographs.
2. Choose a style you like. You don’t have to be an expert in all the different styles of wedding photography. It is best to have a look at a photographers’ portfolio of real weddings and see if their work fits with how you would like your images to look.
3. If a photographer is serious about their business and you as a client, they will have insurance. Many venues are now insisting on this. In most cases where there is insurance there is a contract. This may seem daunting at first, but it actually protects you as the client and the photographer.
4. Check out how you are to get your images. If on disc – are they printable or are they watermarked? Check out if you are licenced to print and what limitations are imposed.
5. Experienced photographers do not need to have photographed a wedding at your chosen venue before. I travel all over the county so the chances of being in the same venue on a number of occasions is remote. In any case different times of the year and even different weather conditions changes the light we have available to work with. The most important light on the day of your wedding is the light we get.
6. Don’t forget to book your preferred photographer. Leaving this on the long finger may result in disappointment.

Article submitted by – Damien Carroll, Cearbhuil Studios, 087 2194703, www.cearbhuilstuidos.com.

Shoes glorious shoes

Get in step when buying your bridal shoes!

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♥   Aim to choose your shoes around the same time as your dress, remember you will need to have them for future fittings in determining the length of your wedding dress.

♥    When your in store shopping, a good indicator of a must have shoe is “on shelf appeal” where you just have to try them on!. This will quickly help refine your choice in style. However if ordering bridal shoes online, the best thing to do is order early in order to leave lots of time to return or exchange.

♥   Wear within your comfort zone of heel size. If you’re not used to wearing skyscraper heels, don’t worry there is a great selection of platform or classic lower heel alternatives nowadays to suit.

♥   Follow fit or size guides but remember each designer shoe size may fit very differently, which can be a difficulty if buying online.

♥   Remember to wear them about the house on carpet a good 6 times to make sure you have mastered them and reached your comfort level. This may highlight a place where you may need extra cushioning.  There is great gel cushions on the market now to see you right.

♥   White/Cream shoes are the traditional colour but there are so many other romantic styles and soft shades, times are changing and there is an explosion of choice for statement shoes.

♥   Match your shoe style to your theme, country garden wedding, vintage style, Boho or Ethereal neutrals.

♥   If you have a preloved pair, you could always have them customised to make them into that something special for your day. Plus you can match a shade in dying your shoes your perfect shade.

♥   Remember if your wedding reception is outdoors, you could have heel protectors on standby, they keep your heels clean in case you need to walk on grass to obtain those all too important wedding shots.

♥   Don’t panic over shoe comfort for entire day – you can always have another pair of shoes for the early hours dancing!.

♥   Don’t forget Pamper your feet – get a pedicure treat and you’ll have your glam toes for your honeymoon too.

♥   Are wedding shoes just for one day? Dye them, shoe clip them or plain wear them on honeymoon. I bet when you wear them a second time memories will surface from that fantastic wedding day!