On the day stationery styling tips and tricks with Clare Gray Designs
Hi everyone, I’m Clare owner and designer at Clare Gray Designs, one of Hall & Co’s recommended stationery suppliers. I design and make pretty paper for weddings and events, as well as running a sister business, Clare Gray Makes selling cards, paper and home decor. I am a lover of texture, if you’ve lost me I can be found in the nearest stationery store, stroking all the pretty paper samples.
Image by Alice the Camera
I went full time with my business in January 2019 and am loving the flexibility of running my own business, both working from home, and being able to make whatever I feel like making, cards, prints, macrame, stationery. My furry office cat Steve keeps me company while I’m at home designing, and apart from the occasional macrame attack he is the perfect business partner!
As a stationer I have loads of great tips and advice for how you can use stationery in your wedding. Here are a few on the day styling tips for creating spectacular stationery that your guests will never forget!
Teamwork
The key to the most jaw-dropping, show-stopping weddings, is a team of trusted suppliers all working together. When your wedding stylist, your venue, your florist, your cake baker and your stationer are all on the same page about the theme and style of a wedding, beautiful things happen. So don’t be afraid to be clear about what is important to you, and when discussing a style element with your planner, don’t forget to copy your other on the day suppliers into the email too. I love working with Hall & Co to create stunning stationery that fits in perfectly with your style. As well as my house stationery collections, which are all colour customisable, I can also create bespoke designs that are completely personal to your day.
Tablescaping
Think of ways to inject some of your style and theme into the table scape with stationery. Instead of the traditional wedding favours, why not opt for something that will add to the style of your table decor? I make macrame wedding favours, perfect for rustic, boho wedding vibes, combine with a place card or a menu to add a little bit of luxe paper to each individual place setting. Or keep it simple, with a personalised menu or place card for understated elegance at each place setting.
Image on the left by Tatum Reid
Feature stationery
Practical wedding signage like the welcome sign, or the table plan can be a real feature of your day. A statement piece, like a macrame table plan, or a large feature scroll menu dressed with flowers and foliage really adds some wow factor, and can tie in with your wedding theme wonderfully.
Your budget
Are you worried about your stationery and styling budgets? Most stationers use several different printing methods to cater for different budgets, a great stationer will be able to design something beautiful for you whatever your budget. I usually recommend spending about 5% of your total wedding budget on stationery, including your invitations and all of your on the day stationery and signage, but this is just a guide. Don’t be shy, have the money chat.
Timing
Don’t wait to get in touch, my diary fills up quickly, so please get in touch asap. If you have your date and venue booked, even if you’re not sure what you want to order yet, I can book a slot in the diary for later in the year for us to catch up.
Happy planning everyone.
claregraydesigns1@gmail.com
