There’s a certain elegance to a hand-calligraphed or custom-designed matte card in an actual envelope with a personalised touch. From save the date to invitations to thoughtfully crafted thank you cards, here’s a quick look at the etiquette and tradition of wedding paper goods and the elements you need to follow.

Thank you cards Are all about the font

Source: fastprinting.com.au

With Australian guest lists typically averaging 100 or so people (those relatives do add up!), most people type and print their stack of paper goods, and the good news is it’s perfectly fine to do so. In contrast, it was considered a massive faux pas not so long ago. Some choose the boutique approach and hire a calligrapher, but the modern, popular option is to use a lavish script font for the essential details (like names), it all depends on how traditional you want to be.

Whether you opt for a unique custom-designed wedding invitation or an exquisite pre-designed template, look for one that captures the theme of your wedding. Consider how the different fonts convey different tones; a cursive font like Edwardian Script denotes a classic, conventional ceremony (think grand church, indoor reception, sit-down dinner), or a clean sans serif font like Frutiger offers a fresh, modern look, perfect for a beach or outdoor event.

Spell out dates and times in full, regardless of your choice, and be clear about the details and what’s to be expected on the day.

Consider including a handwritten element, be it your guests’ names or yours- for a special touch, it adds a spark of originality.

Trending: Calligraphy

The paper elements of a wedding are endless, and each gives you the opportunity to be creative. A few things to keep in mind: if you don’t like your handwriting, it’s completely acceptable to enlist the help of an artistic friend or relative (or fiancé, perhaps?).

Check, check, and triple-check your spelling before that ink touches the paper, and for the ultimate refined touch, consider hiring a calligrapher for those other little paper elements of your event, think wedding place cards, chalkboards, wedding menus, and wedding favours.

Source: instagram.com/le.lettere

Along with letterpress, calligraphy offers old-world sophistication and brings an artisan touch to accompany the paper goods available on the Internet. In past eras, wealthy families would commission skilled monks to craft their text, a romantic idea if ever there was one. These days, calligraphers, who are most often artists and designers, learn their skills via design colleges (no need to visit a monastery).

Traditionally, the only piece the happy couple should handwrite is the thank you cards.

The importance of the thank you card

Anna Wintour sends them for all sorts of reasons, which is enough said. Thank you cards are, in fact, one of the most important tasks of the wedding process. Sure, they’re not up there with the dress or the destination, but they are essential and often overlooked. Tradition is to write them by hand, mention the gift by name (unless it’s monetary, then don’t state the amount!) and sign off with a heartfelt thanks. A modern popular alternative is to send a photograph of the two of you and include printed thank you cards. If choosing this option, try to include a small handwritten element, such as signing your name or writing a custom message on a standard-designed card. Thoughtful presentation can make your message even more memorable, adding personalised labels for thank-you gift packaging is a simple way to elevate your gesture and create a cohesive, polished finish.

Thoughtfully designed thank you cards add an extra personal touch, ensuring every guest feels uniquely appreciated.

As the final task of the wedding process, it’s understandable to want to put it off. You’ve been through the bridal shower, the hen’s night, the ceremony, the reception, and the honeymoon. Still, it’s of utmost importance to graciously acknowledge your gifts and the presence of friends and family. Don’t worry if your handwriting isn’t the best for this one; it just needs to come from the heart

Source: fetepapery.com.au

The post Thank you cards and the elegance of tradition appeared first on Paperlust.

Eve’s on the river

Source: http://www.evesontheriver.com/images/galleries/about/pjp4–2.jpg

In Newstead on the banks of the Brisbane River, Eve’s on the River offers sophistication and a stunning waterfront backdrop for your cocktail or sit-down wedding. This restaurant boasts a floor-to-ceiling glass enclosed veranda for the reception and a manicured lawn for the ceremony – a fusion of casual elegance amidst crafted canapés and river breezes.

Matching your stationery to this venue can go a couple of ways. For an intimate wedding with a cocktail reception choose a stylish contemporary invitation. The Newstead/Teneriffe area is renowned for its upscale, modern vibe so opt for a clean font, perhaps with classic or cursive accents, to reflect the chic environment. Those holding a sit-down dinner reception may prefer traditional, minimalist stationery with thick matte cream cards, script fonts and customary language; however don’t be afraid to add a contemporary element, such as a bold colour accent, for a little edge.

Source: https://www.engagingpapers.com/shop/charlotteinvitation/

Ocean View Estates Winery and Restaurant

Source: http://oceanviewestates.com.au/weddings/

For those dreaming of a romantic winery wedding, Ocean View is just a short drive from Brisbane’s CBD. Hold the ceremony amongst the vineyards or under the gazebo by the lake, then enjoy stunning views from your reception venue with its expanses of glass and stylish decor. Be sure to incorporate colour into your stationery to reflect the natural surroundings – think crimson, pinks, gold and burnt orange, or earthy tones and shades of forest green. Be as creative as you like with custom fonts and unique presentation – this is a modern venue with an emphasis on romance.

Source: http://junebugweddings.com/wedding-blog/marsala-wedding-inspiration-barrister-winery/

Brisbane Powerhouse

Source: https://www.expedia.com.au/Brisbane-Powerhouse-New-Farm.d6210369.Attraction

With its exposed brick walls, vintage graffiti, riverfront views and contemporary interior, the Powerhouse is one of the most sought after and distinctive venues on the Brisbane landscape. Located alongside the stunning New Farm Park and Brisbane River, the site offers a few different settings for your ceremony and reception including a lawn and rooftop terrace, with an emphasis on modern sophistication and those sparkling river views. Blending high art with elegance is the go here for your stationery; look to the latest trends in art and design. This could include geometric shapes, Art Deco design, vintage splendour or bold chevron – the choice is completely yours so go wild.

Source: https://ruffledblog.com/texas-gemstone-wedding/

Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Royal on the Park Hotel

Source: https://www.royalonthepark.com.au/our-packages.html

In the heart of Brisbane City alongside the Botanic Gardens, Royal on the Park provides a stunning venue for a chic cocktail or classic sit-down reception. Exchange vows amid the tranquil, manicured gardens then celebrate in the Royal’s grand ballroom, styled exquisitely to your liking. The perfect venue for a romantic, traditional wedding, your stationery should exude classic sophistication – think pastels, script fonts, layers of soft tissue, ribbons and immaculate presentation.

Source: http://www.modwedding.com/2014/09/20/hot-trends-fall-love-super-unique-laser-cut-wedding-invitations/

GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art)

Source: https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/about/our-story/architecture

Those seeking a unique and extravagant venue would be hard pressed to look past the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Featuring panoramic views of Brisbane City, Kurilpa Bridge and Brisbane River from its prime position in South Bank, GOMA offers its roof terrace for an elegant and enviable wedding reception. This iconic gallery demands a stylish invitation; your stationery should be ultra-modern and sophisticated. Use thick, quality paper and consider a custom design that highlights or incorporates the venue – opt for artistic accents like watercolours or letterpress, vibrant tones and shades, and clean fonts. Don’t be afraid to venture outside the box – it is an art gallery, after all.

Source: https://www.bravobride.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ombre-wedding-inviations.jpg

There are plenty more unique venues in and around Brisbane to choose from. When trying to match your stationery to your chosen setting, consider the colour palette, menu, environment and overall vibe. Think about what you are hoping to convey: a light-hearted celebration? Windswept romance? Quiet elegance? Be sure to incorporate these elements and dare to be bold, creative and original.

Not in Brisbane? Check out our Melbourne edition, or tell us where you are from so we can give you some ideas for your area.

 https://paperlust.co

The post Wedding stationery to match your venue: Brisbane edition appeared first on Paperlust.