FOR EVERY OCCASION
PAPER ALTERNATIVES by Leanna Adams
When it comes to invitations, if you want something that makes a bold, sensory statement about your event, consider alternative materials like wood, silk, metal or acrylic…the options are almost endless and the results make a HUGE impact.
BE DIFFERENT
Vivian Foster, creator of CHERRY BLOSSOM CREATIONS, says when you go into a store and see a great material like feathers or fur it gives you an extra jolt of excitement. Similarly, her clients want something to stick out for their guests and give them a distinct sense of the coming event. “Clients come to me and want something special,” says Foster. “Using original materials stimulates all your guests’ faculties. The grit of the wood. The coldness of the metal. It engages the senses and allows someone to envision your event.”
DETERMINE YOUR STYLE
According to Patricia May, owner of INVITATION CREATIONS, LLC, the best thing about alternative materials is that, “ No two pieces of wood and no two hand-painted works are alike. People are wanting [and getting] something they’ve never seen before.” May says about 75% of her clients know what they want in the sense that they want ultra modern with clean lines, fonts and colors. This helps in determining the right invitation. Maybe they want an invite with weight, and looks impressive -- acrylic may be up their alley, and so on. “I always ask my clients to define their personal style in three words,” says May. “They will want their unique style reflected in the invite, which is an essence of them going out in the mail.”
THE FINE pRINT
SHOWN ABOVE Left: Metal Invitation by Invitation Creations, LLC; Right: Copper Invitation book by Cherry Blossom Creations
36 | THE MAGAZINE FOR CELEBRATING IN STYLE
The alternative materials and custom process will take a little longer than other kinds of invitations. Out of the ordinary requests should not pose a problem for artisans, but more time is often required for complex designs. For wedding invites, stationers will prefer four to six months lead-time. This gives them leeway to develop the idea with client input. For a nice baby shower, three months before the event and two months before they go out should suffice. Whether it’s crafted with silk, suede, patina copper, feathers, mahogany or wax seals, if you can imagine it, there are artisans out there that can make it. And if you can’t imagine it, but still want to be innovative, they are more than happy to wow you with their creativity. First impressions last. Let the first thing your guests receive create a tactile vision in their minds of the coming event. The effort will speak volumes about you.