JLife takes a look at how to make your big day even more special, as well as supplying specialist sources who are at hand to help.
Weddings are all about that extra touch! Victoria Walker of Linda Abrahams & Co., the bespoke stationery and event management boutique, advises on choosing the right stationery to make your special day stand out.
Define the Wedding
Set the tone of the wedding as the invitation is the first glimmer of what to expect. After that, discuss your ideas with the bespoke designer so that they can get a feel for both of your personalities and then expertly guide you through the process. They will be able to suggest which stationery you are going to require and manage your expectations on costs, as well as preparing a quotation and budget from which you will be able to work from.
Start Early
There is no harm in beginning to look early, such as up to a year beforehand. This helps establish a realistic budget for whatever you have in mind, and lets you work towards that, or alternatively, adjust it.
This is also an ideal opportunity for you to consider mailing options as the cost varies from sending a standard-sized invitation to an invite in a box or tube. This could be an expensive shock if not factored into your plans initially.
Online Inspiration
Pinterest and the internet are great places to search before you meet with your chosen designer; the research will help them understand your style and the elements of the invitation that are important to you. It will subsequently be easy for you to point out your preferences.
Perhaps set up a privately shared pin board on Pinterest for you (and your mum/ groom etc.) to pin to when they spot something they like. The designer will then be able to lift aspects from each to give you the luxury, bespoke design that you all love and are excited to send out.
Get Thinking
Consider how you want to open your wedding invitation and what shape you want it to be – if you want added luxury, choose gorgeous materials cut to specialist shapes and sizes that don’t exist on the high street.
Decide what style of printing you want to use too; a specialist designer will be able to give you a selection of print techniques to give your invitation extra finesse.
Ask for Help
Ask for assistance in getting your wording right. More and more invitations are no longer written in the traditional format so decide how formal/ informal that you want to be. Remember not to be too wordy and ensure that the font is legible.
Timing’s Everything
Keep an eye on timing – when you are having something designed from scratch, you will need to allow the designer enough time to prepare your artwork, as well as allowing time for you to refine it until perfect. Proofing is really important too; don’t presume that the printer will pick up all of the errors. Also, factor in the time it will take to produce them, usually ranging from four to six weeks.
Send save-the date cards around eight months before so that guests will know they are being invited, followed by invitations eight to 12 weeks before the big day (think about when the caterer needs to know your final numbers as this will impact on your RSVP date).
Don’t Get Overwhelmed
Split the stationery order into two parts; concentrate on getting the invitation design perfect and into production, then focus on the wedding stationery when you know more about what you require and how many guests can attend.
I Do
JLife rounds up local specialists that will make your wedding perfect.
Avenue2Beauty
Whether you want some time alone to be pampered or a visit with the girls, Avenue2Beauty has everything for brides-to-be, including facials and body scrubs to nail treatments and tanning services. And men aren’t forgotten, with a number of relaxing massages to soothe stressed out grooms. Various offers are available on the website.
Bridal House
Bridal House, which has recently moved from its original location along The Headrow to exciting new premises on Meanwood Close LS7 2JL with free parking, offers a beautiful range of wedding dresses, bridesmaid gowns, prom dresses and high quality accessories at realistic prices. The dedicated showroom welcomes the bride into a stress-free environment in which they can prepare for their important day, trying on dresses, shoes, jewellery and tiaras and making use of the attentive staff’s expertise.
Lighting for Weddings
A perfectly lit room can create the ideal special event, we are expert in providing smooth sound and colourful, fun lighting for Weddings. A bespoke, high quality service is delivered to suit any style or theme; no party is too large or too small, too traditional or too flamboyant. With over 20 years’ experience, Lighting for Weddings offers a co-ordinated, professional service from equipment hire to full event management.
Linda Abrahams & Co
An array of luxury bespoke invitations await you when you step through the doors at Linda Abrahams & Co in their new boutique on Stainbeck Lane. It has an unrivalled collection of designs alongside benchers, place cards, menus and seating plans. Whether planning a wedding, Bar or Bat Mitzvah or simply a special celebration dinner, the showroom is well worth a visit.
Moda in Pelle
From elegant heels to stylish boots, Moda in Pelle has a range of styles that make you feel special at any occasion. You’ll find beautiful shoes with matching bags perfect for a bride, bridesmaid, mother of the bride or wedding guest. To find your nearest store or shop online, please visit Moda in Pelle’s website.
Pavilions of Harrogate
As your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, Pavilions of Harrogate provides a ‘your day, your way’ service. Feel free to talk to the team about a bespoke menu or take a look at the packages for inspiration.
Weddings are made easy; from customers’ initial enquiry to the day itself, they will be fully supported. Highlights include having your own lawn for pictures and an abundance of free parking opportunities.
Pavilions of Harrogate is an ideal wedding venue, while various rooms have also been licensed for civil ceremonies.
Spotlight Event Photo Booth
The Spotlight Event Photo Booth service is a great addition to occasions, such as weddings, Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs, birthday celebrations and corporate functions. The team – which has over 20 years of combined event experience – uses only professional equipment to ensure customers receive the best possible pictures. Guests can enjoy the range of props and take home unlimited prints.
Steve Bootle Photography
Steve Bootle is an award-winning specialist wedding and Bar/ Bat Mitzvah photographer. Steve has a real talent for capturing every special moment – the laughter, tears and joy of you and your guests on a day that is truly special. Steve is approachable, affordable and has a very relaxed style and is happy to arrange a no obligation consultation to help you plan your special day or simcha.
Sunshine Tanning
Sunshine Tanning has the perfect offers for you to treat yourself for your wedding. Together with an established tanning service for the ultimate bronzed glow, the studio has also built up a reputation for its professional and friendly service which includes beauty and pampering options. All the sun beds have new collatan tubes so go along and be one of the first to try them!
The Cairn Hotel
Situated just a five-minute walk from the centre of Harrogate, the three-star AA Cairn Hotel combines charming Victorian features with modern facilities. The hotel has great value for rates and can cater for an array of different events. The offerings include 135 en-suite bedrooms, a delicious restaurant, six conference/ banqueting rooms – which can hold from two to 350 guests – and free on-site parking.
The Zip Yard
The Zip Yard prides itself on high quality, speed of service and competitive pricing. The fully trained staff provide free consultation for tailoring and repairs. Fitting rooms are available and no appointment is required. A one-hour express service is at hand for hems, zips and other minor repairs.