Green Flags for Hiring a Stationery Designer
Hello, lovers. I am so ecstatic to share a glimpse of what we do around here. Paper Cliché is a full service design studio specializing in modern, romantic semi-custom wedding stationery. Our focus on combining luxury print methods, premium materials, and a restrained approach to modern invitation design is aimed at creating keepsakes to cherish forever.
Today we are taking time to talk about hiring a professional stationery designer! Even though I am a stationery designer, I understamd that it is not the right fit for everyone! Not every couple is looking for the high touch service that comes along with hiring a professional. And that is for another blog post. BUT if you have done your research up until this point and have come to the realization that a stationery designer is what you’re in need of, read through for some solid tips.
As I am sure you have quickly found in your search, invitations are way more than just pretty pieces of paper. We guide you through the process from start to finish and like to think that we have successfully been able to remove the overwhelm from the journey making it a rather enjoyable part of wedding planning. Your only “homework” is to provide us with your wording and color palette after choosing from our ever growing collection of designs. We have a robust proofing process to ensure everything is perfect before sending to print and even offer a white glove mailing service so that you don’t have to lift a finger. Marrying the streamlined semi-custom model with the perks of a full service stationery studio is not common in the industry but we believe it is the best of both worlds!
In the end, it all boils down to the age old lesson that I think about before hiring anyone for anything: “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, try hiring an amateur.” 😅
Strong Artistic Portfolio
Do your due diligence and make sure that their aesthetic aligns with your overall vision. Is it consistent? Since your invitations will be the first thing your guest sees, they set the tone for your entire event. Take your time lurking their work over as many platforms as possible so that you know they are the right fit. Our semi-custom designs are the perfect fit for the couple that likes to know what they are getting but still achieve a high level of customization! My favorite part is opening up your questionnaire and seeing all of your pretty choices. It always amazes me how completely unique every single suite comes to life.
Transparent Pricing
If a stationer offers custom quoting, check their website for a starting investment and average spend range for reference. At Paper Cliché, we tailor an invitation catalog to your desired quantity so that you can build out your dream suite with our à la carte offerings as you see fit.
Clear Communication
We recommend booking a discovery call if offered; this will help you get a good feel for communication style and help make sure you’re a good fit with someone that you’ll be working closely with. At Paper Cliché you’ll have a dedicated client portal to house all proposals, agreements, links to guides, questionnaires, and proofing forms. This makes the process a walk in the park since you can easily access everything you need throughout the project. I am a “relater”, so I personally love being able to look through all of the details ad nauseam.
Social Proof
Read testimonials and reviews. Is there a decent amount? Are they recent? Are they positive? A negative review doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the world. More importantly, I would recommend reading the stationer’s response to get a good read on their temperament as a business owner. A lot of stationer’s run smaller businesses which makes it so much easier to comb through the digital foot print!
Attention to Detail
There are sooo many moving parts when it comes to wedding stationery. It’s much more than just pretty paper. Hiring a professional to guide you through potential pitfalls can actually save you money in the long run. Wedding etiquette, guest list management, timelines, postage and mailing… Just a few of the things your stationer will guide you through peacefully.
“If you think it’s expensive hiring a professional, try hiring an amateur.”
Professionalism
Most stationers will require a retainer and signed agreement prior to design work. This is arguably the most important green flag to protect both you and the stationer. Read the fine print before signing the contract :)
Value Proposition
What’s included? Do they offer assembly? Postage guidance? Etiquette support? Guest list templates? Flat rate shipping? An extra set or two for keepsakes/flatlay photography? hint hint: At Paper Cliché we offer all of the above.
Follow Along: Share this with your bestie who is getting married next year and follow along for more tips and pretty paper.
If you like what you see and want to learn more, be sure to check out our Customization Guide and Semi-Custom Designs. If you know you want to work with us, the best way to get started is by filling out our quick inquiry form! I can’t wait to create for you and yours.