We are firm believers that your wedding stationery sets the tone for your whole wedding.  After all, it’s the first piece of your wedding unveiled to your guests, so naturally, you want to make sure to strike the right note with your wedding invitation.  From the style of wedding to how elaborate the day will be, your wedding invitation tells your guests what to expect at your wedding.

I’m happy to share some insight into the wedding invitations process with our Vendor Spotlight on Calgary wedding invitations designer Plush Invitations.  Evelyn Clark Weddings loves working with Alissa Mercier, owner and designer extraordinaire, because of her easy-going nature, professionalism and creativity.  She understands your vision quickly and is happy to review and re-draft until the look is just what you want so that you’re excited to show off your beautiful invitations!

Here’s what Alissa has to say:

ECW: Plush Invitations creates chic and stylish custom, handcrafted wedding and social stationery.  How did you get started in this industry?

PI: 7 years ago I moved to Calgary and was looking for a job with the only caveat that it was “interesting, creative and allowed me to work with my hands.” I came across Plush Invitations online (no coincidence that I was also planning my own wedding), emailed them and was hired as a production and design assistant. 4 years later, I embarked on a new adventure as the owner of Plush, and continue today to challenge myself creatively in this ever-changing industry.

ECW: Plush Invitation’s motto is that your wedding invitations are you “first and foremost wedding accessory”.  How does Plush work with couples to incorporate their style into this important wedding accessory? 

PI: I like to sit down with clients and get an idea of what their personal style is. It is always helpful to meet them in person where I can catch a glimpse into what is important to them style wise. Little things such as what kind of clothing style or accesories are they wearing, really do give me an insight. Are they more demonstrative of a clean minamalistic aesthetic or do they love glamour and bling? It’s amazing how often the bride comes to a consultation meeting wearing the color of her requested stationery!

ECW: We love how Plush Invitations caters to any design style but stays true to a clean, timeless style that brides and grooms will love forever.  Are there design requests or styles that you will not do?

PI: Hmmm, that’s a tough one. It’s always a balancing act between trying to be accommodating to all “creative visions” and focusing on creating stationery that is true to the Plush aesthetic. If a client’s idea is truly out of my comfort zone, perhaps something I know is not compatable with the equipment I have, or that I can’t do within their budget or timeline, I won’t hesitate to refer them elsewhere. I do always try to suggest an alternate idea whether it’s a different font, printing method, or layout that would still match their vision.

ECW: Etiquette has changed a lot in modern weddings  — what are some things that you have noticed?  And what are your thoughts on these changes?

PI: I think the biggest change from the traditional, is the use of alternate ways for guests to RSVP to your wedding – either through wedding websites, email and phone instead of a strictly mail back response card. I’m not really a big stickler for tradition, I think whatever fits the style of the couple and the event, is how the guest replies should come in. If the couple is having an ultra traditional and formal wedding, then I think it is fitting to have the traditional mail-back RSVP cards. If the couple, and their guests are extremely media savy and their wedding is more of a laid back affair, then why not give your guests some more reply options. Same idea applies to wording. I love adding some creative verbage to an invite if it suits the theme and style of the event. It can really give the guests an idea of what to expect!

Is there an invitation or stationery trend that you love right now?

I love creating invitation suites made up of single layer pieces (i.e. invitation, map card, RSVP card, etc.) but using a variety of materials. For example, using 3 or 4 different stocks within a similar color pallette, or even combining seemingly opposing materials such as wood veener and a metallic gold envelope liner – to create a really dynamic invitation!

What is a typical day like at the Plush Invitations office?

I try to keep regular office hours from 10:00 am to 6:00. Usually starts off with my morning coffee run (sometimes just to get out of the house) then emails in the late morning, printing and production in the early afternoon, and late afternoon/early evening is when I find I’m at my most creative so I reserve this for design time. Not going to lie though, usually a nap is in there somewhere – a must for being 8 months pregnant!

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Thanks for sharing with us Plush Invitations!

***Update:*** at the time this blog post went live, Alissa at Plush Invitations announced her maternity leave up until May 2015.  Good luck with the baby!

Evelyn Clark

Evelyn Clark Weddings // Calgary wedding planners