Vendor Feature: Wedding Design By Anika | Edmonton Wedding Invitations and Stationery

 

Business Name: Wedding Design By Anika

Website: https://weddingdesignbyanika.com

Email: hello@weddingdesignbyanika.com

 

I started featuring vendors on my blog a few years ago to help connect with other vendors. As well, providing a resource for couples who are looking for more information on different vendors in the city. Well, things got busy and I fell behind on my vendor features but one of my goals was to start doing them again. I met Anika a few years ago and fell in love with her stationery designs. She’s an Edmonton Wedding Invitations and Stationery and one of the best in the city! I am so excited for you to learn more about her and her business today!

What is your design background and how did you get started?

I went into design school thinking that I would come out as a web designer. I couldn’t have been more wrong! My love of print started when I worked in a large format print shop when I graduated. I loved that I was learning how to set files up for production, and being able to test all the new media that was coming into the shop was a total bonus.

While working at the print shop, I had a friend ask me to design her wedding invitations for her. I did it, and ended up loving the fact that I could use my printing experience and apply it to something that is so unique to different couples!

What is your favourite thing about your job?

No two jobs are ever the same! I love working with couples to get something super uniquely theirs. The best is when they trust me to use crazy textures and printing methods to get them the invitations of their dreams! It’s also fun to work with planners and other vendors on style shoots to push the boundaries of my creative limits!

 

What sets you apart from your competition?

I’m incredibly hands-on and have some pretty unique ideas. Invitations are meant to be an “experience” in the unwrapping. I try to make that experience as interesting as possible.

When do I need to order my invitations?

Standard etiquette has changed a bit since our parents got married. Couples can start getting in touch with me as soon as the ring is dropped! However, I recommend that they come to their design consultation with a basic vision of their wedding.

There is certainly no “one size fits all” answer to this question. I believe that when the invitations will be sent out is determined by a combination of the stationer, the couple and the overall concept of the wedding.

The longest timeline would be required for destination weddings, where guests will need to know well in advance to make vacation and travel arrangements. Providing guests as much time as possible in this case can be very helpful, and influence the number of people who can attend the wedding.

I would recommend sending out save-the-dates for destination weddings as soon as the wedding date and place is known.

Invitations should be sent out 4-6 months prior to the wedding. This allows for 3-5 months for guests to reply, and still leaves one month to round up outstanding replies, provide the caterer with final numbers and dietary concerns, and provide the stationer with details for day-of stationery.

How long does the process take?

It’s important to remember that custom stationery takes time to design and produce. I want your stationery to be perfect for you, so will put in that time to get the “just right” feeling.

Couples should budget between 3-8 weeks for their custom stationery to be designed and printed. The actual timeline is determined by the printing method(s), availability of materials, and the amount of assembly time required to design, approve, and produce the entire invitation suite.  Working backwards from when they would like to send the invitations out, couples can use that information to determine when to start the design process.

What is your process like?

The first thing that we do when you contact me for stationery design is to set up a consultation. Once that is booked, we send you a pre-consultation questionnaire and an information booklet for you to fill out and go over before we meet.

At the consultation, we discuss what papers, design styles, and colours we can incorporate into your design. I then send you an estimate with all of the design products that we discussed on it, so you can choose which options work best for your dream and budget.

Once the estimate is approved and the deposit paid, we design the invitation. Once the design is approved by digital proofs, the final balance of the invoice is due before the product gets sent to production.

After 3-8 weeks, the designs are ready to go, and I get to see you open the invitation box!

 

What is your starting price point?

Custom design services can range between $750 and $3,500+ CAD depending on quantities, materials and printing processes selected by the client. The average couple spends between $1,000 and $2,500 for their wedding invitations and day of stationery.

Standard invitation suites consist of a flat invitation, invitation envelope, rsvp card, and rsvp envelope. Any additional pieces that you require for your suite generally add 20-35% per item to the standard invitation price.

How many invitations should I order?

It’s important to know that each guest does not require their own invitation. Etiquette calls for one per household unless a child living there is 18+. This means couples/families would receive one and families with an adult child/children at home would receive one additional copy per adult child.

I recommend adding a few extra copies to your order to accommodate any additional guests, keepsakes, and mail-returns. My base equation is your number of total invited guests, divided by two, and then add on 10-15%.

So, if you have 150 guests that will be invited, 150/2 + 10% = approx. 83-86 copies.

 

Can you tell me what services do you offer for custom invitations as well as templated styles?

I offer totally custom work as well as pre-designed options found in my design collection. Many of my design collection items can be found as feature designs in magazines and blogs. It’s my way of providing my clients with well-crafted designs, without the custom price tag.

If couples want to go fully custom, there are so many options that we can explore. The only limitation is their imagination and budget! I offer options of digital printing, foiling, letterpress, laser cut and die cuts, and have a large selection of paper samples to choose from.

Do you also create other invitation components?

You bet! Couples can come to me for RSVP cards, maps, inserts, bellybands, boxed invitation sets, wax seals… and so much more!

How long will it take for the entire package to get delivered and do you take rush order?

Timelines depend on printing methods used, and the design time needed before approval. Certain rush orders are possible, provided the couples are speedy in their approvals!

Items like letterpress, foiling and die/laser cuts require extra time, as tools specific for the job need to be created. If those techniques are required, orders will automatically need an extra 5-7 business days to produce.

Can I also order my table numbers, place cards, escort cards, ceremony programs, menus, etc. from you?

Absolutely! I love matching couples’ invitations to their day-of stationery!

I recommend that we get the design for day-of stationery down prior to the RSVP deadline. This allows me to just insert names of those attending for the seating charts and place cards, and ensures that it’s not a rush to the finish line!

What are the different printing methods you offer?

I am able to offer our clients a wide range of printing options, from classic digital printing to foil and letterpress.

Each printing method comes with its own setup and base prices, and I work with my couples to recommend and provide the best printing solution for their individual needs.

Any other thoughts you would like to add?

I totally understand that couples may be walking in without any prior printing knowledge. I would like to remind couples to have fun with their stationery, and to not be scared about asking questions regarding materials and printing processes!