Summer 2021 - 34

OCCASIONS
Weddings live up to the " something old, something new " adage by
blending tradition with the demands of our times. When it comes to day-of
elements, Emilie Dulles of Dulles Designs builds visual interest by putting the
couple's vibrant watercolor signature design on bubbles, hand sanitizer and
masks. With smaller guest lists, Carlson Craft's (circle 151) lavish Captivating
Edge suite is now in reach for many brides.
Less guests transforms the budget, Dulles underscored, as well as
the entire vibe of the event, as now smaller, more innovative venues --
say an art gallery, library, elegant farmhouse or lakehouse barn - can
be selected. " Since your volume of wedding guests is the biggest factor
when it comes to 'blowing up a wedding budget,' fewer guests allow
for a very intimate and meaningful event, and for the couple to spend
more on luxurious wedding details and delights. From food and drink
to décor and stationery, micro-weddings are the new way to WOW your
closest family and friends, and to reward yourselves as you begin your
new life together. "
PIECES & (MOVING) PARTS
For the most part, " couples are still ordering save the dates, rehearsal
dinner invitations, and wedding invitations, " noted Sikel.
For Dulles, lower quantities translate into more luxurious printed
pieces. Heirloom touches like bespoke calligraphy, custom envelope
linings, engraved or letterpress printing, extra-thick paper, handpainted
edges, metallic beveling are suddenly attainable.
Also driving the stationery spend is the lack of ancillary events,
Dulles continued. " Instead of multiple showers and larger parties that
require domestic and international travel for the wedding party and
34 Summer 2021 | STATIONERY TRENDS
immediate family, Dulles Designs couples are opting for a more inclusive
set of events within their wedding weekend to group all travel into one
celebration time frame. "
And while bridal shower invitations, engagement party invitations,
and bachelor/bachelorette party invitations have largely disappeared
for now, they are still being planned, Dulles observed. " We have been
printing insert cards for those events that will be included in the wedding
invitation sets for our couples. "
Sikel agreed that the contents of printed pieces are changing. " As
for enclosures like response cards, reception cards, accommodation
cards and more, these (have) become even more important than they
were before. Couples have important details they need to share, and
printed stationery puts an appropriate emphasis on these significant
details like CDC guidelines, celebration etiquette, entrée choices and
safety precautions. "
While the invitation requires the most planning and proofing, the
save-the-date is more important than ever, Firm emphasized. " As
everything starts to open up, social calendars are going to get packed
with parties, " Firm noted.
Speaking of which, the new essential that no one wants, but must
plan for, is in the same vein as save the date. These are referred to as a
Summer 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Summer 2021
