One of the questions we get most often is about working with out of state wedding vendors. We’re based in central Florida – a great area to live, but it’s not known for luxury weddings. Because of this, most of our clients are based out-of-state (or at the south end of the state). That means virtually all of our clients are not local.

Some wedding vendors really should be local to the wedding. The logistics of moving large amounts of equipment means caterers, stage and lighting, and transportation are usually sourced locally. And, unless you have a sentimental attachment to a certain officiant, she will likely also be local to your wedding.

The same is often true of planners. Unless you’re having a destination wedding and hiring a destination wedding planner, it’s likely your wedding planner will be local as well.

Then there are categories where it’s normal to engage non-local vendors. It’s not at all uncommon to hire an out-of-state band or travel to order your gown. And location is rarely an issue when you find a photographer or filmmaker you love.

Stationery is one of those things that can go either way. Some planners only work with local stationers while we have plenty of couples who work directly with us from the far reaches of the country (and globe). We’ve done our best to create an experience for our clients that is in no way a compromise, but the best way to craft their inviting experiences.

Here’s how we do it:

• We start strong.
  Our contact form features a rather detailed questionnaire. It’s really a pre-consultation. It’s our chance to get to know the couple and their style. We find out which planner/designer the couple is working with. We want to know how the planner and couple are most comfortable working – some clients have their planner handle it all and others take on most of the invitation planning themselves.

  Our questionnaire often gives us all the information we need to bring our clients a proposal. If it doesn’t, we follow up to get the rest of the information we need. Either way, starting off on the right foot starts a smooth process.

• We Do What Others Won’t.
  Seriously. Many of our clients come to us because their local stationer told them something was impossible. We find there’s not much that’s impossible. Impractical, maybe, but not all of our clients are practical and we love them for that.

  We’re not set up to crank out the same thing every day. We’ve structured our whole existence to be able to tinker and experiment – to make you a one-of-a-kind inviting experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

  Where else are you going to find a stationer willing to work with taxidermy? (note: we’re still looking for the right clients for a taxidermy invitation. Is that you?)

• Our Secret Weapons: Video and FedEx.
  What advantage does a local stationer has over one that isn’t? It’s ease of access. The convenience of access – to meet with a couple and their planner to consult or go over proposals. If your shop prints in-house, you can be there for a press check, too.

  We believe we’ve closed the gap on ease of access well by leveraging video conferencing and overnight shipping. Many times, we can get samples in your hands faster than you could schedule a meeting with your local stationer. We use Google Hangouts or Skype to meet with our clients and their planners/designers for consultations, proposals, and follow up meetings. We even offer virtual press-checks.

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Location is never an obstacle to creating the perfect inviting experience for your wedding. No matter where you are or where you’re getting married, we’ll craft the most fitting announcement to your big day.

You can read more about our custom wedding invitation process here. And if you’d like to start dreaming of your own inviting experience, please inquire here.