Stationery Trends Magazine

Fall 2008 Editor’s Letter

Rich With NoveltyBy Sarah Schwartz, Editor I must admit, I'm a bit cynical about weddings, and started working on this issue with just that attitude. But a recent New York Times article, focusing on the connection between income and happiness, shifted my perspective. It cited a study that indicated a high income doesn't guarantee happiness. Once you attain it, the thinking goes, you'll just covet what your new neighbors have. The study is being challenged by newer research, and while I believe happiness is more about attitude than income, the idea of people wanting what others around them have got me thinking. I realized the notion definitely applies to me. While I was hardly well-heeled while working in New York City publishing, I dreamed of wearing the seemingly effortlessly put together ensembles of executives. Now that I'm on the suburban mommy circuit, it's an oversized…  » Read more

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Style Watch: Wedding Invitations & Accessories

Delve into what's driving this marketBy Sarah Schwartz, Editor Just like fashion, the wedding market constantly evolves. Today's bride will have different inspirations and desires than the bride of yesterday or tomorrow. Practically speaking, however, her eventual choices are affected by a slew of factors, from budget to season, venue to color scheme. For that reason, the entire stationery selection process has to be service-oriented. And more importantly, as Suzie McKig, creative director, Twig & Fig, pointed out, a successful wedding invitation suite should truly reflect the couple, not the venue or designer. "What drives us is to embody the style and desire of the client to assure we are designing for them, not for ourselves. Be sure to show your client a wide variety of styles and colors to see what puts the sparkle in her eye, then take the helm from there." While…  » Read more

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Trousseaux & Trinkets

Expand sales — and the bride's vision — with exquisite paper extras, favors and giftsBy Sarah Schwartz, Editor F or many brides, every element — from the first engagement announcement addressed to the last favor pocketed by departing guests — is a single note in a wedding symphony. That's an ideal framework for building each sale with chic components that personalize and memorialize the event. For most stationers, these "notes" include add-ons to the stationery wardrobe, guest favors and wedding party gifts. These details have become more important recently as both brides and grooms have become more design-savvy, emphasized Blake Elizabeth Hanick, owner and creative director, Lilywillow Paper & Press. "Thanks to companies like Target, Anthropologie and Pottery Barn, which emphasize high design, couples want to reflect their personal design style throughout their first major event," she commented. "Additionally, with words like 'identity' and 'branding'…  » Read more

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Words Into Type

Understand different printing methods for the ultimate in consumer satisfactionBy Sarah Schwartz, Editor Many brides-to-be enter a paperie clutching a wedding magazine, the invitation they couldn't possibly get married without, marked. While the design may be exquisite, what she and some of your staffers may not have is a rough understanding of the processes behind each of the more popular printing methods and how they can impact everything from turnaround time to price. Armed with some knowledge of each method's strengths and weaknesses, satisfying that bride becomes easier, as does creating an invitation truly reflecting the couple's personality. Engraving Engraving's beauty lies in the contrasting thin and thick lines and swashes, as well as its raised surfaces. While the market for engraving — as well as its costly partner in luxury, letterpress — is not enormous, it's worth going after these sales, explained Haile McCollum…  » Read more

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