It’s the all too familiar question that always follows the initial announcement of your engagement, no not how many karats, but what’s the date? (Often followed by subsequent dates that are off limits because your best friend has “important” things to do.)
After sleepless nights, continuous arguments about including your fifth cousin removed on the guest list, and debating between a beach or a winter wedding, you have finally set the perfect date, which means its time to send the invitations.
Thankfully, we have you covered with some industry veterans and creative experts that are sure to get your stamp of approval.
Being single myself, I have to admit I thought crepe only referred to a French pastry and that letter press was a dying art. I was more than a little intimidated when the ten inch binder full of invitations hit the table, to only then realize that there are over fifty types of paper, thirty shades of the color blue, and over one hundred ways to say “you’re invited”.
Party Party, located off the Post Road in Fairfield, is your quintessential party boutique. On the heels of its second anniversary, Party Party offers a wide range of perfect party favors ranging from custom invitations, stationeries, entertaining items and gifts. Owner, Mary Thornton’s background and experience in event planning makes her a natural hostess and the ideal person to guide any bride through this indecisive, confusing journey of picking the perfect wedding invitation.
Whether you are a Ritz Carlton bride, a backyard bride, or somewhere in between, Party Party offers a wide range of invitations at various prices. Vendors include William Arthur, BT Elements, Page and Crane Co. Thornton’s unique ability to specialize and bring a bride’s vision to life, from the place cards to the menu cards, makes searching through hundreds of templates worth ever paper cut.
Industry veteran, Milestones, located in New Canaan, has been providing specialty gifts, invitations and stationeries to customers for over eight years. Appropriately named, Milestones helps customers celebrate all of life’s milestone occasions, specializing in one of the most important dates, your wedding day.
Brides and grooms can find products ranging from invitations to custom wedding party gifts. This one-stop shop prides itself on customer service and speed. You won’t encounter any pushy planners here, just honest, invested guidance. With a variety of designs, personalized calligraphy, price points and in-house printing, Milestones will help give your wedding a unique, consistent, and personalized feel right down to the piping on the last table card. Trends and etiquette change as often as a bride’s mind, but the experts at Milestones stay in-the-know and help brides and their families through the entire process, no matter how unique.
Creative genius, Hadley Rogers of Small Field Papers is the go-to gal for the funky, trendy brides- to- be. After attending countless weddings and receiving requests from friends to make their special day unique, Rogers dove head first into the wedding scene. Fueled with a passion for individuality, beauty and fun, Small Field Papers brings that extra-unexpected touch that every fabulous couple wants. “You want to get an invitation that’s fun, that really makes you want to go to the wedding,” said Rogers.
Rogers collaborates and works in-house to create the perfect invitation that represents the couple and their special day. She can incorporate humor with a play on words or create a quirky, personalized monogram. Whether it’s mixed prints, horizontal or vertical shaped envelopes, pockets or pops of color, nothing is out of the imagination. Small Paper Fields also works with an exclusive calligrapher who can personalize a special font just for you. Champagne taste, on a beer budget? Small Paper Fields can work within any budget without sacrificing design, quality or creativity.
After working in a stationary store, Ashley Flood decided to open her very own boutique, A. Flood of Paper located in Wilton, the creatively ingenious name says it all (in a good way, of course). Specializing in custom invitations, stationary packages, and specialty gifts, A. Flood of Paper is the perfect place to start your matrimonial journey. The charming and cozy storefront makes for an easy, memorable experience.
A. Flood of Paper exclusively designs and prints its own invitations in-house. Or, couples can choose from a variety of vendors including Checkerboard, Designers Fine Press, Carlson Craft and Crane. Whether you are a “type A” bride or the indecisive “let me sleep on it” bride, A. Flood of Paper will guide you through the flood of textures, colors, prints and fonts. Having a destination wedding or want to include directions, accommodations, or a special itinerary, A. Flood of Paper will help make sure that your guests are equipped with all the appropriate information.
Who says that planning a wedding has to be stressful, why not leave it to the experts and give your closest friends and family something that they will never forget. After all, the invitation does set the tone for the whole event.