The 5 Minute Face booth is owned and operated by Valéry Goulet, the owner of valérydesignwrks, a small multidisciplinary design studio in Edmonton. After years as an illustrator, and a few seasons showcasing her work at the Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair, Valéry devised a way to turn her vendor booth into something that was both creative and interactive: the 5 Minute Face booth was born.

The booth is set up on a small table, where Valéry sits on one side and her subject sits facing her, with a divider in between them. There is an 8” x 10” window, so they can see each other, but the subject can’t see the drawing in progress. Once the portrait is completed, she slides the print through a slot at the bottom of the booth.

Here’s a little bit more about Valéry, her love of illustration, and how you can incorporate her unique work at your wedding.

What interests you about illustration?
With illustration, I find every aspect of it interesting. I teach two illustration classes in both design programs at the U of A and Grant MacEwan. I go over a wide range of techniques and processes with my students. With this specific project (illustrative booth), what I find the most interesting is how everyone is truly unique and beautiful. This illustrative exercise impacted the way I see people and also the way I approach other illustration based project. Forcing me to illustrate without the ability to erase and refine is quite stressful and I love it.

How do people usually react when they receive their illustration?
Every time, I get a nice smile and a thank you. People are curious to know how they are perceived, I think, and it seems to please them to see my drawings.

What are some other ways that couples can incorporate your illustrations in their wedding?
There is a wide range of applications for couples to incorporate my illustrative work. I would be happy to provide them with illustrations in colour or black and white for their wedding invitations, thank you cards and any other collateral pieces. Illustrations can be printed and also engraved so it gives us a ton of options to choose from.

Where can people find the 5 Minute Face booth in action (when it’s not at a wedding)?
I mostly do private functions so it is quite hard to find my booth at a public event. However, once or twice a year, they might be able to find me at the Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair.

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You all know what that means. I will be unavailable to take on new projects until September 21. Please send me an email if you would like to inquire about a custom invitation or booking a consultation and I will respond as soon as I’m back in the office.

<3

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Foil stamping can be done in practically any colour. I’ve found that most of my clients choose to stick with silver, black, or gold but I have also done blue, purple, and rose gold. Foil stamping can be done right here in Edmonton!

Here are a few ways to incorporate foil stamping and make an impression with your wedding invitations:

• Monochrome
  Choosing a foil stamp in the same colour as the paper gives a contemporary and classy look. This look is achieved by choosing a matte paper, and using foil stamping in the same colour for the lettering.
• Dots
  Clusters of dots on the edges of an invitation is great for couples who want to get their guests in the mood to celebrate – it’s just like confetti!
• Script
  To achieve the glamour of foil stamping when you’re working with a timeless and romantic theme, use the metallic effect on delicate script text.
• Drama
  Gold, silver or rose gold stamped on a deep colour, like burgundy or eggplant, creates an impressive and dramatic look.
• Monogram
  Have your invitation designer create a custom monogram for you, and have it foil stamped throughout your wedding stationery. Who says you that custom monogram is only for your wedding day – once you’re married you can continue to use the design for custom stationery!
• Drop Shadow
  By using the same plate with two different foil colours, you can create a shadowed effect.

What you need to know:

Foil stamping can be mixed with digital printing if you’d like more than one colour on your invitation. However, if your design is very delicate and precise you will have to use offset printing rather than digital, because foil and digital designs need to line up exactly. Offset printing is the original printing method, which is more expensive but much more precise in terms of alignment and colour.

Generally, a foil stamp is based per plate – and each unique design needs its own plate. This means you need at least one plate per card that you want foil stamped. It is common for couples to stamp the invitation and digitally print the additional cards in the stationery suite, which will save a little bit of the expense.

Another way to get more value out of your wedding invitation budget is to work with your designer to design a foil stamp plate that can be used on all of your cards – like a simple border design. Another option is to use the same plate with multiple colours to create a layered look or to incorporate every element of your wedding colour palette.

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Creating this look…

This couple opted for fewer pieces in their invitation suite to achieve the air of simplicity that they desired. With fewer pieces to design and print, there was room in the budget to splurge on a high quality paper. Choosing a high-quality paper with an eggshell or wove finish, rather than smooth, will give a little bit of texture to impress your guests as soon as they’ve got the wedding invitation in their hands.

For fonts, this invitation uses just two simple fonts that compliment each other nicely. First, there’s a modern script for names and headings, which is printed lighter to give some contrast to the design, and to create that soft, romantic look.

The second font was a serif, printed slightly darker, used for the date and location information. This ‘tone on tone’ print is a great way to add dimension without risking the invitation looking busy. When using this method, it’s a good idea to do a test print before printing all of your pieces. Colour on screen is very different than what comes out of a printer!  The colours have to be perfect in order to get the tone on tone look just right, so be prepared to test it until it’s right.

Another way to add a little bit of elegance is to round the corners – it’s a very inexpensive way to make the invitation look extra fancy!

Finish off this design with the right envelope for the feel you’d like to achieve. A baronial (pointed) flap will give a classic touch, while a square flap will finish the look off with modern flair.

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In reality, it’s very likely that you’ll have some people on your guest list who will be expecting a reply card to be included with the wedding invitation, and will know exactly what to do with it, while others wouldn’t notice if it was missing. However, it’s crucial to include RSVP information with your invitations, and reply cards are simply the easiest way to make sure you know who’s going to be at your wedding.

Traditionally, reply cards are included with a return envelope, postage included, and this is still a great idea, especially for couples who want a more formal invitation. They can also be used to keep your guest list under control: by writing the names of the invited guests on the card before sending them, you can ensure that no uninvited ‘plus one’s show up. This is also an easy way to make it clear if no children are invited! If you don’t choose to write names on each reply card, you run the risk of having blank RSVP cards returned to you – luckily, there’s a sneaky way to keep track of each card. If you number the back of each card to correspond to your guest list, you’ll be able to keep track of your RSVPs even if someone forgets to write their name on the card (or if their handwriting is just too messy to read).

If you do feel like having guests mail back their reply cards is a bit too formal, it’s okay to simply include an insert with the wedding invitation that lets guests know how to RSVP. Whether you choose to have them call, email, or even text, remind them to include their name, their guests names, and any dietary restrictions.

One benefit of this method is that your RSVP card can be any size that you’d like – you can even include your RSVP information on a larger insert with parking directions and registry info, too! There isn’t as much freedom with mailed reply cards, since they will need to either be a 4bar or A2 size to fit into the proper envelope.

If you’re not sure which option is best for you, you can always do both! Split the guest list into two groups: people who you think would prefer to mail in their reply card, and people who would be comfortable with (or appreciate the convenience of) a more casual RSVP method. Your grandparents probably like to receive mail and will be happy to mail back your card, while your peers would be happy to send a text or give you a call. That way, you’ll save money on envelopes and postage, while keeping both your older and younger guests happy.

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If you’re thinking of including hand lettering on your wedding stationery, there are lots of ways to do so, including options for all budget sizes. Generally, hand lettering is priced per design. For those hoping to get the on-trend look of hand lettering while sticking to a smaller budget, you could have a custom monogram, quote or small design created and use that throughout your wedding stationery and signage. Those with a larger stationery budget will find that you can add hand-lettered touches almost anywhere on your wedding day, down to hand lettering the destination address on each wedding invitation’s envelope.

You might be reading this and getting excited at the prospect of learning a few techniques and trying your hand at calligraphy… either that, or you’re thinking that there’s no way you’d have the time or skill to create something you’re proud to include in your wedding. Don’t worry! There are so many talented artists available to create custom hand-lettered wedding designs, and they can be found online or right here in Edmonton. One amazing local artist that I love working with is Justine Ma. If you are interested in doing your own calligraphy there are online tutorials, or workshops you can take in person – Justine hosts workshops in Edmonton and Banff.

For those of you who decide to jump in and hand letter your own wedding invitation envelopes, make sure you’re prepared with a few extras in case you make mistakes. It’s also a good idea to test your pen and ink on your envelope to make sure it adheres properly before starting. Lastly, have patience! Calligraphy is an art form, not a weekend project. Designers take years to hone their skills, so be prepared to put in some practise before you’re happy with the finished product.

A final note to those who are planning to use hand lettering: it certainly looks great on Pinterest, but Canada Post is not always a fan of the unique lettering style! Consider doing an inner envelope with hand lettering and an outer envelope with a simple mailing label. This ensures correct delivery and keeps your inner envelope safe and clean.

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Tell us what you do!

The short version of this answer is that I’m a wedding planner. But I don’t think that really gives a good grasp of what I do! My job is equal parts creative, organizational and relational. I love to create beautiful things. Whether it’s a unique centrepiece, a gorgeous ceremony backdrop or the most adorable guest favour you’ve ever seen, I love to bring beauty to a celebration through details and elements that evoke emotion and reflect the couple everyone is there to celebrate. DIY projects are my favourite, add some good music and a yummy cocktail and you’ve got one wild Friday night at my house!

While I would love to say that my days consist of nothing but reading wedding magazines and drinking lattes all day that’s just not the case. (But if anyone knows of a job that fits that description, please let me know!) When planning a wedding, there are so many logistics and moving parts to organize. That’s where I come in: I help the couple to get all those parts moving cohesively towards one goal. There are a lot of hours behind the scenes creating timelines, seating charts, budget spreadsheets and more, and while it isn’t always glamorous it’s definitely gratifying to see it come together in the end!

It’s easy to see the creative side of my job, and even the organizational side…but relational? How does that fit in? Well for starters, the bride and groom’s relationship is the reason that planners like myself even exist! How could we possibly work in this industry and not build connections with others? Building trust and relationships with my couples as well as other vendors is essential to creating a beautiful event that reflects the couples personality and vision.

What interests you about the wedding industry?

What can I say? I love a good party! I love when loved ones gather together for a celebration, and what better celebration than the commitment of two people? It’s a big deal and deserves a big celebration!

Are there any upcoming wedding trends that you’ve noticed or are particularly excited about?

Oh man, don’t even get me started! Food trucks have been gaining traction in the wedding scene for the past few years and I think they’re amazing! Who doesn’t love a taco or mini doughnuts for a midnight snack? I’m also starting to see brides step away from the neutral palettes that have dominated the industry for the past few years. While champagne, blush and nude are all still incredibly popular (and beautiful) colour choices, brides are now adding in pops of colour. A little purple, a little blue, maybe a mint shade here and there. I love colour so I’m thrilled to see that happening!

What’s your favourite type of wedding?

I think that the best type of wedding is one that is personal to the couple. If that means bucking tradition and doing something completely out of the box like wearing a blue dress and saying your “I do’s” on the edge of a cliff before jumping into the ocean hand in hand, great! But if you’ve been dreaming of a traditional church wedding with a white dress, five tiered wedding cake and a first dance to “The Way You Look Tonight” then I say absolutely go for it! If you love something, then incorporate it – don’t worry about it being trendy or not. Just have fun!

Can you share a few tips for a stress-free wedding day?

Like anything in life, I think that preparation is vital to a stress-free wedding day! By making sure that every detail is thought of and attended to before the big day, brides and grooms can relax and focus on each other and their celebration! (Hint hint, I may know someone who can help with all that preparation!)

Oh! And a good night’s sleep the night before never hurts!

Follow Something Beautiful on Facebook or Twitter and keep an eye on her blog for all her latest wedding DIY projects and designs.

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Before you start thinking about what to add to your stationery suite, check with your wedding venue to see what they provide for signage and stationery. Many venues will take care of signage for all food, drinks, and more.

After you’ve talked to your wedding venue about their signage, it’s time to start thinking about what additional stationery items you’ll need to have created. Here are a few things to consider:

Make A List…

I’m sorry to do this to you, engaged peeps with mile-long lists for anything and everything wedding-related, but yes, here’s another list to make. Don’t worry – I’ll make it easy for you and get the list started with some of the most common wedding day stationery and signage:

• Place cards
• Seating chart
• Table numbers
• Menu cards
• Ceremony program
• Signature drink signage
• Welcome sign

Start the list a few months before the wedding, and add to it or remove items as necessary.

Talk to your designer…

To get your wedding day signage and stationery to coordinate with the style of your wedding and uphold the first impression given to your guests when they received their invitation, your best bet is to work with a designer.  Talk to them well in advance of the wedding, but keep in mind that many of these day-of pieces can’t be finished until you have your final guest list.

Get creative…

Your day-of signage is a great opportunity to think outside the box for your wedding – remember, not everything needs to be printed! For a rustic wedding, your guests’ names can be written on tree slices, or for a vintage look, an ornate antique frame could be turned into a chalkboard displaying a welcome message. If you’re thinking of using an escort card system, you can even have the favours creatively displayed with each wedding guest’s name and table number rather than having that information printed onto cards.

Don’t be afraid to stray from tradition and have some fun with your signage – its your wedding, after all! Your stationery and signage is another opportunity to let you and your fiancé’s personalities shine through and give your wedding guests a really unique experience.

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Kristin and Seth are planning a beach wedding with a fun and easygoing vibe and were looking for a wedding invitation that fit that spirit just right. I went to work creating a unique and modern suite for them – here’s what the finished product looks like…

Creating this look…
To achieve an up-to-date style while keeping the invitation playful, I used one bold colour – purple – and balanced it with neutral ivory and charcoal. In this instance, too many bold colours would have taken away from the simple, beachy feeling we were hoping for. With this colour combination, the bride and groom had two options for envelopes – they could either match the purple to give their wedding guests a bright first impression, or they could go with a clean and classy ivory envelope and leave the pop of colour to be revealed after the envelope is opened.

Rather than displaying the wedding’s important details in full sentences, this invitation features a grid-style layout that is easier to read and gives each piece of information its own space. This is a great option for couples who are ready to do away with traditional wedding invitation wording in favour of a more modern and concise design. One important thing to remember when creating this look is to use a maximum of three different fonts, or you’ll end up with a wedding invitation design that’s more cluttered than it is classy.

Lastly, this bride and groom found a couple creative ways to save money on their invitation suite without compromising style. First, we used a silhouette effect on the edges to create the look of a die cut wedding invitation without the added expense that usually comes along with die or laser cut invitations. The second penny-wise choice was to include a response card that requests that RSVPs be made via email, rather than posted. This is becoming pretty common, and gets rid of the expense of including envelopes and postage with the RSVP card.

The post Featured Design- Kirstin and Seth’s Fun Beach Wedding Invitations appeared first on .

Anyways, a few months ago, I collaborated with some super talented people to put together a styled shoot for Perfect Wedding Magazine. I had so much fun coming up with a dreamy invitation suite for this ‘tiffany’ inspired shoot.

Big shout outs
Photography: Infused Studios
Flowers: Fabloomosity
Dresses: Delica Bridal
Event Design: D’lusso
Cake: The Art of Cake

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