The magic behind creating our bespoke wedding invitations is no secret. If you are not sitting in our studio with us daily, there may be some mystery to creating custom stationery. I thought I would write a blog post to cover some of the more common questions we get asked and shine a light on these beautiful and unique invites.
Is my venue suitable? Where do we begin? What do you need? Can I have matching RSVPs? All these questions and countless more are fully justified when planning the stationery for your special day. After all, for the vast majority of your family and friends, the day the invitation drops through their letterbox is the day they start to get excited to join your celebrations. The invitation (or save the date) will set the tone for the wedding. It sets expectations of a day out of the norm, reflecting your life and values as a couple.
We have several illustrated invitations and wedding map designs at Mustard and Gray.
What is a wedding map invitation?
A wedding map, first and foremost, features the wedding locations (church, reception venue) or buildings that mean something to you as a couple (family homes, university, places of work, engagement location, favourite places). A subtle map (abstract in scale and detail) marked with road and place names featuring roads, rivers, lakes and oceans. We fill the map with trees and flowers, animals and suitable vehicles, boats and details. For example, if you have an option for your guests to camp, we will include a little tent and campfire on the map. If your hobby is cycling, we will add a little bike somewhere on the map. There are no rules; we take any information and details you share with us and bring them together. We don't always have space for everything. Still, we can pop extra illustrations on the back of the invite, on the envelope lining or other stationery (RSVP, information cards etc.). Your on the day stationery (table plan, table names, place cards, order of service and menus) can also feature themed illustrations.
What do you need to provide for an illustrated wedding map?
PHOTOS
Photos or wed links to any buildings or venues. The better quality of the images, the better the artwork. We can guess what is behind parked cars or heavy tree branches, but we sometimes lose some of the charm and detail.
MAP / LOCATIONS
A wedding map helps get an idea of where the locations are concerning each other. If you can provide addresses and postcodes (zip codes) or a google map screenshot, we can work out the initial layout. The maps may not be too scale or detailed, but it is nice to at least have everything roughly in the right vicinity.
TEXT / WORDING
The wording helps you see the full invitation from the initial proofs and gives us some clues (autumn trees, snow, summer flowers, etc.), and the journey on the wedding day (where the ceremony is and where the reception is etc.)
FLOWERS, COLOURS, BIOGRAPHY AND DETAILS
If we have a colour pallet and floral style from the start, the artwork can reflect your chosen styles. If you have a theme or feel you want for your day, let us work with that. Share any details you like about the area, your hobbies or sports, and your jobs if they are meaningful to you. If you would like your dog or cat to feature, or if you know the venue has majestic deer in the park, let us know, as we will include them.
What happens when I have sent all the information?
We are a small team at Mustard and Gray, so either Zoe or I (Vicky) will be assigned your brief and work with you to create your perfect wedding invite.
The initial design comes together quickly when we receive your pictures, links, wording, and details.
First, I start on google maps. My geography isn't the worst but certainly won't win me any prizes. I do a bit of research looking at the photos of the surrounding area and use google street view to get a feel for the place.
Next, I take the screenshot of google maps and work out a simplified map that will work for all the locations my couples would like. The map will likely have two or three incarnations before you see it, but it helps not to stare at a blank white canvas.
Now for the arty part. I illustrate each building or location separately. I look at different angles and approaches for each place and settle on the aspect with the best architectural detail. I isolate the picture taking away any background, trees, foliage or unwanted element when I illustrate them and then I digitally remove the white canvas surrounding. I do this for all the buildings.
Next, I return to Adobe Illustrator and place the isolated building illustrations onto the map. It looks stark, but I can now manipulate the map to work with the buildings.
I soften the map with trees and bushes when I have all the buildings in position.
Next, I look again at the details brief. If you want flowers included on the front of the invitation, I will look at your styles and colours and put together a watercolour bouquet. Over time Zoe and I have gathered lots of illustrations, including many flowers, and we bring the bouquets together one stem at a time. Building it this way means we can easily change it if needs be.
We do the same, adding nods to your hobbies etc., weaving them into the scene on the map.
I copy the text to the front and back of the invite before saving the initial proof.
The initial proof is emailed for your thoughts. You give feedback on what you do and don't like, and the map gets tweaked until you are 100% happy with the finished product. In addition to the invitation, we custom design the envelope liner to complement your invites. You can guide us to what you would like to include on your lined envelope.
We print all our illustrated invitations on Gesso cards. This card has a hammered texture (just like a thick watercolour paper). This beautifully textured paper compliments the style of these invitations.
In general, a wedding map takes around 2-3 weeks from brief to delivery of the finished product.
Save Wedding Map 20% off Wedding Map invitations with the code CWM20P
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I am a nightmare to buy gifts for. It is a fact that has been thrown at me by family and friends for years. Four years ago, my mother was struggling for a Christmas gift idea and looking for inspiration wondered into my favourite pen shop. She came out with a stunning Tortoiseshell Montegrappa Extra and a Diplomat Aero in Brown. Spoilt indeed! The Montegrappa is elegant and fine. I keep it safe in my office and use it often. The Diplomat is my workhorse. It is easy to write with, robust and reliable. It makes life easy and feels great to hold. I can pop it in my pocket or bag, take it into the workshop with confidence that it will survive an “active” day.
Diplomat are German pen and writing implement manufacturers, designing and making pens since 1921 (the company formed in1922).
Founded in the Stuttgart area of southern Germany by a gentleman called Carl Räuchle, they started solely with fountain pen production. Diplomat is a pioneering company and became the first to introduce Germany to the ballpoint pen in the 1950s. This was a very popular product and put Diplomat firmly on the pen production map. In 1958, the company sticking to their pioneering roots, brought the modern fountain pen and ink cartridges to the German market for the first time offering a innovative, brilliant and practical alternative to the converter fountain pen of the day.
Diplomat pens are handmade using traditional methods and the highest quality materials available. This means that each and every Diplomat pen is made and tested (also by hand) by skilled craftsperson to an incredibly high standard. Metal is Diplomats material of choice and as such their pens are robust and stylish. All of the brand’s pens feature a stylish metal casing because over the years it has been proven time and time again that this metal is impact resistant and keeps the pens well-balanced.When it comes to Diplomats fountain pens, each of Diplomat’s fountain pen nibs is still custom made in the workshop from stainless steel and 14k gold. Diplomat nibs offer a smooth writing experience and ultimate control. Diplomat pens are well-known for their superior handling, and I imagine the skilled hands-on approach in the manufacture is a big reason behind this.
Pros
Cons
The Diplomat Aero is a great choice for anyone looking for a practical fountain pen that is a consistent "good writer" and will happily go where you go. A brilliant price point for people starting with their first high quality fountain pens you won't be disappointed in your investment.
If you are not purchasing this pen as a gift for yourself I would recommend this as a perfect gift for celebrating a first job or new job as it would be a reliable addition to a new desk.
A gift for a student starting at University as the quality and build will mean this pen will be faithful to them into their future. It's price point won't make it stressful to own on campus or in halls, and its robust structure will mean it can withstand being thrown into a bag between lectures. It also looks cool and sleek making it ideal for a younger crowd.
Things have really changed around here in response to the global pandemic.
We wanted to do our bit and help ease the worry around food in our community at this time. We joined forces with Roslin Catering as they still have their supply chains open, to use them to supply the village with a small village shop in a garrage, in addition we are using our online shop to allow people to purchase food online which we then deliver.
We are working with suppliers and local producers to have a regular supply of fresh and store foods. We supply the shop from a commercial kitchen in Condover.
We have applied social distancing measures to ensure we keep ourselves and our community safe. We believe these rules are important and ask that everyone who comes to the shop or for takeaway respects this as we have many vulnerable people in our village.
If you struggle to get to the shop or are self-isolating, please phone us, and we can tell you what we have available that day and can arrange for delivery to your door.
We hope you are all keeping safe and well,
We recently had our first shoot with a professional photographer. (Rather than us just getting snap happy).
We thought it would help others to share some of our lessons learnt along the way.
First and foremost, this is money well spent, a good photographer will bring your products to life.
Choosing your photographer.
Look at their portfolio
Viktor goes everywhere with us but having him at the photoshoot had its challenges. Expensive equipment and cables...
Think about lighting. Discuss the lighting in advance with your photographer. Prepare for sunshine, sunshine is not always your friend on a shoot as it could create shadows that are too bright. We improvised using backing parchment to defuse the light but you could use tracing paper on a roll.
Think about the various uses of your photographs. Website Banners, Catalogue, square format? Social Media
Props and Styling
You are trying to tell a story about your product and help people imagine having them in their own homes. Style your product shots to show off how they can be displayed. Keep backgrounds simple and props complementary but think about adding colours that will make your products pop.
Zoe is a huge advocate for house plants. Plants for style, and plants for that wonderful fresh feeling in a room. I come from a psychology background which made me interested in why we are all drawn to having pot plants in our homes, even if the poor things are likely to survive for less time than a fruit fly in a science lab.
A little digging of popular psychology sites and with our friends over at Cootr.org.uk and I have some interesting facts on why we should not just enjoy the house plants we have but should be actively adding more to every room of the house!
So whether purely for interest's sake or to add weight to the "we need more plants in here" at the office, in the classroom or at home here is what I found out.
This photo was taken at our latest photoshoot. The plants in this room made for such an awesome backdrop.
Not only do plants look amazing but they actively boost the quality of our air. Seems obvious yet for the vast majority of us spend over 50% of our time indoors. In urban areas, offices, classrooms as well as at homes air pollution can be several times higher than outdoors. According to an article published in “Water, Air and Soil Pollution", plants removed high doses of benzene from the air within 24 hours. Outdoor plants also reduce air pollution.
Interacting with nature (green space adn blue spaces) is essential to maintaining a good sense of well-being and connects us to our surroundings. Through gardening and spending time around plants, getting outside into green spaces more often an individuals can reap a wide range of psychological benefits. Here are just a few mental health benefits of being around indoor plants and gardening.
Human beings generally feel happier and more optimistic in surroundings with plenty of plants and nature. Consider a survey conducted at four San Francisco Bay Area hospitals. In the survey, 79 percent of patients said they felt more relaxed and calm, 19 percent felt more positive, and 25 percent felt refreshed and stronger after spending time in a garden.
Flowers also trigger positive emotions. In a 2005 study, women who received flowers reported more positive moods three days later. Elderly patients who received flowers also reported brighter moods and improved episodic memory.
Living with and looking at plants and flowers, whether indoors or outdoors, is a peaceful and mindful activity. It encourages living in the present moment and engages the senses. When you take time to apprechiate nature your cortisol levels drop in turn reducing your stress and anxiety.
In a study published in the “Journal of Physiological Anthropology” one group of participants worked on computer tasks, while another group transplanted indoor plants. After completing their assignments, the groups switched. The researchers found the subjects felt more comfortable and relaxed after the transplanting task, rather than the computer task. The study concluded individuals could reduce psychological and psychological stress by interacting with plants.
being around plants strengthens attention span, which can aid concentration and learning. Gardening and surrounding ourselves also helps children and adults to achieve academically. A study published by the American Society for Horticultural Science demonstrates the impact of gardening activities as part of a science curriculum. Students who gardened scored significantly higher on a science achievement test than students who studied science in a traditional classroom setting.
Plants make us more productive in the work place as well as making even the most officy offices more enjoyable!
Low self-esteem is an increasingly common experience among adolescents and adults of all ages. Social media and societal norms and structure all play a part. Children and young adults can benefit from taking technology breaks and heading outdoors. Gardening is one way to generate excitement about connecting with nature and the world outside. Adding plants to living spaces and bedrooms can be hugely benifical.
When children take care of plants and watch plants grow, they observe a transformation, learn responsibility and find a grounding in what nature can offer. We can also learn it does not matter what we look like or if we have a mental health issue — we can be nurturers and contribute their love and attention to the world.
We all have to admit that a first birthday party is a little more exciting for the parents, family and family friends than it is (at least initially) for the guest of honour! And here lies, in my opinion, the gem. First birthday parties are a great excuse to have your favourite people gather to celebrate, and they may or may not have little ones in tow. The guest list takes care of the menu, drinks selection and music. No Ham Sandwiches or mini pizza, no squash or lemonade, no Disney soundtracks - well, maybe one or two Moana classics!
So what can you do to keep the guest of honour and token children happy and providing an idyllic backdrop of adorable photo opportunities?
If you follow our Instagram and blog regularly, you will know our own studio toddler Viktor is a huge hand of a box! Any box, any size. If he can’t fit himself inside the box, he sure will find something that will fit in!
For a party, you can leave some cardboard boxes in a corner and let the babies and toddlers explore at will, or you can make a box fort (castle) and tie it into a great theme like Knights and Dragons or Fairytale Adventures (https://www.mustardandgray.com/collections/party-boxes/products/knights-at-dragon-castle-party-invitation-box)
Perfect for the more adorable pictures waggon rides are a bit with babies, toddlers and even older children. The “Toby, All Terrain Wagon Pull Cart Red”, is a perfect example. Pop some blankets in the cart and take the tiny humans for a ride. Make sure you have your cameras and phones at the ready. Everyone enjoys being towed past their adoring fans waving!
Create your own baby soft play area. Ikea sells soft play mats called PLUFSIGfolding gym mat which measure 78x185 cm. Two of these makes a great space. Add a play tunnel, some soft toys and some balls, and you have made mini heaven.
Gather your precious momentoes of your babies first year. Photographs, footprint casts, locks of hair, favourite (but redundant) rattle or toy. Place them in a tin and provide all the guests at the party with paper and pens to write down their thoughts and wishes. Place them into the tin throughout the party and after pop it someplace safe. It’s a fabulous and occasionally funny thing to revisit sometime during the terrible two’s or the teen years!
Gather some of your favourite children’s books and set up a reading corner. Cushions, a blanket and some soft toy friends will make a magical place for the children and adults alike to listen to the adults take turns in enthusiastically reading aloud. With a little planning, you may even be able to gather some story props for a little extra panache.
For ideas of party themes, check out our range of Party Packs that include all the stationery you need to throw a beautiful party. Invitations, activity sheets, party bags, cake toppers, badges, thank you cards and envelopes are all include so your theme runs seamlessly.
Perfect for a first birthday check out our Wild Party Range, Woodland Fairytail and London. Check out our range at https://www.mustardandgray.com/collections/party-boxes
