*Guest Post* by Ruby & Willow: Wedding Paper

Today's post comes to you all the way from New Zealand from the amazing, sweet, and lovely Miss Kate of Ruby&Willow & Magnolia Rouge.  Not only is she an amazingly talented paper designer, but also one of the most fantastic & supportive people I have "met" in my wedding planning process (she is also the organizer of my virtual shower from last week - love it so much - cannot thank you enough).

Hi, I'm Kate from Ruby & Willow (and wedding blog Magnolia Rouge) and I'm so delighted to be a guest on Erin's lovely blog while she's off basking in newly wed glory!! As a stationer - or stationista as a friend recently called me - I love it when couples want their stationery to be focal point of the design of their wedding. Whilst the main focus is generally on the invitation piece itself, it's great when I get the opportunity to dress up what could otherwise be a functional map, into something that works in with the look and design of the stationery suite. These are a few samples of ones I've done recently. The best part for me is that I get to do some virtual travelling when I do them for different parts of the world :-)

I love doing fun hand drawn one's like the top right one below... but bear in mind it should fit in with the general feel of your wedding. This is perfect for a more casual outdoor wedding. Personalise it with landmarks that may mean something to you.

Another piece I love doing - save the date invitations. This is a great way to start to introduce the look and feel of your day; it's the beginning of the anticipation for your guests. You can get really creative and playful with save the dates. Put a little calender on there with the date highlighted, have a fun hand drawn sketch of you and your fiance, or use a favourite photo (perhaps from your engagement shoot) combined with some design elements that will follow on your invite.

Save the Dates can simply state the date and venue (or even just the city if venue isn't confirmed) or they can be an opportunity to provide more detailed information about accommodation and transport options, particularly if you're getting married at a busy time of year and options book up quickly.

I hope this has given you a few ideas for your stationery. Remember to choose a designer who's work you love rather than who's budget you love. Most stationers will be able to offer suggestions on how you can get the look you want within your budget. And choose something that really speaks of you as a couple. You can see more on my website, blog or Etsy shop.

Thanks for having me Erin and congratulations!!