Choosing your stationery is a fun part of the planning process, and the design you choose can set the tone for the whole look and feel of your big day. From the important things like when to send your invitations, down to the finer details, we asked the expert, Henrietta Martindale from The Styled Writing Company for their advice on chic stationery trends for 2024.
The Styled Writing Company is a Calligraphy and Design Studio specialising in Weddings and Events, elegant modern calligraphy, design work, and detailing for all occasions. Founded in 2015 by former event planner Henrietta, the studio has a wealth of experience in project management and event styling, working closely with clients to bring their stationery to life through a considered design journey and beautifully hand-inked customised offerings.
The Styled Writing Company offers a fully immersive and bespoke service, focused on bringing a beautiful and artisanal aesthetic to your special occasion. Working in collaboration with the finest fellow creatives including designers, illustrators, and specialist print houses to produce stunning, memorable stationery elements and customised hand-inked offerings.
What are the coolest trends you have seen for 2024?
There is a real appetite for brush lettering which sets a gorgeous laid back tone. Casting off the shackles of formal styles through use of looser fonts and compositions and introducing playful elements with motifs and illustrations.
Eye catching and striking hand painted signage is becoming popular and sweet keepsake pieces such as personalised fans are a great addition to bridesmaid boxes and party favours.
Soulful brides using deep dark colours such as burgundy and even black in unexpected places – I love the use of a dark hue to create an edgier look
There has also been a continued move towards a more sustainably led wedding, making choices that reduce the footprint and look after the planet. Leading the way are planners like Living For Tomorrow who incorporate this ethos into all of their weddings.
What are couples doing that are ‘unique’ or different?
I love seeing couples really embracing their true style and having the confidence to articulate this through their stationery – doing away with traditional layouts and fonts and being more imaginative and free with the style – I really enjoy taking this more relaxed approach and turning it into something beautiful and impactful for my clients.
How can couples make an impact with their stationery?
For me the two biggest elements for high impact are being true to who you are and celebrating your uniqueness with your style of stationery. You want your guests to open their invitation and think ‘Wow that is so them’.
Setting the tone with the narrative and threading this through all of your stationery elements is important too – from save the dates, and invitations all the way through to your on-the-day stationery. Create that statement and let it shine through along the whole journey.
Any romantic touches they can incorporate?
Handwritten vows or pledges that couples can share before the big day. Notes to ask bridesmaids, maids of honour and groomsmen to be a special part of the day are also thoughtful touches. Or incorporating imagery that means a lot to you as a couple, like a particular flower that can become part of the design of the invitation.
Is the Celestial-inspired trend here to stay?
I think in this uncertain world, we are all drawn to spirituality and the grounding comfort that it can bring. The Celestial trend is not only aesthetically inspiring and beautiful, it resonates with the most human desire for peace and connection to something higher and more profound. Something magical in an anxious world. Where better to incorporate these ideas than your wedding day where you are surrounded by love and starting a journey to a more beautiful place.
Can guests make an impact with dramatic botanicals or dried flowers?
Oh yes absolutely! There are some incredible dried flowers on the market that can make beautiful sculptural statements. It is also a perfect opportunity to get crafty and start collecting and drying your own foliage which you can style on the day and then keep forever.
Are Crests and Monograms still popular?
I would say they can still be a fun detail and great for wedding websites when you want a strong and eye catching point of reference. They also look great pressed into wax seals on your envelopes.
And finally, what’s next for The Styled Writing Company this year?
Next year I will be celebrating 10 years of my business, so I am feeling more energised and inspired than ever as I lead up to this milestone. I have some wonderful wedding stationery to design and scribe, as well as lots of exciting brand events too. I love to work across both sectors.
I am really enjoying designing digitally on my iPad which allows me the freedom to return to my natural handwriting style and bring this to life in a creative way. I am looking forward to harnessing all my experience from this last decade and taking The Styled Writing Co to new heights, forging joyful and collaborative relationships with my clients as we embark on their stationery journey together.
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