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Stationery has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. As a teenager I’d spend hours browsing the aisles of WH Smith, searching for the perfect jotter, fountain pen or pencil case. Even now, I’d be more likely to splurge on a silky paged pad or a gorgeous set of pencils than fast fashion. Paperchase is a weakness and don’t even get me started on Smythson.
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And so it was that when I was sourcing my own wedding stationery, I knew exactly wanted: something classic, crisp and expensive looking (with silver dipped edges, thank you very much) but (and here’s the rub!) that wouldn’t break the budget. Whilst I am firmly of the opinion that even the very first Save The Date you send sets the tone for your day, I didn’t want to compromise on my day for the sake of pretty paper. Or at least that’s what I tried to convince myself.
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Luckily, I didn’t have to do much persuading. My research into the Northern industry pre (and post) wedding has uncovered some really great stationers who cater for every taste from classy to kitsch without breaking the bank.
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Today we chat to Paper Themes, one of the fabulous sponsors who make this blog possible, and an online retailer who can provide the magic mix of bulk at a budget, whilst keeping the elegance alive. Unlike some other online companies, their designers are also willing to work with you to add a bespoke touch too. Let’s meet them.
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Tell Brides Up North about Paper Themes?
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The Paper Themes brand is over 20 years old, however the wedding invitations website has only been live for the last 5 years, with the latest design only a couple of months. Paper Themes stock a multitude of different wedding related products including; Favour Boxes, Jewels and Trims, Ribbons, Favour Sweets and Chocolates, Organza Favour Bags and Cristal Tulle, Favour Pails, Lottery Ticket Holders, Cake Boxes, Table Accessories, Table Decorations, Table Numbers and Holders, Table Plans, Balloons, Disposable Cameras, Confetti, Guest Books, Personalised Labels, Post Boxes and we are always looking for something new!
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What does the Paper Themes service include?
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Most designs are available in the following products: Wedding Invitations, Save the Date Cards, Evening Invitations, Reply Cards, Order of Service, Place Cards, Thank You Cards, Table Numbers and Holders, Table Plans, Menus and Personalised Labels. All our designs are great value for money and our wedding invitations start from just £1.50.
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The beauty of our website is that all designs can be personalised using our invitation editor. However if a bride wants something specific either because she likes a design but requires a different colour or a design that isn’t currently on our website then our experienced design team can tailor a design for her. You only have to ask!
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Does all the stationery have to match?
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Not necessarily – It is really dependant on your own taste, but we would say it’s not worth sticking with a design that you don’t like, just because it matches the save the date you have already sent, for example.
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Most of our designs do have matching components, but if you want to mix it up, an idea might be to choose stationery from the same range but vary the colour – it’s your day, your rules!
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What would be your top tips for Brides Up North when choosing their wedding stationery?
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1) Think about your budget.
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2) Decide what impression you want to make with your invitations.
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3) Decide whether they need to match your overall colour scheme.
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4) Order samples to ensure you’re happy with the quality.
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5) Plan well in advance to take the pressure off yourself.
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What would be your no-nos for Brides Up North when choosing their wedding stationery?
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1) Don’t settle on a stationary design if it is anything less than perfect for you – Just get in touch to see what we can do to turn a design you like into a design you love!
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2) Don’t leave it until the last minute – If you haven’t got the final details in place send a Save the Date card instead, they’re a great way of getting your big day in your loved one’s diaries early to ensure they can share your special day with you.
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3) Don’t plan your stationary choice (& wedding for that matter!) around what you think everyone else will like, it’s your day be true to your own taste!
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4) Have a think about your venue and whether your guests be able to find it? Don’t leave out this information – if space isn’t permitted on your chosen design, we will be happy to suggest extra, coordinating cards so everyone makes it to the church on time!
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5) Don’t go over budget! We have something on our website for everyone, you don’t have to break the bank.
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Which of your ranges would you recommend for a Bride on a budget?
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For brides on a budget who would still like an eye-catching, contemporary design take a look at the Wedding Fete range. We have taken inspiration from the vintage/country garden theme that is definitely on-trend, injecting colour into your day. The range is printed on a Buckingham felt board, so luxury without the price tag!
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For those who wish to spend a bit more we have an array of beautiful pocket wallets and buckle embellished designs, which look really spectacular.
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Our ‘Elegance’ design will always be one of our best sellers as around 80% of our brides opt for traditional colour schemes – like the classic white wedding dress, it is timeless design!
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What sets Paper Themes apart from its competitors?
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We don’t see ourselves as just an online retailer, ultimately we want to help and advise our brides (& grooms) on every aspect of their journey to married life. We know from dealing with brides every day that it can be a happy but stressful time and we want to try and ease the pressure by ensuring they have everything they’ll need in one place.
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What’s new for Paper Themes in 2012?
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We regularly run promotions for different products and services. We’re constantly bring new designs and products to market. With the new website design we have launched a whole new product range, so everything on the website is either new or improved. Watch out for our new DIY section coming in the New Year!
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How long do you take to turn around an order?
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Naturally, it takes us time to craft and personalise the perfect wedding stationery, so we ask to allow about two weeks for an order to be fulfilled.
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How can I get in touch to discuss my requirements or place an order?
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You can order online, but if you would like to discuss anything with us, or have any special requests, you can email us at info@paperthemes.co.uk or call us 0845 120 6004 and we’ll be happy to help! You can also follow us on Twitter @paperthemes to see new designs, themes, seek advice and share your stories!
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Why do you read Brides Up North?
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Real Weddings! Our design team are great when it comes to new concepts for wedding stationary, but we need to know what our brides want. We love finding out what elements come together to create the most perfect Real Weddings and we put this into our designs!
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Paper Themes
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