Wedding stationary is no joke, ya’ll. There is so much that goes into it and so many choices, that it can be hard to wrap your head around what should be included, what the differences are between the different packages, etc. Jaye Whitehead, the wedding invitation designer and founder behind Jaye Bird, seemed like the perfect choice for getting some of our questions answered.
She creates stunning suites: semi-custom and ready-made or works with brides to create their perfect custom suite. Invitations are often the first glimpse people have of your wedding style, and live permanently on people’s fridges, so I personally love when they’re works of art, like the ones from Jaye Bird.
Read on to learn more about Jaye Bird and to get useful tips on when to order and even how to save some money on your wedding invitations.
Please tell me about your company, Jaye Bird.
Jaye Bird is a Florida based creative studio specializing in watercolor wedding stationary and other paper goods including original art prints, greeting cards, calendars and notepads.
How did you get into creating wedding invitations?
When I started Jaye Bird I set out with one intention: create beautiful paper goods. After a few months of designing greeting cards and notepads, two friends asked if I would design the wedding invitations for their upcoming wedding. I, of course, said “YES!”. From the moment we started collaborating I was hooked. Working with couples to create exactly what they’re envisioning for their big day is so exciting and rewarding. I love creating a unique wedding suite that sets the tone for their day.
Where do you seek inspiration for creating these invites?
I think watercolor is such a gorgeous medium for wedding invitations and I find a lot of inspiration in the loose, effortlessness of the paint itself. I think most couples who decide to shop Jaye Bird also love watercolor and are looking for that loose-yet-refined style. Beyond that, I find a lot of inspiration from the beautiful Florida landscape around me.
Tell me about the process of working with a client on a custom invitation suite. What does that look like?
I like to think of the process in stages:
Brainstorming Stage:
I want hear all about your day: colors, themes and what you’re envisioning for your invites. I also like to see any inspiration images you’ve gathered (the more the merrier!) We can chat about your ideas as much or as little as you like. If you only have a general idea of what you’re wanting and trust me to take the reigns, great! If you know exactly what you’re wanting down to specific colors and fonts, that works too! Quantities and exact wording for each piece of their invitations will also be required at this beginning stage.
Creation Stage:
After I feel like I have a good grasp on what the client is wanting, I get to painting!
I create one piece of the invitation suite for approval, usually the main invitation card. This acts as a guide that all the other pieces of the suite will be based off of. Once approved, the rest of the pieces are made for final approval.
Printing Stage:
Once the design is perfected, printing begins and couples can expect their invitations within 4 weeks of final approval.
How long does the full custom invitation process take from initial contact to receiving the final product?
This time frame varies from client to client, depending on brainstorming and approval times. I would say for the average couple the complete process takes 6-8 weeks. A tip – if you are wanting your invitations in the shortest turn around time possible, know what you’re wanting ahead of time!
What is the hardest part about creating a custom wedding invitation?
This ties into what I mentioned in the previous question – when clients are picky but unsure of what they’re wanting. I have fallen guilty of this time and time again in my own life. I don’t always know what I do want…but I definitely know what I don’t want! However, it pays to do your research and come prepared with lots of ideas so you can set your designer up for success!
What is the most fun part about it?
The feeling of collaborating with another person to create a beautiful and unique keepsake is invaluable to me. I am so grateful to get to play a small part in the most special day of a couple’s life!
What does a typical wedding invitation suite include?
This is the most standard lineup i’ve seen:
- Wedding invitation
- Response (RSVP) card & return envelope
- Reception card (if your ceremony and reception are in two different places)
- Directions card or schedule of events card
Why would a bride/groom go custom over semi-custom (and vice versa)? What about semi-custom over ready-made?
Budget! I am completely aware that every couple is working with a different budget and Jaye Bird makes options for everyone.
Custom is the perfect choice for couples looking for totally unique invitations. This is the most expensive option I offer, as it includes a custom design fee.
Semi-Custom is a collection of invitations I have previously created that are outfitting with your specific font, wording, and color choice. This is for the couple looking to avoid custom design costs.
Ready-Made invitations are a collection available for instant download for the budget-friendly couple. Ready made invitations are downloaded as editable PDF’s and the couple is responsible for their own printing.
Where should brides invest in their stationary and where can they cut costs?
Don’t forget the purpose of wedding invitations: to provide your guests with the basics of your special day: addresses, times, etc. There are so many options and expensive additions to wedding invitations now, and it’s easy to get lost in a sea of fancy envelope liners and decorative belly bands.
I would encourage couples to choose a stationary option that fits their budget, the option that they feel most comfortable with. There is no reason to overspend your invitation budget where there are literally thousands of budget-friendly options available on sites like Etsy and Creative Market. Don’t have the budget to work with a designer for something custom? Don’t overthink it – at the end of the day your guests will care a lot more about the names on the invitations vs. the invitations themselves (and that’s coming from an wedding invitation designer!)
How far in advance of their weddings should brides/grooms start working with you? For custom suites? For semi-custom?
Some recommend having completed invitations in hand 6 months before your wedding. I think that depends on how much time you need for assembling and addressing your envelopes (if you’ve hired a calligrapher make sure you coordinate with them). Don’t forget your invitations need to be sent out 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding.
To be safe, I’d recommend reaching out to me 8-9 months prior to your wedding for Custom suites. For Semi-Custom suites I’d recommend 6 months in advance.
How can readers learn more about you and see more of your work?
Come say hi to me on Instagram at @shopjayebird
You can also see more of my work on my website: www.jayebird.com
or my Etsy page: https://www.etsy.com/shop/
