As event guest lists become more global, as the digital age extends to more and more aspects of our lives, and as the need to look after our planet becomes increasingly more urgent, so also paperless stationery has seen a rise in popularity. Here at Ananya we are, of course, lovers of paper and printing craftmanship, but more importantly, we are lovers of celebrations, stories, and the wonderful ways in which people connect. For those of you unsure of which route to take, we thought we’d discuss some of the key points to consider – and we’d love to hear your ideas, too!
A number of digital frameworks (such as Paperless Post, whom we can work alongside) now exist which integrate digital save-the-dates and invitations with other useful elements like online maps, easy online RSVPs, info apps, and much more, which can streamline the process. This can be particularly useful if many of your guests live too far for reliable and quick postage, and if you like the idea of easy connectivity with your attendees. The other side of this is that these kinds of template-based systems will limit your design to what is available, so a compromise may have to be made on design style and uniqueness. Moreover, there may be older generations in your guest list that can’t easily be reached via email or social media, so reach can sometimes be affected.
Digital stationery is more eco friendly, and removing the paper trail reduces the impact on the planet’s forests. If this is important to you, but you’re not sure you can bring yourself to eliminate the stationery element completely, it is also possible to be sustainability-conscious while still opting for paper. For example, you can reduce the inserts in your invitations by directing people to your wedding or event website for any extra details. You can also speak to your stationer about using recycled materials, vegetable-based inks, plantable paper products embedded with seeds, cotton items, or even bamboo options.
From a customisation and sophistication point of view, of course paper stationery is the obvious choice – with limitless possibilities on illustrations, texture, colours, foil, embossing, wax seals, and so much more. However, if digital invitations and save the dates make more practical sense in order to get your guests TO your event, why not wow them with some extra detailed on-the-day event stationery. Perhaps the stationery suite could include personalised favours, bespoke illustrations, or hand-finished touches. This increased customisation, of course, comes at a cost, with digital stationery adding a smaller financial outlay to the overall event budget spend.
Last but definitely not least, there is the experience – emails are now an inescapable part of our routine, both personal and professional, and certainly an inbox notification does not compare to the feeling of seeing your name in calligraphy, and gently revealing the contents of a letter or invitation. For your close family, this may even become a treasured keepsake, cherished for many years to come, and a trigger for the happiest of memories. If you like this idea, but still want to opt for a fully digital suite, why not choose some meaningful paper thank you cards to send out to your guests after the event – surprising them with a little something that reminds them of what a wonderful celebration it all was.
Ultimately, it all comes down to your priorities, preference, and style, and both options have some great advantages to consider. If you’d like to brainstorm together, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.