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Main Content

DESIGN

is in the details
CUSTOMIZE EVERYTHING

or leave the details to me

The options are endless when it comes to wedding stationery: inserts, envelopes, printing processes- the list seems unending! That’s where I come in. I’ll guide you through each choice, offering suggestions and expert advice every step of the way.
You can choose to be blissfully unaware of all the tiny details and trust me to hand everything. Or you can be a well informed collaborator on each aspect. The extent of your involvement in the design process is completely up to you!

BLISSFULLY UNAWARE


- you already know exactly what you want

- too many choices overwhelm you

- you would rather be reading a good book

- you’re great at delegating tasks

- your to-do list is already overflowing

Delegate away! That's what I'm here for.

SCHEDULE A CONSULT

WELL INFORMED


- reading the instruction manual is a must

- your to-do list is color coded

- technical terms are your love language

- you confidently mix and match your wardrobe

- you’re not afraid to improvise while cooking

Ready to nerd out with some stationery terms? Keep reading!

SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE DETAILS

PRINTING STYLES

From the time-honored technique of letterpress to modern flat printing, I partner with the finest printers to ensure your stationery is impeccably crafted. Not sure which style to choose? I’m here to offer suggestions that will perfectly suit your style and desired investment.

You can (and are encouraged to) mix printing styles within your suite. For example, choose foil stamping for the invitation and letterpress printing for the inserts. Or combine foil stamping with a watercolor background in flat printing.

COMPARE ALL PRINTING STYLES
gold foil stamping

FOIL STAMPING

A heated die is used to press a sheet of thin metallic foil to paper. The resulting design will have a light reflecting, shiny finish – perfect for achieving a brilliant metallic gold or copper.

letterpress printing

LETTERPRESS

Ink is applied to a custom printing plate, then pressed into paper using an antique printing press, creating an impression in the paper. An uninked plate is used for blind letterpress.

white ink flat printing

SPECIALTY FLAT PRINT

Ink lays flat on the paper, leaving a smooth finish. Opaque white ink is available for printing on dark paper and envelopes OR choose a dark ink on colored paper.

flat printing

FLAT PRINT

Ink lays flat on the paper, leaving a smooth finish. The resulting stationery can feature an unlimited number of colors. Flat print inks are matte; metallic inks are not available.

PAPERS & ENVELOPES

Paper is the foundation of your invitation suite. Choose from traditional bright white and off white, or if you are looking for something unique, I’m always happy to seek out the perfect fit for your stationery.

browse paper & envelope colors
signature paper colors

HOUSE PAPERS

Fluorescent White or Pearl White 100% cotton paper is offered for all printing methods.

envelope colors

COLORS

A variety of colored paper stocks are available for screen printing, letterpress, and foil stamping and for envelopes.

envelope colors

THICKNESS

Upgrade to double thick paper for a luxurious look. As thick as two pieces of single ply paper, it’s perfect to show off edge painting.

STATIONERY SIZES

Signature Banter & Charm wedding invitations and save the dates are 5”x7” (also know as “A7” size). Prefer something bigger or unique? Oversized invitations (5.5” x 8.5”, aso referred to as “Royalty” size) and square invitations are also available.

The A7 size is also used for large insert cards, programs, dinner menu cards, and table numbers. Insert cards are available in A6 size, A2 size, 4bar size, and mini size (business card sized). The 2“ square size can be used as a seal or favor tag, and the 9.25”x3.875” size is a favorite for programs and menus.

What cards do I need?
a7 wedding invitation
invitation size options
wedding invitation sizes

DIE CUT SHAPES

Add a unique finish to your stationery with a die cut shape! A custom die is used to trim the paper into various shapes. There is an additional cost for die cutting. Banter & Charm’s signature options are shown below, but custom shapes are available.

die cut shapes
die cut shape options

ENVELOPE ADDRESSING

Banter & Charm offers guest addressing in flat printing and hand calligraphy. How will you address your envelopes?

VIEW ENVELOPE ADDRESSING TIPS
envelope addressing for invitations

ENVELOPE LINERS

Add a pop of color, a fun pattern, a vintage floral illustration, or even a map of the state where your wedding will be!

Liner patterns can also be used for backers and belly bands.

SOLID COLORS PATTERNS VINTAGE FLORAL + MAPS WATERCOLOR + ABSTRACT
vintage floral envelope liner
custom vintage map envelope liners
tropical envelope liner
envelope liner colors

KEEPING IT TOGETHER

Looking for a way to keep all the pieces of your invitation suite together? Wrap it up with a belly band or folder, or even add a pocket- the perfect place to slip those little insert cards.

Looking for something you don't see here? Just ask! I love experimenting with new materials and processes!

BELLY BANDS VELLUM WRAPS POCKET FOLDERS SILK RIBBON
vellum belly band
printed vellum overlay
silk ribbon with tag

REAL WEDDING INSPIRATION

Having a hard time picturing how it will all come together? See how previous brides have customized their wedding invitations in the portfolio.

Love what you see? Take any look and make it yours in a few simple steps.

GET INSPIRED

FINISHING TOUCHES

Looking for the perfect finishing touch? Top off your invitation with a custom wax seal, or add a monogram tag to your belly band. Want to add an extra pop of color? Paint the edges of your stationery in metallic gold, silver, or even bright pink! Layer a piece of colored cardstock behind your invitation so it stands out from the rest of the suite.

Looking for something you don't see here? Just ask! I love experimenting with new materials and processes!

WAX SEALS EDGE PAINTING LAYERS TAGS
custom monogram tag for belly band
metallic gold edge painting
wax seals for wedding invitations
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ABOUT ME

I’m Sarah, and I create tailor-made wedding stationery for brides that need a simple, classic invitation design with just the right amount of personality.

Banter & Charm is a Michigan wedding invitation design studio based in St. Joseph. Not local? I serve brides throughout Michigan and northern Indiana, Notre Dame, Chicago, the Midwest, and across the US. Read More…

Make sure your invitations are

EMILY POST-APPROVED

Avoid common etiquette mistakes with this free guide.

CONTACT

Feel free to contact me anytime:

 hello@banterandcharm.com

 Schedule a phone consultation

BANTER & CHARM

205 Main Street #331
St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
–
by appointment only

banterandcharm

Wax seals are on trend for wedding invitations rig Wax seals are on trend for wedding invitations right now! The wonderful thing about these seals is how versatile they can be. Wax seals aren't just for envelopes anymore, and I'm sharing 5 unique ways to use wax seals in your wedding stationery on the blog today! (link in profile)⠀⁠
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#theweddingstationeryguide #weddingplanning #weddingtips #invitationideas #fineartweddings #invitationdetails #weddingstationery #weddinginspo #stationerydesigner #waxseal
Tying a few pretty bows 🎀⁠ .⁠ I love postin Tying a few pretty bows 🎀⁠
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I love posting time-lapse videos - let's be honest, they're more fun to watch! - but they're deceptive. Even though you know the video is sped up, it's hard to tell how much. So I wanted to share one in real time in case you were thinking about assembling your own invitations.⁠
It took me about 1 minute to stack the pieces, wrap the ribbon, and tie 1 bow. I was going a little slower than normal to make it easier to see what was going on, but it still takes time! And if you've never done it before, it will probably take longer.⁠
So if you're tackling any part of your invitation assembly, make sure to give yourself plenty of time! (At least double the amount you think you need is a safe estimate)⁠
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#banterandcharm #behindthescenes #fineartwedding #assemblyday #basilicabride #venueND #NotreDameBasilica #notredameweddings #custominvitations #weddinginvitations #letterpress
Madison said "very very thick paper is a must" for Madison said "very very thick paper is a must" for her wedding stationery, so very very thick is what we did! The invitation was printed on 4-ply museum board, and when you have a piece of paper with edges like that you have to add a little gold edge painting.⁠
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#customweddinginvitations #thickpaper #edgepainting #dailydoesofpaper #floridawedding #keylargoweddings #oceanreefclub #goldfoil #fineartweddings #banterandcharm #customstationery #ilovepaper #weddingdetails #blacktiepreferred
The prettiest dusty blue invitations for Maura and The prettiest dusty blue invitations for Maura and Zach's wedding at @EtreFarms 😍⁠
Featuring letterpress on crisp white cotton paper with hand deckled edges. A coordinating "wedding weekend events" card featured sweet illustrations to highlight the different celebrations taking place that weekend, like a welcome party and morning after brunch.⁠
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#customweddinginvitations #michiganweddings #lovemibride #etrefarms #fineartwedding #deckleedge #letterpressweddinginvitations #letterpress #customstationery #banterandcharm
It's common to want to cross "stationery" off your It's common to want to cross "stationery" off your wedding to-do list once the invitations are finished, but there is so much more to your wedding paper! Think about all the items you'll need on the big day: table number, escort cards, menus, signs, programs . . .  Let's give them the same attention as your invitation suite so your stationery is flawless from start to finish.⁠
The best time to get started on day of stationery like this? I like to begin about the time you mail your invitations. This lets us finish up the design just in time for your RSVPs to start rolling in, and then you're not rushing around at the last minute to finalize everything!⁠
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#banterandcharm #midwestwedding  #chicagobride #southwestmichiganweddings #stationerydesigner #weddinginvitation #basilicabride #weddingstationery #customweddinginvitations #ceremonyprogram #ndBasilica #notredameweddings
So you’ve tackled your wedding invitation wordin So you’ve tackled your wedding invitation wording, figured out your RSVP by date and reply card wording, and decided whether you need a reception card or not. But where do you put your wedding website? And what about hotel accommodations, directions, and the welcome dinner details? Getting overwhelmed? Don’t worry! Today I’m going to share some insert card wording samples for all those other detail cards you might need in your invitation suite - just follow #theweddingstationeryguide link in my profile.⁠
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#weddingstationery #weddingpaper #weddinginvitations #weddingplanningtips #letterpressinvitations #dailydoseofpaper #weddinginvitationdesigner #custominvitations #invitationtips #chicagobride #midwestwedding⁠
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It's almost the weekend! That means it's time for It's almost the weekend! That means it's time for a quick #fridayintroductions ⁠
Hello! I'm Sarah - I’m a Midwest girl, born and raised in southwest Michigan where I still live today. I’m married to the love of my life, Jake, and am a mom to two adorable children, Abby and Alex. I believe in God and good manners, I treasure family traditions (both old and new), and I’m passionate about beautiful typography and pretty paper. ⁠
Fortunately, my passion is also my full-time job, and I spend my days designing wedding invitations for sweet brides through my stationery company, Banter & Charm. My side hustles also involve designing! Whether it's holiday cards for @minted or funny t-shirt on @zazzle I'm happiest when I'm able to put my creative talents to good use.⁠
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#risingtidesociety #behindthescenes #meetthemaker #wahm #mompreneur #weddinginvitationdesigner #customstationery #weddinginvitations #michiganwedding #selfmadecreative #midwestwedding
I can't think of a better way to make your wedding I can't think of a better way to make your wedding invitations stand out in the mail than with hand calligraphy 😍 How often is it that you received a piece of mail with your name handwritten on it? And when the calligraphy is as gorgeous as this work by @madebymeer , the envelope becomes a personalized piece of art!⁠
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#sendmoresnailmail #snailmailrevolution #calligraphy #weddinginvitations #custominvitations #michiganweddinginvitations #notredameweddings #basilicabride #venueND #weddingpaper #weddinginspo
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