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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

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
Looking for ways to streamline your wedding statio Looking for ways to streamline your wedding stationery planning? I have just the thing! I've put together my top 5 tips for stress-free wedding stationery - link in profile.⠀⁠
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#weddingplanningtips #notredamewedding #weddingstationery #weddinginvitations  #custominvitations #midwestbride #chicagobride #invitationdesigner #customstationery #iloveletterpress #dailydoseofpaper #persuepretty #michiganwedding
Tiny details like this make my heart happy ♥️⁠
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#letterpressinvitations #custominvitations #stationerydesginer #blacktiewedding #blacktiepreferred #banterandcharm #monogrameverything #navyweddinginvitations #georgiabride #southernweddings #dailydoseofpaper #invitationdetails #letterpresslove #classicinvitations #blacktie
Nicholas and Victoria's invitation suite for their Nicholas and Victoria's invitation suite for their wedding in Philadelphia featured so many of my favorite things! Wax seal ✔️ Vellum ✔️ Foil ✔️ Venue Illustration ✔️ Colored envelopes ✔️ Hand calligraphy ✔️⁠
Absolutely in love with how it all came together 😍⁠
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#banterandcharm #venueillustration #venuesketch #customweddinginvitations #letterpress #onmydesk #behindthescenes #wip #letterpressinvitations #customstationerydesigner #goldfoilweddinginvitations #fineartwedding
The Basilica invitation, but make it gold foil 😍⁠
Absolutely love the way Katie and John customized this classic invitation suite! So many special touches from the thick cotton paper to the watercolor envelope liner in navy blue envelopes, and how perfect are the tiny illustrations of the Notre Dame stadium and dome on the weekend events card?⁠
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#basilicabride #notredamewedding #venue_ND #chicagowedding #midwestbride #notredamebasilica #notredame #letterpressinvitations #customstationery #custominvitation #iloveletterpress #goldwedding #basilicaofthesacredheart #custominvitationdesigner #weddinginspo⁣⁠ #foilstamping
Thanksgiving is over, so it’s okay to talk about Thanksgiving is over, so it’s okay to talk about Christmas now, right? Well, if you haven’t ordered your holiday cards yet, now is the time!
I was (sort of) on top of the game this year - we took family photos on one of the last days of warm weather in Michigan. Went the DIY route again for photos (because I never learn), but the kids mostly cooperated and we ended up with some good ones. Now I just have to narrow down my favorites and decide on a Christmas card design 😊⁠
I absolutely love having a yearly family photo! These kids are growing so fast, and years from now I know I'll love looking back on these memories ♥️⁠
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#meetthemaker #behindthescenes #wahm #mompreneur
Although I'm not offering a holiday collection at Although I'm not offering a holiday collection at Banter & Charm this year, I do have a variety of Christmas cards available through @minted and @zazzle !⁠
Follow the link in my profile for a round up of funny Christmas cards perfect for families with kids!⁠
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#mintedartist #holidaycards #christmascards #sendmoresnailmail #funnychristmascards #christmasmeme #happymail #snailmailrevolution
In love with letterpress, but still want to includ In love with letterpress, but still want to include a photo on your save the date? Try this gorgeous combo: your photo is digitally printed on soft cotton paper and the text and details are printed in letterpress for a perfectly classic look.⁠
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#banterandcharm #savethedate #letterpressinvitations⁠
#letterpresslove #basilicabride #michiganweddings⁠
#michiganwedding #classicinvitations #weddingpaper #weddingstationery #michiganbride
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