Period 6: Your Invitations & Etiquette with Heather O’Brien Design

Each week, I will be introducing the amazing vendors & speakers that will be “Teaching” at The Dairing Bride Academy. Each expert is one of Jacksonville’s Premier Wedding Vendors and have a wealth of knowledge to share with the Brides in attendance!
Because it is an “Educational Workshop” each session will be a “Period” of the day, just like when we were in school!
Without further ado, Class is in Session!

What did you do before you were a Paper Designer Extraordinaire?

I actually went to school for Graphic Design, so I’ve always been in the design industry. I started out with corporate marketing right out of college while I was planning my own wedding. That’s when I decided to attempt my own wedding stationery. I fell in love with the whole wedding stationery world and started my business the following year! I’ve been doing this for about 5 years now and can honestly say it is the best job (I mean who wouldn’t want to play with pretty papers all day?!)! I have the pleasure of working with so many amazing couples and I get to hear their love stories. I see their vision for their wedding unfold from the save-the-dates all the way to the thank you cards and everything in between!

Where do you get the inspiration for your design?

My inspiration comes from the wonderful couples I am designing for. We sit down and have a one-on-one consultation so I can get to know them, their lifestyle, their likes and dislikes, their vision for the wedding, etc. I take that and turn it into something that will give their guests an amazing sneak peek of their big day! Most people don’t realize that this is the first “piece of the wedding” that their guest will see, whether it starts with a save-the-date or the actual invitation. I take the inspiration from our meeting and make sure I create something that not only the couple loves, but the guest do as well!

Scalloped Edges or Painted Edges?

Painted edges for sure! I try and keep all of my designs very clean and classic to signify the importance of what the invitation represents, but love to dress them up in fun ways, whether it be colorful backings, lined envelopes, letterpress printing, soft ribbon, or painted edges! All of these details turn the invitation into a pretty little package for all of your guests!

What are your favorite color combinations?

I’m a sucker for the softer colors. My favorites over the last year that have been pretty popular are the warmed whites, ivory, soft pinks, peaches, and golds. They are so soft and feminine and are a dream to work with! Picture peonies, garden roses, and hydrangeas… swoon!

Oddest Request on Paper goods?

Hmmm…. I’ve had a few “interesting” wedding themes cross my path over the years. The two that really stand out are a Zelda themed wedding and a Nightmare Before Christmas wedding. We never ended up designing for these weddings, but I sure would have loved to see the pictures!

What should Brides look forward to learning from you at The DBA?

I am SO excited for DBA! I come across so many brides who don’t realize what all can be involved in the wedding stationery process, everything from wording etiquette, to the timing of when to send items out, to what pieces can be included. I am thrilled that I will be outlining all of those items at DBA! I will go into detail on some etiquette do’s and don’t’s, as well as talk about the ideal timeline to have all your pieces completed by and what the possibilities are (more than just invitations)! I bet you didn’t know that you could have programs, menus, seating charts, table numbers, favors, and more designed to match your beautiful invitations! There is so much wonderful knowledge in store for you! I can’t wait to meet you!