Downey & Co

We would love to tell you, but we're sworn to secrecy

Creative, Thoughtful, Detailed, Luxurious and Memorable

We are a 3rd generation owned and managed family business, our longevity and values give us a huge sense of pride

As we all know, wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming. Our tip is, don't forget to enjoy the creative process when planning the invitations and stationery suite. We are here to help you at every stage and will guide through the process and technical details at all times.

On one occasion, a groom asked us to assist with a very special gift for his Bride. He had written her a list of promises that was to be given to her on their wedding day. We had a bespoke scroll made and our calligrapher wrote those promises onto a parchment which was then rolled, tied with a ribbon and placed into a handmade box. That gift was surely one of the most personal and romantic gestures we've been honoured to assist with.

Initially we begin with a meeting in person or via video call, often with their planner also. At this stage, we want to hear all their inspirations, ideas, likes and dislikes. From here we can understand what is in mind and then we can begin to establish the most suitable proposal. We can share samples of our work for inspiration for materials, print processes and hand finishing. We will then be able to arrange a quotation for the work involved along with any material/print samples required. Once accepted, we then begin the artwork stage and will present mood boards or concepts for focusing and clarification of the final design. Once approved, we go to print production and then arrange all calligraphy or any hand finishing prior to delivery. There are often four stages of production. We start at the ‘Save the Date’ stage, which is followed by the main invitation and accompanying items and then comes the items required for the day, service books, menus and place cards for example. Lastly, the thank you cards and envelopes to be sent by the newlyweds.

Perhaps the answer to this is the humble envelope. Often the forgotten element of a stationery suite which plays the practical role of housing the invitations, however it has a very important part to play. It is the very first impression a guest will see of the entire wedding. It lays the foundations of expectation for the whole event and ceremony. Even before the envelope is opened, you can create the experience. It is often a missed opportunity, but you can make an amazing envelope using a special paper, it can be textured or patterned, written with calligraphy or sealed with a bespoke wax seal. It could display a custom monogram that has been embossed to the flap. What an opportunity to set the tone and it can so easily be missed.

More often these days we are seeing an invitation suite that is enclosed within a bespoke box. Guests are being given an experience at the very first connection to the wedding and the big day ahead. Memories are created and anticipation along with excitement is instilled.

One couple we worked with dispatched a whole fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms to hand deliver each invitation to their guests.

Thoughtfulness and personal touches throughout the design are a great opportunity to add romance. With subtle details throughout their stationery that can have great meaning but only be known to the couple. It could be in the form of a bespoke Coat of Arms design that features various symbols reflecting memories of the relationship. Perhaps a hand drawn illustration that incorporates their favourite holiday destinations or shared experiences. It’s these little details that can make the stationery from good, to great.