Someone posted an interesting request today re request for help in thinking of ideas for invitation that doubles as a souvenir. It's only appropriate that we address the question here since we get this inquiry quite a bit as well. This seems to be a recent trend and it makes perfect practical sense. Although, as in everything else, budget requirements play a big part in choosing this route.
Let's start Ideas 101: Invites-Souvenir rolled into one, Idea #1
1) Invitations-in-a-box : a great quality box (especially if it's covered in fabric or designer/specialty paper) will always have practical use after the event and your guests will surely love to receive them. High-end invitationers in the US have set the trend a few years back and this idea used to be available only to their ultra-rich clientele who simply wanted an invitation "that's absolutely nothing like the others" or if you want to be snotty about it "that simply spells Expensive!". Dupioni silk is the coveted material for any fabric-based invitation and it sure is an invitation that defies the traditional idea that "guests just throw away invitations so why spend for it?". Who in their right mind will throw away such a beautiful box? If you give away something (invitation, giveaway, gift) that is worth keeping then that's value for your money.
Seeing such a novel idea a few years back and aghast at how much high-end invitation companies in the US were selling it for (minimum $40-50 EACH and depending on materials, labor and embellishments required and printing preferred of course, prices could be more) back prompted me (Joanne) to rebel against the "system" so-to-speak! Found a way to offer it at a more reasonable price without sacrificing quality---the clients that followed after we're ecstatic! Understandably, invitations with box packaging still cost more than traditional invitations and those that may fit into paper envelopes but we sure can achieve the same hi-end look and feel without spending your house downpayment on them!
We remember our very first client (Chicago-based bride, Ann Maravilla) who was the recipient of such good fortune. While we were discussing ideas for her invites, she emailed us with an image of an invitation in a box and said casually---"well, you asked about what my ideal invitation is and it would really be THIS" with matching "hahaha!" And to that we had this to say, "So, what if we tell you we can make your dream invitation for so much less?"
The rest is history...thanks Ann for inspiring us to challenge the high-end norm and for giving us the opportunity to make our very first invitations-in-a-box, years back!
And lest we forget, thanks Gracie & Sean (our very first dupioni-based fabric pocket folder in a box client!) for the opportunity to see what "unified" and "coordinated" wedding style is supposed to be done! Your dreamy sage & pink & brown tropical-inspired wedding staged against the beautiful Santa Barbara, California panoramic view was such a delight to be a part of!
More Photos of Invitation-in-a-Box (Each souvenir-invitation box can be customized according to your preference)
Other ideas to follow...
