Julia Ogden produces handmade, one off wedding stationery,
completely unique
to each couple. Viewing her designs as art works in their own right, we meet the artist behind the inks…Julia is currently offering 10% off all packages until Valentines Day. In addition to that Brides Up North readers will have a free screen print when they place their stationery order, including the bride and groom’s names and their wedding date. Quote Brides Up North when booking.
Images by Sarah Mason Photography.
What is the story behind your business and your background?
julia says:
I began my wedding stationery business in 2013. I studied illustration at University and have always had a love of combining text and image, so when a gallery (Heart Gallery, Hebden Bridge) I supplied artwork to, mentioned they were having a wedding fair I jumped at the chance to create a stationery range for it.Who is a “Julia Ogden” bride?
A Julia Ogden bride has a love of handmade, bespoke items. They would want their stationery to give a true sense of their relationship; loves, places and memories.
Where are you based?
I am based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. I can work by appointment or if the client is further afield I can work online; emailing stationery ideas and sketches.
Tell us about your gorgeous hand printed designs?
Each design I make is tailor made so I am happy to make any products the client would wish for. I do have packages on my website but I can always quote for additional items. The invitations are hand screen printed by me in Hebden Bridge.
Is every design really completely bespoke?
I begin the process of making the invitations by chatting to the couple and getting to know them (online or in person). I then sketch some ideas for their stationery, these could be based on their wedding location, the bride and grooms favourite things or to match the colour palette of their wedding. When the couple have decided on their favourite design I then screen print them.
This is a hand printed process; pushing ink through a thin mesh screen with the design on it to make the image. Every single invite is hand printed in this way and therefore truly bespoke. I draw all the illustrations for the invites and pride myself on them being completely unique to each couple.
What style of stationery designs do you think will be popular for next season?
I think a strong motif for the stationery will be popular; an image that ties all the stationery together. For example I made a range of stationery for a couple and their last name was Parrott so I designed a parrot motif that featured throughout the stationery in some way.
Envelopes are no longer plain, which makes sense as this is the first thing your guest will see. I either hand print envelopes or make envelopes from hand printed paper with a pretty button fastening.
I believe there is a continuing trend for weddings with an outdoor element and nature is still a popular theme for basing stationery illustrations on.
What other products do you offer?
I offer table plans in all my stationery packages and for any additional stationery I am happy to give a quote. Personalised screen prints are available and a perfect way to remember your special day.
Who would be your dream client?
I always feel very privileged if a couple wants me to make their stationery as it is for their one special day. My dream client would be a couple that are excited about the possibilities of a handmade product; not being bound by paper that can go through a printer or stock images. My stationery style is illustrative, so I would envisage that bespoke drawings would feature in the design.
What would be your top five tips for Brides Up North when choosing their wedding stationery?
My top tips for choosing wedding stationery are:
Don’t be afraid of ordering a product that is handmade; it means it will be more adaptable to your needs and budget.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a clear idea of what you want your stationery to look like, a wedding stationer should be able to send you sketches or show you samples to give you ideas.
Do check the stationer’s previous commissions and testimonials, these will give you a flavour of their work and process.
Ask for samples of the paper that your invites will be printed on. Paper choice can make such a difference in making your stationery special.
Do choose stationery that you would want to keep to remember your day.
Does all the stationery have to match?
I think that can be the preference of the bride and groom; I have made ranges that match and others that have had different elements and drawings on each piece of stationery.
What are your prices and are you doing any special offers?
I have a range of packages (with everything you need) starting at £795 including up to 100 invites with envelopes, place cards and an A3 table plan (one colour print).
For all those items (up to 150 printed) plus extras including additional bunting, thank you cards and in two colours it is £1,395. All artwork preparation and communication is included in the price.
I am currently offering 10% off all packages until Valentines Day. In addition to that Brides Up North readers will have a free screen print when they place their stationery order, including the bride and groom’s names and their wedding date. Quote Brides Up North when booking.
Which of your ranges would you recommend for a Bride on a budget or if money was no object?
For a bride on a budget I would suggest my “you can have your cake and eat it” package as this has everything you need. If money was no object then I would suggest “the icing on the cake” as it is a range that is printed in more colours and includes decorative items such as bunting.
Which designs are your bestsellers?
I individually design my stationery for each bride, but the most popular illustrations for the stationery are nature based.
How long do you take to turn around an order?
I can turn around an order in 28 days for a full package, for individual items it is two weeks.
How can I get in touch to discuss my requirements or place an order?
My website is www.juliaogden.com or email ogdenjulia1@gmail.com.
Anything else we should know?
I am currently designing personal screen prints that can be given as wedding gifts.
