Let’s talk eco-friendly wedding stationery.
We’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about the changes the industry are going through during the pandemic, and what weddings and events will look like in the eventual post-covid world. Anyone else think of that scene in Friends where Chandler and Ross are attempting to get the sofa up the stairs when you hear business moguls talking about the need for businesses to ‘pivot’ their offerings?!
We caught up Janine from listed Little Green Book stationer London Paper Crafts to find out what the pandemic has been like for their business, and how they see the future of event stationery evolving. You can find London Paper Crafts listing on Little Green Book, here.
Tell us a little about yourself and how London Paper Crafts started out
I had to leave my previous job because I needed multiple spinal operations. It was a job that I was unhappy in, so in a weird (and rather painful twist of fate *haha*) the need for all my surgery gave me my way out to becoming my own boss! I spent a lot of time creating stationery for our family and friends when I was sofa-bound after my operations and that’s how London Paper Crafts came about. We spent our time trialling papers, ribbons, and print methods to find what we consider to be the perfect eco-friendly luxury wedding stationery materials that we use today. All of the papers we use are FSC certified, our print and hot foil are recyclable, and very soon we’re launching a luxury recycled and recyclable ‘green’ wedding stationery range.
As a listed Little Green Book supplier, we’d love to hear about what sustainability means to you in your business and how you are doing your bit to work in this way?
Everything we do has sustainability in mind, from our paper and print methods mentioned above, to the fact that we work from home and conduct the majority of our meetings virtually- thereby reducing our carbon footprint. All of our packaging is recycled/recyclable too.
We believe that you can create gorgeous and luxury stationery from beautiful papers and print methods and whilst not harming the planet. Sadly, I think there’s still a mindset that recycled paper is the cheap rough yellow or grey papers of the past, and while they may still exist, there’s a whole array of gorgeous papers to choose from now- some of my favourites come from recycled paper cups and old beer labels! We want to show the world that beautifully tactile wedding stationery can come from recycled materials and that ethical can be luxury.
It’s been an incredibly tough year for the wedding industry, and we’ve loved seeing the resilience and creativity of suppliers in their ability to change their business offering to meet the new needs and challenges C19 has brought. What has this looked like for you?
As mentioned above we’ve developed a Green range which is made from completely recycled papers combined with recyclable print methods that we’re going to be launching very soon!
On the client side, we have noticed Zoom/video conferencing becoming more acceptable that couples are increasingly willing to have in-depth video consultations. We love to do these- it helps to build the relationship with our couples which we really value- we don’t see our clients as simply a transaction. We really want to get to know them, their likes, dislikes and build life-long relationships in a friendly yet professional way.
As for how we operate, lockdown has made me reflect and be even more savvy with how we operate in an eco-friendly way…It’s even come down to us using erasable pens for writing notes, so we don’t waste any paper.
What do you think the future of wedding stationery looks like?
I think that couples will be throwing convention out of the window. I have noticed a real shift towards more personalisation with my couples wanting their stationery to be unique to them and their event. A delightful couple that I am working with at the moment write love letters to each other, and decided to incorporate this into their celebrations, by having letters for their guests to read during their wedding breakfast. How special is that?! These letters they will then be able to keep as a memento of their day for years to come.
What do you love the most about what you do?
Honestly, as cheesy as it may sound, I love creating stationery that brings the couple’s vision to life. To see their ideas come into reality and create something beautiful that, in a small way, contributes to the biggest day of their lives, and brings me real joy. Each couple’s story is different and to create stationery unique to them and their event is something really special.
What are your favourite sustainable or ethical Instagram accounts to follow?
Ooh aside from Little Green Book 😉, I love Lancaster and Cornish- Sian creates the most beautiful silks. I’ve recently indulged in her new scrunchie range- which is divine! For florals, I love Blossom Co- Natalie has a real talent for floral design and she has recently launched dried flower arrangements which are just gorgeous. I may be a little biased here because I’m working with her, but if you’re looking for beautiful photography by a delightful lady who loves biscuits Claire Bemister Photography is your lady- check out her biscuit Friday!
For non-wedding style, I love the Red Magazine columnist Armelle Ferguson, she’s all about personalising your wardrobe to your style which I love. At London Paper Crafts we’re big advocates of style and design being individual and unique to you.
What’s your top eco-tip?
It’s a simple one, but as the old adage goes – reduce, re-use and recycle. There’s so much that can be re-used and we encourage our clients to do the same. We re-use the boxes for posting orders and we’re introducing a beautiful inner-box soon that our clients can re-use as a memory/keepsake box or for whatever they like really! I think that by keeping it simple we can make the changes we need to help our environment and keep our planet alive for generations to come.
What’s next for London Paper Crafts?
We’re in the development stages of creating elegant paper banners that you can use for your weddings and celebrations. Think fluid scrolls, classic design combined with modern style. In fact, the first one will be showcased in a styled shoot the amazing Claire Bemister photography and I are organising, which is taking place this October!
Mentions:
London Paper Crafts (Insta: @london_paper_crafts)
Claire Bemister Photography (Insta: @clairebemisterphotography)
Lancaster & Cornish (Insta: @lancasterandcornish)
Blossom Co. Floral Design (Insta: blossomco_floraldesign)
Armelle Ferguson (Insta: @armelleferguson)