Wendy Bell Designs ~ New {www} Sponsor

Afternoon lovelies… i thought the perfect way to end the week would be to introduce you to {www}’s newest sponsor, Wendy Bell Designs.

Wendy creates modern, bespoke and digitally designed stationery, which is also amazing value for money. Wendy is currently offering a free bespoke design service too… wow!! Anyway enough from me, take a look for yourselves 😉 …..

{w} Hi Wendy, could you firstly tell {www} readers a little bit about you?

I was born to be a designer!  I can not imagine living in a world where I wasn’t doing something creative every day of my life.  I knew from an early age that I wanted to do something artistic but didn’t know exactly which avenue I wanted to take.  I have a B.A. Hons in Printed Textile Design and have worked in a variety of fields including ladies fashion accessories design…it’s amazing how many people think that designing handbags is every woman’s dream job; personally, I’m more of a “shoe” woman!  However, in my opinion, nothing compares to what I’m doing now.

I love travelling around the world and try to visit different places every time I go on holiday.  Seeing different cultures and experiencing new things is a fantastic way to find perspective and gain inspiration.  When I get some down time, I love baking and I am now known as “the cake lady” by some of my friends!

As for what inspires me…well almost everything has the potential if you’re looking at it in the right way!  Mostly though, I draw inspiration from nature, art and iconic fashion eras.

{w} What do you love/dislike about your job?

What do I love about my job?  Pretty much everything!  I love that I can work together with clients to create something as significant as their wedding stationery which will form part of their memories for one of the most momentous days in their lives.  It’s an immense sense of satisfaction to know that the stationery that I design helps to create an overall theme for most client’s weddings; it’s extremely flattering and confirms all of the reasons I decided to launch my business.

What don’t I like about my job?  Well, not much…Mostly paperwork, like accounts!  Though to be fair, there are some days when that’s exactly what I’m in the mood to do.  It’s one of those jobs that I regularly put to the bottom of my pile, but when it’s done, I feel satisfied that I’ve managed to complete such an monotonous task!

{w} How did you get into the wedding industry?

When I left university, my first design job was as a Designer & Art Buyer in the greeting card industry.  This, really, is where the seed was planted and the idea of having my own business began.  I specialised in producing bespoke designs for clients, which to this day, is still my main speciality.  Over the years, I freelanced as a published greeting card designer, and took private commissions to create bespoke wedding invitations for clients.  However, it wasn’t until I got engaged and designed my own wedding invitations that I finally decided to launch my own business!  I enjoyed planning my wedding so much, and worked with some incredibly talented people that I just didn’t want to leave the industry.  It was as if a light bulb had suddenly been turned on in my head; everything was clear.  I can’t understand why I didn’t take the plunge sooner; it’s honestly the best decision I’ve ever made!

{w} What do you aim to achieve for your clients?

My aim, where my clients are concerned, is to ensure that I listen to them and make them feel as comfortable as possible.  I want them to be confident in my ability to provide them with something they will be truly happy with.  I want to make sure that I understand what they’re looking for, what they do and don’t like, so that I can create designs that are immaculate in their eyes.  A wedding day is incredibly special and extremely personal.  Every supplier that a couple chooses is helping to form one of the most memorable days in their lives.  They’re paying these suppliers for their knowledge, talent and experience.  If my clients could do what I do, they wouldn’t need me.  I want to ensure that they get the best service possible.  What can I say…I’m a perfectionist!  Whilst not great for my own sanity, this is fantastic for my clients as it ensures that they will never get anything sent to them that I don’t believe is up to scratch.  If I’m not happy with it, why should I expect them to be?

{w} What style is your work?

I create most of my wedding stationery designs digitally, though some do have a hand painted element to them.  My aim is to keep things looking fresh, modern and clean; even when a vintage finish is required!

Regarding printing methods, I’m able to provide my clients with either digitally printed stationery (cheaper for smaller print runs) or lithographically printed designs (fancy print finishes like embossing or gold inks…though more expensive).

{w} Could you tell us some information about your packages/prices?

I currently offer two sizes of personalised invitations; 150mm x 150mm and 99mm x 210mm.  These cost from £2.10 per invitation, including envelopes.  As every design is printed to order, all wording and colours are 100% customisable; one colour change is included in the price.

I am able to create packages for clients if they are interested in purchasing more than one stationery item.  This will always work out cheaper than buying them individually.

{w} Do you have any tips for couples in selecting their wedding stationery supplier?

Make sure that you feel comfortable with the person you’re choosing.  Your chosen supplier needs to understand that it’s about you and your day.  You need to be sure that you’re getting a good service as well as the products you’re paying for.  If your budget is tight, let suppliers know and see if they’re able to come back to you with solutions that may work for you.  You may need to be willing to make some compromises but this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on quality!  As with a marriage, any relationship is about communication.  Your suppliers need to know what you do and don’t want, do and don’t like, can and can not afford!  Armed with this information, the right supplier for you should be able to create something you’re proud to show off!

I am currently running a special offer on my bespoke design service!  There is no design fee for a bespoke creation.  Effectively, this means that you are only paying for the printing costs which gives you the option to have any design you want.  The world is your oyster and the only limitation is your imagination…oh, and maybe your budget!

For example, a personalised invitation costs as little as £2.10 per invite including envelopes (sizes currently available: 150mm x 150mm or 210mm x 99mm).  If you chose one of these sizes of invitations, digitally printed onto heavyweight card; a 100% bespoke design will cost EXACTLY the same price!  However, as it’s a bespoke design, you can have any size of invitation you want…this is just to give you a price comparison!

{w} How can we get in touch with you?

Email:  wendy@wendybelldesigns.com

Mobile:  07803 609 902

Website:  www.wendybelldesigns.com

www.wendybelldesigns.co.uk

Blog:  www.theweddingdesignblog.blogspot.com

Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-Bell-Designs-Designer-Invitations-Stationery/210616175629917

Twitter:  @WendyBellDesign

Thanks so much Wendy!! Do go and check out Wendy’s site and if you make an enquiry with her, be sure to mention {www} xoxo Lou