Elora Mill Wedding — *Image by Purple Tree Photography*

Signage and stationery play a vital role in guiding your guests at your wedding or special event.

It helps them navigate the venue, and locate different areas such as the ceremony, reception, restrooms, and parking.

It can also display important information through the seating chart, menu, place cards, and more. Clear and well-designed signage and stationery add to the overall aesthetic of your wedding and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your guests.

For some couples, wedding day signage and stationery is an afterthought, but I can assure you it's an important piece of your overall event design and definitely something to keep in mind as you begin pulling your design details together.

I always suggest working with your stationer or calligrapher to ensure your event signage works cohesively with any initial details that guests receive such as your save the dates, wedding invitations, and even your wedding website. Think of this as your wedding branding.

In this edition of my vendor blog series, I'm chatting about all things wedding signage and calligraphy with the talented Nicole Rebello of Atelier 13.

First things first, let’s meet the face behind the brand.

Atelier 13 at Wed Well Showcase — I’m Nicole!

Creativity and entrepreneurship are two skills that I've inherited from my family, and Atelier 13 is like the baby of those two skill sets. When I say inherited, my dad, his dad, uncle, and many others have run their own businesses. One of which, I help manage today. That's where one of my taglines "Inspired by Tradition" comes from, my heritage and the fact that calligraphy is a very traditional art form.
In addition to my creative business and the family business, I also manage another business so you could say I keep myself busy! I am all about self-development, learning, and being challenged! One of my weaknesses (but also strengths) is I always overcommit myself. I say this is a strength because it's so rewarding when you work hard and you accomplish things or when your visions come to fruition.
*Image by Purple Tree Photography*

q: Nicole, can you tell us a bit about atelier 13?

A: “Atelier 13 is a design house that specializes in modern calligraphy and engraving. We take care of the details - signage, stationery, favours, and gifts. Putting the thoughts into the fine details that create and round out the look of your wedding.”

Q: What products do you offer?

A: “Custom signage and stationery - seating charts, welcome signs, placecards, menus, table numbers, bar signage. Engraved goods - for weddings typically custom engraved wine, whisky or liquor bottles, perfumes for flat lay shots or for gifts and more.”

Q: What are your favourite items to create? The ones that excite you most!

A: “The ones I haven't made before! I love creating new things, and as a wedding vendor, you don't get many opportunities for that. I love building things, most recently I built a sandwich board sign with a box for flowers. It can be daunting and it requires trust from the couple, but most of my clients that I work for trust my vision and it's such a rewarding feeling to bring that vision to life! I would love the opportunity to create some big escort card walls or seating chart walls!”

Custom wedding invitations, Cambridge — *Image by Ariana Del Mundo*

Q: What can happen if you decide not to work with a trusted pro or try to DIY your wedding signage and calligraphy?

A: “A lot of things. I just think of planning my own party. When you are doing everything yourself, you never get to enjoy the event because you're making sure everything is going well for all your guests. And that goes with hiring any wedding vendors. We take that worry away from you, we oversee the details, but we also put a lot of love, care, and attention into the details. We even offer setup for things like place cards and menus or signage. It all depends on your venue, but just to ensure that things look the way they should and we're not relying on say, a family friend, to set up your event space.”

Q: What can potential clients expect to spend?

A: It’s hard to say because a lot of my work is custom. But, I would say, I never shy away from any budget. I understand everyone's priorities for their big day are unique to the couple. I work within the means given to create the best I can for my clients!

Q: When do you suggest couples reach out to you to book?

A: “The earlier the better. The latest I would say is 3 months before your big day, that gives me enough time to schedule you in, design, and build if necessary.

Q: How long does it typically take to produce these items?

A: Typically, 1-2 months depending on the details. I work with each couple to figure out if they require delivery before or on the wedding day and if I'm setting up the goods. Everything depends on the couple’s specific needs and details. Engraved goods can be turned around in 1-2 weeks, depending on volume.

Along with flowers, candles and decor, custom signage, stationery, and calligraphy can add a personalized and elegant touch to any event. It's a great way to make your event stand out and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with it– it’s all in the details!

Thank you so much to Nicole from Atelier 13 for sharing her beautiful work and knowledge. Follow Nicole on Instagram for all things stationery and calligraphy and reach out to her to create something amazing for your wedding day.

Is event design feeling overwhelming? I’m here to help! LQ Events offers Full planning and design, Wedding Management, and Design & Styling for your special events. Let’s chat about how I can assist in bringing your dream wedding to life.

Image Credits:

All images seen feature Nicole’s work alongside many talented vendors. 1 & 2 Purple Tree Photography, Sue Gallo Designs at Elora Mill. 3: Purple Tree Photography, Kendon Design Co, Simply Beautiful Decor at Wed Well Showcase 2023. Gallery & Remainder: Wild Theory Floral, Table Tales TO, Gillian Foster Photography, Purple Tree Photography, Kendon Design Co, Ariana Del Mundo, Modern Functions, Vanessa Vigil Accessories, Sunday Studio KW, Soleil Florals, You & I Paint, Beaux Florals, Atelier 13.