The Design Call: Where the Magic (and Slightly Awkward Ice Breakers) Begin

By Nancy, your hopelessly sentimental designer at Velvet Invitations

Let me just say it right off the bat: I love love. I mean, I cry at old love letters, squeal at surprise proposals, and if you ever show me a wedding dress with pockets? Game over. I’m yours.

That’s why, here at Velvet Invitations, I don’t believe in designing blindly behind a computer with only a couple of generic emails to guide the way. This isn’t a cold transaction. It’s a collaboration rooted in connection, laughter, and maybe even a few joyful tears (okay, usually mine).

Unlike many high-end invitation studios that whip up a suite with barely a “Hi, we’re getting married,” we do things differently. If your wedding feels like a beautiful fit after you fill out our inquiry form, we set up a call. Not just to talk logistics (although yes, we’ll cover those), but to really get to know you. 

So, what exactly is this design call?

It’s kind of like a first date… but with less awkward silences and way more talk about foil stamping. Here’s how it usually flows:

Part One: Let’s Get Practical

We’ll walk you through our design process, answer any questions you’ve got floating in your beautifully overwhelmed brain (we get it!), and talk about the timeline, proofing process, production, and delivery. We’ll also break down the process for Save the Dates, Invitations, and Day-Of goods. Basically, we make all the confusing parts feel like a breeze. Like, “we-got-you-boo” level of breeze.

Part Two: Cue the Love Story

This is where my inner chismosa shines. Picture me—big smile, hair probably in a bun, sipping café de olla—asking you the juiciest questions like:

• How would your friends describe you as a couple? 

• How did you two meet? How did the love grow? Is there anything that visually represents your love or your wedding? 

• What vibe do you want your guests raving about long after the last sparkler exit?

• Are you two more “enchanted garden” or “moody black-tie under the stars”?

We also loop in your planner (shoutout to the unsung heroes!) to gather the vision and overall aesthetic they’re dreaming up so we can work together to make sure your invitations feel like a magical sneak peek into your wedding day.

Can the planner meet with you and get all the logistics sorted? 
We Love working with planners. Truly. They’re the fairy godmothers (and godfathers!) who keep the wedding wheels turning with grace, spreadsheets, and a sixth sense for timelines. Their vision helps shape the entire celebration, and we absolutely want them in the loop.

That said—just to be clear—I don’t meet with planners alone. Not anymore.

Here’s the thing: I’ve had a few experiences in the past where my heart (and business) were misunderstood, and I was painted as the villain in a story that didn’t belong to me. It was confusing, hurtful, and frankly—something I never want to go through again. I learned the hard way that clear communication with everyone in the room is what protects the creative magic and the relationship.

So! While we definitely invite your planner to join the call and bring their ideas to the table, I’ll only move forward with meetings when at least one of the lovebirds is present. This ensures we’re all aligned, inspired, and working toward the same meaningful vision.

Do I need to bring anything to the call?

Not really! Come as you are—messy bun, sleepy fiancé, fur baby on your lap—it’s totally casual. If you’ve got Pinterest boards, swatches, or inspo, bring ’em! But if not, no pressure. This is a zero-stress zone.

Why this call matters

Because love deserves to be seen. It deserves more than a templated suite with your names pasted on it. Your invitation should whisper (or shout, if you’re the bold type), “This is us. This is our story.” And that kind of magic only happens when we connect.

If you’re a planner curious to learn more or want to see if we’d vibe, email me at Nancy@velvetinvitations.com. We’re always happy to talk stationery, aesthetics, and what fonts scream timeless romance (spoiler: it’s probably not Papyrus).

So if you’re a couple who wants more than pretty paper—if you want invitations that feel like poetry, like keepsakes, like you—let’s chat.

With all the confetti, cafecito, and cariño,

Nancy

Designer | Sentimental Fool | Forever Fan of Your Love Story