Custom wedding signage may not be the very first thing you think of when you hear “The UPS Store“, but don’t be fooled — they create and print gorgeous wedding invitations, programs, welcome signs, banners, and so much more all in-house. You can even work with their Marketing and Print Manager, Jennifer, to design a unique and cohesive look for your wedding stationery. Keep on reading to get to know more about their offerings and what is currently trending in all things wedding signage.
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: It is always funny to see the look on people’s faces when I say we do wedding stationery at The UPS Store. We are all franchises, so what is available at each location will vary on who works there and what equipment they have, that’s where I come in. I bring my background in graphic design and print production and create beautiful stationery and other wedding pieces. Beyond that, we can of course help you with shipping, freight, mailboxes, notary, and more!
Q: Where can we find The UPS Store that you work at?
A: My office is located at 4737 County Rd 101 in Minnetonka. We’re in the Westwind Plaza by Cub.
Q: Tell us when and how you got into the business.
A: Due to the uniqueness of our beginning, when I was attending college in Moorhead, MN I had an internship with Minuteman Press, a print and design franchise company. My main task there was working with their wedding customers and redesigning their wedding book. From there, I worked at a few other places and did wedding design on the side for some friends and family. Once I started at The UPS Store in West Fargo, my designs really took off and I got to do much more full-time and decided this is what I love doing. I moved to the Twin Cities in July 2017 and brought my craft with me!
Q: What makes your company unique from others?
A: I like to think we’re unique in that we aren’t your typical wedding vendor being a retail store. We produce 99% of our printing in-store, so we can do some very quick turnarounds! I’ve designed a program on Thursday and printed on Friday for a Saturday wedding!
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: I’ve been in the industry for about 14 years, and working full-time in graphic design and printing for about 10. I think what has changed the most recently that I’ve noticed is the size of the weddings, I think Covid restrictions made people realize that you don’t need these massive 300+ gatherings, and maybe 50-75 of your closest friends and family is the best thing!
Q: Walk us through your average workday.
A: Since I don’t do just weddings, my workdays can be so different, which is part of why I like this job! I start my day by checking emails and seeing what is on my plate. Some days are chock full of design jobs, some are non-stop printing, a mix of both, or me working on our backend items like social media or marketing materials.
Q: What would you want couples searching for your business type to know?
A: I think it’s important for wedding stationery, like everything else for your wedding, to be aware of your budget and think about what you want to pay for! One thing many couples don’t think about is postage. All of my traditional offerings keep in mind being under the weight for a single stamp, and my RSVPs require a postcard stamp, saving you some money!
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with The UPS Store?
A: Due to the nature of retail and moving fast, I’ve worked with couples for upwards of two years (hello Covid delays) or as little as two weeks on their wedding invitations. When someone asks me this question, I always respond “it will depend on you.” If you have an idea and are ready to roll, we can be done in as little as two or three weeks. Day of items I like to start around six to eight weeks out, but we can work with a shorter deadline. Just keep in mind invites should be mailed out around 8-12 weeks before your wedding date.
Q: What would your dream paper suite consist of?
A: I seem to always change what I’m liking when I see new innovative ideas. My husband became quite exasperated when I showed him the “design of the week” when we were planning our wedding. Unfortunately, due to Covid, our own wedding invitation ended up being a single 5”x7” card. My initial idea was an A2 tri-folded invitation with a photo at the top, lots of hand-drawn graphics, and RSVP with the same look and feel all wrapped up in a lavender pearl envelope.
Q: What’s your signature style?
A: I fall heavily into the farmhouse/hand drawn/vintage feel of items. If anyone asks which paper is best I always respond linen.
Q: What trends in stationery are popular with couples at the moment? What trends will we see more of this year?
A: I see the most trends in color schemes and layout. Right now we are heavily into steel blue and minimalist themes. “Up North” is also a popular theme that I create often! The newest trend is “Modern Retro” with pink and orange.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: What show are you binging right now?
A: We welcomed a baby girl to our family in January and I haven’t watched much TV since returning to work! The last show I watched was Love Island UK. I fill my time with books during naps instead!
Q: You’re in charge of the lineup for your dream concert. Who are your headliners?
A: I’d do a nice reunion and have a Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, and My Chemical Romance triple header.
Q: Gold or Silver?
A: Rose Gold
Q: Black Tie or Casual?
A: Casual
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: Sweet! French Toast is my breakfast of choice.
Q: Favorite board game?
A: My husband easily owns over 200 board games, so this is a loaded question when you have that many! One of my favorites that we played lately was The King’s Dilemma. It is a fun legacy game where you play as the Council and make decisions based on scenarios that can either become good or bad for the poor kingdom you are ruling.
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: I’m not much for podcasts, but I have heard a lot of My Brother, My Brother and Me secondhand that it’s quite entertaining.
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Beach!
Q: Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
A: We spent a week in Washington/Oregon in May 2021 and going around the Olympic Peninsula was an amazing experience. My favorite place that we visited was Rialto Beach. We saw the signs that said “beware of driftwood,” we weren’t expecting massive trees that had washed ashore.
For your free consultation with The UPS Store – Minnetonka, head to their website here! To see a variety of their work in person and meet the staff, get tickets to the Twin Cities Bridal Show!
Cover image by Lindsey White Photography
