In the second instalment of our supplier chats, we caught up with Harriet de Winton from the de Winton Paper company to discuss her work and get some advice for couples looking for some invitation wow-factor. Harriet creates truly dreamy stationery and we absolutely adore her Instagram stories (the most beautiful step-by-step watercolour inspiration - watch them!). So sit back with a cup of tea and enter the magical world of de Winton.
How would you describe your business?
de Winton Paper co. specialises in bespoke hand painted watercolour wedding stationery.
What is your favourite thing about being involved in the wedding industry?
Apart from cake...I really love the couples I work with and getting to know them during their wedding planing process.
Can you describe Coombe Trenchard in three words?
welcoming, creative, (a little bit) mysterious
What aspect of your stationery do you feel best fits Coombe Trenchard?
I paint a lot of botanical studies; flowers and plants for my stationery, Coombe Trenchard's gardens are a wonderful wealth of inspiration. My stationery style, although modern in terms of design, has a real fondness for classic elegance, something that is in abundance at Coombe Trenchard.
What colours/styles do you see being a big hit in 2018?
I'm not really led by trends but I really enjoyed the greenery trend for this year and I hope to see it continue. Next year is certainly looking a little more tropical!
What advice would you give to bridal couples looking for their perfect wedding stationery?
There will always be a wedding supplier out there who is perfect for you and can achieve your stationery dreams. Look around, and don't settle on the first thing you find.
When do you advise sending out Save The Dates and Invitations?
It all depends on the nature of your wedding. Do you have lots of overseas guests? If so I would bring everything forward by a few months but on the whole my general rule is just shy of a year for Save the Dates and then 3 to 4 months for Invitations.
What do you feel is imperative to making stand-out stationery for your clients?
The most important thing is to make the couple the focal point of inspiration. It needs to represent them as a couple and give guests an exciting first glimpse of what the wedding will be like.
Finally, what excites you most about your job?
Painting. It really is the best job in the world to get to paint all sorts of commissions and see my couples' reaction upon receiving their stationery.
Thank you for taking the time to chat to us Harriet! We implore you to discover more of Harriet's work on her website (the cocktail prints are perfect gifts for Christmas) and her instagram.