It is no secret that the world we live in is getting more digital and cloud-based by the minute. More and more, the physical is replaced by the digital, after all you’re reading this journal entry via a tablet or mobile, if not a laptop or MacBook! But at the Bodleian Libraries, we’re not just book-lovers, we love all kinds of printed materials from notebooks, to letters, to of course invites. What feels better than a high-quality piece of card through your fingertips? Even better if it’s embossed a little, and tracing over the letters ever so delicately. For this month’s journal entry, we talk to the lovely Laura, the founder and designer behind Lucca Studios, one of our wonderful recommended suppliers.
Hi Laura, first of all – can you introduce yourself, and tell us all a little bit about Lucca Studios please?
Of course! I’m Laura, founder and designer behind Lucca Studios. We create stationery and signage that is romantic and refined, sparking awe, anticipation, and joy in every detail. From save the dates and invitations right through to on-the-day pieces. Everything is bespoke and designed to reflect each couple’s style, vision, and love story. Our studio is based in the beautiful Henley-on-Thames and we have been creating and sending my stationery worldwide since 2021.
When did you know that becoming a professional stationer was the path you wanted to take?
My journey to becoming a wedding stationer was anything but linear. I trained professionally in musical theatre and spent my early twenties auditioning and performing. I then became a spin instructor. In 2020, I was given a calligraphy kit for Christmas. I began selling place names as a side hustle while stepping into a new job. In June 2021, I officially launched Lucca Studios and from there it flourished and has been my full time business for the past two years. It was almost as if Lucca Studios found me.
Other than your gorgeous wedding invites, what else do you offer for couples and their big day?
We offer a full suite of on-the-day stationery and signage, everything from welcome signs and seating charts to menus, place names and custom elements, like bespoke match boxes and wedding newspapers. These pieces help guide guests through the wedding day while also enhancing the overall styling and guest experience. We also design and create thank you cards to send to your guests after your wedding. As we mostly work on a bespoke basis, there is no limit to what we can create for your wedding.
How far in advance would you recommend couple contact you if they want some lovely invites or stationery for their wedding?
The earlier, the better, especially if you’d like a full suite or something bespoke. Most of our couples reach out 12 months in advance, starting with save the dates and sending their invitations 4-6 month before their wedding. That said, we also offer our services to couples who wish to work with us for on the day stationery, for this I recommend reaching out 6 months before your wedding, especially if you are getting married in the summer months to reserve your date.
You must have seen some trends come and go over the years – what colours or styles would you say are on-trend for couples right now?
Right now, there’s a noticeable shift toward softer, fabric signage, think linen or silk, bringing a sense of movement and softness to signage. Bespoke die-cut shapes are also having a moment, with ovals and framed silhouettes which feel elevated and beautiful. In terms of colour, lemon yellow is emerging as a standout trend. It’s fresh, joyful, and I think we’ll see more couples weaving yellow into their palettes over the next few years. But more than any trend, the couples I work with are really drawn to is stationery that feels personal, thoughtful, and aligned with the overall vision of their day. That’s what makes a piece timeless and something they’ll treasure for years to come.
Can you please give a basic timeline (if you can!) of what you do, from that initial meeting with a couple right up to the big day?
Absolutely! Once a couple gets in touch, we begin with a consultation to explore their wedding plans, style, and what they’re envisioning for their stationery. From there, I create a tailored proposal and, for bespoke couples, an initial sketch to visually align on the direction. Once designs are confirmed, we move into production, this might include foiling, letterpress, hand calligraphy, or sourcing special materials. The bespoke process typically takes 8–12 weeks for Save the Dates and invitations, while couples choosing a design from the House Collection can expect a 6–8 week timeline.
Around three months before the big day, we begin working on signage and on-the-day pieces. The process is very similar: consultation, design, then production, which begins around five weeks before the wedding. Everything is completed and ready for delivery a couple of weeks in advance, so it arrives in perfect time.
If you have any couples who want some lovely stationery for the wedding, but have no idea where to really start – how do you guide them?
That’s very common, and it’s part of what I love! I start by asking how they want their guests to feel when opening the envelope or arriving at the wedding – excited, romantic, elegant, surprised? I also ask what they don’t like, which is often just as helpful, it really shapes the direction we go in and the kinds of suggestions or inspiration I share. From there, we talk about the tone of the day, key colours or florals, and the venue’s style. I share ideas and mock-ups to help visualise everything. It’s very collaborative and designed to feel reassuring, not overwhelming.
When was the first wedding you created stationery for – and if you could travel back, what advice would you give your past self?
My first full wedding was a true pinch-me moment as I designed and created the stationery for India Hicks’ wedding in September 2021. She was looking for local Oxfordshire suppliers and wanted to support those just starting out in their business. It was one of those serendipitous moments of being in the right place at the right time, as I know so many stationers who wait years to have their work featured in Vogue. India and I connected instantly and that collaborative partnership set the tone for how I now work with most of my couples.
Looking back, my advice to myself would be to trust in my ability to bring a couple’s vision to life. I didn’t know it at the time, but one of my strengths is taking a jumble of ideas and turning them into something cohesive, beautiful, and often exactly what the couple didn’t even know they were looking for.
For couples who are hopefully planning on booking the Bodleian, what colour schemes and styles would you recommend for their wedding stationery?
The Bodleian is so timeless and rich in history, it pairs beautifully with elegant, classic designs, with intricate details. Our Venue invitation suite from our House Collection was inspired by the Bodleian and it’s beautiful architecture. I’d recommend soft, neutral tones like ivory or sage paired with blush or a soft peach for the summer months with an darker accent of deep green, gold, or navy. For the winter month a rich palette of colour works perfectly alongside a gold or silver to add depth. A touch of calligraphy, traditional serif fonts or wax seals adds a beautiful historic nod, while adding textures with hot foil and letterpress to complement the rich detail of the venue.
Thank you so much Laura, for your insightful answers into the beautiful and timeless world of Wedding Stationery! If you’re interested at taking a look at our other fantastic recommended suppliers, please do have a look here.
Whether it’s just a small, intimate Ceremony or a big Reception with all the family, the Bodleian Weddings Team is always ready to work with you to create your dream day, so please do get in touch!
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