The best paper for poetry prints is…

When I started writing poems for weddings and birthdays, I knew I wanted to make them into a gift people could keep. I experimented with a few different ideas, such as hand-writing the poems, using handmade paper and using ink stamps. Each of these were nice, but didn’t elevate the poems to being something that would become a real treasure for people.Many experiments and a lot of research later I discovered the variety of styles and prints I could create using digital illustration. Now all I needed to do was find the best way to print them…

Finding the perfect paper for your bespoke poetry prints

I quickly realised the choice of paper is a critical factor that can significantly impact the final result. Among the host of options I tried during my research (heaven for a stationery geek like me), G.F. Smith Munken Fine Paper stood out.

Renowned for craftsmanship and care, and established way back in 1885, there isn’t anything this company doesn’t know about paper. I tried many samples and before I settled on the Munken Fine Paper. It’s smooth enough, to hold the ink well and show colour to its very best, but it has a slightly tactile surface which gives an artisan quality to the final product and looks fantastic in the frame. It also works really well for hand drawn illustrations so it’s the perfect choice for both of my poetry print services.

Flexibility and choice

As a rule I choose to print your personalised poem on cream coloured paper. I find it gives a softer finish than white, and works with most frame colours and decor styles. Having said that, G.F.Smith offer a sizeable range of colours. and I’m happy to order a different colour to print your poem on. There would be a small extra charge of £5.00, just to cover the costs.

Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability a giving a bespoke poem as a wedding gift is a great option. There are very few single use resources and the main component of the product is paper. Munken papers are FSC-certified which means that the raw materials used are sourced ethically and sustainably. I’m still trying to find envelopes that align with this - the ones that are available would mean a substantial cost increase but I’m hopeful that I’ll find a solution soon.

Commissioning bespoke poems.

When you choose to buy a bespoke poem as a gift, you’re choosing a gift that says how much you care in a lasting and unique way. Part of my commitment to excellence in all a do is to offer prints that are as beautiful as the words they carry. I’m proud to be a small business, and proud to be able to deliver poetry that people love and that is genuinely bespoke. Choosing quality materials makes a big difference to the final print and i’m always thrilled when I see the words and pictures I’ve created come to life.

I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering a little more about how your personalised poems come to life and look forward to making something beautiful for you. You can find out more about how to order your bespoke poem here, or just get in touch using the contact form or by emailing kathrynannawrites@gmail.com

Until next time

Kathryn

xx

How do you know what to say for non-religious wedding readings?

When you’re looking for readings for a non-religious ceremony the choice can seem overwhelming. When thinking about the readings you’d like for your wedding, the first step is to take a moment to consider how you want your reading to make you and your guests feel. In this post I’ll take you through a few ideas of the types of readings to choose, as well as things to keep in mind when you’re searching for the perfect words to capture your relationship.

What is a wedding reading for?

Essentially, wedding readings are an opportunity to create a moment of reflection and focus. Amongst the legal trappings, vows, gasps of awe at your outfits, and smiles at the charm of the day, your wedding reading brings you and your guests back to the reason for this fantastic event. Your wedding reading is a celebration of what makes two of you so very special, and what makes your marriage unique.

What type of wedding reading should I have?

A quick search offers dozens of poems and passages from books to read at your wedding. There are traditional love poems, pieces by some of the most celebrated modern authors as well as snippets from TV shows and films. For my own wedding I read The Good Morrow by John Donne. It’s a poem I love and felt fitting for our day. The key is to have a reading that celebrates your love and reflects the things that matter to you as a couple.

Should wedding readings fit my wedding theme?

Some wedding websites do suggest choosing a wedding reading to fit the theme. If.for example, you’re having a beach side wedding, you’d perhaps go for a poem inspired by the sea, or a wedding in a castle might lend itself to reading an extract from a fairy tale. Whilst this can be a good idea in many ways, it’s important not to let your wedding reading become just another layer to your overall day. This is the moment to celebrate the essence of your relationship, the things that will be as special on a wet Wednesday in February as they are on this fabulous occasion.

How many readings can I have at my ceremony?

Most weddings have two wedding readings, but this can vary depending on the type of ceremony you’re having. Ceremonies carried out by a celebrant can often be more flexible, since the celebrant is with you for the whole day, whereas more traditional ceremonies have considerations around other weddings that may be happening in the same venue or with the same registrar.

The great thing about being able to have two or more wedding readings is the flexibility it gives. There may be a reading that is traditional to your family, or you may wish to choose one serious and one humorous reading. One of the best combinations is to have a bespoke wedding poem for a truly personal touch, alongside a more universal reading that celebrates the gravity of love. If you’re really struggling to narrow your choices down, why not bring one of your readings into the speeches afterwards?

How can I make my wedding readings personal?

Go with your gut feeling. If a reading makes you both a little teary, or both giggle “that’s us” then it’s the right reading for you. Try not to have a reading because it sounds especially grand or solely because someone else likes it. This is your moment to cherish and shine.

One of the best ways to make your wedding reading personal is to have something written for you. Choosing a writer for your wedding can be tricky – there’s a lot of trust involved and a lot relies on the rapport you and your poet build for the short time you’re working together. For me, each wedding I write for is unique and I’m intensely aware of what a privilege it is to be asked to be the vehicle to tell your love story.  Here’s some recent feedback – I loved writing for this fab couple!

Can you write something for my wedding reading?

As a poet I write many different types of poetry across many different subjects. One of my favourite things is writing to celebrate love, and being asked to write for people’s wedding readings is something I treasure. If you’d like me to write for you, just get in touch using the contact form and we can begin to create a poem for your wedding day that brings joy and tenderness and, most importantly, celebrates the unique relationship you have as a couple.

Until next time

Kathryn

xx