In this weeks interview, we are talking to the fabulous Tini from Tini Balambanos Designs. I met Tini at Iain and Laura’s Wedding back in June and saw her stunning designs first hand.  Tini had captured Iain and Laura’s love story in their wedding invitations and the details were carried throughout all the wedding stationary beautifully.

Here’s the interview:

What should I consider when thinking about my wedding stationary?

Wedding stationery and particularly your invitation, sets the tone for your big day. It is the first glimpse into what guests will see of your celebration; your style, theme and the atmosphere of your day.
Invitations should create a sense of anticipation, wonder, and curiosity. Its important that wedding stationery is cohesive, has a running theme (even just a colour, flower, location, quote, favourite hobby, love or passion), looks professional, classy and elegant.
Above all, your stationery should be a reflection of YOU – your personality! It should be a design you can call your own.

 

What stationary do I need?

Wedding invitations, Evening invitations, Save the dates (optional), invitation reply card (optional), map and / or accommodation information (optional), gift registry card (optional), personalised envelope labels (optional but I recommend this as it really is the finishing touch.)
Additional stationery might include menus, wedding programs, thank you notes, guest seating plan/frame, table numbers / name cards, favour tags and seating cards for guests. If you are having a destination wedding, you might also like to think about welcome notes and / or gifts to be placed in your guests’ hotel rooms.

Should it all be matching?

Yes. Elements, colours and graphics should link up to create a package which is identifiable and professional.

About Tini and what makes your designs so special?

After completing a BA degree in Graphic Communication (Loughborough, UK), I decided to go back home – to Malawi, Africa, and pursue my options there. After 2 years of working and freelancing, I got married and moved to Johannesburg.
TB Design was created out of the pure love of graphic design, and a passion for anything which simply looks “beautiful, tasteful and inspirational” – be it fashion, interiors, decor, food or wedding planning.
Most importantly, it was created from the most personal and treasured gift I could give close friends – the gift of designing their wedding and special occasion stationery.
All these happenings have rooted the start of Tini Balambanos Design.
I adore what I do and find so much joy in creating something unique, bespoke, different, of quality and epitomising that wow factor.
I truely believe that when you have the option for something one-of-a-kind and totally you, why go for something commercialised and common?

What is important to you at Tini Balambanos Design?

Above all, I want my clients to feel confident, comfortable and satisfied with the work I do for them. I strive to offer a service which is couture, reliable, and organised.
I use good quality materials, fine papers, pay attention to detail, and love to create something innovative and fresh.
I design around a clients needs, capturing their individual personality. I listen to what your requirements are, and design around what I think is best suited for that.
Or if you have something you like; a picture, a quote, an embellishment, a pattern, I can work with that and fit it into an overall design and package.

Can you design special orders for other events or just weddings?

I can design for any special occasion, celebration, party or event.
I also do corporate work such as designing logos, business cards, corporate identity, brochures, posters, invitations to product launches and year-end functions.

What if I have a particular theme at my wedding, are you still able to help?

Absolutely. Although all stationery is custom designed, I will work with your theme as well as make any other suggestions or find any other elements which I think may be suitable or appropriate to make the overall look uniquely yours. Whatever impression you want to make, I can help you.

How long before my wedding would I have to order my stationary?

As stationery is custom designed, the sooner the better. Typically though, stationary can be ordered 3-6 months before the wedding. Invitations are usually mailed out 2-3 months before the wedding and save-the-dates up to 6 months.

How do you ship my stationary?

Internationally with express postage such as FedEx or DHL. Delivery varies between 1 – 7 days.
Nationally, either with express postage or meeting in person.

How much does your stationary and design cost?

I can work within almost any budget, but I prepare quotes on a ‘by request’ basis, since each project is different – I’ll be happy to do complimentary creative consultations and prepare no-obligation quotes for any readers who would like to hear more.

How would payment and logistics work?

Please contact me for information on how the design process works.
If meeting in person is not possible, we can work around a face to face meeting, thanks to email, phone and skype.
I look forward to hearing from readers and working in the way that best suits each of them.
How can I get in touch with you?
You can reach me on:
Tel: (0027 11) 894 1661
Cell: (0027) (0) 823413109
Email: tinib@telkomsa.net