You Are Cordially Invited…

When it comes to planning an event, especially a wedding, invitations are a necessity. Though they might seem like just a “piece of paper,” invitations not only inform your guests of specific event details, but also convey your personality and set the tone of your event through wording, color choices, and design aspects. Lindsey Stiegler, founder and creative director of Mobile’s Soirée Signatures, walks us through the various steps of designing the perfect invitation, and even gives us a crash course in “invitation etiquette.”

By Caroline Edmondson / Photography Stevye Photography / Makeup Courtney Mathews Makeup Artistry YouNeedBlush@gmail.com

Hair Katherine Grant, Salon West 5400

Take one step into Lindsey Stiegler’s quaint store on Florida Street in Midtown and you are instantly filled with joy – an aura reflective of its owner’s sunny personality. From the walls covered in colorful paper flowers, to the sparkle and shine of the intricate invitations, wrapping paper, gift tags, keepsakes, and more, Soirée Signatures is overflowing with detail and love, with endless possibilities poised to bring your party to life. A full-service graphic design studio (meaning they design and produce all of the work they create for their clients), Soirée Signatures specializes in invitations for weddings and corporate events, gift tags and wrap, and custom party printables such as napkins, cups, and huggers. Though Soirée Signatures is relatively new (having opened its doors in 2015), Lindsey’s passion for graphic design and calligraphy dates back to her childhood.

 Gifted a calligraphy set by her parents for her ninth birthday, Lindsey worked tirelessly to teach herself the art, working on new styles and refining her writing over time – something she continues to do in her shop as she progresses and learns from other calligraphers. “Calligraphy really started out as just a hobby,” she says. “Growing up, I always thought I would work for an ad agency. I always felt that wedding invitations could use a little more personality, and the day-of could be a little more put-together. That’s where my focus shifted and calligraphy just happened to be a part of how the look all comes together,” she says.

After working several years as a marketing director (while also freelancing as a calligrapher and graphic designer on the side), Lindsey decided to make designing her full-time gig. “I decided to open Soirée Signatures because my freelance work was getting overwhelming, and I was basically working two full-time jobs around the clock,” she explains. “I never envisioned my life as a business owner, but now I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

 Soirée Signatures believes offering truly unique items are what really set them apart from online and local competitors. “Our customers love the custom aspect because it brings their vision to life,” she explains. “That’s a major difference you get when you work with a local stationery expert. We are well-versed in all things design and printing. Plus, we have great relationships with our printers, and they understand our high expectations we have for our clients. When someone is throwing an epic party, we want each part of the planning process to be a ‘wow’ experience, and it’s our job to make sure each person leaves inspired and excited for what’s to come. Our customers mean the world to us!”

 Soirée Signatures has produced invitations out of almost every material imaginable, including acrylic, metal, and leather. One of Lindsey’s favorite invitation trends is the incorporation of custom artwork such as watercolors and original sketches. “Handmade papers have also seen a great resurgence, and we love the high-end look they lend to your event,” shares Lindsey.

 Unbeknownst to most, the wording and the way in which you address your guests are extremely important. In fact, there is a long list of “invitation etiquette tips” one must be acquainted with before sending invitations out, no matter the event. “Even as trends and styles evolve, following basic rules of etiquette make your guests feel welcomed, and let them know what to expect of the occasion,” Lindsey says, adding that the first step is to know how your guests would prefer to be addressed.  “Today, there are many different styles of family units and housing arrangements,” she explains. “By addressing an invitation in a kind, proper way that recognizes your guests’ unique situations, they feel welcomed before they ever step foot in the event,” she adds. Addressing the outer envelopes seems to be the biggest hurdle for the modern bride, but Soirée Signatures is easily able to guide its clients to the best, most proper solutions. “We post etiquette tips for commonly asked questions on both our website and social media,” Lindsey says. “We recommend people reference these articles to clarify basic principles of etiquette, and we are always here to answer more specific questions people may have.”

Soirée Signatures also carries a large variety of custom, hand-designed gifts and party goods for every occasion. Originally starting with Mobile Crest House Flags in 2018 (and selling out numerous times), their flags now adorn the homes of many Mobile natives. “We have since added Mobile Christmas ornaments, party cups, napkins, silicone wine cups, and Turkish towels, all bearing our beautiful and unique crest that we feel truly represents the Southern grace and charm that is Mobile,” Lindsey says. “This month we are premiering our Fairhope crest and will be launching a similar line of gift and housewares bearing the logo.” Their personalized notepads, wine labels, gift tags, and coasters make fabulous grab-and-go hostess gifts, birthday or Christmas presents, or teacher favors.

 Branding herself as a “paper person,” Lindsey truly loves her job. “My favorite part of the job is that I get to create all of the design ideas I have rolling around in my brain,” she says. “Every time someone comes in with an idea for a party, I get so excited and imagine all of the possibilities of where the invitation could go,” she enthuses. Of course, her successes would be nothing without her team, whose relationship with each other is what makes Lindsey the most proud. “We love working with each other and have created true friendships, which I feel definitely comes through when we’re dealing with our customers,” she boasts.

 Lindsey continues to look toward the future, with big plans to open multiple locations in neighboring cities along the Gulf Coast already on her mind. So next time you’re in need of a beautiful invitation for an upcoming elegant event, or even searching for the perfect personalized gift, stop by Soirée Signatures… they are eager to create the perfect design just for you.

Soirée Signatures

24 North Florida St.

Mobile, AL 36607

251.209.3265