According to Alexa Pulitzer, engaged couples do not come to the New Orleans-based designer for anything trendy. "They come to me for unique art," Pulitzer told Adore. "I am truly a bespoke stationer."
Photo courtesy of Alexa Pulitzer
Pulitzer's custom projects are sought after by couples across the globe. From creating a wedding logo to the full monty (save the date, invitation, cipher, menus, programs, and more), the one-woman show can do it all. Pulitzer, who has set up an atelier inside her Mid-City home, describes herself as detail oriented, Type A, and a perfectionist. "They know I'll deliver," she says.
The types of brides (and grooms) Pulitzer works with vary. Those who are getting married in a church tend to come to Pulitzer with their mothers and want to go the traditional route with a classic style invitation. The "destination bride" is the bride who is not marrying in a church, but perhaps in a forest, along the seaside, or in a castle.
"Those brides feel like they've already broken a sense of tradition and feel that they want to set the tone for their wedding by being more creative with their invitations," she explained. This is portrayed through colors, shapes, and printing technique, but mostly with the art.
Alexa Pulitzer photographed by Chris Granger for Adore
"I want to help them create the most unique invitation that represents them and it is a very personal choice. I don't judge either way: my goal is to help them achieve their vision in the most economical and sound way."
Transparency is prioritized by Pulitzer as weddings are costly. She walks clients through the entire process and helps them make educated decisions. "I treat people the way that I want to be treated. It's empowering to brides!"
Once a design is conceptualized, a proof is delivered within two weeks. Invitations are delivered within two to five weeks, which depends on the type of invitation, the weight, and the art.
Pulitzer's wedding projects range. She says that most overseas clients commission her to design a logo that they'll own the usage rights to (many use their own suppliers to save on international shipping costs), and place it on everything from the save the date to the cocktail napkins. She can make custom envelope liners; for a wedding in Paris, the artist is redrawing a bird's eye view map of the city to line the envelope. She's worked with engagement photos, while also drawing the couple as they'd like to be drawn (popping a bottle of champagne or with their dog, for example).
Many couples request ciphers, which employs two letters rather than three (like a monogram). Elements can be added to the letters: adornments such as a baroque frame or a wreath. Others opt for Pulitzer's signature antlers. "Many like the cipher because if can be used before the wedding and throughout the wedding," she says. "Often times it is the first letter of the first names, rather than last names because a lot of times a bride will change her last name."
While Pulitzer admits she's not for everyone (the artwork is expensive, after all), one thing is certain: Pulitzer can conceptualize whatever you're dreaming of—and more.