Picture-perfect paper

The date is set, the venue chosen. You have your mind set on a color scheme - perhaps, even a theme - and if you don't already have your dress, you certainly have a clear picture of what you want.

All that's left is to give your guests a little taste of what to expect by selecting the perfect wedding invitations.

"You only get one chance to make a first impression, and handmade paper gives people a different expectation of the style of the event," said Robert Novák, owner and manager of Manufactura Abram Kelly. "It sets the tone. It says this event is special, not casual, and to expect something different."

Specializing in both the production and design of high-quality, handmade paper and paper products, Manufactura Abram Kelly has been helping brides and grooms set the stage for their big day with customized invitations since 1994.

"We preferred the uniqueness and individuality of handmade paper because it stands out against the standard paper invitations, and Manufactura Abram Kelly came highly recommended," said Pavol Saly, 28, of his choice for his upcoming September wedding. "We were very happy with the quality of the paper, and we appreciated that all the samples from online were also available in the store."

The shop sits tucked away on the side street of Senovážné náměstí in Prague 1, near Hlavní nádraží. Marked only by a simple white sign with a black, blocked font and a symbol reminiscent of Sisyphus rolling the boulder uphill, the store is simple inside and out.

It's clear Novák wanted the paper to be the main attraction, with the rich texture of the cards, prints and letter paper juxtaposed against the minimalist white-walled, gallery-style showroom.

"When we first opened, we only sold and produced small gifts for tourists, like little notebooks, greeting cards, stationery sets and invitations on both plain paper and floral paper that we produced," Novák said. "Since then, we have broadened our products to also include gallery prints on our paper that you usually only find in museum stores. But the paper is still what makes us special."

While Manufactura Abram Kelly is branching out by providing art prints to bigger business clients like museums - including the National Gallery - and decorating the rooms of large hotel chains, the lure for most clients is still wedding invitations.

"Our customers are very diversified, but they all appreciate the special feeling handmade paper can give to their special day," Novák said. "I've printed wedding invitations for famous Czech people and for normal couples that didn't have deep pockets, but wanted something romantic, special and ecological. People come to me because our shop is known for our quality of paper and for services that not every paper store in Prague can provide."

Fluent in English and with an artisan's knowledge of handmade paper, Novák prides himself on being able to help brides and grooms to not only decide what best showcases their style within their budget, but also decide on the proper text and languages for their invites at no extra cost.

"A lot of my clients now are either international couples or have bilingual guests, so I can help them with the wording so it pleases both their international friends and their 70-year-old grandmother who lives in a small village and can't speak English," he says. "I also help advise couples on using a more traditional wording, rather than something humorous, because while it may seem funny at the time, it might be something they regret on their invitation later."

In addition to his language services and text etiquette, Novák works with each couple so their selection is special for their day, no matter their budget. Prices typically range from around 2,010 Kč ($117) for a set of 40 basic invitations without envelopes to as much as 40,000 Kč for more creative packages that include extra features such as customized wax seals; raised, inkless stamps; photos; or even invitations flecked with ground cinnamon.

"What affects the price is usually the amount and the extras, not the printing or the paper itself," he said. "That's what is so great about handmade paper: It can look special and romantic without doing much to it."

The most popular paper for weddings, according to Novák, is floral because of its romantic feel, but he added the natural, unfinished edges found on handmade paper also create a sense of romance. The paper can be purchased in-store with special instructions (in Czech) for couples to print their own invitations on inkjet printers and a special tool for cutting the paper. All the instructions are based on tests Novák has performed himself.

"Printing your own invitations is becoming very trendy and is a great choice for couples who don't want to spend a lot," Novák said.

Pre-packaged set (four plain, letter-size invitations with

instructions for printing your own): 100 Kč

Graphic design fee (for ink, size, color): 450 Kč

Basic invitations (40 handmade cards with digital text): 1,560 Kč plus graphic design fee

Handmade paper envelopes: 23 Kč each

Fine paper envelopes (machine-made): 9 Kč each

Blind blocking: 13 Kč per invite

Letterpress: 12 Kč per invite

Customized seal with initials: 1,200 Kč per seal

These and other items can be ordered from the store's website or Facebook page.

Megan Battista can be reached at
features@praguepost.com