Planning a memorable wedding requires time, commitment, and a strong attention to detail. Trends may come and go, but a successful wedding will be remembered for years to come. Many of today’s weddings are leaning toward a more rustic feel with vintage decorations that capture the feelings of a bygone era. Fortunately, for local brides and grooms, Designs by Lucianne is a business that is striving to provide vintage items, antique accents, and customized signs that meet the unique needs of the couple.
Lucianne Boardman retired from the Eau Claire School District in 2011. After two years of collecting and selling antiques, she founded Designs by Lucianne during summer 2013. “I had been completing commissioned calligraphy jobs and teaching calligraphy for a number of years and offered to create some signs for my niece’s wedding in 2012,” Boardman said. “I was excited about the responses I received and thought I would try to supplement my antique sales with the signs to rent for special occasions,” she continued.
Designs by Lucianne offers signs to rent as well as an option for custom designed signs, silk flower bouquets and boutonnieres, antique and vintage accessories, and wedding accents. “Our pieces are really available to help express the distinctive style of each bride and groom,” Boardman explained. “Couples are excited to see that they can easily rent signs and accessories to enhance their memorable day. With all of the planning and preparation for a wedding, they appreciate being able to rent from one place,” she said. Rather than purchasing items and wondering what to do with them in the future, Designs by Lucianne can provide a stress-free alternative for many couples.
Typically, couples will meet with Lucianne to discuss the individual needs of their weddings. “In most situations, the bride will indicate a package of signs that would complement her style. In fact, a number of brides have ordered custom signs that have the program written out in lieu of printed programs,” Boardman said. The most popular signs include “Welcome,” “Thank You,” “Please Sign Our Guest Book,” signs to indicate to choose a seat (rather than choosing a side) and those indicating cupcake flavors.
A recent wedding package included antique and vintage books, small cupcake flavor signs, bar signs, table numbers, a Mr. and Mrs. Paper flag banner, large empty frames for a do-it-yourself photo booth, a window screen divider for family photos, a custom-designed program on a large easel, and containers for candy bars. “Prices for individual items can range from $5 to $50. It is much more affordable for couples to order packages to receive discounted prices,” Boardman said.
The Designs by Lucianne studio is currently located in Banbury Place in Eau Claire. “Our studio has become the perfect backdrop for wedding photography. We have staged our space as a small wedding/elopement venue to showcase what we have available to couples,” she said. “We also offer a unique vintage and industrial setting for weddings with twenty-five or fewer guests. These wedding packages include the vintage accessories, flowers, signage, wedding cake, and sparkling cider toast,” Boardman continued. “While the majority of the couples I work with are in the Chippewa Valley, I have partnered with couples in the Twin Cities, Winona, Rice Lake, and Madison areas,” she explained.
Even though trends may ebb and flow, a vintage wedding can capture the elegance and style of a simpler time while keeping the focus on the happy bride and groom. And, for those couples in the Chippewa Valley, Designs by Lucianne can provide the accessories and signs to make the occasion memorable for everyone. “I truly enjoy working with couples and helping to capture the vintage feeling that they will remember for years to come,” Boardman concluded.
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