WELCOME TO
LETTERED OLIVE
A DESIGN STUDIO BY TARA GUÉRARD
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
WHAT WE DO
Lettered Olive is a design studio that specializes in creating beautiful, bespoke letterpress and paper goods. Our team of talented designers are passionate about the art of traditional letterpress printing, and we take great pride in creating unique, high-quality pieces that speak to your individual style and personality. We believe that every detail matters and that nothing compares to the tactile beauty of a handcrafted piece of stationery.
At our studio, we believe that the tactile experience of paper and ink is an essential part of the design process.
From our carefully curated paper stock to our precision-cut dies, every aspect of our work is designed to create a
one-of-a-kind product that you'll treasure for years to come. Our services include everything from custom wedding invitations and stationery to business cards and event announcements. We work closely with each client to understand their unique vision, and we use our expertise to bring that vision to life in a way that exceeds expectations.
In addition to our letterpress printing, we also offer a wide range of other services. We have crafted everything from custom fabric with embroidery, to personalized party favors for your special event. When working with us, we make sure to incorporate all of the unique details and themes to create a beautiful, cohesive design just for you.
From the initial concept to the finished product, we pay close attention to every detail, ensuring that every piece we produce is of the highest quality.
Whether you're looking for a design studio that combines the beauty of letterpress printing with the creativity and flexibility of custom design, look no further. We're committed to providing exceptional customer service and delivering products that exceed your expectations.
DESIGN PROCESS
INQUIRE
At Lettered Olive, we understand that communication is key when it comes to creating the perfect project for our clients. That's why we offer a variety of options for meeting with you to discuss your project, whether it be in person, over the phone, or via email.
During these meetings, we'll work closely with you to get a better understanding of your style and taste, and to ensure that we're on the same page when it comes to your project's vision. We'll also share samples of our work to give you a better idea of what we can achieve together.
ESTIMATE
Once we are able to meet and discuss your project, we will begin an initial estimate to give you a vision of the overall cost of the project. Once you approve the estimate, we do require a 50% deposit to get started on your project. Keep in mind that timing is very important to ensure your guests receive plenty of time to plan for your big day!
PROOFS
Once you approve your estimate and we receive the initial deposit, we will get to the fun stuff- your designs! We usually provide an initial proof with 2-3 design options that showcase your overall vision.
We will talk through each proof and make sure that every detail of your design is perfected to your satisfaction.
PRODUCTION
Once you have your finalized design, we will send everything to production. From this point, we will not be able to accommodate any changes to your designs. We like to allow
3-4 weeks for printing and production, so keep this in mind when you are timing out this process. Once everything is through production, we will do a final check to make sure every detail of your project is 100% perfect before it goes through the mail.
MAILOUT
Most of our clients use Lettered Olive to take care of the mailout process. If you do decide to have us mail your final project for you, we will include this in your initial estimate, along with postage costs. For our mailouts, we like to allow a few extra days to confirm addresses to your guest list to ensure every address is correct and no guests are left behind!
WHO WE ARE
TARA GUÉRARD
Owner & Founder
Recognized as one of the nation’s leading tastemakers, Tara Guérard has earned a widespread reputation for her exceptional ability to create spectacular settings celebrating life’s most anticipated occasions. For over 20 years, clients across the United States and abroad have turned to Tara for her impeccably executed events infused with Southern hospitality.
In 2006, after finding no resources that catered to her level of taste and quality, Tara launched Lettered Olive as a way to provide her clients with the very best stationery options possible. Tara began working with the area's leading designers to create and develop stunning invitation suites, all customized with each bride in mind. The feedback was overwhelming and the demand for this unique service quickly grew. Over the years, Tara has expanded Lettered Olive to encompass all things custom. From an invitation suite to bar fabric- she makes sure every detail is perfect.
KAREN SIMON
Lead Graphic Designer & Project Manager
This New Orleans native has always known she wanted a job that allowed her to be hands-on and creative. Karen developed an interest in event planning while studying for degrees in Hospitality and Tourism and Arts Management at The College of Charleston.
She further developed her skillset working as a visual merchandiser, and then learning the art of graphic design.
Karen joined Lettered Olive in the spring of 2017 and she continues to wow clients and their guests with beautifully crafted invitations, stationery and paper pieces.
ALYSSA KING
Graphic Design Manager
With an eye for thoughtful details and a love for beautiful design, Alyssa brings the world of Lettered Olive to life across both print and digital. Now in her third year with the studio, she works across the creative process, from luxury paper goods and bespoke printed materials to website design, ensuring every touchpoint feels considered, cohesive, and distinctly elevated.
Alyssa has a particular appreciation for the details that make a design feel truly special: beautiful typography, exquisite papers, thoughtful finishes, and the subtle elements that transform a piece from simply pretty to unforgettable. Her ability to translate the Lettered Olive aesthetic across mediums makes her an integral part of bringing each creative vision to life.
When she isn’t designing, Alyssa can usually be found on Sullivans Island spending time with family and her dog, Wiggy.
