WHAT ARE YOUR PRICES?

I get asked this more often than all of the other questions combined. Because every invitation I do is custom designed, every price is different. It depends on quantity, number of inserts, type of invitation, cardstock, papers, colored printing, etc. As an example, in 2011 100 invitations is typically around $9-$10 for a two layer panel, 2 inserts and the outer envelope. Some items must be ordered in multiples of 10 and some special items have a minimum of 50. Ask for details. The minimum invitation order is $750.

DO YOU HAVE A MINIMUM ORDER?

There is no minimum order quantity, but the minimum dollar amount for an invitation order is $750 for wedding invitations. Invitations for other events have a minimum dollar amount of $250.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

First we'll talk about your wedding or event by email or phone. We will establish budget and the type of invitation that will suit your event. I will ship to you a large package filled with samples, swatches, your font list and other useful information. The charge for this box and consultation is $50. The $50 will be credited to your account once you have placed an order and is otherwise not refundable.

Please note - I do not do any design work before a deposit is received. I also do not typically make a sample before production begins. If a sample is required, the minimum charge is $75 and is not refundable.

Once you receive your package, we’ll start with a consult – either by email, on the phone or via Skype. At the time of the consult I’ll ask about themes, anything that you love about your event or in life that you want portrayed on the invitation. I then work up the quote for the invitations or any other products that you would like. Orders and a contract are entered. I require a 30% deposit for all products and services.

About 4 - 5 months before the wedding, the design process will start. I will send you graphic thoughts and ideas. Sending photos of items already at your wedding is very helpful. Typical pictures that I receive are of the wedding dress, venue location, flowers, cake and centerpieces.

All proofs are done by email. The invitation will come first to get the fonts and layout and overall feel. The inserts and envelopes follow. I then require all proofs to be reviewed and you will sign off so I can print. Proofing is solely your responsibility.

Invitations typically ship 2-1/2 months before the event, but special arrangements can be made if you require the invitations earlier.

HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR CUSTOM DESIGNED STAMPS?

I charge a small upload fee for custom stamps from www.zazzle.com. I will upload the stamp and then you order the stamps and have them sent to my location.

WHEN DO YOU NEED THE INFORMATION FOR A SEATING CHART?

You will receive a spreadsheet at the time of order. I typically send a proof of the background design about one month before the wedding. I will need the spreadsheet returned absolutely no later than 10 days before the wedding. I usually send a proof of the finished chart within 24 hours. Shipping to the US is not a problem, although California from Michigan is a 5 day shipping point so we may have to do rush shipping. I can also do charts internationally. You will just need to locate a large format printer and I will upload the chart to their location.

DO YOU PROOFREAD?

No. I might catch a mistake here and there, but I don't proofread. I'll try and catch etiquette things as well and point them out. I will send you files and forms to fill out at the beginning of your process and I suggest that you spell check your documents.

DO YOU ADDRESS ENVELOPES?

Yes, and I love to do machined calligraphy. It makes the entire package that much more special. Etiquette says that envelopes need to be handwritten, but etiquette also says that invitations need to be cream or white and in black printing only. Times have changed. I am of the opinion that that rule was made when your only option was the pen or a typewriter.

WHAT IS YOUR LEAD TIME?

If you know your wedding date, contact me. I book up about one year in advance. I also have a 4 month minimum lead time.

WHAT TYPES OF PRINTING DO YOU OFFER?

Most brides have gone to flat printing for invitations due to the versatility of color printing. My invitations are printed on a digital press or offset printing.
I also offer Letterpress, screen printing, engraving and thermography.

HOW MANY INVITATIONS SHOULD I ORDER?

I always recommend that you get together with everyone and figure out a good count. Invitations are too costly to order 20 extra and then have them go to waste. And you don't want to order too little and have to pay extra for more. I usually suggest 10 extra if you have a good count. You never know if you'll get a new job with new coworkers or new neighbors. Mothers are also famous for adding last minute guests!

WHAT DATE SHOULD I USE ON MY RSVP CARDS?

I usually recommend 3 - 4 weeks. Check with your reception location to see when they need a final count and then add 1 - 2 weeks so you can call the people that didn't RSVP.

DO YOUR INVITATIONS HAVE INNER ENVELOPES?

Most of them don't. The pocketfolds and gatefolds are so bulky, they don't allow for another envelope. I typically attach a seal to the outside of the invitation that is printed with the guest's name - acting as an inner envelope. Also with today's society turning to the Green lifestyle, the inner envelope is somewhat of a waste of paper. I do offer some invitation styles that do have inner envelopes.

DO YOU HAVE LINED ENVELOPES?

YES! They are a great way to add another punch of color. Ask about customizing these with prints as well. They do tend to add to postage though.

DO YOU MAKE UP SAMPLES?

No. Because everything is custom and I do all of my own cutting, printing and assembly, it is nearly impossible to make just one. I send you proofs for every single element that is printed and you will receive swatches of the papers and cardstocks.

WHAT POSTAGE WILL I NEED?

Nearly 99% of invitations will need the 2oz rate. The rare invitation will go to the 3oz rate. I can weigh your invitation once I start manufacturing. RSVP cards and envelope need the 1oz rate. I can also do RSVP postcards that will save you money by requiring the postcard rate. Ribbons and envelope liners can sometimes cause the invitation to go over the 2oz rate on postage, due to thickness. You should ALWAYS take a finished invitation to the post office to be weighed and get the correct amount of postage.

 

SHOULD I HAND CANCEL MY INVITATIONS?

YES! I did an experiment by sending a 2 oz envelope just in the regular mail and another I took to be hand canceled. You can see from this picture that the one on the left - regular mail and canceling - is significantly beat up. The canceling of the stamp makes the envelope messy and there is even a ghost of the canceled mark further on down the envelope. Going through the machine again also took off the ink on the graphic in places and there is orange ink splattered on the bottom. Take the time and have your invitations hand canceled. Small town post offices are more kind about the task and I suggest going early in the morning and canceling them yourself. If you have custom stamps, you can line up the cancel stamp so it just hits the edge of the stamp and doesn't cover up your picture or graphic.

WHAT OTHER SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?

I can do anything imaginable. From seating charts, table numbers, placecards, programs, signs, tags to shoes, neckties, Plexiglas.  If you can dream it up, I'll figure a way to do it.  I can also provide design work for other pieces, such as Gobo lights, runners, banners, napkins and even cakes and cookies.