So, you're at that point in your wedding planning where you're thinking about your invitations, but you're wondering how that happens when you work with a stationery designer. What do you need to do when, and do you need to sign anything? What about deposits? How do you know what you're getting before it's printed? There are so many questions, right?! Here's the lowdown on the process of designing a wedding invitation, well, my process anyway!
First things first, let's have a chat
Whatever stage you are at with your wedding invitations, whether you know exactly what you want or you haven't got a clue, booking a stationery consultation is recommended. It means that we can talk freely about what you have in mind, what is necessary and what might be nice. I can also answer any questions you might have, such as when to send your invitations out, what card is available to print onto and when to set your RSVP date, as well as make recommendations based on my 10 years experience in the wedding industry.
I have a booking system for stationery consultations on my website here. Just choose a date and time that works for you and I will email you a link for a Google Chat video call. Calls usually take around half an hour to an hour.
Quotes
Once we've spoken and I've collated all your ideas, and liaised with my printers, I'll send you a quote. This quote will include the costs for design, printing and envelopes as well as any additional extras that we spoke about-such as wax stamps, envelope liners and ribbon. I will often send you a quote for several options so you can see what works best with your budget. For instance, I might send you three different card choices: smooth, sandy-feeling and textured; and two different envelopes: white and coloured. If you aren't sure, I will happily recommend what I think will work best.
You are also welcome to ask for changes to the quote if you realise you need something less expensive, or more, if your budget allows for more to be added to the order.
Booking
If you are happy to move forward with the quote I have sent (brilliant!), I will then send you a deposit invoice, to secure your booking. This is normally fifty per cent of the quote, and can either be paid straight away, or paid in instalments. I will also send you my terms and conditions to sign, which you can also have a peek at here, and show you the organisational app I used to work through the stationery process. (It's super easy to use and allows everything to be seen on one screen, saving lots of emails!). I will send you a timescale that I will be working towards: when I will start, when I plan to send your stationery to print, and when you should receive it.
Designing
For all bespoke orders, I start the design process off with 'concept designs'. These are normally 3 versions of your main invitation, laid out in different ways so you can see how your invitation could vary. I normally choose different fonts and layouts, sometimes I vary the tones slightly or change the wording to show how it could be presented differently. From this, you can choose elements from the options that you would like to combine to create a new design, or choose one of the options to perfect. You are more than welcome to make additions or changes to these designs. We will then work through three sets of proofs to make your invitations perfect before they go to print.
For orders that use a house design, the process is similar, but you won't get the concept designs, simply the three sets of proofs to make sure they are perfect before we send them to to print.
All proofs are PDF documents sent on my organisational app, or occasionally email. You are welcome to order a printed proof of your invitations, if you wish, however, this will cost extra.
I will also ask you go to through a chunky proofreading list so we can ensure that everything is correct, so you know exactly what you are getting before it is in your hands.
Printing
Printing normally takes one to two weeks depending on the order. I use professional printers, who know their stuff, so you can be reassured that the quality will be top-notch!
Just before this, however, I'll ask for your final invoice to be paid. This will include the remaining balance from the deposit you paid initially and will include any changes to the order, such as if you need to order a few more invites, or if you asked me to add anything extra.
Delivery
Delivery is normally 1 week for all UK orders. Sending stationery abroad can take longer, depending on where it is going. Your stationery will be tracked and insured, and it will have a proof of posting photo. If you are local you are more than welcome to collect your stationery from me in Frome.
It's all in the timing
For any stationery orders, I would strongly recommend getting in touch at least 3-6 months before you wish to start the design process. You don't need to have all the details in place yet, but booking early will mean I am more likely to have the space available to work on your order.
A little guide to help
Bespoke orders: 4-16 weeks
House designs: 2-4 weeks
On the day orders: 8-16 weeks (depending on the quantity of stationery, painting or illustration options chosen.
I hope that's helpful! If you have any other questions about the wedding invitation process, please get in touch.
Have a great week,
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