There are many questions that come up frequently once the design process is about to begin or in progress.
Why should I consider custom invitations?
First and foremost, you will get exactly what you want when you order custom invitations. They will reflect the style of your event exactly as you have in mind, unlike catalog invitations which are sometimes “close enough,” or “plain enough to work” – and can sometimes still cost more than custom-designed invitations.
First and foremost, you will get exactly what you want when you order custom invitations. They will reflect the style of your event exactly as you have in mind, unlike catalog invitations which are sometimes “close enough,” or “plain enough to work” – and can sometimes still cost more than custom-designed invitations.
Also, beautiful paper products at any event can be a less costly decoration than flowers or rented decorations, and also make great keepsakes.
How much do your invitations cost?
Pricing varies depending on details such as quantity, design, paper selection, embellishments and elements that can make up an invitation set.
Pricing varies depending on details such as quantity, design, paper selection, embellishments and elements that can make up an invitation set.
Generally speaking, invitation prices start around $4.00 each for a single-panel invitation and RSVP postcard. An invitation with several layers, enclosure cards, embellishments, special papers or letterpress printing can cost up to $8.00 per set. There are many, many options that fall between $5.00 and $6.00 per set. You will receive a detailed estimate once I have an idea of what you are looking for. All invitations are priced unassembled, with the option to add assembly service. Passport invitations range from $4 to $9 per set.
Can you ship outside of the United States?
Are there quantity or order minimums?
There is a minimum order requirement of $300 for invitations.
There is no minimum for save the dates and wedding-day extras when invitations have been ordered through Custom Paper Works.
Seating charts may be ordered separately and are not subject to a minimum order.
There is a minimum order requirement of $300 for invitations.
There is no minimum for save the dates and wedding-day extras when invitations have been ordered through Custom Paper Works.
Seating charts may be ordered separately and are not subject to a minimum order.
You can request pricing here.
What are your payment options?
Digital invoices are sent for deposits and final balances, with instructions for completing payments.
I prefer checks, but payment with a credit card can be arranged through PayPal.
Digital invoices are sent for deposits and final balances, with instructions for completing payments.
I prefer checks, but payment with a credit card can be arranged through PayPal.
How does the Design Start Date work?
The Design Start Date is the actual day on which I will first start to design your invitation, and prepare proofs for you to review. You’ll see the first proofs within a week of this date.
The Design Start Date is the actual day on which I will first start to design your invitation, and prepare proofs for you to review. You’ll see the first proofs within a week of this date.
A deposit is REQUIRED to hold a Design Start Date and guarantee availability. Generally, Start Dates fill up about 3 months in advance, so it’s best to plan early to get on the schedule, as slots are limited in order to provide the best possible service to every client.
Before the reserved design start date, I’ll need all of the wording for each piece of your invitation (main panel, any seal or band wrap wording, initials or monogram, response cards, map, direction and accommodation cards, your return address, and any other content to be used including photos and maps). I will also need to know your color palette to select papers.
How do I know what Design Start Date to reserve?
First, decide when you will be mailing your invitations.?Then, count back 8 to 10 weeks from that date.?The resulting week (to a couple weeks earlier) is when the Design Start Date should be.
First, decide when you will be mailing your invitations.?Then, count back 8 to 10 weeks from that date.?The resulting week (to a couple weeks earlier) is when the Design Start Date should be.
Design Start Dates are limited, and generally fill up at least 3 months in advance.?Reserve early to ensure availability.
How do we get started?
If you decide you’d like to have me create your invitation, a deposit is required to hold the Design Start Date which is applied toward your final balance.
If you decide you’d like to have me create your invitation, a deposit is required to hold the Design Start Date which is applied toward your final balance.
Based on our previous discussions, I’ll put together a few options for you to look at over email. Based on your feedback, I will tweak or modify the design to get it just right.
Once you’ve given approval to print the invitation, any remaining balance on the order is due. Printing and ordering your special papers will begin once both complete approval has been given and the balance is paid in full. Allow 3 to 4 weeks after final approval for printing, any assembly, and shipping.
What kind of printing is used for the invitations?
Invitations are printed with flat ink on high-quality papers. Printed colors and designs are virtually limitless.
Invitations are printed with flat ink on high-quality papers. Printed colors and designs are virtually limitless.
Letterpress (ink indented into paper), Offset (flat ink, also allows for metallic ink and varnishes), Thermography (raised ink) or Screen-Printing can also be arranged. For definitions of various processes, see Printing Processes Defined.
Can I get a sample of an invitation?
Due to the custom-designed, hand-assembled nature of the invitations, exact samples are not readily available.
You can schedule a consultation to see the invitations in my portfolio in person, as well as select your papers from over 300 color swatches. I can also mail swatches of papers that are in your color range to pick from.
When your invitation is designed, you will see digital proofs throughout the process which you can either approve as final, or request changes to be made. No item ordered will print until you have approved the design for all elements in your invitation.
How long will it take to get my invitations?
First, contact me to reserve a design-start date. Generally dates are often booked at least 3 months before you plan on really starting your invitations.
Custom invitations can take a little more time and interaction because of the design process. I want to be sure that you are completely happy with the design before printing begins. Once you have given final approval for printing, allow up to 4 weeks for printing and assembling. I can accommodate rush orders depending on availability as well.
What else can you create besides invitations?
Any paper items can be made to match your invitations. For a full list of ideas, see my Wedding/Event Papers Checklist post. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask!
What about postage?
Most formal invitation sets require a 2oz. rate stamp due to enclosures and heavy paper stocks. Square and oversized envelopes automatically require extra postage.
Most of my Passport Invitations only need the standard 1-oz. rate stamp. Let me know if postage costs are a concern. I’ve summarized postage guidelines here.
The design for a custom postage stamp is included with any invitation order. I will upload the design to Zazzle and provide a link for easy ordering. You can see some custom postage examples here.
What happened to inner envelopes?
You may have noticed that not every wedding invitation these days has the traditional inner envelope. With the introduction of PocketFolds and other new enclosures, an inner envelope is redundant as the enclosure now acts as an inner envelope, which also adds too much bulk to the overall package.
If you have a panel invitation, you can decide if you want an inner envelope or not. Though it is tradition, I personally feel that it is not always necessary. Band wraps that hold the enclosure cards in place reduce the “need” for the inner envelope as all pieces will be presented in a secure, organized manner once the outer envelope is opened.
Additionally, inner envelope aren’t available in every paper color (but the selection is growing!). If you want to use inner envelopes, just let me know early so I can share the available colors and options with you, and present a cohesive package based on what is available.
What are some ways to make my invitation EXTRA unique?
Ordering custom invitations is the first step in getting invitations that will be uniquely yours. But if you like to go a step even beyond that, there are many ways to do so as your budget allows, such as:
- Small adhesive crystals adhered to accent parts of a design, or to create a new pattern on the paper.
- Band wraps and ribbons coordinate colors, mix textures to add interest
- Custom-cut shapes – completely unique Pocket invitations or enclosures can be produced just for your invitation.
- Boxed invitations – available in materials from paperboard to metal and silk, any invitation delivered in a box is sure to get attention.
More questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact me at info {at} custompaperworks {dot} com. You can also fill out the form on the CONTACT page. Phone 586-879-7135, but email is by far the quickest way to reach me.
