You got the ring.
You got the date.
You got the venue.
Now it’s time for wedding invitations!
Of course just like all of the other wedding decisions you need to make, invitations come with A LOT of options. I’m here to break down the two main types of wedding invitations (and their pros and cons) so you can decide what works best for you.
SEMI-CUSTOM INVITATIONS
WHAT ARE THEY?
Semi-custom invitations are already designed, so you have a pretty good idea of what it’s going to look like as a finished product. They’re called “Semi-Custom” because they get customized with your info (it would be super awkward to send a wedding invitation with someone’s name, right?!).
WHAT CAN I CUSTOMIZE?
Ah yes, our most asked question! For our Semi-Custom designs, we include font, font color, and minor layout/artwork changes (like moving a tree or deleting a flower) in the cost of the invitations. Elaborate artwork, like our watercolor and fluid art designs, often require a lot of work to edit their layout and color, so there is usually an additional fee involved to change those.
We can also personalize your Semi-Custom invitations with upgraded paper and print processes or any of the wide range of accessories we offer! I have had clients choose the same design and have a totally different aesthetic simply by changing an envelope color and adding a vellum wrap or using a silk ribbon and wax seal!
BENEFITS OF SEMI-CUSTOM INVITATIONS
- Pre-designed so you avoid a custom design fee
- Turnaround is typically much quicker
- You can see what your suite will look like in advance
- Options are available to personalize your suite
DRAWBACKS OF SEMI-CUSTOM INVITATIONS
- Not a unique or heirloom stationery piece
- Service-level benefits (like assembly and addressing) are usually not included or only available for an additional fee
- Personalization options may be limited or involve additional fees
CUSTOM INVITATIONS
WHAT ARE THEY?
Custom wedding invitations are completely unique to you and your love story. We love getting to know our couples and ALL of their different interests (not just their wedding Pinterest board) so we can create invitations that feel like them. Our custom invitation designs are never repeated so you can rest assured your guest are receiving a truly unique piece of stationery specially created for your big day. Our goal is always to create invitations that feel so personal, your guests will never want to throw them away.
HOW DOES THE CUSTOM INVITATION PROCESS WORK?
We start by getting to know our couples – their interests, their style, their love story and the tone they want their invitations to set. Then we put together two initial sketches of invitation concepts for them to choose from. Once we have an overall style determined, we’ll begin the proofing process, where our couples get to see each individual piece, all of the artwork, and a mockup of how everything will look together. After approving items to print, our couples sit back and relax while we handle all of the logistics of printing, paper, accessories, addressing, and assembly!
HOW LONG DO CUSTOM INVITATIONS TAKE?
We typically like to get started 6 months before the wedding date to move comfortably through the Custom Invitation process. Of course, we make exceptions depending on the scope of the project and our existing schedule. We recommend booking your spot as soon as possible (most couples book a year in advance) to ensure we are able to accommodate you!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CUSTOM INVITATIONS?
- Completely unique design that will never be duplicated
- Easy design and proofing process
- Expert guidance in wording and etiquette
- Access to our extensive font library
- Full assembly included
- Custom artwork piece
- Vintage Stamp Curation
- Photographer’s Kit
- Keepsake Invitation
WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS OF CUSTOM INVITATIONS?
- Custom invitations have a longer turnaround time than Semi-Custom Invitations
- Custom invitations require a custom design fee and are usually a more significant investment
WHAT TYPE OF INVITATIONS ARE RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you and your partner value unique design and a luxury experience, we invite you to learn more about our Custom Invitations and submit an Inquiry with us. We’d love to create unique stationery for what is sure to be the best day of your life!
If you and your partner have a less flexible timeframe or budget, we invite you to peruse our Semi-Custom Collections! We are always happy to make suggestions for ways to personalize our suites even further!
Whatever invitations you choose, we look forward to ensuring you Look Good on Paper!