I thought it was time to post a refresher on the design process for my custom wedding invitation creations! Here’s a quick overview, with suggestions for when each step should be completed. Remember, I always suggest leaving yourself as much extra time as possible!
Consultation
Schedule your consultation at least six months before your date! It’s customary to mail your invitations eight weeks ahead of time, so this is the bare minimum. What should you bring? Any inspiration, colors, and ideas you might have! In short, anything that will help me understand and execute your creative vision.
Don’t forget, save the dates will need to be sent out much earlier than your custom wedding invitations! Six to nine months is standard, unless you’re planning a destination wedding. Then, it’s more like nine to twelve. Add that onto the time it’ll take to complete the consultation and design processes for an idea of how far ahead you should plan.
Investment
We’ll also discuss your budget at your consultation. When we’ve decided on your design, I’ll send you a quote. I’ll take your 50% deposit whenever you’re ready for the design process to begin!
Design
My approximate design time for a wedding invitation suite is about three weeks. I’ll check in regularly to make sure I’m adhering to our plan and to fine-tune any details. When I’m finished, I’ll e-mail you digital proofs for your approval.
Proofing
This is one part of the process when the extra time really comes in handy. You’ll want to be extra diligent in examining your proofs for typos and other errors. I offer up to three rounds of revisions; use them!
Printing
April Lynn Designs offers a comprehensive list of printing techniques, including:
- Digital / Flat
- Letterpress
- Hot Foil Stamping
- Thermography (Raised Printing)
- Engraving
- Embossing
After they invitations are printed, they’re all yours! The extra weeks you’ve built into your timeline can go toward addressing your envelopes, figuring out postage, and assembly. Get them in the mailbox eight weeks ahead of time, and you’ll have plenty of time to take a final headcount.
Ready to get started? Drop me a line to schedule your consultation!