We all know that one of the biggest challenges to wedding planning is choosing your vendors and the process can be so daunting. There’s literally hundreds of options and nearly endless possibilities, and some wedding horror stories all stem from picking one wrong vendor. That’s why it is so important to find the right one for YOUR day, and we can help you find the perfect stationer. (we hope it’s us but above all they should be right for Y-O-U)
We’ve assembled a list of five questions you should ask your stationer before booking. These are meant to help you get to know them better and understand their services thoroughly before you decide to move forward with one.
1. What is your process like?
Each designer will likely have a slightly different process in how they work and how you are involved. Take a moment to learn about what all is involved from start to finish.
2. What exactly is included at each price?
Sometimes designer’s quotes include envelopes, sometimes they include addressing, sometimes they include assembly. You need to know exactly what you are getting so that there are no surprises at the end.
3. What is the timeline?
Stationery takes time to design, especially if you are having a custom design made just for you. Ask how far in advance you need to book and what the timeline is for design, printing and delivery.
4. Will you receive a digital or printed proof prior to the final print?
This is very important that you can see the invitation before the final print. It is your chance to see how the final customized design looks and your last opportunity to catch any spelling or information errors. Your stationer should be just as concerned about your happiness with the final outcome as you are!
5. What makes you different / how do you make each invitation special?
This one is just for you to get to know your stationer a little better. Perhaps they use special paper or hand illustrate each piece individually. Find out what sets them apart and maybe something will stick out to you!
Above all look for a designer who can create the style you desire and who wants to do everything to make sure you LOVE your invitations. That is what matters the most, because if they care about your special day, you can trust that they will make sure everything goes well.
I bet you’re dying to know our answers to these questions, right? If you insist 😉
1. Ours is a simple three step process:
First we will have an initial consultation where we get to know you and your wedding, what you’re looking for, your timeline and any other necessary information. Based off of this discussion we will make a custom quote for you and if you book we require a 50% deposit.
Second we will create your invitation suite and we will keep designing until you love it!
Last, we will request your final approval of the design and send it to print! You won’t have to deal with files, printing, shipping or anything – we take care of all of that so you have one less thing to think about!
2. We specify what is included at each price in our custom quotes, since there are different options for each package! We do make sure that you know exactly what you are getting so that there are no surprises.
3. The timelines vary for each piece. For semi-custom designs they can be ordered at any time and the design customization will be completed within 1-2 weeks and printed within the following week. For fully custom designs we recommend getting in touch with us as soon as possible to book your spot, and the design process takes about 4-6 weeks and a week for printing. We can work out a timeline specific to your needs, and rush options are available too!
4. Yes! You will receive a digital proof before the final print and you can also opt for a printed proof for an additional price. Our biggest goal is to make sure you’re happy with the final product and we will never print unless you give us the go-ahead.
5. We love getting to know our couples and celebrating this joyful day with them! One of our favorite questions to ask is if there is anything the couple would like to include that is unique to them and their story. We’ve included the silhouette of a hillside where the bride grew up and the husband proposed, we’ve made custom monograms, and we’ve included the brides’ favorite flowers just to name a few. It’s those unique touches that make each invitation special! No matter whether you opt for a fully custom or semi-custom suite, we will add these little touches because we want your invitation to truly feel like your own.
There you have it! The five questions you should ask your stationer, and as a bonus you got to hear our answers too. If our answers to these questions resonate with you even just a little bit, fill out this contact form so we can talk more and see if Lively Letter Co. is the right fit for you!
