Tag Archives: invitation

WHY DO CUSTOM INVITES COST SO MUCH?

I’ve been feeling guilty lately. I LOVE creating unique invitations using unique materials and processes but this gets expensive my friends!

So after deciding you want custom invitations, you start inquiring and meeting potential designers and getting quotes. Your little heart starts to skip a beat because dreams cost money! But why does paper that probably gets thrown away (and by golly don’t use that as an argument) cost so dang much? I’ve come up with a few things to think about.

1.) Materials: Paper doesn’t come cheap my friends. Neither does those lined envelopes or that special twine you like so much. Want an invitation on wood or in a box? You better be prepared to pay.

2.) Design: That’s right. When you hire a custom wedding invitation designer, you are getting something designed specifically for you that won’t be mass produced. It’s a one of a kind. Think of it as a commissioned work of art.

3.) Actual Printing: I think this is one of the most common misconceptions about invitations. Printing costs money and sometimes lots of it. If you have something screen printed or letterpress for instance, in addition to printing, you have to have plates made which by themselves cost $100 or more.

4.) Time: I can’t stress this one enough. I probably spend 30+ hours on each job. This includes designing, emailing you, tweaking files, readying files for print, working with the printer, assembly,and preparing for shipment or delivery.

5.) Me: I don’t mean “me” I mean having me in your corner. I work specifically on your invitation using my knowledge and experience to give you the best experience. I can guarantee most if not all custom designers go above and beyond because we love what we do! I also really try to help my clients out with other aspects too.

So if you are feeling a little sticker shocked by your custom wedding invitation estimate, keep these things in mind.

BUT Caroline! How do I save money if I REALLY want custom invitations?

Think about what you really need and what you really want. You want an invitation in a box, but can we do something just as cool in a pocket fold? Decrease your guest list. Also, be sure to be upfront about your budget and do your research before meeting with your designer. One of my favorite things is helping brides create something beautiful and uniquely them on their budget.

Read more in my Wedding Stationery 101 series and remember I’m always here to help!

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MEETING YOUR DESIGNER

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Engagement season is here! I both dread and love this time. I love this time because it means love . . . which I love. I dread it because it means trying to calendar for the next year! ha! No I do love it.

One thing I’ve been trying to tell my bride-to-be friends is don’t wait to meet with your designers! By designers, I mean invitation designers and by invitation designers, I mean me! Why oh why do brides wait till 4 months or less to pick invitations? Ah! Especially if you are wanting custom design, this doesn’t fly. IF you are wanting or even thinking about custom invitations, get them involved early in the wedding planning process. Why? I can’t tell you how many times when working with a bride and wedding planner, my designs and our collaborations have led to the whole design of the wedding. I LOVE helping you hone in on how to define and execute your wedding design. Now, I’m not a wedding designer at all, but I do a lot of accessories for the wedding such as tags, banners, programs, table numbers, etc. These things all need to GO with the rest of the wedding design.

Soapbox off.

So, you’ve scheduled a meeting with your designer, now what should you bring with you?

1.) YOU! Yes, yes. Don’t send Aunt Jane who you’ve relayed your wishes to. Come and talk to me. If you can’t do it in person, let’s chat on the phone or via email. Why? I have to get sense of you and your beloved, who you are and what your style is! This helps me determine how crazy or formal to go with your designs.

2.) PICTURES AND MAGAZINE CLIPPINGS.

Or your iphone. Show me that pinterest board you’ve been building that defines what you want your day to look at. I want to see what you like, love and what you don’t like. Flowers, cakes, dresses, show it all to me because it really does help define the style and theme of the wedding and stationery.

3.) BUDGET. Yes, don’t walk into a meeting with no budget in mind. Research and find out how much invitations cost. I’ll be realistic with you in what you want and what you can afford. One of the absolute joys I get is helping brides on budgets create something they love.

4.) QUESTIONS. Ask away. That’s what I’m here for and the consultation is all about getting all the answers. Ask me about paper, why so and so had a belly band on their invite or how you should address them. Let’s cover all our bases.

Ok, you ready? Let’s do this! Oh I drink a lot of coffee so get excited!

Read more in my Wedding Stationery 101 series and remember I’m always here to help!