In the last blog, we talked about tips for finding the right wedding stationer for you. This time we’re looking at the consultation and everything you need to know about working with a stationer on a bespoke wedding invitation suite.

What to expect during your consultation meeting

Most invitation designers will ask you to fill out a short enquiry form prior to the consultation. This allows them to get a feel for your style, budget, and expectations, which will make the meeting more productive.

If the form asks for inspirational photos or Pinterest boards, please make sure to include them! Even if they don’t include invitations, any wedding inspiration you have will help your stationer gain a clearer idea of your style from the get-go, which will save you time in the long run.

During the consultation, the stationer will have a list of questions they will ask you to coax out a design direction. If you’re meeting in person, they should also have samples of past work, paper, colour swatches, and embellishments such as wax seals and belly bands, as well as suggestions for your suite.

If you’re working with a stationer remotely, ask to have some samples mailed out to you so you can feel the texture and weight for yourself. Some stationers will charge for a sample pack, but this cost is usually refunded if you go on to book.

Have fun at this stage, and let your imagination run wild! But be sure to ask questions of your own. Before signing a contract, make sure you know the answers to the following:

How many rounds of revisions are included in the design fee?
How does the revision process work? What is considered a revision?
How long does the design process take?
How long does production take?
What are the stationer’s payment policies? (Most require a 30-50% deposit before work begins!)
What is the stationer’s minimum order? (If having a small wedding)
If there’s a particular embellishment or service you want (i.e. calligraphy, letterpress, hot foil, wax seals etc.) ask the designer if they offer it.
Is assembly included in the price?

Communicating with your invitation designer

Once the contract is signed, have all your wedding details ready (names, venue addresses, RSVP dates, timings, etc). Your wedding stationer will be able to help you with the invitation wording, but you’ll need to provide the information! Most will send you a detailed form after receiving your deposit.

For the design process to flow smoothly, it’s important that you respond promptly to proofs. Your stationer should provide you with a timeline for proofing, and if you don’t respond within the set timeframe, it may delay the production of your invitations. This is where you have some control over the speed of the design process. The faster you respond, the faster the work will go!

Finally, know that every stationer’s design process is different. That’s why it’s important to ask upfront how proofs will be received and how many revisions are included. As with any wedding vendor, you should feel comfortable talking with your stationer and trust in their ability to deliver a beautiful design.

Don’t forget to proofread!

Regardless of whether you’re working with a professional, proofing your wedding invitations is the single most important part of the process. You don’t want your beautiful invitations to arrive with your venue’s address incorrect or the wrong date.

Read through everything carefully before signing off on final proofs. Then make sure at least two other people proof it after you! Proofreading also includes guest addresses for the envelopes. While checking these may be tedious, many of my clients have come back with changes before production begins. I’ll be blogging about this soon.

In most cases, once you sign off on final proofs, changes cannot be made without additional fees. This is particularly important with letterpress as once plates are made, these are expensive to replace so take this part seriously!

Your experience with your stationer should be fun and enjoyable part of the wedding planning process. After all, your invitations are the first glimpse both you and your guests will see of your wedding. So give yourself the time to enjoy this wonderful part of your wedding planning journey!

Interested in working with Ink & Paper? Find out more about the design process or get started below!

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