CUSTOM DESIGN

 

We LOVE the process of custom designing invitations and stationery. It is highly personal, and we treat every client like family, from start to finish. Click the dropdowns below to read more about how it all works!

 
 

+ Step 1: The consultation

The custom design process for a wedding invitation suite, or for invitations for any special event, starts with a complimentary consultation. Generally this happens about five to six months before a wedding, or three months before other events. We will gather all of the necessary details from you about your event, and we review design elements for your custom project. If you come to our office in Glen Ridge, the in-person consult will include a review of wedding invitation samples, we will look at color and paper options, and we will have an opportunity to speak about your budget and what your top priorities are for your custom suite.

+ Step 2: The first looks & deposit

After the initial consultation, we will take all of the details and inspiration you have provided us and will present you with three "First Looks"; these are rough drafts of the main invitation that are hopefully in line with what you wanted to see. We will also include a rough quote for your package based on our discussions.

At this time, if you are excited about the direction and want to get started editing and honing in on your custom invitations, we ask for our design fee of $450 to be paid as a retainer. From there, the real fun starts!

+ Step 3: edits & proofing

Our initial design fee includes lots of proofs and edits (up to 10 hours of design time, which is roughly 10-15 rounds of edits), and we will send proofs back and forth over email until you are happy with the graphic design. We start with the invitation, and then move onto the inserts and other details. For some clients, this takes two weeks, and others can take up to two months. Most fall somewhere in the middle. If we need more than 10 hours to get it done, we charge $65/hour for additional work, which is a highly competitive rate for graphic design. It is rare that we go beyond 10 hours of design time!

+ Step 4: final review & payment

When the graphic design of all pieces is complete, we present you with three printed draft proofs of your whole suite (also included in your design fee!), giving you lots of different options for all the fun details: envelopes, liners, folders, sashes, ribbons, etc. We sit down and hash it all out; you choose your favorite parts and we piece together your final custom design, all the while updating your invoice so you know where your costs are. At the end of that meeting, your invoice is final and your invitations are ready to be printed!

+ Step 5: production & delivery

Production begins when the final proofs are approved and final invoice is paid in full. Printing and assembly generally takes 4-5 weeks, but can be more or less depending on the season. As soon as they are ready, we let you know and we arrange pickup, delivery or shipment. If you've opted to have us fully stuff your invitations, that usually takes 3-4 more days.

+ Step 6: day-of items

If you'd like your day-of stationery (ceremony programs, dinner menus, table numbers, escort cards, seating chart, signage, etc.) to all match your invitations, we love to do that too! After your invitations have hit the mail, we will work with you to design whatever other elements you need for your wedding day. Your design fee covers this design work as well, and as long as we don't go over the 10 total design hours we won't charge you any other fees. Generally, we encourage you to get the pieces designed early and then put them on "hold" until you have your final numbers. We will give you a hard deadline for when you have to give us your final guest list/count, which is usually about 2-3 weeks before your wedding.

 
 

pricing

It is very hard to generalize cost for custom design, since every single client makes unique choices that affect their bottom line. The three sample “packages” shown below give you a general idea of what you can expect for costs when you work with us.

Keep in mind

We charge a $450 design fee for every single wedding suite design. This fee covers:

  • Initial Consultation & (3) Complimentary First Looks

  • Proofs & Edits until you're happy carries over to day-of stationery

  • Vanity URL for your Wedding Website (i.e. www.KatieAndAnthony.com)

  • Licensed custom monogram or logo free to use for other wedding vendors!

  • (3) Physical Final Proofs presented with printing, paper, and packaging options

  • Logistics Consultation I used to be a wedding planner, I’m not just another

    graphic designer! This means I focus just as much on the logistics and communication

    as I do on how your invitations look and feel. I care about your invitation doing its job!

    The sample pricing shown below is for 100 invitations.

    Our minimum spend for Weddings Invitations is $1500. If you do not meet this minimum from your invitations, we will hold the difference as a credit towards your day-of package or thank you notes/personal stationery

 
 
 

Below is a small gallery that shows the range of designs we have created over the years; it is not to be considered a catalog, but more of a portfolio.

We can’t wait to meet you!

 
 

Every invitation suite is unique, and we will tailor your custom design to match your style and your budget.

To start the design process, please schedule your free consultation below!


REFERRALS

My favorite way of growing my business over the years has been through Word of Mouth referrals; so much so, that I created a "buy back" program for all of my clients.

Here's how it works: for every client you send my way (up to 20!) I will send you a Visa gift card for 5% back* from your final invoice of your invitation order. So, if your final invoice was $1800, you'll get a gift card for $90 for each booked client who mentions your name to me.

If you referred me 20 times, you'd get your full invoice back in the form of Visa gift cards that you can use anywhere! It's my Thank You for your trust and confidence in me :).

XO,

Katie

*There's no time limit to when these referrals can come in, and no minimum order amount for you or your friend. You must be a paying (or paid) client to participate in the program. If your order is still in the design process and the final invoice has not been paid when your referral comes through, you will have the option to take the gift card after your invoice has been paid, or take 5% off your final bill.