Custom Process

 

welcome

From invitations to thank yous and all the tactile pieces in between, paper is what creates that first impression on your guests and what becomes lasting keepsakes of your day.

We design with thoughtfulness, versatility, and whimsy in mind. Our work features classic type and original illustrations across engagement announcements, invitations, programs, menus, signage, place cards, and more. We partner with local printers to oversee the production process of our designs and to bring you beautifully printed stationery. 

Whether you’re seeking a new, one-of-a-kind project or would love to personalize a design you’ve seen in our portfolio, we will consider every detail for stationery that reflects you and sets the tone for your event.

To learn more about what invitations entail, see the topics below:

We look forward to the possibility of designing invitations for you!


our process

We start with a dialogue about what you envision for your event and what printed components you will need. We’ll go over particulars such as materials, printing methods, and a timeline for delivery. You’re welcome to share any visual references you’ve collected for inspiration.

From this point, we have two approaches to the design process:

SEMI-CUSTOM
For an adaptation of one (or a combination) of our projects. The design may be customized in terms of colors, papers, and fonts to correspond with your own event. We will present your personalized design then follow with two rounds of refinement based on your feedback. Fine printing (such as letterpress or foil stamping), specialty sizes and materials will be an added cost.
· Typical Investment*: from $1,800 for 100 qty, Flat Printing
· Timeline: 4 to 6 weeks


BESPOKE
For a one-of-a-kind suite of stationery created solely for you. This process involves a deeper understanding of your interests and the details of your event upfront. We’ll discuss art direction and explore materials and printing possibilities. We will present a fully custom design, and with your feedback, follow with two rounds of refinement. Fine printing and specialty items will be an added cost.
· Typical Investment*: from $3,500 for 100 qty, Flat Printing
· Timeline: 4 to 12 weeks

Whether Semi-Custom or Bespoke, we will bring your project through production. Once our design receives your final approval, we move forward with ordering materials and managing printing. Your project will be delivered to you ready-to-assemble unless we’ve arranged otherwise.


*We price our projects on an individual basis; the typical investments are listed for general reference only. A variety of factors will shape the final cost—the design approach, quantities, pieces, print methods, etc. After our initial consultation, we will provide you a quote that includes estimated printing costs, design fee, and timeline. If you’d like to work with us, we’ll send along a letter of agreement and request a 50% deposit to start the design process. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery. 

gathering details

To prepare for the custom invitation process, begin to gather the details and inspiration for your event. Here is a checklist for your reference:

  • EVENT SPECIFICS
    Date, time, and location(s)

  • SPECIAL/IMPORTANT NOTES
    Any venue requirements, accommodations, dress code, or attendance limits

  • DESCRIPTION OR VISUAL REFERENCES
    Style, color palette, decor, imagery or themes, mood, or formality

  • GUEST LIST & INVITATION COUNT
    Create your guest list and begin to gather addresses. To determine the number of invitations you'll need, a general rule to follow is to count 1 per "household." Add on 10 (or more) to your total—the extras may be for last minute additions, photography, and keepsakes.

stationery components

With each event comes unique requirements. Whether you’re hosting a low-key and intimate gathering at home, or planning a larger celebration with many out-of-towners, we’ll provide you the necessary pieces to impart all the important details to your guests. Here is a guideline:

 
 

SAVE-THE-DATES
Deliver: 6–12 months prior
 

This piece is optional / as needed. If your event date falls on a special holiday or holiday weekend, or if your event location is a destination for most of your guests, it's helpful to send word via save-the-date as early as you can. You may deliver printed save-the-dates or consider sending them digitally. 

 
 

INVITATION
Deliver: 2–4 months prior

Invitations should be delivered at minimum 6 weeks prior to your event. For a destination event, it’s helpful to mail invitations 3 to 4 months ahead so that guests may make arrangements and plan itineraries accordingly. Also keep in mind when your reply-by date and deliver invitations early enough to allow guests enough time to respond.

The invitation set typically includes: invitation card, RSVP, additional details card (optional), website card or tag (optional), and envelope.

 
 

COORDINATES
Finalize: 1–2 months prior

Finalize the details for your day-of pieces. This may include program, menu, table numbers, escort or place cards, venue signage, favors, etc.

 
 

THANK YOU CARDS
Send: 2 weeks after*
(*but better late than never)

Plan for thank you cards alongside your invitation, so that you have them ready as soon as any gifts begin to arrive. 

 
 

paper & printing

Our standard paper is 100% cotton. Papers in various colors, weights, and textures are also available for consideration.

Available print methods include letterpress printing, flat (digital) printing, and foil. It's possible to select one print method for all of your stationery or to incorporate a bit of each across the various pieces (i.e. foil invitation + letterpress RSVP + flat printed insert). If you're interested in other methods—i.e. silkscreening, risograph, embossing, engraving—let us know.

You're welcome to share any specific paper(s) and print method(s) you have in mind or we can explore the possibilities during the design process. If you have a set budget, we can advise on what will fit best. 

finishing touches

Ribbons, postage, wax seals, envelope liners, and addressing—we consider all of these from the start. We enjoy how the smallest details help tie the design together for a cohesive presentation.