CREDITS | Featured Photography: Simply K Studios
PROCESS
HOW DOES THIS WORK?
So many of my clients have expressed that their stationery (surprisingly) turned out the be one of the most enjoyable parts of planning their wedding! Admire Design is here for you with a simple, straightforward process to designing completely custom invitations and stationery – created for and inspired by you! Whether you have a specific idea in mind, are open to ideas, or have no idea at all – my goal is to create the perfect suite to set the tone for your day. Read on to discover more about our process…
6 Steps to Custom Invitations
Here’s an overview of the Admire Design process from inspiration to creation!
01
GET INSPIRED
Begin by browsing through the design gallery and blog for inspiration. Think about what kind of style you want, colors and the pieces you will need. You can customize a design or we can create something completely new!
02
LET'S CHAT
During your consultation we’ll discuss everything about your event design. We’ll look at tons of invitation samples, hundreds of paper colors, dozens of fonts, and we’ll customize an invitation you will be ecstatic to send out! Consultations are available in person in CT via FaceTime.
03
DESIGN
After your consultation, you will be emailed a quote and a design mockup. When you are ready to place your order, a simple online contract will be created for you to sign and return along with a 50% deposit. Work will then begin on your custom design.
04
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
When your design is ready, digital proofs will be emailed to you in PDF format and will include every piece in your suite. Five rounds of changes are included at no cost to make sure they are perfect.
05
CREATION
Once you have approved your proofs, the balance of your order will be due. Your custom order will then go into production to be printed and hand-assembled for you. You can select to pick up your order or have it shipped to you.
06
STAMP & SEND
It’s time to mail your invitations! Make sure to get one officially weighed at the post office for the proper postage rate. Wedding invitations should be mailed 8-10 weeks before the big day. Prepare for tons of compliments and replies checked yes!
FAQS
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I CONTACT YOU?
For invitations it should be about 6-8 months in advance, or for save the dates about 10-12 months. The design process from the time we begin a contract to the time you mail them out (8-10 weeks before your wedding) is generally 2 months. This generous timeline allows you to enjoy the experience without any added stress of rushing. That said, we can do invitations in less time if needed!
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE WE MEET?
You should have your wedding date and venue as well as a general idea of how many guests you will be inviting. You should also have a general idea of the wedding events/details that need to be included in the invitation. I will also want to know your colors and will ask about any design inspiration you love. (Not sure? We can figure that out at our consult too!)
CAN YOU ADDRESS MY ENVELOPES FOR ME?
Yes! I offer digital calligraphy for all invitation suites. I ask that your address list be in a spreadsheet format. All invitation orders with addressing include a separate proofing process where you can review every address in your order to make sure they are good to go!
WHAT IS RSVP NUMBERING?
As an add-on service, I can number the back of your RSVP cards. The numbers will correspond to your address spreadsheet. If any of your guests gets a little too excited and forgets to write their name down (yes, it happens) then the number will be a huge help to know who it’s from!
WHEN DO MY GUESTS NEED TO RSVP? WHEN DO I MAIL?
Ask for responses 4 weeks before your wedding. This will give you plenty of time to prepare your seating arrangements. Mailing is 8-10 weeks before your wedding unless you are having a destination or holiday time wedding which would be earlier (3+ months).
DO I REALLY HAVE TO MATCH MY INVITES TO MY WEDDING?
Think of your invitations as the first little glimpse your guests receive of the event to come. You are really setting the tone for the entire event! Your invitation should tell guests a little about your style as a couple and evoke a feeling for the special event to come.
WHAT OTHER PAPER DESIGN DO YOU OFFER?
I can create complete wedding suites so that your entire event feels cohesive and creatively considered. In addition to save the dates and invitations, we can design: wedding programs, table numbers, seating charts, escort cards, table menus, favor tags, signs for the reception, hotel welcome bags and notes, thank you cards, cocktail napkins, match boxes, drink stirrers, cups, and tons more. If you have an idea, just ask!
WHAT OTHER NON-PAPER DESIGN DO YOU OFFER?
I am a graphic designer at heart and can help you to setup digital pieces as well such as customizing your wedding website. I have even helped couples create custom dance floor lighting, a reception cocktail bar, and a monogrammed ice sculpture. If you have a project in mind, let me know!