Plan to visit at least 4 months prior to the wedding date
for invitations that are semi-custom.
The ideal time for custom invitation design is at least 9 months
or more prior to the wedding. Occasionally, I am able to work on a shorter time frame.
Here's the Process..there's a lot to know
Let's schedule your consultation
When you are ready to move forward and after your questionnaire is submitted (found on the inquiry page), you will receive a couple of date options for your in-person consultation. If you are not local, a time will be set for an online consultation meeting. The consultation provides an opportunity for me to learn your story and what is import for your invitation vision and direction. Full disclosure: I do not and will not copy any other stationer's design. If you love their work, please use them.
Prepare for our meeting
Please have your important wedding suite details handy. Some examples are: venue address, time schedule for the day, hotel information, entree selections if offering to guests, date that caterer needs final count (rsvp date is set using this as a guide), both sets of parents going on invitation (if appropriate), will you be using middle names on the invitation, color swatches that are important to incorporate and anything photo of work that represents your style. We will discuss general ideas and costs based on your questionnaire. We will look at work for other clients, see and touch stock options, look at potential fonts for the suite and answer any of your questions. A contract is offered at this time with a 50% deposit due to begin design work specific to your vision.
The timeline
The timeline is driven by how far in advance the consultation is scheduled. Generally, the initial design is ready to see in 2-3 weeks. At that point, you come back and look at digital hard copies and we discuss what adjustments might be needed. If you are not local, we schedule an online meeting and a rendering is provided and adjustments are discussed. Once we are thrilled with your suite we will move to the production phase. All files for printing will be sent to you so that you can look over all details (including spelling and numbers). You note any changes needed or sign off that all is correct and approved for printing. Two additional rounds of text edits are included (after original viewing of the suite) in the cost of invitations. Any continued revising or major change is design is billed at an hourly rate. Invitations should be mailed 12 weeks before wedding to allow for postal delays and to provide guests with ample time to respond.
Production
Now it's real! Your final payment is due at this point. Files are prepped for plate making (if needed) and printing. Time is allotted for any add on services such as: envelope liners, die cuts, edge painting, hole punching, etc. Plan for a minimum of three full work weeks to complete all aspects of the invitation suite in preparation for pick up or mailing.
Time to mail invitations
YAY! Towards the end of production, you will be offered a date to pick up your invitations or be notified of a mailing date if you opted for that service.
Custom artwork
When you've commissioned custom artwork for your invitation suite, whether it's a portrait
or a cherished fur baby, please note that a licensing fee applies for each use.
For instance, if you wish to use the same custom logo on napkins and for a dance floor projection,
separate licensing fees apply for each item.
This ensures fair compensation for the artist, who retains full rights to their work.
or a cherished fur baby, please note that a licensing fee applies for each use.
For instance, if you wish to use the same custom logo on napkins and for a dance floor projection,
separate licensing fees apply for each item.
This ensures fair compensation for the artist, who retains full rights to their work.
Tailored invitations, made exclusively for you, cannot be returned. Deposits are non-refundable once design work starts, and final products are also non-refundable.
Serving Cleveland and Beyond!
19300 detroit road, 2nd floor suite 207 | rocky river, ohio 44116
email: [email protected] responds during typical business hours (EST)
phone: (440) 799-4134 (sorry, text messaging is NOT available)
Cotton Ink works by APPOINTMENT only
19300 detroit road, 2nd floor suite 207 | rocky river, ohio 44116
email: [email protected] responds during typical business hours (EST)
phone: (440) 799-4134 (sorry, text messaging is NOT available)
Cotton Ink works by APPOINTMENT only