process

how does this work?

So many 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 for 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 ideas at all – let’s create the perfect suite to set the tone for your day.

6 Steps to Custom Invitations

An overview from inspiration to creation

Get Inspired

Begin by browsing through the portfolio for inspiration. Think about what kind of styles you like, colors the coordinate with your event, and the pieces you will need. Make your stationery special to you by customizing an existing design or creating something completely new!

Let’s Chat

During your consultation we’ll discuss everything about your event design. We’ll look at tons of invitation samples, paper colors, typefaces, and then customize an invitation you will be ecstatic to send out! Video and in-person consultations are available by appointment only.

Design

After you review your custom proposal and are ready to begin, an online contract will be created for you to sign and return with a 50% deposit. A Wording Guide will be provided to help you send the details via an online form. Work will then begin on your custom design!

Love at First Sight

When your design is ready, digital proofs will be sent to you to review including every piece in your paper suite. Five rounds of design changes are included to make sure they are perfect. (Addressing too? Envelopes get their own set of custom proofs with five rounds!)

Creation

Once your design proofs are approved, the balance of your order will be due. Your custom order will go into production to be professionally printed and lovingly hand-assembled for you. You can select to pick up your order or have it packed and shipped to you.

Stamp & Send

It’s time to mail your invitations! Make sure to get one officially weighed and measured at the post office for the proper postage rate. Wedding invitations should be mailed 10-12 weeks before the big day. Prepare for tons of compliments and replies checked yes!

Frequently Asked Questions

most asked q&a for getting your project started

For invitations it should be about 6-10 months in advance, or for save the dates about 12-14 months. The design process from the time we begin a contract to the time you mail them out (10-12 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!

Yes! Digital calligraphy is included in all paper suites unless you indicate otherwise. This means your guest addressing is printed directly on your mailing envelopes and will coordinate with your design and colors. Address lists need to be provided in a spreadsheet format. All orders with addressing include a separate proofing process where you can review every envelope in your order to make sure they are good to go!

You should have your wedding date and venue/s 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!)

Ask for responses about 4 weeks before your wedding. This will give you plenty of time to prepare your seating arrangements and order any wedding day paper. Mailing is 10-12 weeks before your wedding unless you are having a destination or holiday time wedding which would be earlier (RSVP 6 weeks out / Mail 3+ months out).

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 about your style as a couple and evoke a feeling for the special event to come.

As an add-on service, we can number the back of your RSVP cards to correspond to your address spreadsheet. If any of your guests get a little too excited and forget to write their name down (yes, it happens) then the number will be a huge help to know who it’s from!

Yes! 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!

I am a graphic designer and artist at heart and can help you to create custom monograms, paintings, and 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!

Ready to begin your custom design journey?

contact us today

See something you love or want to create a completely new suite? Get in touch to schedule a design consultation. We look forward to hearing more about your event!

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