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Beginning the Design Process
1. I've sent in my Idea Inventory. How long until I get a proof?
A. First you have to decide on a design. Then, you get a proof. But, you will have to wait your turn if there are clients who
contacted us ahead of you. Upon sending in your inventory, you will be sent log-in information to the Evenstar Paperie
Blog. Every day, a password-protected customer-only post is written that outlines the day's tasks and waiting list progress.
Log in to the blog and find your name on the list to determine how long you have.In general, 1 place number is 1 day, so if
you’re #10, plan on, at least, 10 days.
2. I’ve heard you don’t give quotes. Why can’t you tell me how much the invitation I want costs?
A. I do give quotes, but I’m hesitant to do so right from the start. There are too many unknowns…the biggest being that I
don’t know what your budget is. Knowing your budget is a crucial piece of the puzzle for me. Not because I’m going to
hear it and shoot the price up to meet it…that’s not me. Custom invitations are custom! My portfolio is less of a
catalogue…it’s more of an idealogue! You can mix and match ideas and designs and wordings and fonts into your own
unique creation. I don’t want to scare you with a quote that isn't refined to your needs and when there are all sorts of
reasonable alternatives and directions to explore.
For example, one of my most “asked about” invitations is Nicole & James. This invitation has a lot of components to it
that may not be necessary for you. If you’re just looking at the invitation layer itself, then there are all sorts of things we
can do with the “extras” to tailor the invitation and its accessories to your budget. From the picture you can't really tell that
there were two inserts, an outer metallic jacket, mailing boxes, address labels for those mailing boxes, tissue paper to put in
the mailing boxes, silk ribbon, and metallic printable papers. Therefore, the quote you get from me for the “exact”
invitation, might be way too high for what you actually need and/or what you think you’re getting.
Conversely, if you find an invitation that you love, but your needs go over and above what the “exact” invitation quote
came with, the quote I give you initially might be lower than the quote I give you once the proof has been made.
Both these circumstances make people feel as if they’ve wasted their time and/or been misled to believe that they were
getting something that they weren’t. This is why I like to have an Idea Inventory in front of me so I can see exactly how
many inserts you need, what kind of embellishments you want, what formats you’re interested in and, ultimately, what you
can afford. Once I have the Inventory, I can give you a price range for what you want. All of this works together to get
you something that not only fits you, but also fits your budget. Only after the proof is done can I actually get you a specific
line-by-line quote of absolutely everything that will go into making your invitations. A quote done prior to that will include
all sorts of guesses and estimations that might not prove to be very accurate when all is said and done.
Communication is a key factor in the design process. If I know what you want and we work together to assess your
priorities budget-wise and design-wise, then I will work with you to get you as much as I possibly can for what you can
afford. I actually include money-saving alternatives at the end of quotes that come in close to a person’s maximum budget
so that they don’t feel as if I’m trying to max them out or force them to pay for things they don’t need. In fact, I’ll gladly
tell you what I think you don’t need! I’ve done enough invitations to know!!
3. I need 100 pocketfolds with 3 inserts, a ribbon wrap, a rhinestone buckle and fully addressed envelopes. My
budget is $250. Is this enough?
A. No. If you want 100 custom-designed, original invitations in pocketfolds without ribbon and rhinestone buckles, your
budget will need to be, at least, $450. There are cheaper options, though! Layered cards with envelope pockets can achieve
the same effect as a pocketfold for a lot less!
4. My wedding isn't until next year. Should I wait to start the design process or should we start now?
A. There are benefits to waiting, but if your wedding is within a year, there are more benefits to starting now. First off, the
invitation sets the tone for your wedding. Sometimes, it really helps to get started on the invitation early so that you can narrow down
your focus a little and decide upon the theme or "look" that you want your wedding to have. You'll find that once you have a vision in
place, decisions are a lot easier to make! Secondly, you'll lock in prices depending upon when you start the design process. I have been,
periodically, raising my rates for some services. Those rate increases only apply to customers who come in after the
increase has been made. People who started the process with me last September and turned in their contract during that
time have their price quotes locked in at last September's prices! Third, I like to have the chance to develop a good
relationship with my clients. All too often, clients come in quickly and leave just as quickly and I don't really get a chance to
get to know them. When I have the time to establish some rapport with a client, the process is that much more enjoyable
and, ultimately, rewarding!
Conversely, if your wedding is a year or more away, starting the design process now might be a little too soon. Brides with
lots of time before their wedding tend to change their minds a few times! I know I did! So, here's a little guide to know
when it's time to start your invitation search. If you have the following tasks completed (or near completion), then it's a
good time to start!
Things to do before starting the Invitation Design Process:
1. Know your ceremony and reception venues
(you don't have to have all the paperwork in place, but at least have them staked out!)
2. Have your dress picked out
3. Decide upon your color scheme
4. Have an approximation of how many guests will be invited
The Design Process
5. Once you make me a proof, do I get to see it up close or just in the picture?
A. I will mail it to you along with paper samples, a contract, a form for revisions and a price quote.
6. Are you going to have enough time to get me my invitations? I’m getting nervous because I only have a few
months left.
A. If I didn’t have enough time, you’d know by now! I would have told you. A BIG part of getting things done on time is
collaboration and cooperation. Try to do the following to ensure a smooth process:
7. How can I be sure I move through the Design Process quickly?
A. Two words. REVISE LATER. When you get a preliminary design you like and want to move forward with, wait until
you get the proof in the mail before you start e-mailing wording and content revisions. You will get a form in the mail in
which you can write down all your revisions and corrections and everything! The focus of the preliminary design stage is
finding a graphic/design that will work for your entire invitation and settling on fonts. Color matching, wording (to a certain
extent), embellishments, and format are all things that are best left to later stages of the design process. Trying to fix your
design to make it look right on your computer screen will only look right on your screen. You need to allow for the vision
to become a reality first!
I block out time for my #1 waiting list spots each day. They receive priority attention during this time. If you wait 3 days to
send your feedback, chances are pretty good that I've moved past you and am giving my undivided attention to the next
person on the list. This doesn't mean I won't address your feedback, but it does mean I have to set aside someone else on
the another list to make room for your revisions (hence the reason some lists don't move some days). Sometimes, I can
make room, other times, I can't, so you may have to wait a bit longer than a person who gives immediate feedback.
The same rule applies to the proof stage. Wanting to see what it would look like with this color and then that color and
then this font and that font is going to prevent you from moving ahead to getting your proof in the mail. . Inside your
proof packet, you will also get paper swatches…if you want to see what it will look like with another color, you can! That
way, you can see for yourself and you don't have to lose your position the design process to do so.
If you do feel the need to make revisions, make specific revisions. I’ll change a font in 3 seconds if I get an e-mail that
says, “I really like the font Nicole R. used for her text. Can I see that?” as opposed to, “I’m not sure about the font. Can I
see something swirlier?” If you’re not wild about the graphic on your invitation, e-mailing me and saying, “I like the style of
Nicole D.’s graphic…can we try something similar to that?” will mean a faster change than ,”Can we try another graphic?”
You see where I’m going here? I hope so!
The name of the game is REVISE LATER and, if it can’t wait, then BE SPECIFIC!
8. I'm not too sure about the colors used on my invitation proof. Can I change them before you send me the
proof in the mail?
A. Photographs and screenshots are very unreliable representations of color. What looks gold on my monitor could look
green on your monitor. It doesn't mean the paper itself is green. It just means your computer monitor has more green in it
than mine! When I make a proof, I play around with all the shades of one color that I have at my disposal and I choose
those papers that look best together. Changing the paper colors so that they look right on your computer monitor is not
necessarily going to make them look right in real life!
The best thing to do is wait until you receive the proof in the mail. If it still doesn't look right to you when it's right in front
of you, you can change the papers then. I send you a variety of alternative paper swatches to choose from so you can mix
and match and then ask for a new proof of the invitation with your new colors...colors you have seen up-close with your
own eyes. :)
Revisions
9. When can we work on the wording of my invitation?
A. If you have a specific wording that you want, send it to me via e-mail ASAP. If your design and/or proof has already
been done, wait until the proof comes in the mail and send me the wording on your Proof Approval Form, where you will
make all your revisions.
10. After I mail in my Proof Approval Form, how long until I get my reproof?
A. The final page of the Proof Approval form gives you the option of receiving a new proof in the mail, seeing your
changes via screenshot or photo and giving final approval. If you mark that you wish to receive a new proof (reproof) and
the changes made are mostly things like paper substitutions or added embellishments, expect to receive a new proof within
2 – 4 weeks. It’s earlier for those with earlier wedding dates, later for those with later ones…you know the drill. If you are
completely reformatting your invitation by changing the overall size or design, then I’ll need to confer with you about the
reproof process. Size changes take extra time because they change the way the invitation is laid out on the page, the
layering sizes change, the insert sizes change…basically, the whole thing needs to be redone! Again, the earlier your wedding
is, the quicker it will be done, but because new proofs have to be built in to the existing daily schedule, sometimes they get
pushed aside if I run out time. If it’s of utmost concern to you that you receive your reproof immediately, discuss it with
me and I’ll see what I can do!
11. I didn’t opt to get a reproof, but I did make changes on my Proof Approval form. When do I see those?
A. Revisions are different than reproofs. I don’t do revisions immediately. I do all Proof Approval revisions for your final
edit. That is the edit that occurs right before we go to print. I’ll explain why:
After I make revisions, I send you a screenshot of the revised proof and ask for your approval. This opens the door to
more revisions. If we’re weeks away from your final edit, opening that door can get very very tricky for me. Emailed
revisions don’t always allow me to be as accurate as I’d like. Oftentimes, I’ll get an emailed revision, but I won’t be able to
complete it right that second, so I flag the message or make a note and move on. If something comes up before it’s time to
revisit that flagged message, I could, potentially, forget. Then, when it comes time to go back, I’ve received 2 or 3 more
revisions from you and I have to sort out which came first, which came next, if the last revision negates the first…and so
on and so forth. It just creates kind of a messy situation.
This is why I like to have everything done at one time when my attention is not diverted and everything can get done in a
timely manner. The best way to do that is to wait until final edit. That way, the revisions get done, I send you a screenshot,
you can make more revisions, I’ll send the revised copy right back to you and we go back and forth very quickly until
everything is perfect. From there, I can print immediately! It ensures the utmost accuracy and that’s what I like to see! I bet
you do, too!
Production
12. How do I send you my guest addresses?
A. You will need to download a spreadsheet for your addresses from the Forms section of this website. There are 3
different versions depending upon what you need.
13. I don’t have my addresses in a spreadsheet, but I have them in a Word Label document. Is that ok?
A. Only if you want to convert that Word Label document to a spreadsheet. I cannot mail merge from a Label document
into the program I use for your envelopes. It’s best to download the form. It must be Excel.
14. When do you need my addresses?
A. When I send you your final edit, this is the time to give me your addresses. Even if you don't have all of them, yet, 75%
is just fine! Right before I print your envelopes, I'll ask you for a "final final" address list and you can resend me your
updated list. The reason we ask for at least 75% of your addresses is so that we aren't held up at the end of production,
waiting for your addresses. For every day that you delay, someone else would have to wait! This way, we have something to
go on. If you don't have them all by the end of production, we will provide blank envelopes so that you can hand-write
them.
15. I received my final edit, but my address list isn't ready, yet. Is that ok?
A. If you receive your final edit, but you don't have 75% of your addresses on the Excel form, yet, production will be
delayed until we receive it. If it takes you 2 days, then 2 days will be added on to the estimated completion/shipping range
from your contract. Generally, we'll give you a 24 hour grace period, but after that, we will move on to the next person on
the production list so as not to delay other people who may be ready to go. If you have delayed on your address list, but do
not want the extra days added to the shipping range, you will need to pay an additional fee to, essentially, rush your project
through production.
16. How long do I have to give final approval once I receive the final edit?
A. You have 24 hours to either give final approval or make revisions. Revisions will be made instantaneously and sent to
you again via email. We ask that, if you make revisions, you stand by your computer to await confirmation of those
revisions and give final approval as soon as possible. If you do not respond to your final edit within 24 hours, we will move
on to the next person on the production list so as not to delay other people who may be ready to go. If you have delayed
on your final edit, but do not want the extra days added to the shipping range, you will need to pay an additional fee to rush
your project through production.
17. What is "bump-up status"?
A. Bump-up status is offered to clients who have paid their materials fees early and it means that the client is able to 'bump
up' into an empty production slot, should one be available. Therefore, the client stands to receive her invitations earlier
than her scheduled production time. This is not a guarantee, but it is much more likely than waiting it out! Bump-ups are
only offered when there is time in the production schedule to do so and it is usually a rather organized process. You will
receive notice from me if bumping up is available to you.
Now, here’s how ‘bump up status’ works. You will bump up according to wedding date and only if you have paid your
materials fee. This means, if someone pays their material fee after you, but has a wedding date before you, they will bump
up ahead of you.
Why? Well, a few reasons…first, it helps me organize things a little better so that no one gets lost in the fray; second, if 20
girls from March bump up and a then a newer client with a February date pays her deposit, she'd get put in line behind all
of those girls! She could actually be nixed out of her original production dates if she has to wait through that many people
It’s just best to keep things in order. This might mean you’ll be #7 on the production list one day and #10 the next. Don’t
worry! You won’t be forgotten! Eventually, you’ll move past the point of no return (i.e. final approval). When you’re on
‘bump up’, you’ve got to remain flexible and know that you might be able to get your invitations early or they might be on
time. It all depends upon how smoothly everything else is going ahead of you!
18. I've been on the 'bump-up' list forever! Why am I not moving?
A. You're not moving because your wedding month is still in its eligibility phase. This means people are still being added to
the list...people whose wedding dates are before your own. Once eligibility for your month closes, you will begin moving up
the list. You may still see your number on the list move down if a rush order comes in or if a client who chose not to
bump up moves into production for her scheduled dates, but you will not remain down for long.
19. What constitutes a rush order?
A. There are a few conditions that apply to rush orders:
1. If you have less than 12 weeks before you need your invitations, you will be fast-tracked through the design process. If,
by the time you get through the proof stage, you have less than 5 weeks until your invitation deadline, a rush fee will be
added to your price quote. Rush fees are 20% of all services rendered for your invitations.
2. If you started the design process early, but did not get through to the end of the proof stage in time, you may still incur a
rush fee if the delay was, primarily, attributed to excessive revisions and you have less than 5 weeks until your invitation
deadline.
3. If you want your invitations early and want a 100% guarantee that your invitations will be done by the date you want
them done (a date than is more than 10 weeks prior to your wedding date), you will need to pay a rush fee to be inserted
into the production schedule. "Bumping up" offers you the possibility of getting your invitations early without having to pay
a rush fee because the possibility is not a guarantee. If you want that guarantee, then you'll need to pay the fee.
Wedding Day Stationery
20. Do you do programs, table numbers, place cards, etc?
A. Yes, but these are restricted to existing invitation customers only.
21. I know we aren’t done with my invitations, yet, but when can we start working on place cards and programs?
A. It's best to wait until we’re done with your invitations and it’s closer to your wedding date. Too many things can change
from now until then! There is a form on the Forms page for Wedding Day Stationery. It also lists all the options and prices
for each item. You can fill this out and send it in, generally, about 4 weeks prior to your wedding.
1. I've sent in my Idea Inventory. How long until I get a proof?
A. First you have to decide on a design. Then, you get a proof. But, you will have to wait your turn if there are clients who
contacted us ahead of you. Upon sending in your inventory, you will be sent log-in information to the Evenstar Paperie
Blog. Every day, a password-protected customer-only post is written that outlines the day's tasks and waiting list progress.
Log in to the blog and find your name on the list to determine how long you have.In general, 1 place number is 1 day, so if
you’re #10, plan on, at least, 10 days.
2. I’ve heard you don’t give quotes. Why can’t you tell me how much the invitation I want costs?
A. I do give quotes, but I’m hesitant to do so right from the start. There are too many unknowns…the biggest being that I
don’t know what your budget is. Knowing your budget is a crucial piece of the puzzle for me. Not because I’m going to
hear it and shoot the price up to meet it…that’s not me. Custom invitations are custom! My portfolio is less of a
catalogue…it’s more of an idealogue! You can mix and match ideas and designs and wordings and fonts into your own
unique creation. I don’t want to scare you with a quote that isn't refined to your needs and when there are all sorts of
reasonable alternatives and directions to explore.
For example, one of my most “asked about” invitations is Nicole & James. This invitation has a lot of components to it
that may not be necessary for you. If you’re just looking at the invitation layer itself, then there are all sorts of things we
can do with the “extras” to tailor the invitation and its accessories to your budget. From the picture you can't really tell that
there were two inserts, an outer metallic jacket, mailing boxes, address labels for those mailing boxes, tissue paper to put in
the mailing boxes, silk ribbon, and metallic printable papers. Therefore, the quote you get from me for the “exact”
invitation, might be way too high for what you actually need and/or what you think you’re getting.
Conversely, if you find an invitation that you love, but your needs go over and above what the “exact” invitation quote
came with, the quote I give you initially might be lower than the quote I give you once the proof has been made.
Both these circumstances make people feel as if they’ve wasted their time and/or been misled to believe that they were
getting something that they weren’t. This is why I like to have an Idea Inventory in front of me so I can see exactly how
many inserts you need, what kind of embellishments you want, what formats you’re interested in and, ultimately, what you
can afford. Once I have the Inventory, I can give you a price range for what you want. All of this works together to get
you something that not only fits you, but also fits your budget. Only after the proof is done can I actually get you a specific
line-by-line quote of absolutely everything that will go into making your invitations. A quote done prior to that will include
all sorts of guesses and estimations that might not prove to be very accurate when all is said and done.
Communication is a key factor in the design process. If I know what you want and we work together to assess your
priorities budget-wise and design-wise, then I will work with you to get you as much as I possibly can for what you can
afford. I actually include money-saving alternatives at the end of quotes that come in close to a person’s maximum budget
so that they don’t feel as if I’m trying to max them out or force them to pay for things they don’t need. In fact, I’ll gladly
tell you what I think you don’t need! I’ve done enough invitations to know!!
3. I need 100 pocketfolds with 3 inserts, a ribbon wrap, a rhinestone buckle and fully addressed envelopes. My
budget is $250. Is this enough?
A. No. If you want 100 custom-designed, original invitations in pocketfolds without ribbon and rhinestone buckles, your
budget will need to be, at least, $450. There are cheaper options, though! Layered cards with envelope pockets can achieve
the same effect as a pocketfold for a lot less!
4. My wedding isn't until next year. Should I wait to start the design process or should we start now?
A. There are benefits to waiting, but if your wedding is within a year, there are more benefits to starting now. First off, the
invitation sets the tone for your wedding. Sometimes, it really helps to get started on the invitation early so that you can narrow down
your focus a little and decide upon the theme or "look" that you want your wedding to have. You'll find that once you have a vision in
place, decisions are a lot easier to make! Secondly, you'll lock in prices depending upon when you start the design process. I have been,
periodically, raising my rates for some services. Those rate increases only apply to customers who come in after the
increase has been made. People who started the process with me last September and turned in their contract during that
time have their price quotes locked in at last September's prices! Third, I like to have the chance to develop a good
relationship with my clients. All too often, clients come in quickly and leave just as quickly and I don't really get a chance to
get to know them. When I have the time to establish some rapport with a client, the process is that much more enjoyable
and, ultimately, rewarding!
Conversely, if your wedding is a year or more away, starting the design process now might be a little too soon. Brides with
lots of time before their wedding tend to change their minds a few times! I know I did! So, here's a little guide to know
when it's time to start your invitation search. If you have the following tasks completed (or near completion), then it's a
good time to start!
Things to do before starting the Invitation Design Process:
1. Know your ceremony and reception venues
(you don't have to have all the paperwork in place, but at least have them staked out!)
2. Have your dress picked out
3. Decide upon your color scheme
4. Have an approximation of how many guests will be invited
The Design Process
5. Once you make me a proof, do I get to see it up close or just in the picture?
A. I will mail it to you along with paper samples, a contract, a form for revisions and a price quote.
6. Are you going to have enough time to get me my invitations? I’m getting nervous because I only have a few
months left.
A. If I didn’t have enough time, you’d know by now! I would have told you. A BIG part of getting things done on time is
collaboration and cooperation. Try to do the following to ensure a smooth process:
- Watch for e-mail, respond quickly, and if I haven’t responded to you in 24 hours, write me again! Chances are, it
didn’t get to me. - If there isn’t a lot of time between the time you get your mailing and when your materials payment is due, either pay
via PayPal and fax in your forms or write a check and send it with your forms VIA EXPRESS or PRIORITY
MAIL. If you just put a stamp on the envelope and send it off, plan on it taking 7 - 10 days to get here! If you send
it Express or Priority, it will take 2 - 3 days. NEVER use first-class mail if time is of the essence. - If you’re having me address your envelopes, download the address format form and have it ready to go within 2 or
3 days of going into production. Production will not begin until I have your addresses. If I’m not addressing your
envelopes, don’t worry about this! - Don’t change your mind in the middle of production. It costs both of us time and money!
7. How can I be sure I move through the Design Process quickly?
A. Two words. REVISE LATER. When you get a preliminary design you like and want to move forward with, wait until
you get the proof in the mail before you start e-mailing wording and content revisions. You will get a form in the mail in
which you can write down all your revisions and corrections and everything! The focus of the preliminary design stage is
finding a graphic/design that will work for your entire invitation and settling on fonts. Color matching, wording (to a certain
extent), embellishments, and format are all things that are best left to later stages of the design process. Trying to fix your
design to make it look right on your computer screen will only look right on your screen. You need to allow for the vision
to become a reality first!
I block out time for my #1 waiting list spots each day. They receive priority attention during this time. If you wait 3 days to
send your feedback, chances are pretty good that I've moved past you and am giving my undivided attention to the next
person on the list. This doesn't mean I won't address your feedback, but it does mean I have to set aside someone else on
the another list to make room for your revisions (hence the reason some lists don't move some days). Sometimes, I can
make room, other times, I can't, so you may have to wait a bit longer than a person who gives immediate feedback.
The same rule applies to the proof stage. Wanting to see what it would look like with this color and then that color and
then this font and that font is going to prevent you from moving ahead to getting your proof in the mail. . Inside your
proof packet, you will also get paper swatches…if you want to see what it will look like with another color, you can! That
way, you can see for yourself and you don't have to lose your position the design process to do so.
If you do feel the need to make revisions, make specific revisions. I’ll change a font in 3 seconds if I get an e-mail that
says, “I really like the font Nicole R. used for her text. Can I see that?” as opposed to, “I’m not sure about the font. Can I
see something swirlier?” If you’re not wild about the graphic on your invitation, e-mailing me and saying, “I like the style of
Nicole D.’s graphic…can we try something similar to that?” will mean a faster change than ,”Can we try another graphic?”
You see where I’m going here? I hope so!
The name of the game is REVISE LATER and, if it can’t wait, then BE SPECIFIC!
8. I'm not too sure about the colors used on my invitation proof. Can I change them before you send me the
proof in the mail?
A. Photographs and screenshots are very unreliable representations of color. What looks gold on my monitor could look
green on your monitor. It doesn't mean the paper itself is green. It just means your computer monitor has more green in it
than mine! When I make a proof, I play around with all the shades of one color that I have at my disposal and I choose
those papers that look best together. Changing the paper colors so that they look right on your computer monitor is not
necessarily going to make them look right in real life!
The best thing to do is wait until you receive the proof in the mail. If it still doesn't look right to you when it's right in front
of you, you can change the papers then. I send you a variety of alternative paper swatches to choose from so you can mix
and match and then ask for a new proof of the invitation with your new colors...colors you have seen up-close with your
own eyes. :)
Revisions
9. When can we work on the wording of my invitation?
A. If you have a specific wording that you want, send it to me via e-mail ASAP. If your design and/or proof has already
been done, wait until the proof comes in the mail and send me the wording on your Proof Approval Form, where you will
make all your revisions.
10. After I mail in my Proof Approval Form, how long until I get my reproof?
A. The final page of the Proof Approval form gives you the option of receiving a new proof in the mail, seeing your
changes via screenshot or photo and giving final approval. If you mark that you wish to receive a new proof (reproof) and
the changes made are mostly things like paper substitutions or added embellishments, expect to receive a new proof within
2 – 4 weeks. It’s earlier for those with earlier wedding dates, later for those with later ones…you know the drill. If you are
completely reformatting your invitation by changing the overall size or design, then I’ll need to confer with you about the
reproof process. Size changes take extra time because they change the way the invitation is laid out on the page, the
layering sizes change, the insert sizes change…basically, the whole thing needs to be redone! Again, the earlier your wedding
is, the quicker it will be done, but because new proofs have to be built in to the existing daily schedule, sometimes they get
pushed aside if I run out time. If it’s of utmost concern to you that you receive your reproof immediately, discuss it with
me and I’ll see what I can do!
11. I didn’t opt to get a reproof, but I did make changes on my Proof Approval form. When do I see those?
A. Revisions are different than reproofs. I don’t do revisions immediately. I do all Proof Approval revisions for your final
edit. That is the edit that occurs right before we go to print. I’ll explain why:
After I make revisions, I send you a screenshot of the revised proof and ask for your approval. This opens the door to
more revisions. If we’re weeks away from your final edit, opening that door can get very very tricky for me. Emailed
revisions don’t always allow me to be as accurate as I’d like. Oftentimes, I’ll get an emailed revision, but I won’t be able to
complete it right that second, so I flag the message or make a note and move on. If something comes up before it’s time to
revisit that flagged message, I could, potentially, forget. Then, when it comes time to go back, I’ve received 2 or 3 more
revisions from you and I have to sort out which came first, which came next, if the last revision negates the first…and so
on and so forth. It just creates kind of a messy situation.
This is why I like to have everything done at one time when my attention is not diverted and everything can get done in a
timely manner. The best way to do that is to wait until final edit. That way, the revisions get done, I send you a screenshot,
you can make more revisions, I’ll send the revised copy right back to you and we go back and forth very quickly until
everything is perfect. From there, I can print immediately! It ensures the utmost accuracy and that’s what I like to see! I bet
you do, too!
Production
12. How do I send you my guest addresses?
A. You will need to download a spreadsheet for your addresses from the Forms section of this website. There are 3
different versions depending upon what you need.
13. I don’t have my addresses in a spreadsheet, but I have them in a Word Label document. Is that ok?
A. Only if you want to convert that Word Label document to a spreadsheet. I cannot mail merge from a Label document
into the program I use for your envelopes. It’s best to download the form. It must be Excel.
14. When do you need my addresses?
A. When I send you your final edit, this is the time to give me your addresses. Even if you don't have all of them, yet, 75%
is just fine! Right before I print your envelopes, I'll ask you for a "final final" address list and you can resend me your
updated list. The reason we ask for at least 75% of your addresses is so that we aren't held up at the end of production,
waiting for your addresses. For every day that you delay, someone else would have to wait! This way, we have something to
go on. If you don't have them all by the end of production, we will provide blank envelopes so that you can hand-write
them.
15. I received my final edit, but my address list isn't ready, yet. Is that ok?
A. If you receive your final edit, but you don't have 75% of your addresses on the Excel form, yet, production will be
delayed until we receive it. If it takes you 2 days, then 2 days will be added on to the estimated completion/shipping range
from your contract. Generally, we'll give you a 24 hour grace period, but after that, we will move on to the next person on
the production list so as not to delay other people who may be ready to go. If you have delayed on your address list, but do
not want the extra days added to the shipping range, you will need to pay an additional fee to, essentially, rush your project
through production.
16. How long do I have to give final approval once I receive the final edit?
A. You have 24 hours to either give final approval or make revisions. Revisions will be made instantaneously and sent to
you again via email. We ask that, if you make revisions, you stand by your computer to await confirmation of those
revisions and give final approval as soon as possible. If you do not respond to your final edit within 24 hours, we will move
on to the next person on the production list so as not to delay other people who may be ready to go. If you have delayed
on your final edit, but do not want the extra days added to the shipping range, you will need to pay an additional fee to rush
your project through production.
17. What is "bump-up status"?
A. Bump-up status is offered to clients who have paid their materials fees early and it means that the client is able to 'bump
up' into an empty production slot, should one be available. Therefore, the client stands to receive her invitations earlier
than her scheduled production time. This is not a guarantee, but it is much more likely than waiting it out! Bump-ups are
only offered when there is time in the production schedule to do so and it is usually a rather organized process. You will
receive notice from me if bumping up is available to you.
Now, here’s how ‘bump up status’ works. You will bump up according to wedding date and only if you have paid your
materials fee. This means, if someone pays their material fee after you, but has a wedding date before you, they will bump
up ahead of you.
Why? Well, a few reasons…first, it helps me organize things a little better so that no one gets lost in the fray; second, if 20
girls from March bump up and a then a newer client with a February date pays her deposit, she'd get put in line behind all
of those girls! She could actually be nixed out of her original production dates if she has to wait through that many people
It’s just best to keep things in order. This might mean you’ll be #7 on the production list one day and #10 the next. Don’t
worry! You won’t be forgotten! Eventually, you’ll move past the point of no return (i.e. final approval). When you’re on
‘bump up’, you’ve got to remain flexible and know that you might be able to get your invitations early or they might be on
time. It all depends upon how smoothly everything else is going ahead of you!
18. I've been on the 'bump-up' list forever! Why am I not moving?
A. You're not moving because your wedding month is still in its eligibility phase. This means people are still being added to
the list...people whose wedding dates are before your own. Once eligibility for your month closes, you will begin moving up
the list. You may still see your number on the list move down if a rush order comes in or if a client who chose not to
bump up moves into production for her scheduled dates, but you will not remain down for long.
19. What constitutes a rush order?
A. There are a few conditions that apply to rush orders:
1. If you have less than 12 weeks before you need your invitations, you will be fast-tracked through the design process. If,
by the time you get through the proof stage, you have less than 5 weeks until your invitation deadline, a rush fee will be
added to your price quote. Rush fees are 20% of all services rendered for your invitations.
2. If you started the design process early, but did not get through to the end of the proof stage in time, you may still incur a
rush fee if the delay was, primarily, attributed to excessive revisions and you have less than 5 weeks until your invitation
deadline.
3. If you want your invitations early and want a 100% guarantee that your invitations will be done by the date you want
them done (a date than is more than 10 weeks prior to your wedding date), you will need to pay a rush fee to be inserted
into the production schedule. "Bumping up" offers you the possibility of getting your invitations early without having to pay
a rush fee because the possibility is not a guarantee. If you want that guarantee, then you'll need to pay the fee.
Wedding Day Stationery
20. Do you do programs, table numbers, place cards, etc?
A. Yes, but these are restricted to existing invitation customers only.
21. I know we aren’t done with my invitations, yet, but when can we start working on place cards and programs?
A. It's best to wait until we’re done with your invitations and it’s closer to your wedding date. Too many things can change
from now until then! There is a form on the Forms page for Wedding Day Stationery. It also lists all the options and prices
for each item. You can fill this out and send it in, generally, about 4 weeks prior to your wedding.
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