Process

Each custom order at Inviting Designs is made to your exact specifications!

the consultation
Schedule a consultation with us five to six months before your wedding day. During your initial consultation, whether by phone, e-mail or in person, we will learn about the vision for your event and of course, the invitations. You may share an inspiration with us that captures the feeling you want to express, or you may have a photograph, season, flower, symbol or colour that you would like us to incorporate into the invitation design. You will view samples of our work and we will discuss papers, typestyles, embellishments, trims, artwork and all of the necessary means to create a 'mock-up' of exactly what you want your invitation to look like.

the proof
Using our consultation as the starting point, we will develop a proof incorporating your words and our design. This is the time to make any changes or corrections to your invitation and to verify correct spellings, dates and other content. It is extremely important to review the proof carefully for accuracy before signing off. Inviting Designs is not responsible for mistakes overlooked by the client during the proofing process. Once you have approved your proofs, we will begin production of your order. We understand that sometimes changes are required after proof approval and we are happy to accommodate edits for appropriate edit fees, which vary depending on your edit requests.

production
Once your design is finalized and you have approved the proof, it will take four to six weeks to prepare your wedding invitations. However, we encourage you to begin the process at least eight to ten weeks before you plan on mailing your invitations. Once your order is complete, it will be assembled, packaged and shipped to you.

NOTE: 50% of the full payment is required for orders to begin production. The remaining balance is due in full before delivery of your order. In most cases, we are able to accommodate rush orders. Rush charges may apply based on the current workload, your deadline, design ordered and quantity. Please inquire at time of order for more information.



SELECTION

It's all in the details... At Inviting Designs we are confident we have what you are looking for!

We are pleased to offer a wide range of papers in various colours, textures and finishes, along with envelopes and enclosures to coordinate. We also offer a large selection of ribbons and embellishments, perfect for creating your own unique look. From satin, grosgrain, organza and raffia ribbon to Swarovski crystals, starfish, grommets and more, we've got the materials and inspiration to help you do something creative for your big day!


TERMS

pricing
Due to the wide selection of papers, ribbons and embellishments that are available to you, all our projects are quoted per job. Items that will affect the price of your order include such things as ribbon, paper selection, use of embellishments, printing method, die-cutting, etc. Whatever your budget may be, together we will create an invitation or announcement perfectly suited for you and your event.
payment
A deposit in an amount equal to 50% of the total estimated cost is requested prior to execution of the project. Payment in full or the remaining balance is to be paid upon delivery of the completed project.  Please note that returned checks will be charged a $25 handling fee.

proofs
Proofs of your invitation and its related components will be supplied. This is the time to make any changes or corrections to your invitation and to verify correct spellings, dates and content. You will then be required to provide signed approval of your proofs. Once you have approved your proofs, we will begin production of your order. We understand that sometimes changes are required after proof approval (wording, design, colors, etc.) and we are happy to accommodate changes for appropriate change fees, which vary depending on your change requests. Inviting Designs is not responsible for any misspellings, dates or content after your approval is received.

cancellation
We understand that sometimes clients will need to cancel their orders. In this event we ask that you notify us as soon as possible. If orders are cancelled prior to client approval of final proofs, the client will be charged for any expenses incurred by Inviting Designs, in addition to a 20% cancellation fee. Unfortunately, orders cannot be cancelled after approval of final proofs and the remaining balance must be paid in full.

completion + delivery
The estimated completion date of a project is 4-6 weeks from the date the signed contract is received. Any alteration or deviation from the original proof specifications involving extra costs will be executed only upon approval with the client. Any delay in the completion of the project due to actions or negligence of client, or external forces beyond the control of Inviting Designs, shall entitle Inviting Designs to extend the completion/delivery date, upon notifying the client, by the time equivalent to the period of such delay.


FAQ’s

Do you have a catalogue or a brochure you can send me?
We are always coming up with new invitation designs, therefore we do not issue a printed catalogue. You’re welcome to view recent work online or if you prefer to meet in person, call and make an appointment.

Do you sell any of your products through local vendors or retailers?
All of our products are exclusive to our website. Because of the custom nature of our invitations and other stationery products, we prefer to deal directly with you, our client, to help guide you through the process and ensure you receive exactly what you are looking for.

When should I send my wedding invitations?
Invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding. If you have out-of-town guests attending, you may want to also send a "save-the-date" card at least three months before the wedding so that travel arrangements can be made with ease.

Should I put a stamp on the R.S.V.P. envelopes?
Traditionally a stamp is placed on R.S.V.P. envelopes and is considered a common courtesy for your invited guests. Be sure to check the postage rates with the post office as different sizes and weights of envelopes will require different postage.

When should thank you notes be sent?
According to many popular etiquette books, you have up to one year from your wedding date to send thank you notes. It is recommended, however, that gifts received before the wedding should be acknowledged within two weeks after receiving the gift; gifts received after the wedding should be acknowledged within two months after receiving the gift.

Can I get samples of your invitations?
You may order samples of our invitations for a nominal fee. The invitation samples are non-refundable, non-returnable, and are not credited toward the purchase of invitations. Because of the cost to make each invitation, we cannot provide free samples. Samples normally take one to two weeks to process.

Is it possible to customize an invitation? What would be the additional cost?
Absolutely! Whether you're looking for a particular font, color, paper, or ribbon, we can work with you to customize any invitation style. There is usually no extra charge for substitutions.

When should I order my invitations?
Invitations, in general, should be ordered as soon as possible. Wedding invitations should be ordered no later than two months before you wish to mail your invitations; three to four months before that date is recommended. This will allow ample time for proofing, changes, printing, addressing, mailing and response. Baby announcements can be ordered at any time before or after the birth of the baby. Orders placed before the baby is born will be held until the birth occurs. Occasion invitations should be ordered at least two to three weeks before the event date. Below is a general timeline for weddings or major special events.

1. Count back six to eight weeks from your wedding date. This will be your mailing date.
2. Count back an additional two weeks, for assembly, stuffing and addressing.This will be your delivery date.
3. Count back another week for shipping. This will be your shipping date.
4. Count back four to six weeks for printing, production, and assembly. This will be your order date.

Is it necessary to order extra invitations?
We recommend ordering at least 15 extra of everything to make sure you have enough for keepsakes as well as last minute or overlooked guests.

How long will my order take?
After signing off on the client proof page, production time is four to six weeks.

I don't have much time. Do you do rush orders?
Yes, we can accommodate most rush orders depending on the quantity and the invitation style. Rush orders needed in less than three weeks will be subjected to a 25% rush charge.

Is there a minimum order?
We're happy to produce 10 or 1,000. There is no minimum order.

Can I order extra or other items without ordering invites?
Don't hesitate to ask us for something we may not have shown on our website. We're open to discussing anything you'd like to order for your special occasion.

After I receive the proof can I still make changes?
You can make changes to your order until we have received your approval and we begin producing your order. Changes after that will be charged accordingly.

Can I get envelopes sent out to me first?
If time is a concern, or you would like to get started on addressing your envelopes, we can definitely ship the envelopes out to you earlier for a flat shipping fee of $9.95.

What are the prices of your invitations?
Due to the wide selection of papers, ribbons and embellishments that are available to you all our invitations are quoted per job. Depending on your requirements, we can also design place cards, programs, reception cards, maps, favor packaging or thank you cards to coordinate with your invitations. The possibilities are endless! Pricing is in Canadian dollars, plus applicable taxes.

Do you require a deposit?
We require a 50% deposit upon approval of final proof. The remaining 50% is due at the time of delivery.

Do you process returns?
Because of the personalized nature of our items, all sales of invitations and custom printed products are final.

Can I cancel my order?
If you wish to cancel your order before the proof approval, it will be subjected to a $40 cancellation charge for typesetting and set-up. Once the client has approved the proof, your order cannot be cancelled and a refund cannot be given.


If we have not answered one of your questions here, or you would like to discuss something with us in person, please feel free to contact us.


 
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