WHAT IS INCLUDED
Our semi-custom suites are sold as a predesigned package. That means that the watercolor artwork, text layout, and font styles are all set and ready to be updated with your wording and custom monogram. Included is the option to change the color(s) of your custom two or three letter monogram and the option to change the color of the type. Also included are printed guest addresses that create a cohesive, elegant look. The best part? All you have to do is assemble, stamp, and pop these beauties in the mail!
If you would like to swap out the font package or change a color of any of the artwork, there will be an added design fee and it will add to the lead-time. We also have the option to complete your suite with a custom wax seal and vellum belly bands.
Tiny Shindigs wedding invitations are digitally printed on pure cotton 118# paper, in either bright white or natural white, with matching envelopes. The save-the-dates and invitations are sold separately. Please see sizes below:
Invitation, 5.25×7.25″
Response, 3.5×4.875″
Response Envelope, 4 Bar (includes addressing)
Details Enclosure, 4x5.5”
Envelope Liner (assembly required), 6.5×5.25”
Outer Envelope, A7.5 (includes addressing)
Envelopes will match paper selection
(wax seals sold separately)
(save the dates sold separately)
PROCESS
Once all the information is submitted, your PDF proofs will be emailed within 7 business days. You will be sent 2-3 marker sketches of ideas for your custom monogram and color suggestions if you are changing the font or artwork color. Then we will paint the watercolor version based on your feedback.
Two revision rounds are included. To make the most out of your revisions, I recommend you consolidate all edits and have at least two others review as well prior to emailing feedback. Please note that every round of changes takes 3-4 business days to be made.
Once the digital proofs are approved, one complimentary press proof (physical proof) will be mailed to you. Press proofs take 5-7 business days, plus transit time.
When you are ready to approve the proofs, sign the proof approval and email it back to us.
Standard Printing: 12-14 business days
Shipping: 2-3 days via USPS Priority
WORDING & ADDRESSES
Once you place your order, you will be emailed our wording and address formatting guide with tips on formal invitation etiquette. The information needed to generate the digital proofs is:
Initials for monogram
Any requested color changes
Wording for invitation card
Return Address for main envelope
Wording for reply card
Address for reply envelope
Wording for info card
Guest addresses in provided excel format
PROOFREADING
Once you receive your digital proofs, please review all items carefully. Since your job is about to pass to the printer’s hands in the next stage, it is critical that we have a perfect set of proofs. Proofreading is paramount! A few general tips are read pieces backwards, read them out-loud, and have at least TWO other people proofread as well. Here is a checklist you can use:
DOUBLE CHECK:
all spellings—including your names!
ceremony & reception
street addresses
city & state
web addresses
dates & times
singular vs. plural
proper spacing between lines/words
proper line breaks
wording consistencies i.e. honour/honor and favour/favor
Is your text easily read?
PRINTING & ASSEMBLY
Once the digital proofs are approved, the printer will generate a set of press proofs that will be mailed to you to review in person. When you are certain that every last detail is perfect, please sign the enclosed proof approval and email me a photo. Printing takes about 14 business days.
Once printing is complete, all of the components of your invitations will be mailed to you to assemble, stamp and mail! Here is our guide to invitation assembly and mailing:
FAQ
When should save the dates and invitations be mailed? Save-the-dates are typically sent six months before the wedding. If you are getting married in an exotic location or on a major holiday weekend, you might want to send them up to nine months ahead of time (never earlier than a year). Invitations usually go out six to eight weeks before the wedding (ten to twelve weeks for summer or holiday weddings). The one exception is the dreaded holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Postal Service is overwhelmed and your invitations may get overlooked in the mountains of holiday cards, so I recommend mailing before or after this time.
What is the lead time for ordering? We recommend allowing 6-8 weeks for your save the dates and 10-12 weeks for your invitations (please allow more time if you adding a custom illustration or changing the color of the artwork). Once all the information is submitted, the proof process usually takes about 2-3weeks. Once the proofs are approved, standard printing is12-14 business days and shipping is usually 2-3 days.
Will the color look the same on my computer screen as the printed pieces? In short, ABSOLUTELY NOT. Color can look very different on each computer screen and printed color varies from printer to printer. Please never assume that the actual color will be exactly what you see on your computer screen or from your printer. That is why we recommend ordering a sample set of the suite that you are interested in and why press proofs are absolutely necessary if you haven’t ordered a sample.
Is it possible to change the colors of the watercolor design? It certainly is! If you would like to change a color of any of the artwork, there will be an added design fee of $200 and it will add to the lead-time.
Is it possible to mix and match elements from different suites? Yep! We can use elements from different suites, there will be an added design fee of $200 and it will add to the lead-time. Unless you would just like to swap out the font package, then there is only a fee of $75.
Can I add in custom illustrations? We can definitely further customize any of our semi-custom suites by adding on an a-la-carte illustration like a pet portrait or venue painting. If you are interested in commissioning a custom illustration, please reach out to learn the earliest availability in our studio schedule, which is often booked a few months out. You can purchase an illustration through our online shop when ordering your semi-custom suite. Once payment is submitted, your spot on our calendar is reserved.
Can I add in watercolor hand lettering? Yes! Watercolor lettering is $5 a line for spot calligraphy (just a few words here and there) or $75 to write the whole invitation suite in watercolor. We do recommend leaving most of the details card in type for legibility.
Do you offer letterpress? We can letterpress the type on your save-the-dates, invitation card details card, and reply card. Pricing depends on quantity, but can roughly be an additional $250-$500 for each element you add letterpress to.
How many extra invitations will I need? We usually recommend that you order at least ten extras. Ordering more at a later date will be substantially more expensive than ordering extras up front (each print run has setup costs) if you end up needing just a couple extra.
Can I order a quantity not listed? Definitely! We can create a custom listing for you, the quantity just has to be in increments of 5.
Will my invitations arrive pre-assembled? We will mail all of the components of your invitations for you to assemble and mail.
What about coordinating onsite pieces for our wedding? We do offer coordinating day-of items, such as programs, escort cards, menus, table numbers, etc. for couples that purchase invitations. If you are interested in any of these items, we will send you pricing upon request.
Are you able to rush jobs? The best way to speed things up is prompt, concise feedback and edits after reviewing the proofs. Also, making sure your wording and addresses are finalized will necessitate fewer revision rounds. You must provide your wording and addresses prior to beginning the design process. We recommend to start asap! Shorter production timelines may be accommodated based on availability and for an additional rush fee.
Can we use the crest artwork on other printed pieces? The designs we create for you may not be provided to any other designer, stationer or printer without written permission. We are happy to provide you permission to use the crest artwork on non-stationery items that we do not provide (i.e. matchbooks, cups, koozies, etc.). Amelia Adams retains copyright of all digital files and images and they may not be altered, copied, edited, reproduced, or resold, for any reason(s).