FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

I haven’t ordered my invitations yet;  Is there anything I should know first?

 

One consideration is your mailing list—–if you have many long names and addresses, a small envelope may not be suitable. 

 

Many underestimate how many invitations they will send.  Go over your basic invitee list ahead of time.  Also, order 15-20% extra envelopes to cover mistakes, corrections and last minute additions.

 

Last note, all papers used in envelopes are not ink-friendly.  If you have any doubts, test a sample with a fountain pen or check with your calligrapher.  Note that extra charges may apply if paper is dark/opaque, heavily lined or difficult to write on.  Some papers cannot take pen and ink at all.  (Crane's Lettra and Legion Papers' Arturo can be problematic)

 

I cannot seem to find anything I like in stationery stores.  Can you design an invitation for us?

 

I would love to!  This allows your choices of script and format.  Design fees for a complete wedding suite (invitation, response card, response envelope and return address) start at $350 with a 50% deposit.  A draft will be submitted for your approval and final mechanicals will be provided for you to give to your printer. 

 

If you have budget considerations, an alternative is a combination desktop publishing/hand calligraphy layout where your names are done by hand and the rest by computer in a complementary typeface.  Many printers can just scan in my calligraphic art.

 

What about menus, programs?

 

Prices depend on amount of text.  Again, a combination of type and hand-lettering can support your budget.

 

How long does it take you to address envelopes?

 

That depends on the number of envelopes, sets of inners and outers or just outers, and timing.  Generally, plan on a week's turn-around for 100 sets.  Advance booking of 2-3 months is recommended for peak wedding season but check with me; sometimes I can fit in last minute jobs.

 

I primarily do scripts written with a pointed pen.  Basic charges are for black ink on Crane’s or better paper for the standard 3-line address. In most cases there is no extra charge for any color ink that does not need to be custom mixed to match. 

 

Colors are mixed either from inks or gouache (opaque watercolor) and can match or complement your invitation.  A $25 color charge to mix is applied.  There are many lovely colors of ink that are suitable;  no extra charge for any color straight from the ink bottle.

 

If you have a script you would like me to emulate, discuss with me first.  Samples are on my website but that is not a complete list of all my scripts. 

 

What about mistakes?

 

I proof the envelopes before delivery but if I miss one, I will re-do any errors on my part on a priority basis and, of course, at no charge.  Client errors that require re-do’s are charged at the same price as initially. 

 

I might have more names to add in later.  How does that work?

 

I allow each client one additional round of envelopes at the original price.  After that, there is an additional charge to cover setting up of $25.00.  Please note, I may be in the midst of another job that is using color or rushing to meet a deadline.  Your initial order was scheduled and I will be as flexible as possible in doing your additions but there may be a time lag.  This is why I stress the importance of the initial mailing list.  I want to helpful but it is difficult to process repeated ‘one more’s’.

 

How do I submit my mailing list?  Place cards?

 

Typed, in 12pt font such as Times Roman emailed as WORD doc.  Extra charges apply if I have to convert a properly prepared Excel spreadsheet.  PLEASE no color notations!   Addresses should be done as follows, with no abbreviations for streets, avenues, states:

 

            Outer                                                    Inner

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Thomas                    Mr. and Mrs. Thomas

123 Main Street* 3A                                        SueAnne and Tommy

Flushing, New York 11223

 

(Separate line for Apartment is optional and additional lines, in excess of standard 3 line address, are charged at $1.50 per line) 

 

The format above should be followed for all the names on your list.  It is also easier for you to work from when proofing and stuffing your invitations.

 

Lastly, please send me a completed list.  I get concerned that I may miss something when clients keep sending additions or corrections but I do know changes/additions can occur while I am in the midst of completing your job.

 

What about seating cards, place cards?

 

Seating cards or escort cards tell your guests at which table they are seated and typically contain only their title and last names. (Mr. and Mrs. Thomas; Ms. Weber: Mr. Evans) 

Pricing is for this type of "Simple" names;  clients who choose to include first names for all their guests will incur additional charges.  Please note:  cards and envelopes used for seating assignments are typically small in size and including long first names may present a problem in fitting them neatly on the cards or having your guests pull out their reading glasses. (When duplicate last names are on list, add in first initials or first names, as needed.  No additional charges for these.) 

 

Place cards are put at each place setting showing your guest to their assigned seat and follow the same format as escort cards or, less formally, first and last names.  Favors or menus can also have guests names written on them and placed at their seats.

 

Table cards are placed on each table to identify it either with a number (One, Two...1, 2) or name (clients will sometime name tables after places, colors, flowers, wines---whatever works with their wedding theme). 

 

PLEASE NOTE:

• Request invitations come unassembled;  I cannot write on pre-stuffed envelopes. Some stationers will insert invites into inner envelopes as a service. 
• Unmarrieds living together?  Names go on separate lines without ‘and’
• Doctor titles come first, regardless of gender.
• Use proper first names—–William not Bill
• No abbreviations...Street, Avenue, State are all spelled out.  Exceptions are Washington, DC, St. Louis and streets where the names includes abbreviations (125 Peake Street, SW)
• Apartments are designated with a bullet on the same line as street address unless client specifies their wish to pay for an extra line.

Etiquette is based on traditional 'rules' that are meant to assure all are treated in a respectful manner that makes them feel welcome and comfortable.  I rely on Crane's Blue Book for any questions.