CONSULT
My main goal is providing you with an invitation that tells the story about your special day and showcases your style & personality. To do this effectively I like to talk with you either via phone, email or in person (if you are in the RI or southern MA areas) to discuss your ideas, needs, visions, dreams, etc. for your special event. We can go over color combinations, papers choices, size considerations and take a look at invitation samples (if meeting in person) to get you started or if you have a good idea of what you are looking for already we can discuss your ideas and any questions you may have. Our goal is to find out what you are looking for, provide you with information on what we can offer you, and together formulate a plan for your invitations.
DESIGN PROCESS
Custom: Based on the initial consult you'll receive an initial design comp either via email or on the web (link provided via email). At this time you can provide feedback and changes to the design. A $150 non-refundable design fee is also charged for this inial mock-up. Along with this mock-up you'll receive a proper quote outlining all the costs associated with the design. At this time you can decide whether or not you'd like to continue on with us. Once you decide that our company is right for you, the real fun begins! At this time we'd have to take care of some not so much fun paper work (see Initial Payment & Contract below) but then we quickly get back to fun stuff which is your design. From here on out we work together on your designs to make sure it's exactly what you are looking for.
Semi-Custom: If you see something you like in our pre-designed line of invitations drop me a line (email or phone) and let me know what you are interested in. Give me as much information you can about changes you'd like to make or if you like it as is that's great too! I'll get back in touch with you as soon as I can to get the ball rolling! You'll also receive a proper quote based on the information you've provided so you can see exactly how much everything will be.
INITIAL PAYMENT & CONTRACT
Once your design is in process you will receive the final quote and contract via email. We ask that you sign the contract and return it along with a 50% payment. I accept check, money order, credit cards (via paypal). I will order all supplies for your order after the 50% payment is received (once paper colors and sizes are approved).
DESIGN PROCESS
We will work together to design what you've envisioned. Please take into consideration that this working process may take from a few days to a couple weeks depending on how quickly we work and communicate together. You will receive digital proofs along the way and have ample opportunity to make changes.
A final digital proof of all components in your invitation package will be provided to you prior to production. I ask that you carefully look over this proof for spelling adjustments or errors and any final changes you may want to make to the invitation set wording. Once I receive final approval back from you no further changes can be made (without incurring extra cost).
PRODUCTION
Once final approval has been received by KATLEM DESIGN & INVITATIONS you will be billed for the balance of the project. I will print, assemble, and add any embellishments to your invitations. Upon final payment I will ship your invitations to you. Depending on the size of your order production could take from one to four weeks.
SHIPPING
Shipping charges are included in the final balance payment prior to production. Orders will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation unless otherwise noted. If you have a preferred shipping method please let us know. If you’re local we will make arrangements for an in person pick-up of the invitations.
RETURNS & CANCELLATIONS
Due to the custom nature of the work no returns are accepted. Once your order has gone into production no refunds can be given. If your order must be cancelled during the design stage the 50% deposit will be retained by KATLEM DESIGN & INVITATIONS.
FAQ’s
- How are your invitations created?
- What types of printing methods do you use?
- What is the difference between custom and semi-custom?
- What are the methods and terms of payment?
- Can you print the envelopes for my invitations?
- How much does shipping cost?
- What is your return policy?
- Do you take on design projects for more than weddings?
- How long does it take to create the wedding invitations?
- How do we proof our wedding stationery?
- What kind of paper do you use?
- Can you send me samples of your invitations?
- I want to see and feel the paper but live far away. How can I do that?
- I need an extra insert for my invitations. How much do they cost?
- I have to provide some extra information but don't want another insert. Is there another option?
- Production time after final approval is 10 business days but I need my invitations faster. What is the rush fee?
- Do you offer a mailing service?
- I'd like to use a map as one of my inserts. Can you make a custom map?
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How are your invitations created?
All of my custom and semi-custom stationery sets are designed, assembled and hand-crafted in our studio with the utmost attention to detail and care in craftsmanship. Some items are printed in house while most invitation suites are sent to an off-site print house for printing on premium quality papers.
What types of printing methods do you use?
We use a high-end, fine art printer for some our “details” including table cards, place cards, programs, menus, thank you cards, etc. Invitation suites are sent offsite to be printed in most cases.
What is the difference between custom and semi-custom?
My custom invitations are designed just for you. If you have a vision for your invitation and can’t find it at any stationery shops I can create it for you! For those who see something they like on my website and want it personalized then semi-custom is the way to go. I have a wide range of designs available for you to choose from at multiple price points. My semi-custom designs are also available in a range of color and font choices.
What are the methods and terms of payment?
Custom: All custom orders start with a $150 design fee that will be applied to your final order. 50% payment and a signed contract will be due when the design phase is complete.
Semi-custom: All semi-custom orders require a signed contract and a 50% deposit when you decide on Katlem Design & Invitations for your wedding stationery. The final payment is due before shipment of the invitation set.
Payment Methods: I accept check, cash, money orders, email transfers and credit cards through PayPal*.
* Please note that a 3.0% service charge will apply when payment is made via PayPal. Rhode Island residents are subject to 7% sales tax.
Can you print the envelopes for my invitations?
Yes I can! I like to think that the anticipation of your big event starts with the envelope and too often this piece is overlooked. I can print the return address and addressee on each envelope in a matching font and color from the invitation along with a coordinating graphic from the invitation for a cost of $1.00 each. We ask that you provide either an excel of your guest list as we will print your envelopes exactly as the names appear on that list. I have an excel template and can email it upon request.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping will vary upon your location and how large your order is. We’ll be able to give you a better estimate of your shipping cost at your time of purchase.
What is your return policy?
Due to the custom nature of our products, all sales are final. Please check your final digital proof very carefully before approving it, as I am not responsible for any errors made by you and do not offer refunds or reprints free of charge should errors occur (after receiving approval of your final proof).
Do you take on design projects for more than weddings?
I sure do! Please check out my other projects for a sampling of my other work.
WEDDING INVITATIONS & EMBELLISHMENTS
How long does it take to create the wedding invitations?
From start to finish it could take a little as four to five weeks depending on quickly things get approved. I like to start off with an initial meeting either in person, over the phone or via email to introduce myself and find out more about what you are looking for in your wedding invitations and coordinating embellishments. Once I have a good handle on what you are looking for it can take up to two weeks to get you the initial design comps. Paper and supplies can be ordered once you choose paper colors and sizes. Once the approval process is complete and I have the wording you prefer it normally takes about two to three weeks to get your project printed and assembled.
How do we proof our wedding stationery?
After you decide to place an order with me and we get the paperwork and deposit out of the way I will send along a digital proof of your design (I will email it to you) which you can review at your leisure. You can then provide feedback and subsequent proofs will be emailed to you.
What kind of paper do you use?
Our favorite paper company to order our paper from is Envelopments®. Many of our designs incorporate paper from this company but we can use any type of paper in your design to fit your needs. We also love to use funky and original hand made papers that are sure to make for a one of a kind design!
Can you send me samples of your invitations?
Samples of my semi-custom work can be purchased. Contact us for more information or to set up an initial consultation.
I want to see and feel the paper but live far away. How can I do that?
Not a problem! We have Envelopments® swatch decks available for purchase to aid you in choosing color combinations for your wedding. These swatch decks include small samples of every color paper Envelopments® offers. Swatch decks are offered for $20 including shipping. Email us to order.
WEDDING PRICING AND PROCESS
I need an extra insert for my invitations. How much do they cost?
Some brides have lots of information to share. Not a problem. Additional inserts are $1.50 each.
I have to provide some extra information but don't want another insert. Is there another option?
Sure. In some cases we can print on the back side of an existing insert in the design. Printing on the back side of an insert already part of your design is $0.75 each.
Production time after final approval is 10 business days but I need my invitations faster. What is the rush fee?
Invitations that need to be produced in less than one week after signoff will incur an additional $100.00 rush fee. Existing clients will be notified during the design process if they risk being charged the rush fee due to delays in their design process if they are not willing to also delay their production date. This fee will not be charged if design delays are on the behalf of the designer.
Do you offer a mailing service?
I sure do! If you need me to stuff, stamp and mail your invitations on your behalf I can certainly accommodate that request. The mailing service is $75/100 invitations mailed (client provides mailing & response postage).
I'd like to use a map as one of my inserts. Can you make a custom map?
I sure can! Custom maps are $100.00. You provide the start point and end point and we make the map. If you need to change the route, not a problem, just give us the route you'd like to follow and we can easily adjust the map.