The 20 Question Game: Wedding Stationer Edition

20 questions for your Invitation Professional

Hiring a stationery designer can be slightly overwhelming, we know. But it is such an integral decision when wedding planning since your invitation paper will set the tone for your ENTIRE event (no pressure). If you’re considering hiring a boutique stationery, I know two things about you. First you are the plan-ahead-type because you know that good things take time. And secondly, you are a paper person and value meaningful details. That being said, you probably have a few questions but might not know where to start!

Below, we have put together a comprehensive 20 Question Guide for you with what we think are some of the main objectives when working directly with a stationery designer vs. a big box invitation shop. We included our answers so that you can contrast and compare and hopefully gain more insight should we be a good fit for your invitation needs!

Protip: Make sure you get a good initial personality read as you will be working somewhat closely with this particular wedding vendor leading up to the big day.

1. How long have you been in business?

8 years! Since 2016. 

2. What is your design background? NOTE: This may or may not involve formal training. Remember, "good taste" isn't necessarily something that can be taught!

My degree is in Interior Design but I was mesmerized by invitation design and the stationery world the moment I stumbled across it and have never looked back. 

3. Do you have a team or are you a solopreneur?

Paper Cliché is a small but mighty team of 3. We outsource the majority of our printing to our trusted and local print vendors but design, calligraph, and assemble everything in house. I am also the calligrapher so all scripting you see is completed by hand.

4. How would you describe your design style?

Minimalist, drawn to organic textures, with a flare for romanticism. 

5. What types of printing methods do you offer and which do you specialize in?

We offer both digital and letterpress (the latter being our favorite print method)!

6. Do you offer both semi-custom and fully custom design services?

We do offer both services but pride ourselves on the customization options offered in our semi-custom line. Our fully custom design option is an option for a design feature so that all pricing and packages remain transparent and easy to reserve services.

7. What is the lead time for each option including design time?

Semi-custom from start to finish can be expedited in 4-5 weeks from approval. You’ll want to allow a week for booking and submitting your wording, 1 week for design and 1 week for revisions at minimum for a stress free experience. Add 1 week to this timeline for letterpress printing and/or embellishments like calligraphy guest addressing. 

8. What level of customization do you offer for your semi-custom suites?

We set the bar pretty high here and truly enjoy the collaborative process with our couples to create something unique to their wants and needs. You’ll be able to personalize the design with your wording, and customize your paper type, printing method, text + envelope color, as well as enhance your suite with premium embellishments. We offer design features such as venue illustration, custom wedding logos, and more and you will have a choice between digitally addressed envelopes or calligraphy completed by hand. We have also created a fool-proof color system as well so it would be tough to make a wrong choice.

9. How involved do I need to be in the process?

As little or as much as you’d like. Your only homework is your wording and guest list! You’ll want to begin finalizing your guest list as soon as you can as this will be the most important piece of your invitation process. Your timeline is self led, meaning your mailing week is ultimately decided by how fast you submit your deliverables and respond to proofing emails. 

10. Can I also order my day of stationery like table numbers, place cards, escort cards, ceremony programs, menus, etc. from you? What about signage?

Absolutely. Most of of couples opt for this route to keep their wedding cohesive and thoughtfully designed. We specialize in wedding paper but also have unique offerings for signage such as natural birch and custom linen pieces. 

11. How much postage should I add to my outer envelope and response envelope? Do you offer vintage postage or have a good source to purchase from? Do I purchase my own postage or do you purchase it for me?

Things to keep in mind: If you use a non-standard sized envelope, a wax seal, or double ply card stock, your postage needs will increase. USPS increases their rates often. We provide you with complimentary Postage Guidance so you’ll never be left in the dark in this area. We weigh your suite as well as get a second opinion from the local post office. Most of our suites require $1.36-1.64 worth of postage and you can expect one forever stamp for your response envelope. Keep in mind postage rates have seen increases 2x in 2024 alone. Protip: We recommend shipping your response postage directly to our studio so that we may apply your postage prior to professional assembly. 

12. Once I place my order, how long will it take to have the completed invitations delivered? Do you have rush services available and what are the extra fees?

You can expect the following general timeline for our semi-custom timelines: booking 1 week, luxe sample kit + design questionnaire 1 week, design 7-10 days, revisions 1 week, printing, production, and assembly 4-5 weeks. You’ll want to add 1 week to this production timeline for embellishments such as letterpress printing and/or calligraphy addressing. 

13. What are the shipping methods available to me? Do you offer local pick up?

We offer complimentary shipping with every invitation order. Day of details can be shipped at an additional fee, delivered to your venue, or picked up from our Costa Mesa studio up to 3 days prior to your wedding. 

14. Can I see papers and samples in person?

We have meticulously put together Luxe sample kits because we know how important it is to see and feel papers, colors, and print quality. You are welcome to order one ahead of time but your kit is shipped out within 2-3 days of booking unless arranged otherwise. 

15. What if the invitation involves multiple pieces, do you offer assembly? If so, is there an additional fee? How will the assembly affect my delivery date?

Every invitation order includes full assembly of all pieces ordered. We would never let that fall on you. Assembly is included in your projected timeline. All that will be left to do is seal your envelopes, add your outer postage, and take your local post office. 

16. Do you offer envelope addressing services? What style options are available? Are you the calligrapher or do you outsource this? How much time does hand written calligraphy addressing add to the production phase?

I am the calligrapher and we love to add that special detail to your suite. Once your base package is chosen, you will be prompted to choose from digitally printed addressing or calligraphy addressing by hand. Traditional etiquette implies that wedding invitations are hand addressed – we are no traditionalists but we love the personalized, romantic touch that calligraphy offers. It’s how paper cliché got started to boot. 

17. What is the difference between calligraphy and a s font?

A typeface (often referred to as a font) is computer generated and will result in uniform letters, systematically repeated across the set of characters. Calligraphy, is created by hand, typically with a pointed dip pen meaning each letter may be slightly unique and a piece of artwork. For stationery purposes, this calligraphy can be digitized to use for printing across your invitation cards.

18. Should I order extra invitations for my details shots on my wedding day?

We provide you with two suites for your flatlay photography inside of your keepsake box so we have you covered here. However, we do recommend ordering approximately 5-10 more suites than you have addresses for– someone will inevitably change their address, your parents will add a last minute guest, and/or USPS has been known to lose an invitation here and there. Eek. Between the time and cost to reprint the smallest run of invites, it is wo worth it to have a few extra on hand “just in case” suites.

19. Do you require a deposit or full payment upfront?

We require a 30% or 50% deposit dependent on your booking timeline. Your final payment will due with your final approval and guest list so that we may send to print.

20. Will I have an opportunity to sign off on my digital invitation proof before you send my order to print? How many proofing rounds are included?

Absolutely. We won’t send anything to print without your approval. Three complimentary proofs are included to get your invites perfect. 

I hope this was helpful in your planning process. If you’re interested in working with us on your wedding or event stationery, please reach out via our inquiry form to get the ball rolling!

xx Dani