How This Process Works
The wedding invitations and other wedding products that we design and print for you are unique and custom made for you. This custom process is more time-consuming that just ordering a set of cards from a store (that are pre-printed and ready to ship now). Following are the steps that must be completed to ensure that you receive a high-quality custom product. We give you turn-around times to help you better plan and see if this process is right for you. However, these are estimates, and real time-frames are dependant upon your unique situation.
Step 1: Choose Your Design -
Before we can begin designing your invitations and other cards, you need to decide upon a design that you want to base them on. You also need to gather all of the elements for that design. You will need to have your photos ready, your wording ready, and begin to decide if you want any other services. We copy and paste your words directly into the invitation, so we strongly suggest you run your wording through both computer and human spell checkers. (Completion Time: Up to you)
Step 2: Fill Out Order Form -
We have a catalog of designs, but we have one order form. The form is more like a questionnaire. You are commissioning a unique designed "work of art," rather than just ordering a product. You answer questions about the designs you want and the products you want them on. You also select your photos and they upload with the form. We cannot start without your photos. (Completion Time: Up to you, uploading takes a few minutes).
Step 3: Pay the Deposit -
When your photos and order have uploaded you will be directed to a page where you pay the deposit/ design commission fee of $30. We do need this to start work on the design. For more information click on "About Our Designs," this deposit is fully explained in the bottom of that info box. (Completion Time: A Few Minutes)
Step 4: Fill Out "Additional Cards" Order Form (If needed) -
Our main order form is for your main card. Additional cards are commissioned using the Additional Cards Order Form (available under "Ordering" in the top menu). This form only requires your name and email address for identification, and does NOT need a deposit/ design commission fee. Additional cards are covered under the original $30 fee. (Completion Time: Up to you, uploading takes a few minutes).
Step 5: Design of First Proof(s) -
When we have your completed order(s), all of your photos uploaded, and you have paid the deposit we can begin work on your card designs. The first emailed proof will come to you (on average) in about 2 business days (during busy seasons it can be 3 business days, and we are closed Saturday and Sunday). If you pay a Rush fee, it is 1 business day on average. (Completion Time: 1-3 Business Days)
Step 6: The Proofing Process -
If you require changes, we make them and send you another emailed proof. These additional proofs are much quicker, and average just one business day because they are usually small changes. Those who pay the design rush fee are still put to the top of the queue anyway. You can have up to 5 free emailed proofs, which is plenty in 99% of cases. Completion time for this step is mostly up to you. What slows it down is if you are indecisive (asking for multiple, small changes and dragging the process out), and/or if you take a long time to get back to us with changes.
In order to help it so you get back to us quicker, when you place your order you can opt to have us text a cell phone when we have emailed you a proof. This also aids you with another frequent problem: losing the proof in your junk/ spam/ bulk mail folder. Because we send you an email with an attachment, and we are probably not listed as one of your "friends" with your email service, the proofs we send often go into junk folders. Signing up for this option is highly recommended - of course "standard text messaging rates apply." (Completion Time: Ave. of 1 week, but depends on you)
Step 7: Hard Copy or Not?
Once you approve an email proof you can request a printed hard copy proof that we will mail to you, or you can waive that option. Be advised that by waiving a hard copy proof, you agree to accept the proofs as is, so it is recommended that you take advantage of the option. With that said, we have had countless customers waive the hard copy and still have had no complaints. Waiving this option is often done to save time because it adds 1 week to the process (it must be printed and then mailed). You may have changes made after receiving a hard copy. The changes will be sent to you as emailed proofs. (Completion Time: 1 - 1.5 Weeks Average)
Step 8: Final Order/ Payment
Once you have approved a final proof (emailed or hard copy), you will need to complete your order and pay the final balance (your order total minus the $30 deposit). Instructions on how to complete your order are included with every emailed proof, so you can complete your order at anytime you are ready. We cannot begin printing until this final step occurs. This is because we need to know your final count and we can't print until they are paid for. Be sure you fully approve the proof before approving it and paying for it. By doing so, you "lock in" that design, and any changes will incur reprinting fees. (Completion Time: Whenever you are ready)
Step 9: Printing & Shipping
If all previous steps are completed, we will print and ship your invitations. Printing time is about 2-3 business days depending on your order amount and our current volume. Shipping is 2-3 business days unless you upgrade to Express Mail, then it is 1-2 business days (only 1 day saved). (Completion Time: About 1 week).
Step 10: "Some Assembly Required"
Actually, most (if not all) of the assembly is required on your part. We design, print, and ship. You stuff, fold, lick, stamp, address (if you don't have us print addresses), and send. This manual labor is best left up to you. You know who gets what cards, and it is much cheaper for you to put in the "sweat equity" rather than to pay us to do so. Folding Cards: These come flat and unfolded, but with a score (crease) that makes them easy and ready to fold. I guess you could say that we sell "folding" cards, not "folded" cards.
Summary:
This process in not the quickest in the world. This is because it is custom design and custom printing (even ordering pre-printed/ pre-designed items take a week to receive). If you Rush everything through, it can take 1-2 weeks. Without a Rush put on it the average is 3 weeks completion. With a hard copy added, the average is a month.