We work with many couples at Iron Leaf Press during their wedding planning. There are so many options for wedding planning these days, that sometimes having too many choices can make one’s head spin. We like to try to make the process as painless as possible, while still creating something that reflects the couple and their big day. Below are the top questions most couples face when beginning the wedding stationery process.
1. Where do I start?
Many questions come up when you begin working on your wedding paper goods; where do our names go and in what order? Do I need my parents’ names on the invite too? Do I need an inner envelope? What’s the difference between an A2 and A7 envelope? What about an RSVP card? Where should I put my wedding website?
The truth of it is, you can do most anything with invites these days. We’ve seen everything from super formal invitations, to more unconventional sizes, designs, and wording. We can help guide you to find the right mix of wording, design, and enclosures to match your personality and wedding celebration. We chat with each couple about their day and what they are hoping to see with their paper goods to create some unique to them.
2. When do I need to start thinking about save the dates and invitations?
Save the dates are typically mailed six to eight months in advance of your wedding date. Wedding invites are sent six to eight weeks before your date. To ensure enough time for designing, editing, and producing your paper goods, the process should start at least a month out from your intended mailing date.
3. How much is this going to cost?
Many factors will go into the cost of your paper goods. Quantity, size, and the number of colors, along with number of pieces (invite/rsvp card/map/etc) are the top factors for pricing. Many will hear the word “custom” and fear that the price will be too far out of their budget. We try to work within any budget to get the biggest bang for your dollar. On average, most of our invitations range from $3.00-$8.00/invite.
4. How do I handle addressing these invites?
There are a few different options for applying names and addresses to your invites. Return addresses can be directly printed on to the envelope. Guest names and addresses can be printed as well. Additionally, custom labels can be created and adhered to the envelopes. We also partner with local calligraphers to hand-address envelopes in various calligraphy styles.
5. How much will it cost to mail my invitations?
Once you’ve got your pretty paper goods ready to send out, the last thing you want is a surprise at the post office. Keep in mind that square envelopes and items over 13 oz. will incur additional postage. Envelopes that are thicker than 1/4″ may also incur additional charges. We keep these regulations in mind while designing each invite and work closely with our local post office to ensure your paper goods travel safely through the postal system.
Bonus! What about other paper goods and favors?
Beyond save the dates and invitations, there are many ways to incorporate the look and feel of your invites into other items on the day of your wedding and even after. Programs, menus, and placecards are three of the most common pieces we work on for wedding couples. We also print custom coasters, boxes, and bags as wedding favors. And following the wedding, we love to work on thank you cards and personal stationery.
If you have additional questions about wedding stationery or to request a custom quote, feel free to contact us. We love chatting about weddings!
Iron Leaf Press
