10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Stationer
If you're in the middle of planning a wedding, you probably understand it can seem like you're doing everything blind. Who knew choosing a cake flavor could be so difficult? Or that you're all the sudden supposed to be an expert at naming flowers?
I think it's so important to make sure you are completely comfortable with your vendors before signing on any dotted line! The best way to get comfortable with your vendors is to ask get to know them, and ask them questions. Lots of them! Asking your vendors important questions before you sign a contract helps you to better understand the whole process and feel more at ease with what you're signing for. It also helps you to make sure your vision for your dream wedding is something your vendors take seriously and, more importantly, is in-line with a style they are just as passionate about!
Here are 10 of the top questions you should ask your wedding stationer:
Do you sell custom designs or do I choose from a standard invitation line?
Your stationer may design each and every invitation suite specifically for that client, or they may just use a template that multiple couples can purchase. A custom design is going to be more personalized and incorporate more of the ideas you may have in mind, while a template is going to have limited choices.
What is your overall style as a designer?
This is really important for ensuring you and your stationer will mesh well together. If you have clashing styles, the process is going to be much more difficult for both of you. On the other hand, if you have similar styles, the process will be more enjoyable than you could have ever imagined!
Can you print items besides just the save the dates and invitations?
Your designer may also be able to design and print your menus, place cards, programs, thank you cards, and anything else you need for your big day! Not only will it save you the hassle of going to multiple vendors, but you may also save money going this route, too. And as an added bonus, working with the same designer throughout the process will ensure everything is cohesive.
How many proofs are included in the price?
Almost all stationers will put a cap on the number of proofs that are included in your price. This is done for a couple of different reasons – first, it is easy, as a bride (or groom!), to be indecisive if you’re not given a cap on the number of proofs. It’s in our nature to constantly want to change things if we’re given the opportunity. Secondly, your stationer puts in a lot of time creating proofs, so at a certain point they will likely begin charging for proofs. Make sure you fully understand how many proofs are included, and be aware when you start reaching that limit.
How much can I customize the wording? If I’m unsure of wording, are you able to help me figure out the best route to take?
Your wedding invitations are a very personal part of your celebration. You want to make sure you can customize it to say exactly what you want to say. If you’re having a very informal celebration, you don’t want to have extremely formal text on the invitation! On the other hand, if you’re not exactly sure of the best way to word your invitations for your style of event, you want to make sure your stationer has the knowledge to guide you through the process.
How long does the process take?
You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of time to review your proofs (preferably with other family members, too!), have your stationer print and, if needed, assemble your order, and address and stamp each invitation. The process may depend on the style of invitation you’re interested in, so be sure to share that information with your stationer, too.
Once I've placed my order, will I be able to see a proof before the invitations are printed?
You may even want to be more specific, depending on your timeline, and ask for a hard-copy proof so you can see exactly how your invitation looks in person. This ensures that there are no surprises when your final order is printed and ready to be mailed out.
Do you assemble my order, or will I need to set aside time to assemble it myself?
If your invitation suite requires some assembly (envelope liners, ribbons, belly bands, and pocketfolds are just some examples), it’s important to know whether your designer will assemble it or if you need to schedule time to assemble them yourself. This will also affect the time frame of your order if you have to do this portion on your own.
Can you mail the invitations for me?
This is a great question if you’re really busy – whether with work, school, or wedding planning! You’ll want to know what is involved in the mailing process if they offer this service (what postage they will use, what fee is charged, how envelopes will be addressed, and what date the invitations will be mailed).
What happens if there's a mistake in my order?
Whether it’s a mistake made by you or the stationer, you’ll want to know how those are handled for ease of mind just in case something goes awry.
These questions will certainly make you feel at ease with what your wedding stationery designer offers, but you can always ask more specific questions! The more comfortable you are with your stationer, the more enjoyable the process will be.
