While talking with brides we are commonly asked the same questions – questions we are very used to answering but have to remind ourselves that as a bride, you’ve never had to think about before! Such as "How much do wedding invitations cost?" (by far the most popular) or "When should I order my invitations?" So I thought it would be good to share some of our Frequently Asked Questions (included in our Bridal Packets – if you’d like a copy, just give us a call, 207.871.9722 or email us at design@papiergourmet.com & we’ll pop one in the mail to you!) I hope you find these helpful as you begin the wedding invitation process.
Q: How much do wedding invitations cost?
A: Although this is certainly the most common question, it is truly the most difficult to answer. The cost of wedding invitations is dependent upon many factors - paper type, quantity, printing type, the inclusion of enclosure cards, embellishments, etc. On average, an invitation (with a printed return address on the outer envelope) and reply card/envelope set costs between $4 and $8 per invitation/reply card set. A price quote by one of our knowledgeable sales associates is the only true way to get an idea of pricing for invitations for your wedding.
Q: How soon before my wedding should I order invitations?
A: Wedding invitations should be ordered 4-6 months before your wedding – allowing 3-4 weeks for the ordering, proofing and printing as well as time to assemble, address and stamp your invitations. Additional time (4-6 weeks) should be allotted if ordering engraved or letterpressed invitations (more labor-intensive printing methods) or plan on having a calligrapher address your envelopes.
Q: How much does it cost for a bridal invitation consultation?
A: Nothing! Coming in to look at wedding invitations and gather price quotes does not cost anything. We do recommend, however, that you call ahead to make an appointment so that you will have a sales associate’s undivided attention, especially if you’d like to come in on a Saturday. Bridal appointments are available Tues – Fri starting at 10:30a through 3p and on Saturdays at 10a, 12p & 2p. You have no obligation of payment until an invitation order is placed at which time a 50% deposit is required with the balance due upon receipt.
Q: What are the advantages of buying my invitations from a stationer such as Papier Gourmet rather than an online retailer?
A: Although online retailers are plentiful in our modern age of technology, nothing replaces the tactile experience of feeling the paper stock and the quality of printing in person. Also, as colors are often different in person than when viewed on a computer screen, it is always best to see exactly what you are ordering. As you wouldn’t purchase a wedding gown without feeling the fabric and trying it on or a wedding cake without tasting a sample first, it’s advisable to know what you are getting when ordering wedding invitations. Other intangibles such as guidance on proper etiquette and wording as well as design and creativity are provided when ordering your wedding invitations with an experienced stationer.
We are often asked about the timing of invitations from when to start looking, to when to mail Save the Dates, and when to order & mail invitations so we hope the FAQs & Timeline below will be helpful to you in your planning for your big day!
Q: When should I start looking for wedding invitations?
It is best to begin browsing for invitations early—the earlier, the better. Casually browsing through an array of albums will help generate ideas and allow you to “see what’s out there”. However, before you start browsing it is good to have a general idea of the type of event you are having (formal vs. casual), the location of the ceremony/reception, the number of guests and a general color-scheme.
Q: When should I order my invitations?
Once you finally select an invitation, an additional appointment is generally necessary to place the order so that you will have a sales associate’s undivided attention. Filling out our Wedding Invitation Worksheet in advance will make the ordering process go smoothly and also provide us with all the pertinent information. Our knowledgeable staff will provide you with guidance regarding proper wording and etiquette during this appointment.
Q: When should I mail my invitations?
A: Invitations should be mailed 6-8 weeks in advance of your wedding day. The enclosed reply card should request guest’s replies somewhere between 2 and 4 weeks before your wedding day.
Timeline
6-12 months before: Begin browsing for invitations, gathering ideas and price quotes. Simultaneously, look for Save the Dates (usually sent 6-9 mo. in advance of your wedding date).
4-6 months before: Narrow down your invitation selection and make an appointment to place your order. Once an order is placed, proofs are generally received within 2-5 business days. Upon proof approval, orders are usually shipped within 7-10 business days for flat printing and thermography or 2-4 weeks for engraving and letterpress. We generally recommend allowing 3-6 weeks to complete the ordering process.
8-10 weeks before: Upon receiving your invitations, take one to the post office to be weighed and purchase the proper postage including postage for the reply envelope. Address & assemble your invitations.
6-8 weeks before: Mail your invitations. Finalize orders for ceremony programs, tablecards, menus, placecards and favor packaging, if applicable.
2-4 weeks before: Keep track of responses as they are returned.