How it all works
In a nutshell, the first thing you do is call or email us with details about your wedding and your colours, theme and personal style. The more information we have the better we will be able to design something perfect for you. There are so many styles and options – the sky’s the limit when it comes to design. We have cards, pockets, pouches, booklets – the options are endless. We will discuss fonts, wording, ink colour and other details. If there is a particular invitation you like from our website let us know. If you have seen an invitation you like from Pinterest (for example) – send us a pic. We will then ask you to complete the Client Information Form from our website. Once you have selected your quantity, papers, styles and options an estimate will be provided. Custom invitation pricing is varied based on size, paper choice, enclosures and the printing method. If you are on a tight budget just let us know right from the start. We have many options to suit any budget. Also, we offer DIY workshops at our studio.
Once your deposit is paid (deposits are 50%) we will start working on a proof. You get the first proof in the post. Subsequent proofs are digital and sent via email. You get two-three proofs (after that you will incur an additional fee) to get it just the way you want it, and then we take it from there. We will ask for an email with your approval to print. Once we receive your approval to print then no changes can be made without incurring a fee and sometimes that fee can be as much as the original deposit ormolu due to the laborious nature of our work. WE DO NOT OFFER REFUNDS OF DEPOSITS OR COMPLETED ORDERS.
Ordering Additional Invitations – Once your order has been fulfilled ordering additional invitations carry an additional cost of 30% plus a surcharge of €50. This is because we will have to interrupt production of another client’s invitations and it is very time consuming. We encourage you to order a few extra invitations when you place your original order to avoid these fees.
Samples – we offer samples at a fee of €35. You will be credited that amount if you place and ordering with us. We provide beautiful photographs on our website and that should be enough for you to determine if you like our work. If you do then complete the Information Form, pay your deposit and a custom proof will be sent to you which is included.
Lead time – it all depends on what you order. It can take days or months. Six to twelve weeks in the norm. Usually invitations are mailed by the bride six to eight weeks before the wedding so as long as you plan ahead of time (and what bride doesn’t?) you will be okay. Sometimes we can do a rush job without incurring a fee depending on our workload. During the months of January-May we normally operate on a waiting list.
Studio – If you would like to meet personally we have a studio in Belturbet. You will be able to view invitation samples, designs and fonts. Don’t be worried if you aren’t in the Cavan area, we have worked with clients across Ireland, Northern Ireland, UK, Australia, US and other EU countries via email and phone to deliver beautiful invitations. Our studio is well worth a visit and you can relax with a view of the river, and enjoy refreshments while browsing our invitations, handmade papers, embellishments and help us plan your invitation package. We are not far from the Slieve Russell Hotel or the Farnham Estate so why not kill two birds with one stone and plan a weekend away and take in our studio, have a spa treatment at the hotel and a lovely dinner. Make a weekend of it!
Some of the questions we will have:
For the Wedding:
Quantity – you do not need an invitation for each individual guest. One invitation per couple plus a few more for singles. Always order a few extras in case you add more people to your guest list.
Additional cards – what additional enclosure cards are required? The choice is yours:
Response cards – always include an RSVP card – you would be lost without them. To save money, instead of including a return stamped envelope for your RSVP card, you can simply list telephone number, email address, facebook page, etc. where they can RSVP. You could also use a postcard style rsvp and that will save the cost of the envelope. The choice is yours!
Reception card – (this is a popular option in the US where they have a separate little card – about the same size as an RSVP card – listing where the reception will be if at a different location than the ceremony.) It’s a lovely idea although you can always list the reception location on the actual invitation as well.
Accommodation/Information cards – This is especially handy for out-of-town guests. You can list information on hotel and B&B accommodation in the area as well as web links for fun things to do in the area.
Save the Date cards – a good idea for guests that are travelling long distances and need to schedule holiday time from work. Also, even your local guests will need to plan ahead of time – you wouldn’t want them going away on holiday and missing your special day. You can send these out 6-12 months before the wedding. You can have a lot of fun with these cards.
Map and or Direction cards – again, handy for out of town guests. You could list the GPS coordinates as well. To save money you can include this information along with the accommodation information and directions on the same card.
At the Reception
Favours – there are so many ideas and styles. One of our clients handed out little boxes with a sweet and raffle ticket inside – they held a little raffle and gave away champagne, wine and even a gift voucher for a spa treatment – it was loads of fun! Nip on over to our favour page to see some samples. We also have some great ideas on our Pinterest page
Menus and Place Cards – these can match the theme and style of your invitations – guests love these as keepsakes.
Table Cards – there are so many great ideas. We did up some table cards for a bride where each table was a famous couple, Scarlett & Rhett, Anthony & Cleopatra, Bonnie & Clyde – even Miss Piggy & Kermit were included! We have some good ideas for you.
Seating Chart – We make these by hand and they are lovely and make a nice first impression when guests arrive at the venue.
Little extras:
Individually Addressed Invitations – Every country has its own traditions. In the US, for example, they never write the guest names on the actual invitation. It is automatically assumed that only the people the envelope is addressed to are invited. In Ireland, however, if you don’t specify you might end up with a few extra guests and your caterer won’t thank you for that! One way to solve this problem is to have each invitation print with the guest name on it. All you need to do is provide an Excel spreadsheet with your guest names – we only charge a small fee for this service. Another idea is to include an inner envelope and hand write the names on that or just go ahead on write the names on the invite – it is your choice!
Seals – we can print up a customized seal that you can use to seal your envelopes – these are fun and add a special touch.
Labels – how about a personalized water bottle or wine label? Fun!!!