I would like to help take some of the stress of decision-making off of you by offering some hints and tips that will help you in choosing your wedding invitations.
1. Proofs:
Find out if there is a charge for proofs. If there is a charge, pay it! It is better to pay a small fee for proofs than to have to pay to reprint all of your invitations because of an error on your part. E-proof, online proof or printed proof? A printed proof is best.
But if you have already purchased a sample in the same colors and confirmed that you are satisfied with the colors, a proof sent via email will do.
Even when you are offered an online proof after you personalize your invitation online, it is still best to get a proof e-mailed, faxed or mailed to you. Some companies only offer a black and white faxed proof, which does not allow you to make sure you are satisfied with the colors. Find out how many revisions you are allowed and what the charge is for additional revisions and/or proofs.
2. Colored inks and printing in more than 1 color:
Most wedding invitation companies charge an extra fee for colored inks instead of black only. They might also charge you an extra fee to print a second color. For a more contemporary style invitation, look for invitations that are printed in full-color.
3. Raised lettering or thermography:
There is usually an extra charge to have your invitations printed with raised lettering. There is also usually a very limited color palette to choose from with this option. That's why more and more brides are choosing invitations that are printed in full color so that they can match their wedding color scheme, no matter what their colors are.
4. Adding extra lines of text:
It is not uncommon for traditional wedding invitation companies to charge an extra fee for adding extra lines of text. (Some companies do not even offer the option of adding extra lines of text.) Custom invitation boutiques usually do not charge extra for this.
5. Layout changes:
If it is even offered at all, many companies require an additional charge for any invitation or card you would like set up differently than shown in their sample or catalog. For instance, if you want your text to be right-aligned instead of centered, or if want your
names to be in a larger font, etc. The exception to this is custom invitation boutiques that will create your invitation for you exactly to your specifications. The problem is custom invitations can be quite expensive. A more affordable option that would give you more options for customization that traditional invitations are customizable invitations. Customizable invitations are based on a particular design, but can be made to look like a custom invitation by changing the color scheme, layout, fonts, wording and even adding a photo.
6. Changing paper colors:
Be aware that some papers cost more than others and may be offered in limited colors. For instance, metallic papers, textured papers and vellum typically cost more than smooth papers.
7. Changing colors of the design:
You will have to look pretty hard to find a company that will allow you to change the colors of their design. If they offer that option at all, do not be surprised if they charge you an additional fee for doing so, or if they only have 2 or 3 different color schemes to
choose from. Again, if you want to customize your invitation to match your wedding colors scheme, your best bet is to look for customizable wedding invitations.
8. Adding a photo and photo touch-up:
There are some companies that offer to print your photo on your wedding invitation, but, (except for high-priced custom invitations)they usually have predetermined layouts that your photo must fit into. If you photo needs some correcting, adjusting or cropping, be sure to find out if you will be charged an extra fee for that.
9. Turnaround time and rush fees:
Make sure you find out the estimated turnaround time so you can order your invitations far enough in advance to leave yourself time to address the envelopes, assemble the invitations, stuff and stamp the envelopes, etc. You'll need to find out how long it will be before you receive a proof, and then how long the printing will take once the proof is approved. Add on several days to the estimated turnaround time to allow for revisions and additional proofs. It is important to start the ordering process early because rush fees can be quite hefty. Your wedding invitations should be mailed out to your guests six to eight weeks prior to your wedding date.
10. Extra envelopes:
You should always get extra envelopes in case of addressing mistakes or invitations that get returned because of wrong addresses. They will cost a lot more if you don't order them with your initial order.
Just like buying a car, a home, or a new refrigerator, you can get stuck with some surprise fees if you don't read the fine print.
Your wedding is one of the most special days of your life and you deserve to have everything exactly the way you want it - including your wedding invitation. You don't have to settle for less than "perfect." But you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to get your "perfect" invitation, either. As you just read, expenses can add up very quickly, but knowing what questions to ask and what to look for in wedding invitations can save you a lot of heartache, expense and rushing around.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
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