Choosing the Best Wedding Stationer for Your Needs!
April, 2017 | Last updated: May, 2020
It all starts with the questions you ask
If you just got engaged, or recently got married, you know that being a bride is a pretty crazy experience. Oh, and, unless you are an event planner or wedding professional, planning your wedding is kind of like showing up to your first day of work at a new job in a field you have no idea what you’re doing. Odds are that you’ve never planned an event on this scale before, and you’re probably feeling overwhelmed with picking your vendors.
If you’re planning on sending out custom-designed save the dates, invitations, and even little mementos for your bridesmaids, you're likely to be looking to working with a wedding stationery designer. But how do you choose? Well, it all starts with having—even a vague!—idea of what you want, and asking the right questions.
So, what questions do you ask to determine if he or she is right for you? You need to know what to ask to make sure you are choosing a wedding stationer who will add that special, personal touch to your special day.
Below I’ve listed a whole bunch of questions that you should consider asking. I know, I know... it’s not short! In reality many of those answers you’ll be able to get from the designer's website, which will already help you filter the ones you do want to talk to in greater detail. You can then reach out to those shortlisted to talk to more specifically before you make a decision. There isn’t a right or wrong answer to any of these questions, and I can’t tell you exactly what answers you should be seeking. The point is to flesh out a better sense of who your designer is, if he/she has the capability to produce what you desire, and perhaps most importantly: if you two will work together well.
Hopefully this will help you get organized and feel a little less overwhelmed!
On their Style and Approach
How would you define your style or philosophy? I think this is important to see if your collaborative creative process will be in sync!
Are your designs fully tailor-made or do you customize existing designs for my tastes?
What makes your approach to designing invitations different from others?
Process and Pricing
How many wedding clients do you work with at a time?
What is your process and time frame per project?
How long before you can start my my wedding?
How flexible are your packages? Are there restrictions on what you will do?
What is your pricing structure? Are things priced per piece, fixed rate, etc.?
How many rounds of designs and changes are included? Important to keep in mind to avoid additional charges down the line!
How much is the deposit to secure your services? When is the full balance due?
What do you need from me to get started and when? Make sure you are able to provide what they need!
Who will be working on my project? You or a junior designer on the team?
Capabilities
What are your production capabilities? What print methods do you use? E.g. digital, letterpress, foil stamping, etc.
Do you assemble and/or mail for me?
What are my options for addressing envelopes? Printing, calligraphy, labels, etc.
Are you able to do things like monograms or maps? how do you charge for them?
Do you do day-of wedding designs?
Are you able to help me with other wedding related things such as bridal shower invitations, websites, etc.?
