Process
All design projects will vary based on what’s needed, but below is the general process I follow.
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1. Quote Request. Each customer is asked to fill out a Quote Request in order to put together an initial quote for their design project. I normally communicate through email to provide you with the information, and if you’d like we can set up a time for a face-to-face meeting to go over everything you need. A lot of my customers I deal with my customers mainly through email just for convenience purposes, and that tends to go pretty smoothly.
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2. Project Estimate. A Package Estimate will be put together based on the answers from the Quote Request, outlining what your package should cost – the final project total will be given after the mock-up stage (see step 5). The final project total is usually within the range you are originally given – any deviation will be discussed. Often times I will quote higher, including all of the bells and whistles, and your final total will come in lower (or even out if I do stamping and add the cost of postage).
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3. Project Spec Sheet. The Client Contract & Project Specifications Packet serves as the initial contract for your designs. It outlines the components that are needed for the project, the timeline, the project due dates, and the estimated budget. At the time of signing this and the contract, a 30% deposit is required on the estimate project total.
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4. Mock-up. Based on the requirements of the design, a design is put together, photographed, and sent to you for approval. This generally the main piece and a supporting piece or two (such as an invitation and an RSVP card). Once approved, a physical mock-up is produced and sent to you via postal mail for approval so you can see it as your guests will receive it. Any changes that are needed are made and approved. If you’ve purchased a package that includes a website design, a digital mock-up will also be produced and approved, along with all other print pieces, at this time. If you are also ordering favors or centerpieces, designs for those will be finalized after the main designs are completed.
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5. Final Estimate. Based on the mock-ups that were created and approved, a Final Estimate is put together. This is necessary in case any extra embellishments or materials is required that would add/subtract an additional cost. Along with the Final Estimate is the Mock-up Sign-off Sheet, which asks you to approve all pieces so production can begin. This is signed, and 50% of the final total is due at this time.
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6. Production. At this point your invitations and other print pieces are being created, envelopes are being printed based on your guest list (if required), and everything is assembled. You will be provided with my Guest List Excel Template to organize your guest list and track your RSVP’s and meal choices. I am very flexible during this period – changes in guest list are not an issue and come at no extra charge unless they are significant (5+ invitations added). If you’ve purchased a package that includes a website design, this will be built out and content will be added at this stage.
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7. Delivery. I take the greatest care in getting your pieces to you in perfect shape. I ship via FedEx or UPS (signature required), and all pieces are carefully wrapped and padded with white tissue paper to ensure that they are not damaged in transit. Delivery may come in different stages depending on the needs of your event. Invitations and all accessories are delivered to you fully assembled – the only thing you need to worry about is adding stamps and sealing the envelopes (and if you don’t want to worry about that, I’ll take care of those things for you at no extra cost!).
If you live within a 40 mile radius, I will deliver your pieces to you by hand if you prefer. If you’re getting favors, table centerpieces, or anything else for the ceremony and reception, I can coordinate with your locations to get those pieces delivered and set up the day of your event, and picked up afterward if necessary.
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8. Follow Up. I understand there may be last minute additions, so I work with you up until the day of your event for anything that may be needed. This could include last minute invitations or envelopes printed, place cards, etc. and I make sure they get to you when you need them. Please note that any excessive charges will be added to your final total, but in most cases my shipping estimate covers these last minute issues.
As I stated in the Delivery portion, I am available to work with your location coordinators to get pieces delivered and set up the day of the event – favors, table numbers and name plates, table seating charts, centerpieces, etc. This service comes at no extra cost to you.
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9. Payments. I accept personal checks, money orders, and payments through PayPal (which allows you to use a credit card securely or link right to your personal checking account). Please note that payments through PayPal will require a 3.15% fee to cover PayPal processing costs.
Find out what your money is paying for.
Let Me Stamp Your Pieces
At no extra labor cost to you, I will stamp your invitation envelopes and your RSVP envelopes/postcards while I'm assembling your pieces so you don't have to.
