FAQs

Save the Dates are typically sent about 6 months before the wedding and invitations are sent 6-8 weeks before the event. Your reply by date should be about a month before the wedding because people never send replies back on time, so you’ll need some leeway.

For a custom design, we like to start at least 2 months before your desired mail date, so about 4 months before your wedding.  The design process lasts about 3-4 weeks, printing takes about 2 weeks, and envelope calligraphy takes 1-2 weeks.  However, the more time the better, so we’re not so rushed.  Semi-custom invitations can be done more quickly because the design process is usually no more than 1-2 weeks.

We offer 3 standard types of printing (however, let us know if you’re interested in laser cut, screen printing, etc. because we can do all types.) Combining printing methods is also an option.

1. FLAT PRINTING — The art/lettering is printed flat on the paper with a super high-quality digital printer. If you have any type of watercolor artwork in your design, we need to at least print that portion digitally (flat). An advantage of digital printing is that you can print any number of colors for the same cost. Generally, this is the most budget-friendly way to print.
2. LETTERPRESS — Letterpress is a gorgeous and luxurious looking option. A plate with raised characters is made for each color in your design and ink is applied to those plates and then pressed into paper, so you get a beautiful indentation. You can print as many colors as you would like with letterpress, but since the paper needs to be run through the press for every color, there is an additional charge for each color. Also, since the design must be created from line art, you won’t get subtle color changes that you can achieve with digital printing. If you’re looking for Pantone number(s) to describe the color(s), use this Pantone Color Guide
3. FOIL PRESS — As with letterpress, a raised plate is made and foil is pressed into the paper, although the indentation is not as deep. Foil is mostly used to achieve a metallic look for printing but can also be used to print lighter colors on darker paper. Foil (unlike letterpress ink) is opaque, so if you need to print white on black, for example, foil is the best way to achieve this.

The easiest way to determine that is based on your completed guest list. If you have 150 households on your guest list, we suggest adding at least 10% in case of people you forgot, people you want to add, people who didn’t get their invitations, and so you have a few for keepsakes. That would mean you need about 165 invitations.

If you don’t have a guest list yet but know that you have a venue for about 200, then you can estimate 125-150 invites because each person does not need an invitation (just each couple, each family, etc.). Add at least 10% again and you’re at 165 again.

It is also important to note that you will need more envelopes than invitations. Calligraphers need an additional 10-15% of extra envelopes in case of mistakes.

We accept lists in Word or Excel formats.  In Word, type everything out as you would like it written. In Excel, make sure that each line of the address is in a separate cell (Name / Street Address / City, State, Zip). For advice on addressing etiquette see Emily Post’s: Guide to Addressing Correspondence or The Knot’s: How to Address Wedding Invitations.

Invitations (with reply cards, etc.) typically require $0.71. However, many invitations require more postage. Square envelopes, rigid envelopes, larger envelopes, thicker envelopes, heavier envelopes – all need more. We can determine the postage you will need during the design and printing process. Also, we are happy to help with stamp choices – either using stamps directly from USPS or with vintage postage.

Anne Robin Calligraphy and Design retains all rights to the designs. If you would like exclusive rights, please let us know and we will price the design appropriately. We also retain the rights to post photos of your invitations and wedding paper on social media. If you prefer we don’t use images of your stationery, please let us know.

I have a bunch!  Check out my Resources for Calligraphers.