Invitation and stationery design: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What invitation and stationery design is

A stationery designer creates custom invitations, cards and event stationery that match a theme, handling the wording layout, color choices and the print preparation. People hire a designer for weddings, celebrations, corporate events and special announcements where the paper needs to match the occasion.

Signs you need it

  • You have an event with a specific theme, and store bought cards do not fit the look
  • You need a custom set that includes an invitation, a response card and an information card
  • You want a design that uses your family crest, monogram or photos in a tasteful way
  • Your event has a tight timeline and the printing must be scheduled around the date
  • You need coordinated stationery, such as menus, place cards or thank you notes, to match the invitation

What the pro does

  • Review the event, the theme, the color palette and the wording you want to use
  • Build a layout for each piece, placing the names, dates, times and details in a clear order
  • Choose the paper, the finish and any special printing, such as foil or letterpress, with you
  • Prepare the print files with bleed, color settings and the proofs the printer requires
  • Check the wording and the details against your guest list and event information before printing
  • Deliver the final print files, a PDF proof and the editable layout for future changes

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The number of different pieces in the set, such as invitations, envelopes, menus and place cards
  • The number of guests, since quantity affects paper and printing cost
  • The paper, finish and special printing methods chosen
  • How much custom illustration, lettering or photo editing the design requires
  • The number of revisions and proof rounds requested
  • How quickly the stationery is needed for the mail date

What a written quote should spell out

  • The pieces included, their sizes and the number of each
  • The paper, finish and printing method for each piece
  • The number of revision and proof rounds, and the proof stage before printing
  • Whether envelope addressing or assembly is included
  • Who checks the wording and the details before the files go to print

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you show me a sample set in a theme close to mine?
  • Will I receive a proof of each piece before it is printed?
  • How do you check that the names, dates and times are spelled and written correctly?
  • Can you match the stationery to my wedding colors or event palette?
  • Who handles the envelopes and mailing, and is that included?
  • What is the deadline for me to send the final wording?

Red flags

  • Prints the stationery before you have approved the final proof
  • Does not check the names, dates and times against the information you provided
  • Will not provide the editable files after the event
  • Promises that the stationery will be unique in every detail

What you can do yourself

You can write the wording, choose a simple template in a design tool and print a small run on your home printer on good paper. Hire a stationery designer when you want a custom look, a set of matching pieces, special printing finishes or a large number of invitations that must be printed reliably.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required for stationery design. Ask instead for samples of finished sets, references and a written statement of rights to the artwork and fonts; check with your state or local business licensing office if the designer operates as a registered business.

Invitation and stationery design questions

How far in advance should I order invitations?

Allow time for the design rounds, the proof, the printing and the mail. Ask the designer for a timeline that counts back from your mail date.

Can I use a custom font from another designer?

Only if the font license allows it for printing and for your use. Check the license before the designer builds the layout around it.

Should I order extra pieces?

Many people order a few spares for guest changes, damage and keepsakes. Ask the printer for the spare count and how the extra pieces are charged.

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