Our process
We’re so excited you're here! Your invitations are the first peek your guests get into your big day. The smallest details make the biggest impact. Whether it’s your save the dates, your wedding suite, or even cocktail napkins, every detail should be reflect your unique style and charm.
We’re here to help you create an unforgettable experience for your guests, filled with love and appreciation for all of your thoughtful touches.
We can be with you from start to finish, from save the dates to thank you notes, or we can jump in at any point in your wedding journey. Recently engaged and searching for your one-stop-shop? You found us!!! Or maybe you’ve already sent out your invitations, and you are just discovering our studio? It's not too late - we can help you with any day-of items.
No matter what you need, we’re excited to help make your wedding paper experience smooth and enjoyable!
Here's how we will work together:
Step 1: Initial Consultation No matter where you are in your wedding planning stages, we always start with an initial phone call.
Step 2: Let's Touch Some Paper we will meet in the studio and discuss the different print processes. We will talk about their limits and capabilities, and look through beautiful samples together - printed papers, ribbon, color swatches, wax seals, envelopes, calligraphy...and so much more! This is where we dream big! We will be talking about colors, thematic elements, potential guest count, and important details that might affect your save the date or invitation wording. You are welcome to bring your fiancé, your planner or anyone else that might help with communicating your vision!
Step 3: We Will Send A Quote All of our invitation suites are quoted based on design needs. To give you an idea - 100 invitation suites range anywhere from $2,500-$7,500+. Remember when we dreamed BIG in our meeting? This is when we get to see what it will cost. We will gather quotes from our amazing and talented artists and vendors, and we will send it over to you for your review. From here, we will either proceed with our findings or we can widdle it down to fit in your budget. If you remove something from the quote, we can always add it back in throughout the design process!
Step 4: Your Deposit Before we get started designing your suite, we require a 50% deposit. We accept the following payments: Venmo, PayPal, Credit Cards, ACH Bank Transfers and Check. The remaining balance is not due until your order is ready for pick-up!
Step 5: The Digital Proofs We have an incredible digital proofing system! It's one of my favorite things about working with us. In this stage, we will create your first round of proofs. You will receive digital proofs showing each individual piece, the invitation elements and even a peek at how your invitations will look when assembled. Everything from your main invitation, to postage suggestions will be shown here. Because our work is completely custom, the proofing turn-around time is anywhere from 3-5 weeks, depending on the details required. We do have a series of rush fees to get your proofs to you in as soon as 3 business days.
Step 6: Revisions 99.9% of brides will have revisions after the initial proofs. You are allowed 2 rounds of major proof revisions. Don't worry - wording changes and spelling corrections do not count as "major". Your proof revisions will take 1-3 business days for each round.
Step 7: Let's Get This Baby Printed!! Once your design has been approved, we will get the files formatted and ready for print! Depending on the complexity of the design or print process, this stage can take anywhere from 1-3 business days.
Step 8: Now We Wait... The production stage has begun! Printing can take anywhere from 5-20 business days. There are only a few exceptions that can shorten or lengthen this timeline, however. During this time, we will be in touch with any loose ends, such as your final address list. We will be available to help you with advice on address formatting, as well.
Step 9: Oh my goodness, they are PERFECT! Your save the dates or invitations are here!! And we LOVE them! At this point, we will be collecting your final payment for this project. If we are mailing your save the dates or invitations for you, we will then proceed with doing so! If you are taking on the assembly, we will coordinate the best pick-up or delivery option for you!
Step 10: Soak it in! Your guests are starting to receive their save the dates or invitations. I bet they are sending you messages about how much they love them, they are so YOU, and how attentive to detail you were in everything! Soak it all in - you should be so proud of what we created together, and they are excited to celebrate you!!
We love helping our clients come up with the perfect invitations suite from start to finish!
Step 1: Save the Date Let’s start by sending out your Save the Dates. We have a variety of designs, with and without photos, so you can set the perfect tone for your wedding. This is the first glimpse your guests will get, and we’ll make sure it’s a beautiful one.
Step 2: Choose Your Invitation Suite Next, we’ll dive into your wedding invitation suite. Each suite includes inner and outer envelopes with your return address printed on them. You also have the option to add an envelope liner for an extra touch of elegance.
Step 3: Include the Details We’ll add all the essential details with reply cards, detail cards for accommodations, events, and your wedding website. Each reply card comes with an envelope and printed recipient address, making it easy for your guests to RSVP.
Step 4: Day-of Elements For the big day, we offer everything you need: ceremony programs, reception menus, place cards, escort cards, table numbers, and even weekend guides for your out-of-town guests. All these elements will be beautifully coordinated with your invitation suite.
Step 5: Personalized Stationery After the wedding, continue the theme with personalized thank you notes. We offer both folded and flat notecard options to match your suite, perfect for expressing your gratitude.
Step 6: Work with a Designer We know how important this time is, and we want it to be as stress-free as possible. That’s why you’ll work one-on-one with one of our talented in-house designers. She’ll guide you through every step, from etiquette tips to helping with your wording. Your invitations will reflect your unique style and charm.
Step 7: Place Your Order When you’re ready, choose your favorite suite and the pieces you need. Everything is printed on high-quality Mohawk Eggshell White paper, available in single (120 lb) ply or double (240 lb) ply for a more luxurious feel. Note: Folded items are single ply only.
Step 8: Wedding Timeline After placing your order, email your wording to weddings@katherinekellydesign.com. Your designer will prepare your proofs and send them to you within five business days. You’ll receive two free electronic proofs with your order; additional proofs are $25 each. Once you approve the final design, your order will ship within ten business days.
Extras and Options
- Recipient Address Printing: We can print your recipient addresses for an additional fee. You’ll receive proofs to review before printing.
- Personal Monogram: If you have a monogram, send us the high-resolution file, and we’ll incorporate it into your suite.
- Monogram Download: You can purchase a digital version of your monogram for $100 with your suite, or $250 on its own, for use on other wedding items.
- Custom Crests: We can create a custom suite with your artwork or crest. Design fees apply; email us for pricing.
Sample Packet To see our quality in person, order a sample packet for $10 + shipping. It includes a wedding invitation, envelopes, a liner, a reply card, and a reply card envelope. Request a double ply invitation if you’d like to compare.
Final Tips Before mailing your invitations, take a fully assembled set to the Post Office to check postage. Don’t forget to stamp your reply cards too!
Contact Us Take your time browsing our collection and email us at weddings@katherinekellydesign.com with any questions. We look forward to creating your perfect wedding invitations!