17 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Stationery Designer

Choosing your wedding stationery is an exciting part of the planning process. Your save the dates and invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your wedding. They set the tone for your entire celebration. But with so many options and details to consider, knowing what to ask your wedding stationery designer can make all the difference.

At Heather Paperie, we specialize in custom wedding invitations designed to reflect your love story. We guide our couples through every step of the process—from design to printing, assembly, and mailing—so that their experience is seamless and stress-free.

We’ve put together 17 essential questions to ask your wedding stationery designer so that you can feel confident in your stationery decisions. These questions will help you understand the process, explore customization options, and ensure every detail is taken care of. As a helpful bonus, we’ve also included our own answers! Read on to discover exactly what you need to ask your wedding stationery designer.

Understanding the Process & Timeline

1. How far in advance should we inquire to start working with you?

Custom wedding invitations take time to create. Ideally, you should reach out to your wedding stationery designer 8-12 months before your wedding, or possibly earlier if you are interested in custom save the dates. This gives us plenty of time for design, revisions, printing, and assembly.

2. What is your design process like, and how involved will we be?

Each stationer works differently. At Heather Paperie, we start with a consultation, create a custom design board, and present two design options. You will be involved in decisions every step of the way so we can ensure you love your final design!

To see some examples of our design process from start to finish, check out Leanne & Trevor’s timeless letterpress invitations and Lyndsay & Matthew’s Florida destination wedding invitations!

3. How long does the custom stationery design process take from start to finish?

A fully custom design can take anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on the level of customization, printing techniques, and any additional paper goods.

4. When should we send out save the dates and wedding invitations?

Save the dates should go out 6-8 months before your wedding (or 8-12 months for destination weddings). Invitations should be sent to print around 4 months before the big day.

Here’s a wedding invitation timeline guide to help keep you on track!

5. Will we be able to see a proof of the final design before it goes to print?

Yes! Proofing is an essential part of the process. We provide digital proofs for all invitations, allowing you to review every detail and make changes before they are sent to print.

Customization & Design Options

6. Do you offer fully custom designs, or do you have semi-custom options?

Some wedding stationery designers offer fully custom invitations, semi-custom invitations, or a combination of both! At Heather Paperie, we specialize in fully custom invitations, tailored to each couple’s wedding style. We also offer semi-custom suites for those looking for a quicker process with a lower investment.

Learn more about whether custom or semi-custom invitations are right for you!

7. Can you create custom artwork, like venue illustrations or monograms?

Absolutely! Custom artwork is one of our favorite ways to make an invitation suite unique. From watercolor venue illustrations to personal monograms, we love adding meaningful details.

8. What are some ways that we can fully customize our invitations?

You can customize almost every detail, including the paper type, printing method, ink colors, envelope liners, wax seals, and embellishments like ribbon or vintage postage.

Need some inspiration for your wedding invitation design? Get inspired with these wedding invitation design ideas!

9. Do you offer additional wedding paper options, such as table numbers, place cards, and signs?

Yes! We believe wedding stationery should tell a cohesive story, from your invitations to menus, programs, escort cards, cocktail napkins, and more!

Images: Laura Gares Photography

Envelope Addressing, Assembly & Mailing

10. Do you offer printed envelope addressing, or will we need to handwrite addresses?

We offer complimentary printed envelope addressing for all custom invitation suites. This ensures a polished and elegant look.

11. Do you assemble, stamp, and mail invitations for us, or will they be shipped to us for mailing?

For custom invitation suites, we handle white-glove assembly, postage, and mailing so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

12. Can you help us with proper invitation etiquette, such as wording and addressing?

Yes! Wedding etiquette can be tricky. We guide our couples through formal wording, guest addressing, and RSVP deadlines to ensure everything is perfect.

13. Do you offer an invitation keepsake suite for photography and memory purposes?

We do! Each custom couple receives a keepsake suite, hand-packaged in a foil-pressed linen box. The keepsake suite is perfect for wedding detail photos and lasting memories.

Cost, Payment & Policies

14. What is the investment for custom wedding invitations, and what’s included?

Our custom wedding invitations start at $2,000. They include a five-piece suite, custom artwork, proofing, assembly, postage, and mailing.

15. Do you require a deposit to book, and when is the final payment due?

We require a 50% retainer to reserve your spot in our design calendar. The remaining balance is due before printing begins.

16. What happens if we need additional invitations later—can we order more?

Reordering invitations can be costly, and may not be possible depending on your timeline. We recommend ordering at least 10-15 extra to account for last-minute guest list changes.

17. Do you provide guidance on RSVP deadlines and guest communication?

Of course! We help you set realistic RSVP deadlines, ensuring you have enough time to finalize your guest count and seating chart.

Confidently Choose Your Wedding Stationery Designer

Your wedding stationery is more than just an invitation—it’s a glimpse into your wedding day and a keepsake for years to come. By asking these questions, you’ll feel more confident finding a wedding stationery designer who understands your vision.

At Heather Paperie, we’re here to guide you through every step of the stationery process. From the initial design consultation to assembly and mailing, we ensure your invitations are a perfect reflection of your love story.

Ready to create your dream wedding invitations? Contact us today to begin designing!