FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

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ORDERING

What happens when I place an order?

The timeframe for your order is dependant on several variables such as: number of items ordered, timeliness of client response and approval, complexity of custom design, etc. Your wedding invitations should arrive on average between 4 and 6 weeks from the time you place your order. If you need the finished product in less than 6 weeks, please contact us.

1. Within 24 hours, we begin to process your order. If there are problems or if we have any questions we will contact you.

2. You will receive a complimentary proof, on average, in 3-5 business days. Your timely response will alleviate any delay. Please double check all information at this time. If the proof meets with your approval, please reply to the email and let us know. If the proof is not correct, please email us with the specific changes you need.

Custom orders or orders with extra pieces (map cards, reception cards, etc. ) may take longer. Please contact us with questions about the timeframe.

3. If you submit changes, and a second proof is required, the turnaround is 3-5 business days.

4. The wedding invitations are sent to the printer after we have received your final approval.

5. The order is packaged and shipped as soon as we receive it back from the printer. There may be printer or shipping delays, so we try to allow extra time in the process. You will usually receive your invitations 2-3 weeks from final approval.

Will I be able to see a proof of my order before it is printed?

Yes, absolutely. We will send you a link to your complimentary proof, usually within 3-5 business days.

Can invitation items be ordered separately, or is it necessary to order the entire package?

Invitations are generally sold in packages, but we are happy to give you an estimate for separate pieces. Our prices are based on our printing costs, so it's important to note that all print jobs include set-up fees, no matter how small. It's more cost-effective to print all items at once so that the cost per piece is kept to a minimum.

How do I order additional items and enclosures?

If you'd like to order additional enclosures (such as maps, directions cards, information/accommodations cards, reception cards, save-the-dates, thank you notes, additional envelopes, programs, menus, or any other pieces), please fill out this form or contact us for an estimate.

How do I send in my map (or directions)?

If you choose to purchase direction cards (with or without a map) for your wedding guests, please include detailed information. You may include this information in the notes or special instruction fields of your order, or you may send a separate email after placing your order.

There is a $50 illustration charge for custom maps, which is added to the cost of direction cards (ie, if direction cards are $225 for your quantity, it would be $275 to include a custom map). In order to illustrate your map, we need you to provide an accurate image (ie. location on www. googlemaps. com), or you can email us jpeg image of the map you would like to use so that we may redraw it.

Click here for examples of custom map and directions cards.

Is it possible to order samples?

Yes, you may order printed samples of any of our wedding invitation designs. We encourage you to do so before placing your order, because colors as displayed on your monitor or printer are often quite different from the colors on the printed wedding invitations. Also, having a sample allows you to see and feel the actual difference between average invitations and our 100 lb. bright white uncoated cover stock invitations. We will send you the set, which includes the wedding invitation, response card, and outer envelope. Samples are $5 each, and you may order samples of as many wedding invitation designs as you like. We will send you a coupon code to credit the first $5 back to you when you place your order. Shipping on all samples is free. We cannot customize samples. All samples are limited to stock on hand.

How soon will my sample arrive?

We process your sample order within 2 business days and send the sample order by USPS from our studio in Austin, Texas. Sample orders should arrive within a week.

What is your minimum order?

We have a minimum order of 50 invitation sets. Our prices are based on printing costs. In an effort to offer reasonable pricing, we've negotiated special package deals with our printer, and we must order a minimum of 50 sets. If you need fewer than 50 sets, we encourage you to save the extras for keepsakes and last minute or overlooked guests.

When should I order my invitations?

In general, wedding invitations should be ordered three to four months before the wedding, or at least two months before you wish to mail them. Allow extra time if you are going to send them to an addressing service or calligrapher. The individual who will be addressing them should be able to give you an accurate timeframe for their service.

Guests should receive a wedding invitation in the mail six to eight weeks before the big event (ten to twelve weeks for out-of-country guests). Save-The-Date-Cards for destination weddings should be received by guests six to eight months in advance.

Should I order extra invitations?

Yes. Purchasing extra wedding invitations lets you handle any last-minute guest list changes quickly and easily. Also, many people like to keep a few copies of their invitations for keepsakes. Extras will also allow for errors that occur while addressing your invitations. Our invitations are sold in multiples of 25, and the cost difference is usually not very much, so we always recommend bumping up to the next size set to include extras.

Can I also order extra outer envelopes, inner envelopes or RSVP card envelopes?

Yes. We offer envelopes in all shapes and sizes, so if you need more envelopes above and beyond the extra invitations you order, please contact us to discuss the available options.

What if I want another color of envelope?

Your order ships with the standard white or ivory outer envelopes, but if you have something specific in mind, please contact us and we will try to accommodate you.

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PRICING AND PAYMENT

How much do your invitations and enclosures cost?

Prices are listed on each product page, but if you'd like to order additional enclosures (such as maps, directions or information cards, reception cards, save-the-dates, thank you notes, additional envelopes, programs, menus, or any other pieces), please fill out this form or contact us directly. Custom design prices vary. Please fill out the custom design form and give us an idea of what you're looking for.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards. If you wish to pay by check, please contact us to arrange the particulars. Please note that work on your order will not begin until we have received full payment.

I don't feel comfortable putting my credit card number online; can I place my order by phone?

Yes, if you prefer to place your order over the phone, please call us at 800. 345. 5766, and we will take your order and payment information. However, our website ordering process is entirely secure. Our secure server software encrypts your order information to ensure its total privacy and security. Please see our Security page for more information.

What is your return policy?

Due to the personalized nature of your order, we cannot accept returns. Please contact us if damages are incurred during the shipping process. If you wish to cancel your order after production has begun, there will be a 20% or $50 cancellation fee (whichever is greater). However, once proofs have been approved, orders may not be cancelled.

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SHIPPING AND RETURNS

What shipping carrier do you use?

All orders include free shipping through the USPS. If you would like to use a different carrier, please contact us to make arrangements. We include complimentary shipping insurance in case your order is damaged upon arrival.

When will I receive my order?

From the day your order is placed, it usually arrives on average 4-6 weeks later, depending on several variables such as: number of ordered items, timeliness of your response and approval, complexity of custom design, etc. If you need the finished product in less than 6 weeks, please contact us.

The most effective way for you to ensure quick delivery is to monitor your email for your proof and any questions we have, or clarifications we may require. Your timely response will alleviate any delay.

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PRINTING

How are your invitations printed?

Our wedding invitations are commercially offset (flat) printed using CMYK inks. CMYK printing is based on mixing cyan, magenta, yellow and black pigments to make other colors. In offset printing, ink is spread on a metal plate with etched images, then transferred to an intermediary surface such as a rubber blanket, and finally applied to paper by pressing the paper against the intermediary surface. Although set-up costs can be high, this allows for a very high quality printed product.

Do you offer eco-friendly/green printing or paper options?

Yes, I Do Design is proud to do its part to help save the planet!

Our printing company uses soy- and vegetable-based inks, and our standard cover stock paper contains 60% recycled content. If you choose gloss paper (for photo invitations), it contains 30% recycled content.

We also partner with a carbon neutral web hosting service. (They purchase carbon offsets for the power they use. )

Do the colors on your website match the printed wedding invitations?

Not exactly. The colors you see on your monitor will vary slightly (and in some cases very much) from the colors you see on the printed wedding invitation. The variation is due to the difference in how monitors display colors in RGB and how colors are printed in CMYK. There is even variation in different monitors and computers. The only way to see a truly accurate representation of the final printed piece is to order a sample. We will include a color chart with your sample order so that you know what all the colors look like if you would like to change the color of your wedding invitations. You can see our online color chart to get an idea of our most commonly selected colors, but please keep in mind that you are viewing an onscreen representation of the final printed color.

Can I change the colors on the wedding invitations?

Yes, you may request an alternate color scheme. If you choose colors from our color chart there will be no extra cost. Please include the colors you would like to use in the extra instructions field during the checkout process.

If you want to request a custom color, please review our Pantone and RGB guidelines below. If you would like to use a specific color but do not have either CMYK, RGB or Pantone values,please contact us. A $50 charge will be applied to custom color orders. You may need to change the font color if your background color is dark.

Can I choose a Pantone color?

Yes. We can convert a Pantone color of your choice to CMYK, but there will be a slight variation in how it prints in CMYK. This is because Pantone colors are specially mixed spot inks. CMYK printing creates colors by putting down layers of cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink to create individual colors.

Can I choose an RGB color?

We can convert an RGB color of your choice to CMYK, but the CMYK equivalent may differ a good deal from your original color. RGB colors only apply to computer monitors, and are often brighter than similar CMYK colors. Commercial printers cannot print in RGB, and for that reason, the colors of the wedding invitations displayed on your monitor are not the actual colors that will print.

Can I change the fonts on the wedding invitations?

Yes, we are pleased to offer a list of available fonts here. Please include the fonts you would like to use in the extra instructions field during checkout. Make sure to indicate which fonts you want to change.

What if you don't offer the font I want to use on my wedding invitations?

If there's a font you want to use that we do not offer in the list, contact us. We can try to offer a similar match, or in some cases, we will purchase the font you'd like to use. Fonts can cost anywhere from $30-$100. A $50 charge will be applied will be applied to custom font orders.

Can I have my return address printed on envelopes?

Yes. It can be quite expensive, but we offer return address printing on the back flap of all envelope sizes EXCEPT THE TEA-LENGTH size. Please contact us for information. We also offer return address labels matching each invitation design. We often recommend this option because you may order extras to use with thank you cards, or any future correspondence.

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MAILING

Do your invitations require extra postage?

Yes and No. We offer a square-shaped wedding invitation package that does require extra postage (currently 58 cents per envelope and postcard).

Standard size wedding invitation envelopes require regular postage, and response postcards can be mailed at the postcard rate. If you use envelopes for your response cards, the rate is the same as regular postage.

We recommend that you always check with the post office for postage requirements before mailing your wedding invitations. It's a good idea to take a finished set to be weighed so postage rates can be confirmed. Postage rates frequently change. See the USPS web site for more information.

When should I send my wedding invitations?

Wedding invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding. If you have out-of-town guests attending, you may want to also send a Save-The-Date card at least six months before the wedding so that travel arrangements can be made with ease. Please contact us for information on creating Save-the-Date cards that will match your wedding invitations.

Should I put a stamp on the RSVP postcards or envelopes?

Yes, traditionally a stamp is placed on RSVP postcards or envelopes and is considered a common courtesy.

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SPECIALTY SERVICES

Where are you located? Can I make an appointment for a consultation?

I Do Design is located in Austin, Texas. We do not have a retail shop open to the public, but we can arrange to meet with couples or wedding consultants in the Austin area by appointment. We work with clients all over the country, and have found the process of online ordering and proofing quite effective and efficient. We're always happy to discuss any details or answer any questions by phone (800)345-5766 or email.

Do you design Bilingual Wedding Invitations?

Yes, we are pleased to provide bilingual wedding invitations as one of our specialty services. If your wedding guests would appreciate a bilingual wedding invitation, we are prepared to help you! We often recommend two-sided or folded wedding invitations with one language on each side.

If the second language has an alphabet that is the same as basic English, include a separate paragraph in the invitation wording field during the checkout process. If the alternate language for your wedding invitations uses a different alphabet, you may either provide us with a vector image of the text you would like included or you may contact us to discuss options.

Do you design Civil Union, Gay Wedding, and Commitment Ceremony Invitations?

Yes, we have designed our invitations with a multitude of different ceremonies in mind. We believe that you will find something to suit your taste in our collection. We are pleased to customize your invitations with any text you desire. We look forward to working with you and if you have any questions, please contact us.