When it comes to wedding planning, the invitations are more than just a pretty piece of paper—they’re the first real peek your guests get into your big day. The style, tone, and feel of your wedding all start with that very first envelope.
But let’s be honest: the world of wedding stationery can feel like a whole new language. Suddenly, you’re hearing terms like letterpress, thermography, and vellum overlays. You’re deciding between cotton paper or shimmer finishes and wondering whether you really need an RSVP card and a details card.
That’s where a professional stationer comes in—and trust us, their guidance is worth its weight in gold. From helping you choose the right printing method to ensuring the perfect paper selection, a good stationer will walk you through the entire process
Asking the right questions up front can save you time, money, and last-minute stress. Whether you’re meeting with a local stationery boutique, chatting with a designer online, or browsing through semi-custom suites, knowing what to ask is key.
That’s why we’ve put together this helpful list of questions to ask your wedding invitation and stationery designer. Think of it as your pre-invitation checklist—so you can focus on creating something beautiful, personal, and perfectly you.
Getting to Know Your Invitation Professional
Before diving into design, it’s important to understand who you’re working with.
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How long have you been designing wedding invitations, and what’s your background in design?
Understanding the designer’s experience helps you gauge their expertise and professionalism. A seasoned designer will have a better grasp of trends and how to bring your vision to life.
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Do you specialize in a particular style, or can you create a custom design based on our vision?
You want to ensure the designer can create a product that aligns with your vision and wedding style, whether you’re looking for something classic or more unique.
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Where do you draw your creative inspiration from, and what trends or color combinations are you currently seeing?
This gives you insight into the designer’s creativity and awareness of current wedding trends. It also shows whether they are adaptable to new ideas or if they tend to follow established patterns.
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Can you walk us through your full suite of paper options and embellishments (like wax seals, belly bands, vellum wraps, etc.)?
Understanding the available paper options and embellishments will help you make decisions based on your aesthetic preferences and budget. This also ensures the designer’s offerings align with your wedding vision.
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Do you offer sustainable options, like recycled paper or soy-based inks?
Sustainability is an important factor for many couples. Knowing whether the designer provides eco-friendly options helps you make an informed decision while staying true to your values.
Design & Customization
Invitations are personal. Here’s how to make sure yours reflects your story.
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What printing techniques do you offer (e.g., letterpress, engraving, thermography, digital), and which would best suit our budget and aesthetic?
Different printing techniques offer unique finishes and textures. This helps you choose a method that matches both your design vision and budget.
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Is your printing done in-house or outsourced?
When printing is done in-house, the designer has more control over the process, timelines, and quality. Outsourcing may lead to longer lead times and reduced control over the final product.
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Can we see samples of both templated and custom designs? Is there a fee for samples?
Seeing samples allows you to assess the designer’s work quality and versatility. Additionally, understanding sample fees ensures there are no surprises in the process.
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How customizable are your designs—can we choose colors, fonts, paper types, and layout?
Customization allows you to create an invitation that truly represents your wedding style. It’s essential to understand how much flexibility the designer offers in tailoring the design.
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Can we include photos or custom artwork? Are there any format requirements or photo-editing services available?
Custom artwork and personal photos can add a unique touch to your invitations. It’s important to know if the designer can accommodate these requests and whether any additional services like photo editing are provided.
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How do we finalize wording for the invitations—do you provide templates, or is it fully customizable?
The wording sets the tone for your invitation. Knowing whether the designer offers templates or fully custom wording will help you make sure the invitation says exactly what you want.
Full Invitation Suite & Services
Wedding stationery often goes beyond just the invite.
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Do you also offer matching pieces like save-the-dates, RSVP cards, menus, programs, place cards, escort cards, and signage?
A cohesive design across all stationery pieces will help your wedding feel unified. This also saves time and stress by having one designer handle all the elements.
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Do you offer package deals or discounts if we order all printed items together?
If you’re ordering multiple items, it’s worth asking about package deals or discounts. This can help you stay within budget while achieving a consistent look for your wedding stationery.
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Can you assemble my invitations? If so, is there an additional fee, and how does that affect the timeline?
Invitation assembly can be time-consuming, so knowing whether the designer offers this service can save you a lot of effort. Be sure to ask about fees and how they affect the timeline.
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Do you offer addressing services or calligraphy for envelopes? If not, can you recommend someone?
Addressing invitations can be tedious, and calligraphy adds an elegant touch. If your designer doesn’t provide these services, they may have recommendations to ensure the final look is perfect.
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What tools or resources can help us keep everything organized (e.g., numbering RSVPs)?
Wedding planning can be overwhelming, so any tools the designer offers to streamline the process, like tracking RSVPs, can save you time and stress.
Proofing, Production & Delivery
Deadlines matter, and so does accuracy.
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How will we view and approve proofs? Will we get both digital and physical samples?
Proofing is a crucial step to ensure accuracy. Knowing how you’ll receive proofs, whether digital, physical, or both, helps avoid any surprises.
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Once approved, how long will it take to receive the finished invitations? Do you offer rush services?
Timely delivery is essential, especially with a wedding timeline. Understanding the turnaround time helps you plan ahead and avoid any last-minute stress.
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What happens if there’s an error after we approve the proof? Will you correct and reprint at no charge?
Mistakes can happen, and you’ll want to know the designer’s policy on correcting and reprinting in case something goes wrong after you approve the final proof.
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How much postage will our invitations require based on weight and size?
Invitations vary in size and weight, which directly affects postage costs. Knowing this up front helps you budget appropriately.
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Can we order extra invitations for last-minute guests, photos, or keepsakes?
Having extra invitations on hand for last-minute additions or keepsakes is always a good idea. Clarifying this upfront avoids frustration later on.
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What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Life happens, and plans may change. Knowing the designer’s refund or cancellation policy ensures you understand your options if anything needs to be adjusted.
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When is payment due, and do you offer payment plans?
Wedding expenses can add up, so understanding payment terms and whether payment plans are available helps you manage your budget effectively.
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Will we receive a written contract outlining all costs and services?
A written contract protects both parties. It outlines expectations, services, and costs, ensuring there are no surprises during the process.
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Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
Hearing about other couples’ experiences can give you peace of mind and confidence in your choice of designer.
Final Tips from the Pros
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Always request a proof, and have at least two other people review it before final approval.
This helps catch any errors or overlooked details, ensuring everything looks perfect before you print hundreds of invitations.
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Order 20–30 extra invitations and envelopes—you’ll thank yourself later.
Sometimes extra guests pop up or mistakes happen when addressing envelopes. Ordering a few extra will prevent panic later on.
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Put a full suite together to give to your photographer for detail shots.
Wedding photographers love capturing the invitation suite for those beautiful detail shots. Having everything together, from your save-the-date to the RSVP cards, ensures you get the best photos of your wedding stationery.
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Mail save-the-dates 6–9 months in advance (earlier for destination weddings), and invitations 6–8 weeks before your big day.
This timeline gives guests ample time to plan and RSVP, especially for out-of-town guests, helping with wedding attendance and travel plans.
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Work with one designer if possible, to ensure a consistent style across all your wedding stationery. Trust us, you’ll be glad when you get your photos back!
A unified design across your save-the-dates, invitations, programs, and thank-you cards creates a polished, cohesive look that will make your wedding feel more seamless.
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Avoid digital color surprises—ask for physical samples before ordering.
Colors on a screen might look different when printed. Requesting physical samples helps avoid any unpleasant surprises on the big day.
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Give yourself time, especially if you’re doing a custom design.
Custom designs take time to perfect, and last-minute rushes can lead to stress or mistakes. Plan ahead to ensure you get exactly what you envision.
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Be mindful of your budget and be open to ‘tweaks’ if your original design doesn’t fit perfectly into said budget.
It’s easy to get attached to an idea that may be outside your budget. Being flexible allows you to make adjustments without compromising on quality or style.
By asking the right questions and following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating wedding invitations that reflect your style while ensuring everything runs smoothly.
For trusted stationers in the Nashville area, visit HappilyConnected.com to find someone who will make your day truly unforgettable.
Happy planning!