So – in case you’ve got burning questions, here are some of the things we’re asked most often.
- How does this bespoke thingy work then?
- Can I use my own choice of words and pictures?
- I’m so excited, I want my invitations right now; how long will it take?
- Hmm; I like the idea, but what is it going to cost me?
- What’s the smallest number I can order?
- What type of printing can I have?
- Your invitations sound gorgeous – can I see a sample?
How does this bespoke thingy work then?
Think of it as commissioning a little work of art! We’ll arrange a meeting or a phone call so that we can discuss your special occasion thoroughly, and talk about any ideas you already have for your stationery. Don’t panic – you don’t have to have ideas when we first meet/chat. Some clients know exactly what they want and others need some creative inspiration; we can look at samples of cards you like, as well as our past work.
After our first discussion, we’ll send you a written proposal and samples of our ideas (as pdf files), with different layouts and styles of wording, so that you can decide which you like best. Once you’ve chosen your design, we’ll post you a sample of it, plus the paper, card and any ribbon or other trimmings so that you can make your final selection; this bit is very exciting indeed! You’ll then get a complete proof copy to approve before your stationery goes to print.
Can I use my own choice of words and pictures?
Absolutely! We’ll give you as much or as little advice on wording as you’d like, and have examples you can use, as well as an endless choice of different fonts. If you have a photograph or other image you’d like to include, that’s no problem; now, where did I put those baby photos…
I’m so excited, I want my invitations right now; how long will it take?
We aim to send out your stationery within six weeks of you placing your order; speedy, or what? After our first discussion, we’ll send you a timeline with all the key dates and deadlines (i.e. deciding on final wording, approving the proof copy) to make sure that happens.
Invitations should normally be posted about 8–12 weeks before the event to give people time to get them and reply, so you need to allow about four months for ordering your invitations, receiving them and sending them out… For weddings, you should ideally be ordering your invitations five to six months before the day, but we do accept rush jobs for whirlwind romances! If you order other wedding stationery (orders of service, menus, thank you cards etc), we’ll deliver it closer to your wedding day, once everyone has RSVPd and you know which guests will be coming.
Hmm; I like the idea, but what is it going to cost me?
For our bespoke service, that will depend on what you want. The minimum cost of a bespoke order is usually around £750, but we will work around your budget as far as we possibly can. Do have a look at some of our past work to get an idea of what different types of invitation are likely to cost, and if you’d like a more accurate price or to discuss your ideas, please contact us.
What’s the smallest number I can order?
There’s no minimum order, but the fewer items you order, the more expensive each one will be (buy more!!). Also, it’s always a good plan to order a few extras to allow for mistakes/spillages/more fabulous people you want to invite.
What type of printing can I have?
So many options, so little time… In the least technical lingo I can muster, here goes…
- Letterpress – My oh my, how we love letterpress… It’s the craze that’s sweeping America and we’re happy to blaze its trail for fans on this side of the pond!
The letterpress process is performed by means of pressing a raised surface onto card. The old fashioned way! What happens is that the type or blocks to be printed are raised above the non-printing areas and then covered in ink. The ink is then transferred to the paper by pressure, leaving a clear, beautiful imprint in the card (the heavier the better). In the words of Tim Honnor, the lovely man in Scotland who does our letterpressing for us:
“Perhaps no invention over the last six hundred has had more impact on our civilisation than letterpress printing. It’s a timeless craft that no amount of new modern technology can transcend.” You said it Tim! - Thermography – luscious raised print that’s formed by heated resin inks, which are sprinkled on the printed card and then ‘rise’ to give an embossed effect. We think it’s a bit like making a soufflé really!
- Flat print – your bog standard but beautiful laser, digital or litho print. Great for high colour (and for keeping costs down…)
- Foiling – we love this one, particularly for golds and silvers. It’s where the words are embossed onto card and then filled with silver foil. Great for edging too. We get this done for you in East London, by one of the few remaining foilers in the area. Keeping it local – it’s what we’re all about.
- Engraving – more expensive than all the others, but oh how prestigious it looks. It’s where the detail to be printed is hand engraved onto blocks, which are then die–stamped onto your card. It’s a rare and beautiful craft and you really should ask us more about it…
Your invitations sound gorgeous – can I see a sample?
Because our bespoke designs are unique, we only keep a couple from each client and don’t have lots of samples to give out. We’re happy to send out samples of paper, card or ribbon if you want to see the color/texture, and you can see lots of examples of our work here on the website. You always get a sample from us before signing off on the production of your order, so you certainly won’t be in the dark about what you’re going to get!
If you have a question we haven’t covered here, or you want to contact the frenzy of creativity that is The Studio please do get in touch on +44 207 2547588 or click here.
