design process & frequently asked questions

How do I place an order?

We try to make the ordering process as simple as possible. There are 3 steps to ordering:

1. DOWNLOAD: The Estimate Request/Order Form for the product you would like: Invitation Order FormProgram Order Form or Reception Stationery Order Form.

2. COMPLETE: Open and Fill out the order form to the best of your ability, we understand there may be questions or information missing, these can be filled in during the proofing process. Save the completed copy to your desktop.

3. SUBMIT: Visit our Ordering pages Programs Online Ordering or Invitations Online Ordering. Or you can email your completed PDF as an attachment to: orders {at} cherishpaperie {dot} com

That's it!  Once we recieve your order, you will get a confirmation email and cost estimate, along with the next steps in the process!

 

Or for blank Envelopments® visit our online shopping cart

What are the costs?

Since everything we do is custom the costs for programs and invitations can vary quite a bit:

FOR PROGRAMS: General pricing for programs as well as the different styles we offer can be see here. You can also choose add on's like ribbon, colored ink, charms, etc from our Design Elements page. And of course we want you to "Cherish" all your paper items for your event, so please submit any ideas you may have for different program designs - we love trying new things! Download and submit our PDF Estimate/Order Form or WORD document estimate form for programs to get a idea of cost before you order.

FOR INVITATIONS: Envelopments brand invitations can vary quite a bit depending on the size, color and number of backing layers used. You can use our PDF estimate form to submit an estimate request for fully printed invitations. We can do Envelopments® orders 3 ways....1. you design and print on the blank stock and assemble yourself. 2. We design and print and YOU assemble (all cards come cut to size and ready to be mounted) or 3. We do the complete invitation for you from start to finish. You can also see the entire stock line or get the plain stock prices here. We do also carry a full line of couture and silk box invitationsand accessories, and a number of more standard "catalog" invitations that can be viewed here such as Krepe KraftPersonalized ExpressionsBirchcraft and Checkerboard.

Do you have a minimum order or do I have to order in certain increments?

Yes, we do have minimum requirements:

PROGRAMS: Our minimum on programs is a quantity of 50 and they can be ordered in increments of 2 after that. (quantities under 50 are possible, but subject to a $25 surcharge)

INVITATIONS: Our minimum on custom invitations (invitations that we design and print in-house) is a quantity of 25 and they can be ordered in increments of 5 after that. (quantities under 25 are possible but subject to a surcharge)

DIY Papers & Cardstocks: The minimum on DIY (do-it-yourself) invitations (you purchase the blank papers to print yourself) is 10.

How far in advance should I place my order?

Ideally, the ordering process for custom stationery should begin at least four (4) weeks before you need them in hand (6 - 8 weeks for couture items).  But orders can be delivered in less than a week for a nominal fee.

We encourage you contact us and place your order as far in advance as possible.  Typically, wedding invitation orders should be placed at least 4-6 months before the event. Wedding programs and reception stationery should be placed about 1-2 months before the event.

When can I expect my first proof?

Please allow 2-5 BUSINESS days from the date all order information is received. After an initial rough draft has been completed by one of our designers, a PDF proof will be sent by e-mail for your changes or approval. Subsequent proof changes are usually done within 24 hours of the change request. We will never take a job we cannot fulfill - the PROOF stage is usually that longest part of the process, as we can go back and forth numerous times with changes and corrections until you are happy with the format. Once approved the final product will generally print and ship in 1-2 days.

I placed an order, what happens now? What is the process?

The SHORT version: Once you place an order and submit the $50 deposit, you will receive a confirmation email from us saying we received your order.

Then it will take us about 3 to 5 days to get your initial proof to you (this is the longest part of the process).

Once you have received your initial proof, you can make any changes or corrections, check spelling, layout etc. and let us know what still needs to be done or corrected. We will send out a 2nd (and sometimes a 3rd or 4th) revised proof until we have everything correct.

Once this online or PDF version of the program or invitation is looking "perfect" we will print out a mockup for you, and mail or fedex it to you for final approval. You are still able to make changes on this mockup if needed.

Once you approve the printed mockup we will send the programs or invitations to print and they will usually print and ship with in a couple of day to a week.

 

The LONG (detailed) version: Depending on our current workload, you can receive your programs or invitations within 3-6 weeks after ordering. The breakdown is as follows and all times are approximate. Some orders may be done faster or slower depending on the quantity ordered and the complexity of the job:

Week 1 (Days 1 - 5): You place your order and get a confirmation. Initial proofs take 3-5 BUSINESS days. We will take a $50 non-refundable deposit to begin work and order any cards or papers needs for your job.

Week 2 (Days 5-12): The proofing process - - back and forth with you on minor tweaks and changes. This generally takes 1 day to about a week depending on how much information you might still be waiting for (songs, readings, correct spelling of names, etc).

Week 3 (Days 12-17): We sent out a printed mockup or sample of your program or invitation. At this point, you're asked to make any changes or corrections which may have been missed on your initial proof or give us the final approval for printing.

Week 4 & 5 (Days 17-30): You review the final PDF proof (if there were changes on the mock-up) and okay it. Final printing is normally done within 1-2 days. However, for Thermography, add an additional week. Assembly takes approximately 2 days for programs and up to 5 days for invitations. Your order is then shipped upon completion - via FedEx Ground (or expedited, for an additional fee). A tracking number is sent out to you for your convenience.

I like one of the programs/invitations you have in your gallery, can I do it in different colors?

YES! All of the programs/invitations shown in our gallery pages are just examples of work we have done before. Everything we do is complete custom, so you can change the size, color, shape (orientation), and any of the fonts or graphics - everything is completely customized for you!

Do the Invitations and Programs come assembled? Can I assemble myself?

Our custom programs come fully assembled and we do not offer any discounts for self-assembly. However, on the booklet programs that come saddle stitched (stapled) you can substitute the staples for drilling of holes so you can add your own ribbon, in this case, the booklets will come printed, folded and drilled for ribbon holes and you an add the ribbon of your choice when you receive them.

Invitations can be quoted a number of different ways,

1. Complete Invitation: We can design and print and assemble for you, you receive the completed invitation ready to mail out to your guests.

2. No Assembly: We can design and print the cards and you will get them cut to size and ready for you to assemble.**

3. DIY: You can purchase one of our DIY kits, or the blank cardstock sheets to run though your own printer and assemble yourself.

** See our HOW TO assembly instructions to get a better idea of what is involved. See more information on the different options here.

Can I send you artwork I have already done for my invitation or programs?

No, we do not accept artwork ready for print - we are a foremost a design firm and offer the printing and assembly services as a courtesy to our customers. However if you have a specific design in mind you can send us your artwork or a diagram for us to "copy" and we can make it look generally the same.

Can I get a photo-ready copy and print my own programs?

No, since each program order is unique we prefer to see all orders through to completion of the printed piece.

Are there additional or hidden fees?

The only fees we charge are specified on the pricing page and vary according to the information you want included on your program or invitation.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all forms of payment (all major credit cards, personal checks and money orders). Credit card orders can be placed over the phone or via our secure payment page. You can also use Paypal if you prefer (www.paypal.com). The email address to send PayPal payments to is: info@custom-programs.com. Please contact us for our mailing address.

I need my programs this weekend! Is this possible?

In some cases expedited service is available. However, most orders require at least 2 weeks to process to completion (delivery). Please contact us for options.

Do you provide programs or invitations in other languages?

Although no translation service is available, we do provide programs in other languages. To date, we have done invitations and programs in French, Swedish, German, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese, but we are always open to others!. Please allow additional time for bi-lingual invitations or programs and the proofing can take longer.

With regards to payment, am I obligated once I email the request or once I give the go ahead for final printing?

If for any reason you need to cancel your order, we understand. However your $50 non-refundable deposit will not be refunded if you have already received a proof. There are NO cancellations or refunds after a proof has been approved and sent for printing.

When is payment due?

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required for programs and 50% deposit on invitations, to begin the design process and will be applied to your final invoice. Full payment is due before final printing and shipment. For your convenience, we can use your deposit credit card number or another for of payment.

I know I want a program, but I won't have some of the information I want to have included until closer to the wedding - can I still get a program in time?

We understand that you may not have all the information you give your guests as far ahead as 3-6 weeks, and sometimes wedding parties change at the last minute, we suggest you fill out an order form and contact us in this case and get your order in - our production schedule fills up fast - especially during wedding season (April - August), we can layout your order except for the missing elements to be added later and you will not have to pay the $50 rush fee.

I need my program or invitation in 2 weeks, will I be charged the $50 rush fee?

Yes, to avoid the rush fee, please plan early. All orders need to be submitted by the DUE DATE listed on our homepage to avoid extra charges.

I OK'd the proof you sent me as a final product, but now I need to add or change some more information to the invitation/program that either you or I missed. Can I do that?

If your order has not been printed - changes are subject to our hourly $85 rate. If your order has been printed - you'll incur a reprinting fee of $50 to set up the job again, as well as the cost of the items to be reprinted, cost of the paper, etc. (or any other items needed to replace the incorrect pieces). To avoid this complication, we advise all clients to carefully review their sample before signing off.

I am not sure how many invitations/programs I will need until later - do I need to know the quantity now? What if I decide I need extra programs/invitations after I receive my order?

No, we do not need the exact quantity when you place your order. However once your order has been printed - you'll incur a reprinting fee of $50 to set up the job again, as well as the cost of the items to be reprinted. To avoid this complication, we advise all clients to carefully review their sample and quantity needed before signing off. TIP: Programs are normally given out 1 per COUPLE - unless you are using it it solely for fanning purposes, then 1 per PERSON is best. Invitations should be ordered with at least 5-10 extra in mind and an additional 10 outer envelopes for addressing mistakes)

Can I use a graphic or font that you do not have on your lists?

Yes, we have an extensive list of fonts and graphics but also have hundreds more that are not shown on the web site due to space constraints. If we do not have what you are looking for, we can usually find a similar image to any sample you bring us. Or, if you have specific graphic or font you want to use, simply e-mail us the graphic or font file and we will implement it on your program.

Do you offer color programs?

Yes, color ink can be added for an additional fee to any of our programs.

Do you have a question we haven't answered here?

Please contact us, we strive to keep our web site up to date!