Hey, Got a Question?
Here's a snippet of what we are asked often.When should I order my wedding invitations?
Orders should print and ship 3 to 4 months in advance of your big day. Account for longer production timelines if opting for letterpress printing. We can first ship envelopes to you or a calligrapher of your choosing in advance, so you can get a head start on addressing. This saves you some anxiety getting invitations out the door. Additional shipping costs apply.
What guidelines should I follow when mailing my invitations?
We always recommend that you request your local post office to hand cancel your mail for added assurance. This does not guarantee that your invitations will arrive in pristine condition, but may mitigate some of the damages that could occur. billet-doux is not responsible for issues that result during the mailing process.
How long does it take to produce my order?
The print process takes 7-14 days and then assembly can begin (account for longer production timelines if opting for letterpress or thermography printing). Fun times! On average, assembly takes 2-3 weeks, but could take longer depending on level of detail. This will be discussed at the proposal stage.
Will I receive a proof before my wedding invitation is printed?
We wouldn’t hit print without it! Proofs and final approvals are handled via email. Note that any errors identified after printing an approved order can be reprinted for a charge. A hardcopy mock-up will be provided for a fee once the design is fine tuned, if you so choose. We will talk through concepts, colors and materials through the proposal stage (you know that word, right?!). A 50% deposit is then required before the design phase begins and prior to receiving a proof.
Do you have a minimum order?
Our minimum is 20 quantity and increase in multiples of 5.
When should my save the dates be sent?
Give guests at least 6 months notice to save the date for your wedding. If you’re having a destination or holiday wedding, we recommend up to 12 months.
When should we meet to get started on my wedding invitations?
When should we meet to get started on my wedding invitations? For custom wedding invitations, we prefer to meet with you 4-6 months before your big day; however, we’re happy to have a sit down at any point in your planning process. We’ve certainly created magic with varied timelines.
What quantity should I order?
You should order one invitation or save the date for each individual, couple, or family that you are inviting. (Anyone over 18-years-old in a household should receive their own invitation.) It’s suggested to order and additional 10% for last minute guests, returned mail and a little memento for yourself.
When should my wedding invites drop in the mail?
Plan on mailing your wedding invitations 8-10 weeks before your wedding. If you’re having a destination or holiday wedding, we suggest sending them 12-16 weeks in advance. Ditto for if you didn’t mail a save the date.
How much is shipping for my completed order?
Shipping is based upon the size, weight and speed of your order; unfortunately, we cannot forecast this at the start of the process.
How much are your invitations and stationery?
Party invitations and announcements start at $4 on up, and custom wedding sets start at $10 (please factor a $30 design fee for party invitations and announcements and $75 for couture wedding suites, depending on the scope of project). Personalized stationery can run you as little as $2 a card. 7% sales tax and shipping not included.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks made payable to billet-doux. Etsy customers can use credit cards via etsy.com.
Got your own burning question?
Can I change ink colors, fonts, and wording from ready-to-order collections?
Of course, that’s why it’s called couture, darling! We’re happy to modify any of our existing pieces or change your custom design. You are allowed up to 3 rounds of revisions before incurring a nominal fee.
What’s your standard paper option?
Believe you me, we are very picky when it comes to materials. Our standard stock for digital printing is a hefty white 110# cover weight paper and 80# white envelope. Ivory is available as an upgrade at the same weight. We’re happy to recommend shimmer, cotton, colored and double-thick options as you like. We’ll go over all of this during our estimating process. If opting for letterpress printing, you will be advised on the appropriate cotton paper necessary for this gorgeous print process. Colored envelopes and liners are also available for upgrades on any project.
Will you mail my invitations for me?
Yes! We’re happy to stuff and oversee the mailing portion of your order and will include pricing for this service during the estimating phase. We happen to looooove our local USPS peeps and will take your pieces for hand cancelling. This does not guarantee that your invitations will arrive in pristine condition, but may mitigate some of the damages that could occur. billet-doux is not responsible for any issues that result during the mailing process whether we mail them for you or not.
Why does the color on my computer screen look different than the hard copy mock-up?
We will spare you the whole color management tutorial, but computer screens and printers inherently read colors differently. The color on the hard copy proof is closer to how your final piece will look, but there is the chance that even when we hit print that a shade may appear slightly different. Letterpress and offset printing uses exact Pantone colors for the best match possible. If coloration is one of your main concerns, we will the best print processes for you.
What shipping method do you use to send me my completed order?
Standard shipping is handled via USPS Priority Mail, with approximate delivery timeframe of 2-3 business days. Chicagoland area may receive as quickly as overnight. Expedited UPS or FedEx is also available upon request.
Do you offer rush service?
Orders needed within 2 weeks of final proof approval are available for a 25% up-charge, plus expedited shipping costs (for both your order, as well as any materials needed to complete the project).
Can I order sample pieces and paper swatches?
Sample invitations and stationery are available for the cost of the piece in addition to shipping costs. We’re happy to mail you a swatch of the paper for a $5 processing fee. We get it – we’re touchy-feely too.
Can I print or assemble myself to cut costs?
We welcome you to request your order unassembled if you’d like to DIY. Also, ask us about providing you with matching paper and print-ready PDFs to produce additional components, such as maps, special instruction or signs, on your own.
Do you print envelopes?
We’re happy to format your guests’ addresses – to match your invitation, of course! – and print for you. You’re required to use our Excel spreadsheet template, which will help keep the process streamlined. We can also recommend some fabulous calligraphers and manage that process if you like. Pricing will be included in the estimating phase. We will also print return addresses on your social or business stationery envelopes.