SOCIAL STATIONERY F.A.Q’s
CUSTOMIZATION PROCESS
Where do I begin to figure out what I want for a custom invite set?
First of all, your inspiration for a design can come from anything. From a photograph of a beach vacation, to a beautiful flower arrangement you saw at your floral shop, to the detailing in your dress, or even show us one of our very own designs that you would like to alter. We like for you to have a general concept and color palette chosen before we begin anything, but if you need assistance, we are always here to spark creativity.
If I have an invitation that I have seen elsewhere, can you duplicate it for me?
We love when you come to us with design ideas, however, out of respect for another artist, we will never exactly duplicate someone else’s invitation design. However, this doesn’t mean we wont come up with something similar in concept for you.
Can you use my exact colors?
With printing we can come as close as possible to your colors; however, papers come in hundreds of colors, we can never 100% guarantee the exact match. We will definitely do our best to find paper as close as possible to make you happy or give you our great color suggestions!
If I don’t see it on your website, do you offer it?
Yes, it’s a good possibility we do. There are so many selections of various out there to choose from. If you don’t see it, just ask. You never know what we can or can’t come up with, but we are definitely up for the challenge. If you can give us a concept of your dream, we will design it for you.
ORDERING PROCESS
At The Event Essentials we understand that you love to be chic, stylish and unique without breaking the bank, so we have come up with (2) two methods of ordering “the Social Stationary Essentials” with their very own pricing structures.
Signature Pre-Designed Collection: Determine which piece you are interested in and figure out your pricing structure or contact us for a custom quote. You can adjust paper, envelopes, ink colors and more by just contacting us ahead of time. Feel free to order a sample of your piece in your exact color palette. (fees will apply and $25 will go towards your future order)
Custom Couture Collection: Set up an initial consultation to discuss your individual custom needs with one of our designers. Once we have discussed to your liking, we will send you a custom quote. You can then make any adjustments from there on paper, envelopes, ink colors, embellishments, and more. Various rates will apply for a sample depending on the intensity of your design and products. ($25 will apply towards your future order)
1. Order form: When you're ready to order, please contact us and we will send you an order form to email, fax, or mail back to us in order to begin the process. (*Note: All rush orders must be discussed directly with our company and designer over the phone or in person. Additional rush fees will apply. Please contact us as soon as possible)
2. Deposit: Once we have your order details, we'll create a contract, which we'll e-mail to you as a PDF. We'll need the signed contract mailed back to us with a 50% non-refundable design deposit, before we can begin the design process. Cash or PayPal is the fastest, easiest, and most secure way. (You do not have to have a PayPal account to pay via PayPal. We will send you a link and all you have to do is input your credit card information)
3. Wording: Please check with www.Verseit.com for the type of wording you would like on your invitation piece. Any and all wording must be provided to us on a typed document, such as Word. It can be emailed, faxed or mailed to us.
4. Proof: Once we have completed the design, you'll receive a digital proof of everything your set will include. (Be aware that colors may look differently on screen then paper, depending on your monitor settings). Included in the cost of our invitations in two rounds of changes to your initial proof. We will correct, at no cost, any mistakes caused by our own error. Once proofing begins, substantial changes to the design my delay the ship date and/or create additional expenses. When you approve the proof, you are stating that you accept the design, text, paper, color and illustrations for the social stationary piece. There is a $25 charge for each additional round of proof revisions. Please take care when providing Invitation text and wording files to us to ensure their accuracy before placing your order. We are not responsible for grammar, punctuation or syntax errors in WORD files provided to info@theEventEssentials.com.
5. Turnaround: Once you have evaluated the proof carefully, please sign and it back to us with your approval. Your order will be created and finished within 4 - 6 weeks of you approval of the proof. (Unless otherwise documented in this order form) At this time your final 75% balance will be due in order for us to begin the assembly process. Note: this does not include shipping time.
6. Shipping: All orders are shipped via UPS Ground and you must sign for your package. We are not responsible for lost or stole packages. If you desire for your package to be shipped anything other than Ground services, you will acquire additional fees which must be requested at time of final proof.
When do I need to place my order?
There are exceptions to the rules, but the standard time frame an invitation should be sent out is 6-8 weeks prior to your event. To be safe and allow for design and production time, please place order 16 – 20 weeks prior to your event date.
Example: Event date: October 20th
Invites to be mailed out: August 25th (8 weeks prior to event)
Begin designing invites: June 30th(minimum 8 weeks prior to mail date)
How do I place my order?
When you're ready to order, please contact us and we will send you an order form to email, fax, or mail back to us in order to begin the process. (*Note: All rush orders must be discussed directly with our company and designer over the phone or in person. Additional rush fees will apply. Please contact us as soon as possible) We can also take orders over the phone.
How many invitations should I order?
It’s always recommended that you order at least 10 – 15% more than needed. For example, if you need 50 invitations, we would recommend ordering 58 just in case there are some additional guests you would later like to invite
What type of paper do you print your invitations on?
Our standard paper is an White or a Natural Linen cardstock that has a beautiful texture to it that makes your invitation stand out from the rest.
What forms of printing do you offer?
We currently offer traditional off-set printing using Pantone colors because we like the quality it provides on our textured stock as well as the cost savings, but have available options for themography as well as letterpress. If there is something specific that you would like to use, just contact us.
How many envelopes should I order?
At the Event Essentials, we definitely recommend to order additional envelopes as we know mistakes can happen, even by the best calligraphers. Our orders always include an additional 10 blank envelopes, but if you would like to purchase more, please let us know prior to shipping.
Can our envelopes be shipped to ahead of time?
Absolutely! We can have them shipped to you or even a calligrapher while we are creating your beautiful pieces. That way you can have them addressed and ready to stuff as soon as possible.
What date should I have on the response card?
Most catering or food service companies would like at least a week to two weeks prior to your event for a head count. Therefore, we highly recommend at least 3 weeks prior to your event so you can contact any guests that happened to not RSVP in time.
Do I need a reception or directions card?
This is a personal preference, however, we do highly recommend both. The directions may seem simple to you because you have been to the facility numerous times; however, to prevent guests from getting lost and showing up late, it’s best to provide them with a nice map and directions. Plus, it makes your piece look very professional. A reception card is only necessary if you are having your ceremony and reception at two different locations.
PROOFS AND PROOFREADING RESPONSIBILITIES
Will I get a final proof?
You will get two rounds of electronic proofs. On your first proof you will clearly note all changes. This proof will contain the wording of your choice. The final proof will reflect your changes and contain all chosen accessories. No changes will be made on the final proof unless it was on our error. A rate of $25 per additional proof will be assessed to any additional proofs.
Do you help me proof read my orders?
At the Event Essentials, we promise to always do our best preventing spelling and grammar errors; however, we are not responsible for final proof reading. We ask that you have a few family members or friends carefully read over every created piece before we make any final changes. Once you make final changes and sign off on the proof, any errors that incur at the cost of reprinting orders are your responsibility and there will be no refund or discounts. Your signature on the final proof indicates that you have approved your order and we can process with the final printing.
How can I get a sample invitation?
Hard copy samples are $25 each and can be purchased after you pay your 25% deposit for the design of your choice and once your final proof has been generated. This will help us narrow down your color selections before we move forward to generate your actual sample piece. However, if you are interested in print color sample, paper color samples, or pocketfold piece, you can purchase them additionally. Please contact us for more information.
MONOGRAMS
How does a monogram order take place?
•First, you will select 6 different designs from our monogram design page or custom design options.
•Next, you will fill out your order form with all of your important design information (colors, name, theme, etc) and make a payment via Paypal or Cash.
•Once your payment is accepted, we will send you an electronic proof with your 6 various options on them. You will be allowed to submit any changes at this time.
•Then you will pick your design of choice and we will send your file as a high resolution JPG or PDF. We can also provide additional file types like EPS, TIFF, or AI files if requested.
*Any additional design requests or artwork revisions will retain a $50 service fee.
Do you make custom monograms?
Absolutely! We can get as creative as you would like. All you need to do is contact us so we can discuss your vision and please always send pictures or artwork that you would like to incorporate. However, we will not identically duplicated another artist’s monogram design work.
*Design fees begin at $75 per hour
CANCELLATION POLICY
What is your cancellation or return policy?
Print and design products: If you wish to cancel your order, you most contact the Event Essentials by phone or by email before any proofs are generated. Once your artwork has gone to print, your order cannot be cancelled for a full refund. If a final proof has not been generated or design work has not yet started, we will gladly refund your payment for products only. Design fees may incur. Returns are only accepted if items are damaged or items do not match specifications in this order. You must contact the Event Essentials within 24 hours of receiving your order.
SHIPPING AND MAILING
How should I mail my invitations?
We provide envelopes standard or upgraded envelopes for your pieces, but you can also order beautiful stationary boxes, mailing tubes, or padded envelopes. It’s all up to you on how you would like to present your piece.
How much will postage cost me?
Each piece is different based on weight as well as mailing destination. Please make sure to weigh your piece before purchasing postage. If you have an embellishment that may puncture the invite (i.e. rhinestone) please make sure to ask for them to “hand cancel” your pieces. This means they will stamp each one individually so it doesn’t run through the machine and rip the envelope.
Is an inner envelope required?
Today’s bride seems to be opting for only an outer envelope, but that doesn’t mean the inner envelope isn’t still very traditional. So if tradition is important to you, you may want to order an inner envelope. Because pocketfold-style invitations are very popular, etiquette states that the pocketfold is actually your inner envelope. Doing an inner envelope in addition to a pocketfold-style invitation is not necessary.
Can I mail my pocketfold-style invitation without an outer envelope?
We will always recommend that you order an outer envelope with your pocketfold-style invitation due to the flap possibly getting caught in postal sorting machines. It would be a shame to ruin a beautiful invitation before it even gets to your guests.
How do I write on a dark colored envelope?
Many calligraphers often use opaque or metallic inks in white or light colors. We highly recommend gel pens for your task. They can be purchased at any local craft store. You can also order an embosser from us to use on the back for your return address.
TERMS AND PAYMENT FEES
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash or credit cards through PayPal. You will receive a receipt of payment once we have cleared your order. Arrangements can be made if you would like to use a check or money order, but the process will not begin until the agreed payment amount has been cleared and deposited into our account. This could take up to an additional 2-3 weeks in processing time. PayPal is the safest and fastest way to begin this transaction.
First Payment -- 25% non-refundable design retainer to begin the process. (Design work will not be created before this retainer is received)
Final Payment -- 75% non-refundable material retainer will be due after your design proof is approved in order to begin the assembly process. (No materials will be printed on until payment has processed. We highly recommend using PayPal to speed up the process.)
Additional fees and requested hours may incur. A proposal shall be drawn up for the client, with possible service premiums applied. No client shall receive product or service until both parties are clear of what is being offered at the specified rate.
Rush Orders: There is an additional 35- 50% rush fee added to orders that is placed within four to two weeks of an anticipated delivery date. No orders will be accepted with only a week production and turn around time.
graphic design For any designs outside of our provided motifs and monograms, there is a minimum $75 design fee. More complex designs will be charged a $100 design fee. Two rounds of edits are included in this fee, however, more rounds of editing are subject to a $15 per edit fee. Maps also begin at $50.
Pricing: We reserve the right to change prices without notice. Occasionally, we may need to change prices based on operations, suppliers and production cost increases. If you have already signed a contract and paid a deposit with us, you are not susceptible to these changes.
Tax: Orders shipped or delivered to destinations within Arizona are subject to the current sales tax rate.
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE / DELIVERY DATE
Design Timelines: The design process typically takes anywhere from 2 – 6 weeks depending on the complexity and approval status of your order. Once a design has its final signature of approval, production will begin and typically takes about 4 weeks. In total, the design process takes on average around 6 – 8 weeks. For custom orders, we recommend that you begin your design process 16 – 20 weeks (4 – 5 months) before your actual event to allow plenty of time to have your invitations in hand on the way to your guests 2 months before your event date. Yes, we accept rush orders. Please inquire.
Favors and Accessories: Please allow 3 - 5 weeks for all favor and accessory orders. They may be available sooner and we will ship them as they arrive to us. This may cause multiple shipments to arrive to your home. There is also a possibility that something may be discontinued or on backorder. If this is the case, we will notify you immediately to allow you to make the decision of your choice with the order. A 15% restocking fee will apply if order is returned or cancelled after shipment has been made. We are not responsible for items that are out of stock or on backorder.
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THE EVENT ESSENTIALS IS A PREMIER STATIONERY DESIGN COMPANY FOR CUSTOM WEDDING INVITATIONS, UNIQUE INVITATIONS, CREATIVE INVITATIONS, WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENTS INVITATIONS, CUSTOM DESIGNED INVITATIONS, UNIQUE PARTY INVITATIONS, SAVE THE DATES, THANK YOU CARDS, MONOGRAMS, SEATING CHARTS, ESCORT CARDS, FAVOR TAGS, MENUS AND TABLE NUMBERS. WE ALSO SPECIALIZE IN WEDDING PLANNING, EVENT PLANNING,PARTIAL WEDDING PLANNING, FULL WEDDING PLANNING, DAY OF COORDINATING, EVENT DESIGN, LINEN RENTALS AND PARTY RENTALS IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA AND DESTINATION WEDDINGS. THE EVENT ESSENTIALS CARRIES MANY WEDDING FAVORS, EVENT FAVORS, WEDDING ACCESSORIES, EVENT ACCESSORIES, FAVOR BOXES, FAVOR TINS, CANDLEHOLDERS, CENTERPIECES, PLACE CARD HOLDERS AND MORE! THANK YOU FOR VISITING OUR SITE!
