Keri Leo Design

CUSTOM STATIONERY

HOW TO BOOK your custom suite

1.

The first step is to submit the contact form and tell me a little about yourself and your event. Don't be nervous to reach out - it's just little old me over here... Include as much information as possible so I can get the bigger picture of your day. After completing the form, I will reach out with a few more questions to help understand your needs and vision. I will also invite you to schedule a call to discuss your ideas if you'd like. No need to worry if you have left anything out - I am here to guide you.

INQUIRE

It can be overwhelming knowing where to begin when it comes to your stationery, but I'm here to help make the invitation process a breeze. You can expect to feel taken care of every step of the way through our communication. To also help get you started, you can view my helpful guide here.

It all starts with Hello

After you have shared your vision and wish list with me, I will send you a custom design board showing some ideas and inspiration for your suite along with three packages at different price points. You can review, ask questions, and consider which package you want to start with. No pressure to decide on upgraded details or design choices up front - we will work through this together and you can make changes along the way. 

2.

REVIEW

After you select your package, you can secure your spot on my schedule and start the design process with a 50% retainer payment and signed contract. Time to celebrate! This is where the real fun begins.

BOOK

3.

have more questions?

I can talk a lot about the different print methods we can use for your invites, and it probably deserves it's own page on my site here, but here is a quick summary of each method below. And yes! You can mix and match printing methods in your design.

Digital printing (also called flat printing) is the typical print method you probably think of. This type of printing is not limited by multiple colors or designs, has a fast turn-around time, and is cost effective. Digital printing is a great option for accurately displaying artistic renderings like water color paintings, sketches, and more.

Letterpress is a printing process where a raised design on a polymer plate is inked and then pressed by machine into the paper, leaving an indentation. The result is always stunning. Not only is it visually beautiful, but it's hard not to run your hands over it. The tactile quality and weight to a letterpress design is unique to this art form. Letterpress prints one ink at a time, using ink mixed by hand. A custom polymer plate has to be created for each ink color used. Because of the added materials and labor the process involved, letterpress is more expensive.

You may have seen examples where part of the design was pressed in the paper without using ink - this is called blind impression (and it's awesome!). This is a great way to add depth and dimension to a piece without adding color. I do want to note the process to set up a blind impression is the same as letterpress. The only difference is that the plate is not inked. 

Foil printing while similar to the letterpress process, uses a magnesium plate and high heat to transfer foil to paper. It has a slight relief in the surface it’s printed on, though not as much as letterpress. Foil is a great option to give your design that extra wow factor. You can choose from variety of foil colors, including Gold, Silver, Champagne, Copper, Matte Gold, Rose Gold and White.

White Ink is a great way to get the contrast you need when printing on darker colored envelopes and colored paper. The ink stands out beautifully against the darker colors, and makes those darker colors pop. 

Embossing is the most premium printing process. It is stunning when paired with a simple design that just needs a little extra punch. Embossing uses a die and a counter-die to raise the artwork above the surface of the paper. While its costs are higher than the other print processes, the results can’t be argued with. You can choose from both blind and foil embossing.

What print methods do you offer?

The two paper colors I use are white or eggshell. The white paper is a crisp, ultra-white, while the eggshell is more of an off-white. Colored paper as well as handmade paper are also available options.

What are your paper color options?

I offer two paper weights to choose from - single ply and double ply. Single ply is a 120 lb. paper while double ply is a heavier 220 lb. paper. Both provide a luxurious feeling with a light texture. I recommend using a double ply weight for your main invitation and keeping all other inserts single ply. A double ply main invitation gives your suite an elevated look, while all other inserts printed on single ply paper keeps your envelope USPS friendly and not too heavy. Other items that pair well with double ply are save the dates, menus and table numbers (if self standing).

What type of paper do you print on?

The main invitation is the star of your suite. It is the largest piece, with the most important details: who, when, where, dress code.
The details card is your hard working support card. It exists so that your main invitation can stand alone with a clean, clear message. It typically lists all of your weekend events with associated times, locations, dress codes, and hosts.
   • Welcome party
   • Recap of your ceremony
   • Map of events
   • Farewell brunch
This is also where you can list your wedding website, if you have one. Think of the details card as a one stop shop for all wedding information!

What is the difference between an invitation and a details card?

Absolutely, a custom package includes digital proofs and unlimited design revisions. We will work together closely to ensure the final product is perfect. You'll receive digital proofs along the way, so you know exactly what your suite will look like before printing. You will give the final sign off before production.

Will I get to see a proof of my design before printing?

Below is an example timeline of the process for completing a typical custom invitation suite:
   • 6-7 months before wedding date, hold the design consultation
   • 6 months before wedding date, begin custom artwork
   • 5 months before wedding date, first round of design proofs
   • 4.5 months before wedding date, printing and production
   • 3.5 months before wedding date, assembly and mailing

How long does it take to create my invites?

General rule of thumb is to send save the dates 6-8 months before your wedding day, or 9-12 months if planning a destination wedding. Your main invitation suite should be mailed 10-14 weeks prior. These timelines may adjust if needed.

When do I need to mail my save the dates and invitations?

Please send me an inquiry here or an email at keri@kerileo.com. I will be in touch with a form for you to complete to gather more details about the vision for your wedding and your stationery needs. Then I will put together your custom proposal. If you are happy to proceed, a 50% deposit is required to confirm your place in my schedule. The remaining 50% is due once your artwork is approved and prior to production commencing.

How do I book a spot on your schedule?

I recommend reaching out as soon as possible, at minimum 7 months in advance of your wedding date, and 10-12 months if having a destination wedding. I take on a limited number of custom clients and typically clients will book a year, or more, in advance.

How soon do I need to reach out for my invitations?

Remember to count households, not number of guests.  1 invitation per household (single roommates living together and anyone over the age of 18 should get their own invite), 2-3 invites as keepsakes, 1-2 for your photographer, 5-10 extras for emergencies (like lost mail or extra guests), and 20% extra envelopes for your calligrapher.

How many invitations do I need to order?

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Yes! I love creating websites and can custom design a site that is cohesive with the style of your suite. Your site can have RSVP capability if you are wanting to go the digital tracking route instead of sending and collecting paper RSVP's. 

Can You Make a Matching Wedding website?

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How can I help?

Thank you! I will be in touch with you shortly!

Please complete the form or reach me directly at keri@kerileo.com

I would love to hear from you!

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