MAY I ORDER ENVELOPE SAMPLES?
Absolutely! Envelope samples are available upon request for $20. The traditional sample set includes an example of all lettering styles, or the lettering styles you are interested in. Please contact me to request your samples. These will be mailed priority shipping to your provided address.
HOW DOES THE DESIGN PROCESS BEGIN?
You can send me an email at hello@kirstenashley.com or fill out the contact form here. Let me know the details of the scope of work you are interested in and I will get your project started. If you would like a quote immediately, fill out the calligraphy quote form here.
CAN I JUST GET A PROJECT QUOTE?
Of course! The pricing for all projects varies due to the number of invitations or calligraphed envelopes. If you would like a quote for your wedding, soiree, or shower, please fill out the calligraphy quote form here. You will receive a response in 24 hours either by phone or email depending on your selection.
DO YOU REQUIRE A DEPOSIT OR RETAINER?
Half of the project fee is required before i can begin working on your lovely lettering details. This percentage of the total fee serves as a non-refundable retainer should a cancellation arise.
WILL I RECEIVE A DIGITAL PROOF TO SIGN OFF ON?
Once your design is complete, or a final layout of your calligraphed envelopes is decided, i will send you a digital proof or photograph to approve before sending your design off to print or starting work on your address list. It is critical that you review your proofs carefully and even get a second pair of eyes to go over the design to help catch any discrepancies before a design is sent to print.
WHAT IS THE TIME FRAME OF THE WHOLE PROCESS?
If the client is responsive in a timely manner, invitation design from start to proof takes about three weeks to complete. Printing and shipping will take around another three weeks. For envelope addressing the process takes around 3 weeks for 100 invitations. This can vary depending on the style and design of the lettering. For more information on the full process, be sure to take a look at the behind the scenes process booklet here.
I AM SUPER CONFUSED HOW TO WORD MY INVITATIONS. HELP?
I am more than happy to help you work your invitations to fit your needs. Whether you are interested in traditional Emily Post formality or a modern twist I can assist you and ease those worry wrinkles!
IN WHAT FORMAT SHOULD I SEND YOU THE GUEST LIST FOR ENVELOPE ADDRESSING?
I will set up a google doc or google sheet (depending on your preference) that we will share during this process. Our shared file will include an example of how to enter in your guest information. Each guest name and address will be entered exactly how you wish to see them on the envelope. This includes ampersands and titles. The lettering will appear on the envelope in the composition chosen by the client.
SOME OF MY ADDRESSES HAVE CHANGED SINCE I SENT YOU THE LIST. CAN I MAKE ADDITIONS OR CHANGES?
If changes need to be made mid project, your Google doc or sheet can be adjusted easily by you. You can changes names, addresses, and even add guests to your list. Be sure to communicate with me either through email, text, or by phone that you have made changes so I am made aware. Please notate the change with red letters to allow me to easily see that a name or address has been changed. Once I have completed the changed envelope, I will turn the font back to black and make a note to the side. Please note when adding a guest address you will be charged additionally for the extra envelopes.
SHOULD I SEND YOU EXTRA ENVELOPES “JUST IN CASE”?
20% of the total number of envelopes should be ordered and sent along with your guest list. Although I am a perfectionist, misspellings or address changes do happen and it is beneficial to have extra supply on hand so I can finish your project in a timely manner.
DO YOU REQUIRE A MINIMUM ORDER?
For invitations, the minimum is 25 invitations. For envelope addressing there is no minimum order required.
MY GUEST NUMBERS KEEP CHANGING! HOW MANY INVITES DO I ORDER?
Typically it is suggested that you order more than you will need. You will almost always have those last minute invites {your mother’s best friend whom you call auntie} and it is never fun to have to order more invitations if you run out. Sending out 100 invitations? Order 115 – 125. Most printing companies allow orders placed in groups of 25.
WHEN SHOULD I ORDER MY INVITATIONS?
Be sure to order your invitations or calligraphed envelopes in plenty of time before your wedding/soiree/event. Sometimes it can take up to a full month for invitations to reach their destination after being mailed. According to proper etiquette, save the dates are sent out six months before your wedding while formal invitations are mailed six to eight weeks prior to the wedding day. For a destination wedding it is recommended that you mail your invitations eight to ten weeks prior to the wedding date.
Be sure to also calculate the design, printing, and processing time into the mix. For formal invitations, I recommend you contact me six months prior to your wedding. For envelope addressing, escort cards, chalk board signs, and any other details I recommend that you contact me four months prior to the event date to ensure that you receive your materials in plenty of time. I want to help you be prepared early, so that your paper details are one thing you do not have to worry or stress about.
DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Absolutely! I have worked with many clients from various countries and can happily ship to you!
WHEN SHOULD I MAIL MY INVITATIONS?
According to proper etiquette, save the dates are sent out at least six months before your wedding while formal invitations are mailed six to eight weeks prior to the wedding day. For a destination wedding it is recommended that you mail your invitations eight to ten weeks prior to the wedding date. Party or shower invitations are sent out four to six weeks in advance.
DO YOU OFFER STUFFING, STAMPING AND SEALING SERVICES?
KACD offers a stuff and stamp service in addition to envelope lettering. If you are interested this cost will be included in your quote.
I DID NOT KNOW HOW LONG THE PROCESS TAKES, CAN MY ORDER BE PLACED WITH A RUSH FEE?
Please contact me, even if you are on a short deadline. I will check my calendar and see if I can squeeze your project in. There will be a rush fee included in your quote. The rush fee is based on the scope of work for the project and the amount of time for completion.
WHAT KIND OF SHIPPING OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER?
All KACD projects are mailed priority with a tracking number and insurance to get your invitations/envelopes/details to you in a timely manner. Should you need expedited shipping, simply let me know and the cost will be included in your quote. Upon project completion, a client is sent the tracking information of their package to insure that you have eyes on your mail at all times.
DO YOU OFFER CUSTOM COLOR INKS & ENVELOPES?
Custom color inks are constantly being mixed in the KACD studio! If you need me to match a color, simply send me a sample of what you want me to match and I can duplicate the color for you using a variety of different mediums.
Custom envelope colors can be ordered from a variety of quality vendors. Let me know what you are looking for and I can send you information based on your color pallet.
WHAT TYPES OF PRINTING DO YOU OFFER?
Currently, KACD offers flat printing, one and two color letter press, and foil stamping.
The papers depend on which type of printing service you choose. Flat printing offers high quality cotton or recycled papers at various thicknesses and textures. Letter press and foil stamping are printed on 100% cotton papers by savoy and arturo in different weights ranging from double thick cover stock at 220-236ilb or thinner stock at 110-120lb.
HOW MUCH OF AN INVESTMENT IS MY PROJECT?
The cost of your project varies based on the needs and scope of the work you require. Take a look at the price list to get an estimate, or simply fill out the quote form to get an estimate on the cost of your project.
CAN I PAY WITH MY CREDIT CARD, CHECK, OR CASH?
KACD accepts visa, mastercard, and discover cards. Cash and checks are always acceptable. For checks please make them out to Kirsten Wollschlager.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
If at any point during a project the need to cancel arises, your non-refundable retainer {half the project fee} will serve as compensation for the time allotted to your project.
DO YOU PROVIDE LETTERING FOR STYLED SHOOTS?
I adore working with wedding photographers to provide lettering for styled shoots! Please contact me with information on your needs or give me insight to your vision and I will do my best to make it a reality!
CAN I MEET WITH YOU IN PERSON?
I work with lots of folks in the Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Lubbock areas. Most of my communications are done via email or phone. Skype/FaceTime consultations are a popular alternative to meeting in person. If a meeting is required, please contact me for scheduling and I will do my best to accommodate your needs.