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Thanks for taking the time to learn more about invitational goodness.
What is a self-mailing invitation?
: A self-mailing invitation is its own envelope. It folds in upon itself in a simple package, and with proper sealing is ready to send out. It creates an immediate impression when received in the mail and offers guests a glimpse of the event that awaits them before they open it.
Self-mailers go beyond the standard envelope that could be mistaken for a birthday card or even junk mail. They are their own postmarked gift to guests, sure to stand out from the flat black on white with silver border and tissue paper invitations they may receive. Environmental waste is also reduced as nothing is thrown away or lost its purpose once its been opened.
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I ordered my invitation, what happens now?
: After you order you order your invitation, we'll send you a form asking for your event's information. Once we get that, we'll layout your information in the invitation design. Then we'll make a digital proof and send it to you as a PDF. We repeat this process until it is finalized and once we receive final approval, we provide the print ready file to your printer. (Or take care of the overseeing the printing for you, depending on which option you choose.)
Our contact information is also given to the printer so all techie questions come to us, should any issues arise that are on our end.
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Does it cost more to mail than a standard envelope?
: Self-mailer postage costs differ depending on their size, just as different sizes of envelopes vary. Most commonly, it will be a bit extra to mail if it is square. We work closely with the post office to stay informed of the approximate cost of postage of our formats and pass along this information.
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What is the Print Liaison Service?
: This is a service we offer in addition to our design services. We complete the invitation process by acting as a 'middle man' that communicates and oversees our clients needs at the printing stage. So we would actually gather quotes, sign off on proofs and pick up the final invitations. PLEASE NOTE: We do our best double check everything, but final approval of the design comes from the client. We simply take care of the printing details.
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When I go to check out, the e-store says things about photos and prints. Why is this?
: Great question. Another branch of the Blue Window Creative tree is documentary wedding photography. We use a similar e-store for our photography and wanted to integrate everything into one store that does all our electronic jazz. As this is the case, there is a little bit of "Order Prints" or "Thanks for Ordering Photos" going on, but please consider this normal. Just replace "Invitation Design" in your mind and all is right.
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Can I choose a different ink color than the examples shown?
: This is no problem at all and is actually a great way to make your design even more unique. There are hundreds of ink possibilities. Metallic and raised inks are even a possibility with most designs. With all these options, there is surely the perfect combination to match your color scheme. If you are using our print liaison service, we recommend that you send us a color swatch so that we can match it as closely as possible. (Remember that the color of paper can also effect the ink color. Colors might appear slightly darker or more muted on cream than white.)
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What if I want to use thicker paper?
: Thicker paper will probably be a bit more expensive, but we recommend as thick as the printer believes will fold correctly. Thin paper should really not be used as it can’t hold up to the wear and tear of the mail process. Without thick enough paper, your invitation design and ink may look beautiful, but ‘floppy’ paper can effect the overall quality of your design. Paper is an important decision to be reviewed carefully with the printer. (Please keep in mind the weight, as well, as anything over 1 ounce wil be additional postage.)
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I'm getting married in 6 months and the bridal magazines tell me I'm way behind. How far in advance should I order my invitation?
: We recommend sending out invitations 4-6 weeks before your wedding. This varies depending on personal preference, as well. Our design only designs usually have a 1-2 week turn around time. (This can vary depending on revisions.) Printing takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the printer's agenda and complexity of the invitation.
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Could I get table numbers, reserved signs, menus, and a program to match my invitation?
: Absolutely! We think carrying over the design of the first impression into other aspects of the event is always a great way to brand your wedding. Design work for these materials is priced on an individual basis. Please contact us about your inquiry and we'll be glad to let you know the specifics.
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Will I get to see a final proof before my invitation goes to print?
: You will receive a digital Draft Proof (pdf file format) and at least one more as a Final Proof. The Final Proof will require an electronic signature before the Print Ready file is released or printing proceeds. If there are things you'd like to change, proofs in between may be necessary. You will not be charged for additional proofs, however if the changes get close to exceeding the design time allotted for your design, we will let you know.
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My future mother-in-law's name was mis-spelled in the invitation and they were printed. Will you pay for the reprint?
: Although we carefully check all of our work, it is ultimately the client's responsibility to check for accuracy, and thoroughly review the final proof. Even if something was right the first time, it might get shuffled in the editing process. As a kind gesture, we will provide half an hour of design time to fix the mistake in the file after it is realized. However the cost of printing is beyond our responsibility. We provide the design services under client direction.
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My friend loved my invitation, can she just use my copy of it to save money?
: If you have someone you’d like to refer, we do have a referral program where we offer a discount as a thank you. Legally, our designs are copyrighted material. We provide limited, single-use of our designs to clients on the grounds that they are only going to use it for their event. We hope that our clients uphold the standards we have set and that they want their invitation to be as unique as we intended.
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What should I use to keep my self-mailing invitation closed?
: A clear tab works well, or if you are already paying extra postage for hand-sorting, a wax seal is also an elegant detail. Some designs would even fit well with using masking tape as a closure. Whatever you use, make sure it is secure before mailing.