What to do and when

For events, typically you would send out invitations 3 - 6 months prior, depending on the time of year and how likely it is that your guests will be booked up. Table plans, menus, place cards etc would be printed a month ahead of your event, so we would need the information for these items two months ahead of your event. If you are struggling to work to this schedule, it’s always a good idea to contact us and we will assist where possible.

For weddings, the below is a guideline, for making the process as stress free as possible. If sending save the date cards, only do so once your venue is secured and only send to guests who are invited to the whole wedding, not to evening only guests, to avoid confusion.

12 months+

Send save the date if you are getting married abroad

Work on guest list and addresses

9 - 12 months prior

Send save the date if getting married in the same country

Agree wedding concept and costs

4 - 6 months prior

Send invitations

3 months prior

Deadline for guests to reply to your invitation

Supply guest names, menu text, order of service information to Duet

2 months prior

Sign off all the items of print that you will need on the day

1 month prior (approx)

Receive on the day items

1 month after

Send thank you cards

What items to consider

Save the date cards

Invitations

Details cards

RSVP cards

Envelopes

Order of service / Programme

Menus

Placecards

Table plans

Table numbers or names

Signage

Welcome sign / schedule of the day

Bar menu

On the table entertainment eg quizes

Thank you cards

Bespoke extras

Personalised map

Bespoke illustration - people, venue, animals, skyline

Wax seals

Ribbon

Embossing

Metallic foil

Proofs and edits

It is your responsibility to check spelling, particularly of guests’ names.

You will be asked to provide us with information in text form.  We then work on the designs and send digital proofs, for your approval.  At this point you can have up to two sets of edits included in the fee.  If you wish to make any changes after this we reserve the right to charge for these. We will always be very clear when we are sending you the final version and nothing will go to print unless it has been reviewed and signed off by you.

How much will it cost

Our wedding couples typically expect to spend between £750 - £1,500 with us for a full package, comprising of everything you would need before and on the day.  The cost varies depending on the quantities, design and the finishes.

Quantities - minimum numbers, how many and ordering more after initial print run

We are happy to do one off, bespoke orders, so if you are looking for a flamingo themed baby shower invitation then you have come to the right place. 

As a general rule, we would normally say we do a minimum print run of 30, but we are always happy to discuss. 

For weddings of less than 50 people, we are happy to do your stationery, but you are unlikely to get the cost savings that you get with economies of scale.

Part of our fee includes guiding you through the process, so we will be able to advised how many of each item to order and when.  

For invitations, this will become evident once you have your guest list and you can see how many different addresses you have.  For items such as the order of service, you may decide to do one per couple to reduce the costs.

It’s always a good idea to add a couple of spare onto any order.  You never know when you might need to send another invitation, or someone spills red wine on their menu on the day and you want to be able to give them a clean one.

As long as there is sufficient time for you to receive the items, we are happy to go to print again, if you work out that you have underestimated your requirements. However a higher cost should be anticipated for a small, fast print run with delivery. It’s much better (less stressful) for you if you get your numbers right from the start.

Sample wording

We are happy to provide you with sample wording, phrases and prompts to make it easier to know what to include in your stationery. Once you have appointed us as your wedding stationer this can be supplied.

Do my invitations arrive assembled and with envelopes?

You have the option of receiving your invitations already assembled with details / rsvp cards, inside their envelope, or to receive the component parts separately.

Payment and refunds

For clients opting for our bespoke stationery packages, we require a 50% payment on appointment and the remaining balance will be required 2 months prior. 

It is likely that your quantities (and sometime even requirements) will change between making these two payments, and we will factor this in with the final balance payment.

The reason we ask for an initial payment up front is because we will start working on your wedding concept straight away, along with the first design(s).

As our work is made to order, all orders are non-refundable and not eligible for exchange, return or cancellation under any circumstances.

Samples

We are happy to send out card samples to help you decide on colours, finishes and paper weights. Once we understand your initial requirements we can send the most relevant samples.

In an attempt to stop other stationers copying our designs, we do not send out sample invitations to speculative clients.

Digital options and the environment

It’s a personal choice whether you decide to send physical or digital items, and there is a time and a place for both. 

As stationers, it is no surprise that we favour printed items and here’s why:

• They set the tone 

• They are a lasting reminder, just like photographs

• It’s possible to have environmentally-friendly options

• Reading the programme on your phone, or scanning a QR code to find your seat just doesn’t feel the same as having a tangible item

• Paper can be recycled

If having a sustainable wedding is high up your list of priorities then in addition to environmentally friendly paper you can consider

• a preloved wedding dress

• dried flowers rather than real

• a venue that off-sets its carbon emissions

• a UK based honeymoon