Are custom invitations more expensive than ready-made?
No. Designs By Direction is competitive with ready-made retailers. We don't have an expensive store front, so we are able to keep prices low.
When should I start the invitation process?
Ideally, four months prior to your wedding, allowing you ample time to select your papers, fonts, and artwork and to have time to review your proofs in detail, allow for production, and stuffing, addressing and stamping your envelopes. Invitations should be mailed out 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding. More time if you're expecting alot of out-of-town guests.
Do I need to send out save-the-date cards?
Save-the-Dates are a great idea if you're expecting a large number of out-of-town guests. This will give them the information they need for making travel arrangements. They are also recommended if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend. Your guests will be able to plan their holiday around your wedding before they make other holiday plans. As always, if Save-the-Dates are in the budget it's a nice touch, but not necessary.
What's should I look for when choosing an invitation supplier?
One thing to keep in mind would be the wedding stationery “extras” you're considering for your wedding day.
Make sure the retailer sells all those pieces in order to keep your stationery art elements, font/s and color matching consistent through to your thank you notes and everything in-between. If they don't, you'll be forced to shop elsewhere, breaking that consistency. Designs By Direction provides all your stationery needs: •invitations
•save-the-date •menus •placecards •programs •seating charts •maps •table cards •candy bar wrappers •thank you notes and more! If you don't see that we sell it, ask! Most print pieces we are able to produce!
Why order with Designs By Direction?
Your invitations should be a reflection of you and your wedding day. Every choice should be yours. From matte to shimmer stationery, artwork, fonts and color matching to your colors, we produce invitations your way! Custom . . . start to finish. . .no templates! If you see something you like in a catalogue or on the www., send us a picture and
let us know of any alterations you want. Example: different color, layout or fonts. We will let you know if we can accommodate your request.
Is the ordering process for custom invitations more time-consuming than ordering ready-made invitations?
On the contrary, ordering custom can be less time-consuming and confusing, while giving you more control over the design process then you have with ready-made. Ready-made forces you to type your information in boxes for what you would like on the first line through to the last line of your invitations. Custom allows you to send all the information for your invitation, rsvp, accommodation and direction cards in one email. With ready-made, if you have any questions on your order, you talk to a representative. With custom, you talk to the designer! You will receive up to three .pdf proofs of each of your documents so that you can monitor the progress of your job. Your invitations will not go to press until you are happy!
What if I change my mind about my colors, text or layout?
Not a problem. DbD provides you with up to three free preview proofs per document.
Can I get a sample invitation so that I can see the type of paper and envelopes you use?
Yes! Samples are $5.00 and are credited back to you when you place your order.
I'm a do-it-yourselfer and scrapbooker, but not so much with the computer! Can I do some of my own
hands-on cutting, pasting and assembly?
Absolutely! Working with and supporting do-it-yourselfers and brides-on-a-budget, DbD can provide the electronic documents and printing, you can provide the hands-on cutting, glueing and assembly, saving you labor costs . . .
the more you do, the more you save! Or, if time is of the essence, we can create your invitations, start to finish.
I'm having trouble finding invitations with artwork that reflects me and my wedding day. How much artwork
do you have to choose from?
Alot! We have hundreds of art elements in our library for your use. Still don't see anything quite right? Check istockphoto.com. They have thousands of royalty-free artwork. Any order $395 or more qualifies for 10 credits on istockphoto. Don’t settle for just any design. . .search the world-wide web for your perfect art element.
Can you use an existing design I have on my computer or one that a friend drew for me?
Absolutely! You would just need to email me the file and I can incorporate this into your invitations through to your thank you notes!
What kind of payment do you accept?
We accept PayPal. PayPal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Designs By Direction requires 50% down to start the design process and the remainder due before your job goes to the commercial printer.
Who do you use for shipping?
We use USPS or UPS, depending on the size and weight of your order.
Rsvp tips:
#1: If you're concerned about your guests inviting guests. . . it happens!. . .consider writing: ONE dinner has been reserved for you, or two, to clarify how many guests are invited!
#2: Number your rsvp's with a pencil so that when your rsvp's come back to you, you'll know who sent it in case your guest forgot to put their name on it!. . .again. . .it happens!
#3: When including a children's meal choice on your rsvp card, consider adding the age range. EX: Children's Meal (ages 2-12). It helps prevent your guest from ordering a more expensive adult's meal for their child!
Accommodations tip:
#1: Put the 1-800 number of the hotel on the accommodation card for guests who may not have free long distance.
phone: 763-439-6077 | email: DesignsByDirection@comcast.net
Special Occasion Cards
Wedding Extras