How we create custom invitations with you – Sarah Drake Design
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How we create custom invitations with you

September 30, 2015 | 0 comments

I have such appreciation for the process of creating custom invitations for our clients. I love pulling from your distinct styles, combining with my understated design sensibility, and then using the finest paper, printing methods, and delicate finishings for the complete look. Thank you to Julia Franzosa for providing the following photography, and to Katie and Brandon, our clients (and models), who are expecting their first baby next month! CONSULTATION It all starts in our Chicago graphic design studio on the Northside. (Walking distance from Wrigley Field, in the Lakeview neighborhood) It all begins with a conversation in our Chicago studio, (over the phone if you’re out of the area), where we’ll talk, pull paper and ink swatches, discuss wording etiquette, and collaborate to create truly couture correspondence.

consult

The consultation is my opportunity to learn as much as I can about your wedding, from the overall feel of the entire event (is it formal, fun, eclectic, bohemian?), to the small details that will add interest to your stationery. Helpful to get the story started is something that inspires you. Anything might be an inspiration for invitation design: a family heirloom, vintage photos, favorite flower, a line from a novel, childhood vacation, or the story of a first encounter.

inspiration

Oh, and my favorite takeaway from the consult is your own Love Notes - a letterpress printed journal with places for notes, helpful tips, and design direction. I'll add ink swatches, paper samples, anything we discuss, for you to add to as you meet with other vendors and complete the design and look of your wedding.

notes

PROPOSAL AND TIMELINE After we meet, I’ll email a detailed proposal for consideration, based on the pieces discussed in your consultation. After review, your signed agreement and deposit indicate the beginning of our working relationship.

sarahnotes

You will receive a timeline, highlighting the next steps in creating your custom stationery, including first proofs, printing, calligraphy, and final mail date. DESIGN PHASE The first stages of the design will be shared digitally via email. At this point, you will let us know if we are on the right track, or if we should make changes to the general design direction.

process

REVISIONS We will provide a second round of design proofs based on your feedback. This process will be repeated until you are satisfied. If any additional hours are needed beyond what is indicated on our agreement, we will check in before continuing. A secondary ideation session may be scheduled to ensure we develop stationery that perfectly reflects you. COMPLETION We will provide a final design proof that you will sign and return to us via email. Any details or shipments will be coordinated, such as coordinating with your calligrapher or providing mailing services. At completion of your project, the final payment will be due.

completed

FOLLOW UP 4-6 weeks before your wedding, we’ll follow up to schedule time to create your coordinating programs, menus, thank you notes, escort cards, and table numbers. Maybe even custom china or linens to add to your gift registry... 

This final picture by Elizabeth Messina.

This final picture by Elizabeth Messina.


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