This article was originally posted on Kristy Rice's blog Rice Ink and is republished here with her permission. Kristy, based on the east coast, is the owner and founder of Momental Designs and is an artist who designs beautiful handmade custom invitations. We met at engage!08: the encore where I learned she has clients from across the nation, including San Diego and also internationally.
In these tough economic times, people are still trying to have their wedding of their dreams but possibly with a reduced budget. Kristy gives her tips here on how to do just that when working with a custom invitation designer.
Tips to save when working with a custom invitation designer1. Choose a design currently in the designer's portfolio and request discounted pricing if only a limited number of customizations are requested. For example, recently Sarah contacted me and absolutely loved my "River Tree". She has a limited budget but wanted invitations with personality. We negotiated a discounted price to include customization of font, paper color, and layout only, instead of beginning a new design from scratch.
2. Limit the number of cards you will need. For example, instead of having a separate card for the reception information, have your designer incorporate that info directly onto the invitation.
3. Opt for a response postcard instead of a response card and envelope. You will save twice; once on the postcard postage and then again on the postage for mailing the entire set (your invitation set will be a bit lighter). Not to mention you will be doing a bit to save on paper!
4. Negotiate with your designer to allow for certain aspects of the design to be DIY. For example, Ikeeshaa recently requested that I create the top layer of her invitation, cut all borders but deliver everything loose for her to assemble at home. She is saving a good amount by taking on this project while still being able to send her guests a custom designed invitation!
5. Address your own envelopes. This is the time to rally the bridesmaids. The secret to great looking envelopes - a fine width calligraphy pen(not the refillable kind). Even everyday handwriting will look fancy when written with this type of pen!
6. Do you love those trendy pocket style folders? Think twice. They add weight, thickness and rigidity thus adding often significant postage costs. Not to mention adding a pocket can add at least $2.00 to the cost of your invitation set. When budget is a concern I recommend an Ensemble Folder made of the same shimmering papers as the more expensive pocket style folders. My Ensemble Folders still present the invite beautifully, but don't add a lot of weight or cost!
