Overall, the average timing from start date to the day that your items ship out is 5-6 weeks.
Once you have found a design that translates to your wedding style - head over to the order page on the website to select the package of items that you need. Complete the form and submit - and we will respond within 24-48 business hours with your first invoice (50% is due initially to secure the products) plus forms to collect important information (example - what needs to be on your details card insert, or dinner menu content for day-of paper goods).
When the forms are complete and sent back to F&Q, we will begin the design process! Design time takes between 1-2 weeks, variable on what you ordered + how many products have been ordered. Then there are two complimentary proofs to adjust any small changes like spelling, times and such. Once your proofs are finalized and approved - we will send everything off for printing and processing.
Once the paper prints are finished - they are sent back to us for final processing. We go through each individual piece to inspect and quality control before packing them up to ship to you. Once they are shipped out - we will send the tracking link plus any guidelines to assist in assembling your items!
Larger signage is dropped shipped from our printer and shipped directly to you, in order to save shipping costs (larger and heavier items cost more to ship, plus we are trying to save an environmental footprint where we can).
invitations - when should I order?
Short answer - as soon as possible! This will secure your items and date.
We recommend postmarking (mailing them at the post office) 10-12 weeks before your wedding date. For design, proofing, and finally printing and processing - it averages about 4-6 weeks. That makes the very minimum timeframe for ordering between 14-18 weeks before your wedding date.
It is in your best interest to order even sooner than that which will get you on our calendar and into the queue!
day-of signage & paper goods - when should I order?
Same short answer as above - as soon as possible! Even if your wedding is, for example, eight months away - ordering upfront then secures the services and items. We will reach out initially, but will follow up closer to the wedding date once you have finalized things like dinner menu and bar options.
At the very minimum - signage and day-of should be ordered no less than 6 weeks before your wedding day in order to qualify as a regular order and not a rush job.
invitations - how many should I order?
We recommend ordering 15 extra or 15%-20% additional than the number that you need, depending on your count. Also, this is for how many households you have (count of addresses - which is less than how many guests you are expecting since some will be married or a family at one address).
If your household list is 25, add in an extra 15 and order a total of 40 for all pieces.
If your household list is 100, add in an extra 20 and order a total of 120 for all pieces.
This allows you to have extras for any situation that may happen (last minute add on guests, invitations getting lost or damaged in the mail, a guest's address changes after being sent out) + ones for keepsake and photography. You will most definitely want extras and be happy that you ordered them upfront!
can add in items that are not shown on the website or in the order form?
Absolutely! Please let us know before the design begins so we can prepare for those additional items.
For invitations - one example - if you would like to add an additional insert that is specific to your wedding timeline or vibe.
For signage - one example - you would like to add in a large sign that states that your ceremony is unplugged with no devices to be used during it.
what are your shipping options?
We use UPS Ground as our standard shipping carrier. If you wish to change to a faster shipping time, please send us a message in your Client Portal with the request and we will adjust the shipping cost on the final invoice.
when do I see my first proof?
Once you place your order - we will follow up between 24-48 business hours afterwards. In that follow up email, we will attach our documents that you will use to supply us with content for your items plus any additional support files needed (if you are doing invitations, we send out a file required for your guests address list). We will also determine if you wish to change anything in the design - fonts, colors - or upgrades like letterpress or handmade paper.
Once all the changes have been finalized + the required content is received - we will begin on your design. Design time, on our end, averages about 1-2 weeks - and once that is complete we will send your first proof(s).
If you have added in upgrades and finishing touches - like wax seals and wraps - those will take an extra week to design and present.
can I see a design before I place an order?
Digital proofs with your specific content and/or changes are only available after ordering and first payment is received. We do not offer physical proofs before sending to print, but we will have a digital mockup of all your items for viewing on your devices. These digital proofs will have your supplied content and information and will be signed off on, to ensure all is correct, before sending to print and production.
do I get to keep or use the digital files?
No, you cannot use or keep them - and that includes any artwork within them - in any capacity beyond what we print and sell to you. All of our files are copyrighted and owned by Fete & Quill and Hello Wedding!.
can I change the overall design?
The design of each collection remains as-is. Layout, alignment, artwork and such cannot be altered as it is will compromise the overall look. We do allow changing print colors - with the exception of artwork, like watercolor florals, which will stay the same; switching up font and type styles for headers and focal content (like your names); changing envelope colors; adjusting colors on specific envelope liners (that state that they have that option). Additionally, small content adjustments are allowed - certain headers like "With Joy in Their Hearts" or on a Seating Chart "Kindly Find Your Seat" to a different short line can be done.
what if I need to change the quantities and items ordered?
If you need to increase quantities, please let us know as soon as possible. For example, if you ordered 75 invitations and now need 100 - we need to know this change before going to print. If all has been sent to print, that extra 25 will be a new order at that quantity price point and will be printed at a later date and arrive after the initial order with an additional shipping cost.
Once you have made the order - that quantity and items ordered is firm and final. You can increase and add in additional items - and that can be adjusted in the final invoice and sent to print and production as long as the request is before your order has been sent to print.
can I order one invitation suite? what about other quantities?
Our invitation order minimum is 35, we do not offer single orders for invitation suites. Same for all the add-ons and finishes for invitations.
Large signage is available as a single sign order. Tabletop signage, like bar menus, can also be single orders. Dinner menus, place and escort cards order minimum starts at 25.
do you offer invitation assembly?
We do not offer full-suite assembly at this time. We due process and assemble certain aspects of a suite - liners will be attached to the envelopes + any wrap will be scored and folded and ready for you to insert all pieces inside. We also do go through each single piece before sending it to you - to ensure the quality of it + cross check all variable data items between the physical pieces and your content list provided.
do you offer envelope postage?
We do not offer postage or vintage stamp assistance. There will be a guide emailed to you before your invitations ship out that will assist you when sourcing postage and what to do once you get your suites.
Fete & Quill and Hello Wedding! is not liable for any and all envelopes mailed that have incorrect postage.
am I able to cancel or receive a refund for my order?
This is conditional on one situation. If you accidentally ordered - you must email us and inform us immediately. If you have not completed our content sheets and submitted them, a 100% refund will be allowed. Once a content sheet has been submitted and design has begun, no refund can be supplied at that time.
All sales are final and non-refundable. All orders are subject to and agree to our Terms and Conditions.