Finding an Excellent Invitation Designer

Once you decide custom invitations are for you, how do you find an excellent designer? Here is a list of things to look for and ask about when searching for your perfect paper partner.

• Check out her style. Does her portfolio contain invitations that you love? Her portfolio will be a representation of what she does best. If she doesn’t fit your style, find someone who does.
• Details, details, details. A misspelled name or crooked layer of paper should not be acceptable to a great designer.
• Whose name goes first? A great invitation designer will offer more than just creativity. She should be a great resource for answers to your etiquette questions as well.
• Does she have any specialties? Find out if she has made a particular style or type of invitation her area of expertise. You will both benefit if you hire a designer to do what she does best.
• How long? Find out how long her turn around time is. She may be able to provide the perfect invitation for you but if you can’t have it until after you’ve said “I do,” it probably won’t work out.
• How much? You may be able to afford the price per invitation but make sure you know what other fees and policies you’ll face. Will there be a fee for making a sample? What will the deposit schedule look like? How many changes is she willing to make and at what stage?
• Service. What services does she offer? What kind of printing options does she offer? Will she assemble them? What about addressing and mailing services?
• Do you click? As with any vendor you work with, you want to connect with your invitation designer. Hire someone who understands your vision and wants to make it happen.