Finding the right stationer for your wedding paper can be a daunting task. Add it to the list of the million other daunting tasks you have while wedding planning. That is why I wanted to write this post to help give you a list of questions you can ask a stationer and yourselves.

BEFORE REACHING OUT TO THE STATIONER, ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS:

Do you like their overall aesthetic and style? There’s no use even contacting the stationer if their style is not something you like. Even if they may be able to create what you want, it won’t be the right fit.

If you have a wedding planner, have you asked them for a recommendation? Wedding planners work with other vendors all the time and they may know a stationer who would be a great fit for you and your style.

Do they offer semi-custom design or only custom designed invitations? Custom invitations are usually more pricy than semi-custom. Check out this blog post for more info on how much wedding invitations actually cost. If you are looking for super customized invitations and they only offer semi-custom, there is no point in even reaching out to them.

WHAT TO ASK THE STATIONER WHEN YOU REACH OUT

How long do custom invitations take? This is super important to ask before you even hire your stationer. You need to make sure that both of you have enough time to go through the entire process without feeling rushed. You also need to think about the mailing time. Invites usually need to go out 8-10 weeks before your wedding date. That gives guests 4 weeks to RSVP and gives you time to get your final count to the venue. Although I have seen some venues requesting the final count even earlier so double check this with your venue. The stationer can tell you how long of a process it takes for them. Every stationer is different! I typically tell my brides to start about 6-8 months in advance.

**What is included in the price?** Of course, you want to know what your whole suite is going to cost, including any add-ons you may want like ribbon, wax seals, vintage postage, etc. You also want to see if there are separate design fees. Another important thing to ask is concerning assembly. Does the stationer only stuff envelopes or will they tie the ribbon, insert and glue the envelope liner, glue on your postage stamp? Do they even offer assembly? This is important to know ahead of time so you have the correct expectations.

Do you mail invitations for your clients? Some couples want to do the mailing themselves, but for others, it can be a stressful thought.

Can you help me with invitation wording? Most stationers will do this for you. It’s our specialty! But it is always best to check.

Can I use your designs on other pieces or wedding website? If you want to have additional pieces designed to match your invites (menus, programs, etc.) or to go on your wedding website, your stationer will most likely be able to help you with those as well. It’s much easier to work with the same designer on all of the pieces, especially if that designer is also the artist. This is a very important detail because, more than likely, you legally are not allowed to take this design elsewhere to create additional pieces. If the item you want is something the stationer may not do themselves, like an ice sculpture or a floor decal, they may sell you the rights to be able to print their design on other items.

**Do you offer calligraphy envelope addressing?** A lot of stationers are either calligraphers or work with calligraphers to do your envelope addressing. Make sure you ask this ahead of time if that is important to you.

Do you also offer lettering on signs? This is great to know ahead of time if you are planning on having signs and/or mirrors at your wedding. If the stationer is a calligrapher and offers this service (that’s me!), that will go a long way to elevating your wedding by having a cohesive lettering style throughout.

Will you provide us with a timeline? Whether it’s a cute PDF or an excel spreadsheet, this will be very helpful in keeping both you and the stationer on track.

How do you share client proofs and design concepts? A lot of stationers will provide a sketch at first, and then digital mock-ups thereafter to make sure you are all on the same page. You want to ensure you will like your final product. You don’t want to have to reprint anything as that can be an added cost that could have been avoided.

Can your wedding stationer provide real samples? If you want to feel the paper yourself, make sure you ask this. Most couples trust the stationer to know which paper will work best for them and their budget, but you may be curious as to how something feels or how thick a paper is so it’s nice to ask this as well.