CONNECT
The first step is to contact us! You can email (usually the best way), call, text, FaceTime or Skype. We can start the conversation with your inspiration, what you see for your event, is there a theme, anything about you that you would to come through on the invitations? Details like your style, colors, the quantity and event date are also pieces of information that are helpful, but not necessary to start the process.
MEETING
We can meet at one of our offices in Metro Detroit. With all of the apps available to us, a phone call or face-to-face internet chat are very simple. Depending on your budget, we will also fly to your location. Most of our clients “meet” with us through our client sample box. After pricing estimates have been approved, we will send you a customized client box that includes swatches, fonts, sample of printing and lots of other goodies.
QUOTE
After you have received your samples and we have discussed colors, materials and the style, a formal quote will be emailed to you for approval. In most case, there will be additional items that you can pick and choose from. Such items include custom stamp design, envelope liner, die cut envelopes, printing options such as letterpress or foil printing, silk or laser cut folios.
CONTRACT
With the acceptance of a quote, a 50% deposit is required along with a signed contract. A check is preferred for payment but Gourmet Invitations also accepts all major credit cards. The contract will outline dates for information due to Gourmet Invitations and information due back to you. Gourmet Invitations will help you with wording, etiquette and any design ideas. Many of our clients contact us saying “I don’t really know what I want, I’ll just know it when I see it”. It is the ultimate compliment when our clients tell us the invitations were better than anything they ever imagined.
DESIGN
The Fun Part – With your contract and deposit in place, it’s time to start design. We probably have a clear idea what we will be doing at this point. It’s time to see how it looks. You will typically receive up to three different designs and/or font choices and layouts. The proofs will be sent to you as picture proofs through email or an internet sharing site. The more comments and thoughts you can provide will allow for the follow-up design to be something you love. After the invitation graphics, fonts and overall look have been approved, we will finish with the design and approval of all of the other printed pieces.
PRODUCTION TIME
Production time varies from 3 days to a month. It just depends on the type of printing, processes and manufacture of certain elements. We will typically allow for about one month for manufacture after the design proofs are approved. Allowing the time needed to finish your order ensures everything will be amazing. That said, rush orders are always possible. Contact us as soon as you can and we'll see what we can do for you.
DELIVERY
Approximately 2-1/2 months before the event, you will receive your invitations. We will have talked about time requirements before the contract is put in place and delivery will follow your particular timeline. We ship all invitations by UPS unless another shipping method was discussed. Gourmet Invitations also offers to stuff, seal, stamp and mail your invitations for you.
FINISHING TOUCHES
There is nothing we enjoy more than having all of the paper at your wedding coordinate with the invitations. It makes a huge impact on your guests to see the invitation design come to life at the event. Programs, menus, place cards, escort cards, table markers, napkins, sign and even lighting and cake design are all items that we can design for the perfect reception.
CLIENTS FOR LIFE
The ultimate compliment is when we hear from clients after their event and want to work together again. If it is as a referral for friends or other life events like housewarming parties, birthday parties, baby showers and birth announcements, we look forward to working with all of our clients for years to come.
PRODUCTS, MATERIALS & METHODS
PRICING
Once we have talked about the details, we can provide you with pricing estimates. We will always try to work with you to recommend a style that will fit within your budget. There is no minimum quantity but the minimum order for wedding invitations is $2500. The final details of your invitation suite will be determined based upon your quantity, inserts, printing style, materials and finishings.
TYPE OF INVITATIONS
Panel Non-Folding
Folded Cards or Folios
Gatefolds
Tri-Folds
Invitations with Pockets
Padded
Boxes
Custom shapes
MATERIALS
Cardstock & Paper
Wood
Acrylic & Plexiglass
Lace
Silk
Velvet & Suede
Linen & Canvas
Metal
Cork
Unexpected – let’s try something new!
PRINTING TECHNIQUES
Digital
Offset
Foil Stamping
Screen Printing
Thermography
Letterpress
Engraving
Debossing
Embossing
Laser Cutting
Etching
Metal Appliques
Hand Painting
BRAND YOUR EVENT!
RECEPTION & PARTY DECOR
Every event has it’s own style and purpose. Paper accents help to communicate this style and message to your guests. Here are just a sampling of the fun details that can help put a finishing touch on your event:
Table Markers
Place Cards
Escort Cards
Menus
Event Programs
Directional Signage
Seating Chart
Guest Itineraries
Maps
Do Not Disturb Hangers
Photo Booth Envelopes
Cocktail Drink Cups
Personalized Coffee Cups
Buffet Signs
Cocktail Hour Markers
Poster-Size Signs & Menus
Napkins
Hand Towels
Stir Sticks
Straws
Favor Tags
Labels & Stickers
Favor Bags / Boxes
Favor / Donation Cards
Napkin Wraps
Cake Boxes
Water Bottles and Labels
ANYTHING you can dream up!
