When can I expect to receive my final Custom Designed Invitation Order?

Once we receive your order for custom samples, we will put it into production, which takes about 3 days. Your custom design work then gets mailed to you with order forms, which takes anywhere from 5-10 days, depending upon the US Postal Service.

Once you decide to order your final design with us, you should leave about 2-3 weeks open for the initial order setup, new design work or changes to an existing design from your sample, your proofing and approval process, and the final production and shipping of your order. Your final order is shipped as UPS Ground shipping.

Invitation Outlet will process your design and print job as fast as it can schedule the work. We work very hard to get everything done in a timely fashion, but you still need to schedule yourself time to fold, stuff, address, stamp and mail your invitations after you receive them from us.

Proof By Snail Mail: We will send you a sample of your printed pieces and envelopes through the mail. This way you can actually have the final printed piece in your hand to see how it is going to look. We also include the proof approval forms, which you must sign and return.

But, you can choose to fax us your approvals, rather than returning them by mail and waiting for mail delivery. You also have an option to view your proofs as PDF files that will be attached to your email address, and can be read with Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is a FREE download from their web site for both PC and Macintosh platforms.

Proof by PDF: When you receive the proof approval forms, review them, make changes if any, sign them, and fax them to us.

Please remember that we are not responsible for typographical errors once your approvals are signed and returned to us. We do everything we can to find any errors, but the client is responsible for making sure the final approved type is correct. We charge a $25.00 kill fee for orders canceled after all the design work has been done.

Once we receive your approval to print, your order will be scheduled for printing within 3-4 days. Your invitations are then shipped within 3-4 days after printing. To see how long it will take to reach you, check out our Shipping Chart. You always have the option of using your own UPS or FEDEX account number. Just let us know.

When can I expect to receive my Blank Invitations and Envelopes order?

We do our very best to ship all blank stock orders within 1-3 days of the order confirmation. We will email you a confirmation letter reviewing your order and will give you a specific shipping date at that time. If all items are in stock, your order will ship as soon as possible. If items are not in stock, we will give you a time frame on when they will be available, and will ship the in-stock items first, then the backordered items as soon as we can. We ship UPS Ground. To see how long it will take to reach you, check out our Shipping Chart.

OUR RETURN POLICY: Please count your order immediately upon arrival. If anything is missing, you must call us to request the missing items to be shipped, and they will be shipped as soon as possible with no charge to you. If you find that your blank stock does not work out for your project, you can return for a refund or exchange. Items for a full refund must be returned UNOPENED, IN ORIGINAL CONDITION and WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF PURCHASE. Formal or wedding envelope sets must be returned as original equal sets. You must call us to confirm a return and obtain an RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER.

Products opened but unused and in resalable condition may be returned for a refund or exchange. Upon receipt, we will determine if the product is in resalable condition (in other words, if you took 1 card out and decided it would not work, we will accept the return for resale, as long as it arrives back to us undamaged). Product that has been printed on, cut or used will not be accepted for a refund. All packages accepted for return will be charged a flat restock fee of $7.50, which pays for a recount and new shrink wrapping. Shipping charges will not be credited for the original shipment or return shipment. We require insurance and delivery tracking numbers on all returns. If the items are damaged when they arrive from poor shipping and packing, we will deduct all the damaged items from the credit total. We are not responsible for items lost in shipping. If you ship without a tracking number and the items get lost, we will NOT REFUND YOUR MONEY. Clearance items are not returnable.

Custom sample orders are not refundable. Custom printed orders are not refundable, and printing is done from a signed proof approval page. If you find printing mistakes made by us, please contact us and we will reprint and ship at no charge.

I want to do my invitations myself. Can I order blank invitations and envelopes from you?

We sell blank invitation stock that you can use in your home laser or inkjet printer. Keep in mind that every program and printer is different, so we suggest you order some samples first, and try it out, before you order compete stock from us. Many people try to do it themselves and get frustrated and stop, and they waste their money on a lot of blank stock. You will need to practice with your design several times to get it right.

We sell blank stock in a Sample Pack, which you may customize if you are only looking for specific items. We have complete orders in quantities of 25. See our Blank Invitations and Envelopes or our Blank Samples page for details.

What are your card stock and envelopes like, and why can't the card stock be a heavier weight and thicker?

We offer Folding Cards and Single Cards with an embossed front or a smooth front. Our fold over cards are scored and are 65 pound cover weight. Our single cards are an 80 pound cover weight. Our card stock is NOT a 110+ lb. COVER, TAG or INDEX WEIGHT. Almost all home laser and ink-jet printers can only handle a 67-80 lb. Bristol, or an 80-90 lb. Index, which is comparable to what we sell. If you try to use a heavier card stock, your printer will most likely jam, as the rollers cannot open up enough to compensate for heavier stock. Also, if you use a laser printer, a cover weight is too heavy to bake the toner onto the paper, and ink-jet inks will most likely smear. If you want to use a heavy cover weight paper, you will need to go to an offset printer to order the card stock and have it printed.

You can always buy Blank Samples from us to test your printer, and you should read your owners manual to make sure your printer can handle the stock. We do not carry shiny, glossy or photo card stock. Envelopes are 70 pound weight.

All of our envelopes match the card stock color.

The only card stock colors we offer are white and cream.

We have Plain Envelopes, Single Lined Gummed Envelopes and Formal Wedding Inner and Outer Envelope Sets in white and cream.

We buy from exactly the same paper mills and envelope converters the large invitation companies buy from.

What goes inside a folding invitation?

A folding invitation is considered the utmost classic, formal invitation and it is always blank inside. But, you have the option of placing your response and reception cards and envelope inside or on top of your invitation. Either way is correct. You can also place an engagement or other photo, directions/map card, or anything else that may be mailed inside a folding card.

What does "Embossed Front" mean?

An Embossed front is a single square indented or "pressed" into the paper on the front of the card. They are also referred to as "Debossed" panels.

Close up of an embossed front card.

Can I get samples?

Yes. We offer custom printed samples on our Pricing Guide page, and for blank stock cards and envelope samples, see our Sample Pack page for details.

Can I change the wording from the Gallery sample on the web site? I need invitations for an event other than a wedding.

Yes! The words on the Gallery designs are examples only. You can use our designs for any type of event. We send you a layout sheet to use for all of your wording, but feel free to use the wording on the samples if you wish. Invitation Outlet encourages you to be as creative as you want. After all, it's YOUR design! Invitation Outlet designs Corporate Invitations, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Save The Dates, or any other project you may need.

Do you have colored inks?

No, we only print in black ink.

Do you print envelopes?

Yes, we have an envelope printing service. Please see out Envelope Printing Service page for more information.

Do you have raised type?

We use digital laser printers and the quality is as good as offset. We do not use thermography. Our designs are much too elaborate for that style of printing. Thermography is only suitable for very tiny lines of type, and thermography and offset printing require expensive press set-up charges.

Our prices are low due to the fact that we do not have expensive press runs. We feel our designs are what will make your invitation so unique, no one will ever notice that the type isn't "bumpy".

Everyone will think you hired a graphic artist to design your invitation - and you did!

On the web site, the design example is on a 5 x 7 embossed card, but I want to have my design on a square card. Can I change the paper size?

Absolutely! It is entirely up to you to choose what design you like in what size card you want. All of our designs can be used as Full Sized invitations, Petite Size, Square, or Mini Size. Using the size paper you choose, we will design for you a layout we feel looks best. Remember, you are hiring your own personal graphic artist. It is our job to give you the look you want!

I like the design of one invitation, but the style of the letters of another design. Can I change the type style (font)?

Yes. Many of our customers have a great eye for type styles, and you can request a font substitution for any Gallery Design we have. For example, one customer loved the layout of Modern 104, but inserted the type style of Classic 112, to give it the look she wanted. You can also request the type size to be larger or smaller than the examples. We encourage you to be creative!

How many changes can I make to my final design?

We do not charge for consultation or changes to a design, unless you switch from one design to another that will require design work, not just typesetting. We charge a re-set fee of $10.00 for a complete design switch. We suggest that you order Custom Samples from us, so you can see what your names and words will look like on any of the designs you may be interested in. That way, you can compare each one. See our Pricing Guide for details.

I only need Place Cards and Map Cards. Can I order only those items from Invitation Outlet?

We offer all printed pieces at individual prices, and you do not have to order invitations to be able to order any other printed piece we design. On our order form, you can order only the items you want in as many as you want. We don't require a minimum amount when printing.

What exactly are the Tissues for?

The tissue is just a traditional formality now, but many people still use them. They were originally for when the invitation was written with pen and ink, and the tissue would blot the ink before it would dry to prevent smearing. It is placed on top of your invitation to cover the writing. It is not necessary to cover the whole invitation. In fact, they used to use whatever size blotting tissue they had, so they were in many different sizes. Your other cards are then stacked on top of the tissue, but you can put them inside a folding invitation. Both ways are considered correct.

How many Organza Ribbon Spools should I order?

Depending on the size of the card and the size of the bow you want, we tested the ribbon with our cards, and found that after knotting, making the bow and trimming the ends, a once tied bow around an entire 5x7 or square card will take approximately 1 yard. For punched hole bows, you will need about 1 foot for each bow. For Folding Programs, you can tie around the spine (fold) into a bow with about 1 yard length. We recommend you order at least one extra spool.

What are the dimensions of your cards and envelopes?

 

Card and Envelope Sizes:

Card Type	Card Size
Invitation Cards - A7	5" x 7" Folding: 10" x 7"
Square Cards	6 1/4" x 6 1/4" Folding: 12 1/2" x 6 1/4"
Response/Reception Card - A4	3 1/2" x 4 7/8 " Folding: 7" x 4 7/8"
Petite Sized Card - A2	4 1/4" x 5 1/2" Folding: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Tea Length or #10 Policy	3 7/8" x 8 3/4"

Single Envelope Sizes	Outer /Inner Envelope Sizes
A7 - 5 1/4" x 7 1/4"	Formal Set Outer: 5 3/8" x 7 13/16" Inner: 5 1/4" x 7 9/16" (Jumbo)
Square Outer/Inner Sets	Outer: 6 3/4" x 6 3/4" Inner: 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" (Imperial)
Square Single Envelopes	6 1/2" x 6 1/2 or 6 3/4" x 6 3/4"
A2 Petite - 3 5/8" x 5 1/8"
A4 Response - 4 3/8" x 5 3/4"
Tea Length/ #10 - 4 1/8" x 9 1/2"	Outer: 4 1/8" x 9 1/2" Inner: 3 7/8" x 9"
Outer Mailing Envelopes for   A7 Color Lined:	5 7/16" x 7 7/8"

Inside Card Stock Embossed Panel Area
Invitation Cards - A7	3 7/8" x 5 3/4"
Square Cards	4 15/16" x 4 15/16"
Response/Reception Card - A4	2 1/2" x 3 7/8"
Petite Sized Card - A2	3 1/4" x 4 1/2"
Pearl Border Card - A7	4 1/4" x 6 1/4"

Outside Embossed Panel Border Width
Invitation Cards - A7	5/8"
Square Cards	5/8"
Response/Reception Card - A4	1/2"
Petite Sized Card - A2	1/2"
Pearl Border Card - A7	From outside card edge to inside pearl border edge is 3/8". Border itself is 3/8" wide

How do I get order forms from you?

You can download our order forms as PDF files.

What are your shipping methods and costs?

We ship all orders by UPS Ground or USPS Priority Mail.

UPS Ground has increased their charges due to gasoline prices.
UPS Ground Shipping will be charged as follows:

TOTAL COST OF ORDER:
Under $10.00 - $5.95 - Shipped as USPS Priority Mail
$10.01 - $15.00 - $6.95 - Shipped as USPS Priority Mail
$15.01 - $30.00 - $8.95
$30.01 - $55.00 - $9.95
$55.01 - $85.00 - $12.95
$85.01 - $125.00 - $13.95
$125.01 - $200.00 - $15.95
$200.01 - $300.00 - $18.95
$300.01 - $375.00 - $20.95
$375.01 - $425.00 - $25.95
Over $425.00 - Will Quote

Alaska and Hawaii are sent as UPS or USPS, and will quote.

To see how long it will take to reach you, check out our Shipping Chart.

More Ordering information:

We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Personal Checks or Money Orders. Our on-line order forms are secure and encrypted for safety.

Please remember: We cannot start or finish your order until your Personal Check clears our bank, which may add 10 working days before shipping. We ship UPS Ground at 12 noon Monday-Friday. To see how long it will take to reach you, check out our Shipping Chart. You always have the option of using your own UPS, FEDEX account number. Just let us know.

Remember to coordinate your dates, as your Invitations should be mailed 4-8 weeks before your event, especially if you have guests that need to make travel arrangements. Save The Date cards should be mailed 6-12 months before your Invitations. Announcements should be mailed out to your friends and family on the day of your event, or the day you return from your honeymoon.

If you have any other questions, we will be happy to answer them! The best way to reach us for questions is to call us Toll Free: 877-731-9990. We are open Monday through Friday 9:00 am-7:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Saturdays we are here by chance, so feel free to leave a voice mail message.

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