handcrafted custom & semi-custom invitation suties
the process
We are here to help you create the wedding invitation of your dreams. At Callidora Letterpress & Design, we offer both Semi-Custom and Custom Save The Date and Invitation Suites. From the design process, through letterpress printing, and the hand-crafting of your suite, we handle every step of the invitation process entirely in-house. This ensures that we have complete control over the quality of our product at all times. Your wedding invitation will generate excitement and set the tone for your entire event. We want your save the date, invitation, and day-of accessories to be a distinctive stamp of style for your wedding celebration. Learn more about our Custom Invitation Suite Process and Semi-Custom Invitation Suite Process below.
Custom Invitation Suite Process
Custom Invitation suites are unique to each couple and tailored to reflect the overall aesthetic of the wedding as well as the couple’s story. The custom invitation suite process includes a custom Quote Consultation, Design Consultation, and Custom Design Process where Carrie and the couple will work together to design a suite that is uniquely personalized.
Our invitation design process begins with an initial Quote Consultation via phone, email or in person. We discuss your invitation needs, your wedding theme, and your wedding paper budget. We love to see items that have inspired your wedding aesthetic. This sometimes includes photographs of your dress, flowers, cake, wedding location, and color swatches. We know you’re one of a kind, and so are our custom wedding invitations. Every single wedding invitation that we handcraft is unique.
Custom Quote Consultation
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After the initial Quote Consultation, Carrie will follow up within a few business days with your Custom Quote and Contract. We will also send over all the details of how to book and secure your spot with Callidora, which includes a 50% deposit due at the time of booking. After we have confirmed your order together and your deposit is received, you will receive our Welcome Email to confirm you are officially booked along with your customized schedule. The first item in the schedule will be to book the Design Consultation. We will discuss in great detail all the pieces, colors, material details and design direction of your invitation suite. If the Design Consultation is not in person, Carrie will curate and mail a sample guide so final selections may be viewed in person.
Custom Design Consultation
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Following the Design Consultation, the final suite selections and schedule is agreed upon and the wording request is sent out. Wording direction and etiquette guidance will be provided. Once wording is finalized, the design process starts. Upon design completion, your Design Presentation PDF will be sent along via email. You will see 2-3 full suite design variations based off of the initially established design direction from the Design Consultation. Upon review, up to 2 rounds of revisions may be requested from one of the selected designs. Design is finalized and a Design Proof PDF is sent via email. The Design Proof PDF will receive written approval and the remaining balance is due at the time of final proof approval. Your suite is now ready for the handcrafting phase.
Custom Design Presentation
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Upon final approval and remaining balance payment, your suite is now ready for Carrie to begin the hand-crafting phase. This phase includes the letterpress printing of your suite and embellishment finishes such as envelope liners, wax seals and silk ribbons. All of Callidora’s wedding suites are letterpress printed in the studio by Carrie. The process of letterpress printing is a tedious labor-intensive art that requires the utmost attention to detail. During the handcrafting process, we will take great care to ensure quality and consistency throughout your suite. Once the process is complete, your suite is ready for pick-up or delivery!
Custom Handcrafting & Delivery
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Semi-Custom Collection Invitation Suite Process
All suites found in The Collection are uniquely customizable. Once you have selected a Semi-Custom Design from The Collection, you are able to choose your customization options to make the semi-custom suite yours. You may customize your information/text, quantity, fonts, color palette, paper choice, envelope, and add-on optional suite embellishments such as silk ribbons, wax seals or guest envelope addressing. Email carrie@callidoradesign.com to request the Semi-Custom Suite Collection and Investment Guide.
Similar to the Custom Invitation Suite design process, the Semi-Custom Collection also begins with an initial Quote Request. This is done via email from a Semi-Custom Quote Request Form. Within the form, you will fill in your desired quantities, printing process, suite pieces, and embellishment add-ons. As with our custom suites, we know you’re one of a kind, and our semi-custom collection suites are easily customizable to create a suite that is uniquely yours.
Semi-Custom Quote Request
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You will then send along your Semi-Custom Quote Request Form, including all desired suite pieces for your semi-custom quote. Carrie will follow up within a few business days with your Semi-Custom Quote and contract. We’ll also send over all the details of how to book and secure your Semi-Custom Design time with Carrie, which includes a 50% deposit due at the time of booking.
You do not need to know your selection Collection Suite at time of booking. You also do not need your wording & customization options at this time.
Semi-Custom Booking
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Next, let Carrie know you are ready to place your order and send along your signed contract and 50% deposit. After we have confirmed your order together, and your deposit is received, you will receive our Welcome Email to confirm you are officially booked along with your customized schedule. This will also include our Semi-Custom Design Form, where you’ll fill out all your wording, color choices & details. Wording direction and etiquette guidance will be provided so you may gather the text for each piece of your suite. Once wording is finalized, Carrie starts in on the semi- custom design process.
Semi-Custom Design Form
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You will receive a Design Proof PDF sent via email after we receive all of your information, wording, and Semi-Custom design selection. You will have 48 hours to review and make change requests on your proof. You will receive up to two complimentary proof PDFs. Further proofs may be subject to proofing fees. Upon final proofing approval, your remaining balance will be due. Once the proof contract and balance is received, the handcrafting process of your invitations will begin. Please allow 3 to 5 weeks for print and production, from the time of final approval until the ship/pick up date. Please allow an extra 1 to 3 weeks for venue illustrations or custom add-on requests.
Semi-Custom Handcrafting & Delivery
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Letterpress Printing & Hand-Crafting Process
During printing each piece of paper and each envelope is hand-fed, one sheet at a time and one color at a time, giving each piece a beautiful impression. Letterpress offers a warmth and quality that is not easily duplicated by other printing methods. Slight variances in ink color and impression occur and these variations are celebrated as they are inherent to our handmade items. All of our pieces are printed on our antique Golding Printing Presses (circa 1880 and 1910) and are handmade in our studio on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
