Custom Fine Art Wedding Invitations & Calligraphy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Let us know if you have a question that is not listed below. You can always reach us at hello@leslieandpaper.com


How much is the average investment?

With all our invitations being custom-tailored for each client, all projects will vary in cost. Many elements influence the final cost of each custom project such as printing method, quantity needed, and any special embellishment add-ons. We do our very best to accommodate your submitted desired budget range or we will make recommendations on how to best serve you. Our pricing begins at $4,500 for all new projects, regardless of the quantity count.

An initial 30% non-refundable deposit fee, along with a signed contract, is required to secure your spot on our design calendar.

If you are interested in having us do your day-of reception paper goods, you will be quoted separately and must be paid in full prior to starting project.

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As a general guideline, our pricing is scaled. What this means is that the price-per-piece is much higher for couples who order lower quantity suites. Since the amount of design work we do does not change, the price-per-piece goes down with higher quantity ordered suites.


Below is a list of what is included in Leslie & Paper’s standard proposals:

  • A Save the Date project includes the invitation card, mailing outer envelope with a custom envelope liner and digitally printed return address on the back flap

  • A Wedding Invitation Suite project includes the main invitation & mailing outer envelope with a custom envelope liner and a digitally printed return address on the back mailing outer envelope flap. If you would like inner envelopes, that is not included, but you may request this as an add-on item for an additional cost. This project also includes the reply card & reply mailing envelope along with a digitally printed return address on the front and a custom reply envelope liner

  • Unlimited proofing rounds, artwork and calligraphy for any of your luxury invitation suite projects

  • Embellishment accessory recommendations from us (or Client requested add-ons) like vellum, velvet, fine twine, silk ribbon, wax seals, vintage stamps*, etc.

  • Sourcing luxurious high-quality materials best suited for the overall vision design

  • Full printing in the highest quality

  • Starting minimum price range for standard issue USPS postage for mailing of the invitation suite (for U.S. Domestic couples only)

  • Full assembly, envelope stuffing, applying postage and mailing* with utmost care

  • Two complimentary invitation suite sets, with one suite set stored in a glass heirloom box (shipped separately to you)

    • All custom full-service luxury packages receive the second set as the Photographer’s package (for wedding photography & styling) that will be mailed out separately to your photographer on your behalf

For handwritten calligraphy orders, you may click HERE for more information.

We pride ourselves in working with only the highest quality materials and specialty printing. For a personalized quote, please head on over to our Inquire page.

*Please see “Do you provide your services and ship internationally?” question for more information on in-house assembly & postage + mailing services for International couples inquiring our services.


HOW MANY INVITATIONS SHOULD I ORDER?

It is important to remember to count household rather than individual guest. We recommend ordering 5%-10% additional invitation suites to account for any missing pieces lost in the mail or for last-minute add-ons. Your family may also want to have some as keepsakes.

If extras are needed after your invitations have been printed, it will cost the client double for each additional re-ordered suite. It is very expensive to reprint, assemble, calligraph, and re-mail. Any extras will be mailed back to the client at the completion of the project. When in doubt, order extras!


Can I purchase design only services and have them printed somewhere else?

No, Leslie & Paper is a design-print company only. It is important for us to oversee the complete process from start to finish to ensure the highest quality for our clients. All of our full-service projects carry our small logo branding within the mailer’s custom liners. We also do not offer digital invitation suites.


How far in advance should I book my invitation order?

Our bookings are scheduled months up to one year in advance due to the nature of custom work. Our creative director, Ange, only accepts a very limited number of custom clients each year to ensure the utmost attention to every single detail and to provide the highest level of customer service. It is always best to inquire and book once you have secured your wedding date and venue.

A project may take a few days, a few weeks or a few months before heading to print throughout the creative process. Every project scope is unique. Although we accept a very limited amount of projects each year, sometimes we undertake certain projects on our Design calendar depending on how quickly you can turnaround your sketches and proofs. At the same time, each project will also vary with how on time you can meet your responsibilities in your custom timeline we set up for you. Most clients reach those dates much sooner. Overall, if your custom timeline deadlines are met by the requested due date, then there will not be any delays and we will be ready before heading to print. Some projects will require extra time, and for those bigger projects, time will be carefully budgeted into your timeline.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the on-going supply chain issues and shortages, if you already know you want to work with us, please book and secure your spot as soon as possible. This will not guarantee but can help immensely when it comes to your most cherished ordered materials to be in stock and arrive with plenty of time before your scheduled mail date. In addition, we will never present you with an out of stock material option. Thank you for your understanding.


when should i mail out my wedding invitations?

Save-the-dates

6 - 8 months before your wedding date

Destination Save-the-dates

8 - 12 months before your wedding date

Wedding Invitations

2 months before your wedding date, but we suggest longer if save-the-dates were not sent

Destination Wedding Invitations

3 - 4 months before your wedding date, but we suggest longer if save-the-dates were not sent


Who owns the property and rights to the designs once they have been produced by the Designer and paid for by the Client?

Leslie & Paper LLC retains the ownership of its copyright in any and all designs pursuant to federal copyright law. Any and all work produced in connection with, are expressly and solely owned by Leslie & Paper LLC.


What if we love our custom designed artwork? May we buy the digital file for personal use only?

Yes, you have the opportunity to purchase our extended use license which allows unlimited use of a digital file version of the artwork, that was custom created for you, for personal use only. We have clients work with their wedding planner (or themselves) to use their custom artwork on tangible wedding details like cocktail foiled napkins, wedding cake, dance floor artwork, etc. The possibilities are endless. The extended use license does not allow any printing of our designs through a third party as Leslie & Paper is a design-print company only. It is important for us to oversee the complete paper goods process from start to finish to ensure the highest quality for our clients. Please email us for more information.


how long does the process take?

Our standard turnaround times (unless otherwise noted):

  • Custom Invitation Design Process: 8-16 weeks from start to finish from your wedding mail due date, depending upon printing method, sourcing, and proofing process.

  • Custom Invitation (Initial Proof Design): 7-14 business days

  • Letterpress/Foil Printing: 4-6 weeks after final proof approval

  • Digital Printing: 2-3 weeks after final proof approval

  • Envelope Calligraphy: 2-3 weeks from receipt of the final list and delivery of envelopes

  • All Other Related Calligraphy Projects: 2-3 weeks from receipt of the final list and delivery of project materials

For more information about our process, please visit the Our Process Overview page.


Can I add more envelope addresses after my order has completed?

Yes and no. Please make sure your list is finalized prior to the start of the project (for custom calligraphy orders). For custom invitation orders, your guest address list must be finalized at the time your design proof is approved for printing. In the event that an address needs to be added, you will be subject to our availability plus a set-up fee and billed at double the cost of one quoted guest addressed envelope price*.

*Example: $10.00 per guest addressed envelope will become $20.00 for each newly added guest addressed envelope.


why do i have to provide extra envelopes when purchasing calligraphy addressing?

Mistakes are unavoidable when it comes to handwritten work. It is an industry standard to ensure your calligrapher is provided with at least 20% or 20 additional card stock envelopes (whichever is more) for all envelope calligraphy and return address printed orders.

Handmade or textured envelopes require 30% extra for all orders. The fibrous texture of handmade envelopes are incredibly delicate that can lead to calligraphic errors but render absolutely gorgeous results.


I received an envelope that has an incorrect address on it. Will you send a corrected one?

First and foremost, we are truly sorry if you received an envelope with an incorrect address. Please email Leslie & Paper a complete list of the guests’ names and addresses that will need corrections within 48 hours of receiving the order and we will replace it for free. However, if the mistake is found in the address list submitted by the client, there will be a set-up cost with an additional error fee added to the client’s order. Your addresses are written exactly as they appear on your address list and we do not make etiquette or spelling corrections.

Please note, client submitted error corrections are subjected to our open availability.


will all my envelopes look exactly the same?

Each address will look different depending on the letters, length of names, street names, etc. and will differ visually upon comparison. The nature of hand-addressed envelopes will always vary compared to that of printed addresses. This is part of the beauty of handwritten calligraphy! Each envelope is a single work of art. It must be appreciated as such.


What is your return policy?

Due to the custom nature of all of our work, we do not offer refunds or returns. Also, please keep in mind when ordering handwritten envelope calligraphy, no two pieces will be identical. Should you have any questions or concerns on any of your finished pieces, please do not hesitate to contact us.


do you provide your services and ship internationally?

Yes! We provide custom stationery and calligraphy services for Domestic & International clients. We do not provide curation of vintage stamps or postage + mailing services for internationally-based clients when booked for custom wedding paper goods. This invitation suite accessory (vintage stamps) add-on service is only available for (USA) Domestic clients.*

*Internationally-based clients will have their wedding invitation suites mailed fully assembled by us minus postage. Internationally-based clients bear the responsibility of postage assembly + mailing only.

We are not responsible for any additional tariffs and taxes that may be charged by your local customs duty. These are not included in the total cost of your order. We recommend you research what fees may be in place in your country or state.