Wedding Invites, etc..

[SouthernGirl]

Hello everyone! :) I just wanted to ask everyones opinion on something :)

My FH is a graphic designer and we were talking about ways he could make a lil extra money, and I had always wanted him to design our invites and other stuff for the wedding I thought it'd be a nice personal touch to it..

So my question is this as brides (or whatever your role is) would you pay someone to design your invites, reception cards, thank you cards, and whatever else you could use your "design" for, so that your wedding would be truly unique?

[KristyGirl]

I would. I made all my invitations and the hardest thing for me was the design. I knew what I liked/didn't like and had a style in mind, but am so computer illiterate when it comes to that sort of thing. DH eventually stepped in and took over on that part, but still, I would have loved the detail and expertise of someone who did that type of thing on a more regular basis.

[Smile1Jen]

I definitely would, just because i've seen lots of invitations that i like, but wish there was something i could change to make it "the perfect one"

[AngelinLove]

I would depending on the cost!!!! I am happy with what I found for my wedding, it went perfectly with my theme...but if I had not found them I might have needed something uniquely designed!!!

[LaceyinPgh]

No beause to me, I didn't care what the invitations looked like, as long as they were simple. I didn't even really pick them out, my husband did. As for the rest of the paper products, we only did programs, menu, and favor cards. Those were all very simple too. But, I know a lot of people really nit pick over this so it might be a good idea to try out.

[Kacie_bride]

I put depending on the cost. I would really like it and if I had a lot of money to spend I think I defiantely would.

[SoontobeMrsClark07]

If the price is right I would... if not, then I'm going to say no. A lot of my guests are going to throw away the invitation anyway so I'm not going to spend a lot of money on them.

[SerendipityCrafts]

Hugh and I are both graphic designers & obviously consumers too. Like everyone, we like to get good value when we shop and as such, most people will want the same re: invites etc.

What we have found is that most people do not realize just how much time is spent in good design (the back and forth, the changes etc.) just like we might not realize the time involved in fixing our car, for example.

Take a look at what is already out there and what the going rate is for custom designed invites. Then have him decide how long it might take him (including customer changes) & if he can do it for the same or less.

If so, have him prepare some unique designed samples and post photos of them to a web site or a photo album.

Good luck!

[Jenn060306]

I am a Graphic Designer so i created my own. But if i wasn't i would have looked into it. I feel that the invitation is the first thing your guests will see of your wedding. It helps to set the tone of the whole wedding. Plus, it gives a little insight into the couple for the guests who only know one member of the couple. Or for family who you haven't seen in a very long time.
I think as long as the costs are reasonable its great. But i am definatly bias. Since i want to get into that business.

[SerendipityCrafts]

I am a Graphic Designer

So many creative types here - I love it; kindred spirits! We should have our own board to bounce ideas around :)

[Jenn060306]

So many creative types here - I love it; kindred spirits! We should have our own board to bounce ideas around :)

that would be fun.

[countrygirl]

I am not an artist by any means, but I did do my own invites. THey turned pretty nice too!!

[SerendipityCrafts]

I am not an artist by any means ..

Betcha you are .... the artist in you is just hiding :)

[countrygirl]

Betcha you are .... the artist in you is just hiding :)

Thanks ELizabeth. I did actually draw and write in calligraphy alot when I was younger, I just haven't done it in a while.

[SerendipityCrafts]

Thanks ELizabeth. I did actually draw and write in calligraphy alot when I was younger, I just haven't done it in a while.Ahhhhhhhh calligraphy is an art onto itself! Brush up on it and you could start a side business of your own. The real thing is so much nicer than computer generated.

I forget what they are called but with a jewish marriage ceremony they have a "contract" done up which the bride and the groom sign before the ceremony. This isn't just any contract though. It is illustrated and some I have seen were done with calligraphy; very fancy & they are just beautiful!

[ikkin510]

We made our own invites, but had someone else come up with the basic design. We just took the basic and elaberated and came up with what everyone is telling us, is a beautiful invitation. I really like the invites that people have input in designing. I think they come more from the heart then.

[countrygirl]

I got a calligraphy set when I was ten, and I still have it. Every thing works great w it. I should pull it out and play w it a bit.

[JennF]

The head of my department has a custom invitation business on the side. She helped me with mine and I love them because we had so much input. So I'd say yes, if I had it to do over I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

There are a few things that I think anyone should consider if they're thinking about an invitation business based solely on things she told me during the whole design process. She's burning out a little and here's why:

1. It's not just the design that goes into making the invitation. Most people are going to be looking for someone to assemble them as well. It's cutting and sizing and gluing (if you have multiple layers...and if you look around a lot of the really popular custom invitations do.)

2. You'll also need to be aware of materials. Color is a big one. Not every store or vendor is going to carry that perfect shade of burgundy (pink, red, periwinkle, orange, you name it) card stock. And envelope sizes can be an issue. Although all of this could be fun to track down and you may already have a handle on that sort of thing...it was just a big shock to me how complicated it could get...and I just wanted something simple. :)

3. The clients. Even though everyone on this board did things in a timely manner I'm sure. ;) There are always going to be rush orders, last minute changes, errors in proofing.

That said...these are things that are getting to her and sucking the fun out of it for her. She loves to design the invitations (and she's great at it, I can't wait to show you a picture of mine.) but the grind of actually producing them really gets her down.

If those things wouldn't bother you, I'd say go for it! It can be profitable, and I can see how could be a lot of fun. I had a ball working with her on mine.