FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

General

How does the custom design process work? top
Visit the Design Process page to see step-by-step how it works.
Can I choose one of the designs I see on your website? top
Definitely! If you see a design on the website that you like, just let me know. I can almost any of the designs and alter them for your specific needs. Even if you see a Mommy Card that you love but are looking for an announcement, not a problem! This option may also allow us to waive the $25 design fee, depending on the number of changes needed or requested.
Can I do a phone consultation? top
Definitely! I prefer it. I understand how busy life is these days and the last thing I want to do is add stress to your already busy schedule. I am happy to do a phone consultation with you to gather information from you. I often ask you to email any samples or ideas you have in mind that you might otherwise bring to an in-person consultation so I know what direction to go in the designing process. Be sure to provide your phone number and the best time for me to reach you.
Do I need to bring anything to the initial consultation? top
We do not require you to bring anything specific to a consultation except you. However, whenever we meet with a new client, we like to ask them to bring any pictures or samples they might have that will show us their style, their likes and dislikes, their wedding colors, etc. Magazine pictures, fabric and color swatches, photos, other stationery you like are great things to bring.
If I already have an idea in mind can you work with that? top
Yes, we love it when you have something in mind and we get to breathe life into the idea. We work really hard to create exactly what you envision and your ideas are always encouraged.
What if I have no specific ideas in mind for my stationery? top
No problem! I get this a lot actually. Clients come to me and say, "I need a green and lavender invitation but other than that I have no ideas". I have had baby stationery clients who simply email me a photo of the nursery bedding and I take it from there, creating something that coordinates with items they've already shown me they like. I am always excited to be creative any chance I get so come with or without ideas!
How can I see the proofs you create for me? top
We will post all design proofs on our website under your account and send you an email with a specific link and instructions on how to view your proofs. We have had so many clients comment how easy and preferred it was to be able to view their proofs online at any time. If requested, samples can be mailed to you.
Can I change my order? top
Yes and No. This is a more complicated question because it depends on when change is requested and what the change is. Generally, we can accommodate most changes so don't hesitate to ask. Just know that some changes may result in additional cost.
What are the differences between the Glossy, Art, Linen and Iridescent papers? top
The Glossy paper is similar to a greeting card you might find in a store - smooth, seamless, slight shine. Art paper is a more natural fibered paper with a slight watercolor-like texture. Linen paper offers a nice elegant linen textured surface. The Iridescent paper has a metallic pearlized shimmer and has a soft candlelight coloring. For certain stationery designs we might suggest or recommend a particular paper to get the best print quality and overall look.
Can you do envelope addressing (return address, to address)? top
Yes, we are happy to offer envelope printing in a wide variety of fonts. Return address printing for all occasions is available for $.50/envelope. Address printing is offered at $1.25/single envelope and $2.25/set (inner and outer envelopes). Address information will need to be submitted electronically in Excel spreadsheet format. Please note that we may not be able to print on all envelopes/sizes. Pricing is for black ink. Colored ink available upon request for an additional fee.
How long does it take to receive my order? top
For wedding stationery, I typically require at least 1 month from the initial consultation to delivery. Ideally, I like to give myself 2 months to ensure sufficient time and the best output. However, I have been able to accommodate brides in a bind and deliver within 2 weeks. There is an additional $250 fee for rush orders on wedding stationery.

For most other stationery you will usually receive your order within 7-10 days once I receive a confirmation from you on the design. However, we have been able to accommodate orders on a much smaller time frame, if necessary. Rush orders may require additional fees.
What forms of payment do you accept? top
Heth Design accepts personal checks, cashiers checks and cash. Payments may be held for up to 10 days. A fee of $35 will be assessed for all returned checks. I do not currently accept credit cards. However, I am willing to setup a Paypal payment option for anyone wishing to pay with credit card. A small service fee will be added to your final invoice for Paypal payments.

Wedding

How much do you charge for wedding stationery? top
There are so many factors that go into a wedding stationery package and because each design is tailor made for each couple I work with, there is no easy pricing guidelines. Generally invitation packages start around $3/invitation, but again each invitation can vary greatly so prices will be different from person to person.

Items to consider that will influence the price of your design package include color vs. black printing; flat or raised ink or foil; paper type(s); quantity; No. of insert cards; do you want ribbon or some other embellishment; single or double envelopes with or without a liner, etc. There's a lot to consider, however if you are working within a budget, I am always happy to suggest options or alternatives to fit your budget.
Why do I need an Inner and Outer envelope for my invitation? top
There are several purposes of the Inner envelope. Essentially it ensures that guests have a clean envelope to keep the invitation and its inserts together. The Outer envelope gets handled and stamped in the mailing process, and guests are able to throw it away and still have the Inner envelope to hold everything.

The Inner envelope also acts as a way for you to designate the specific guests that are invited. For example, the outer envelope would be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. David Elliott". On the inner envelope, you would list any and all other family members that are included in the invitation. For example, "David, Sarah, Jonathan, Hannah and Stephen". Adversely, if you only intend to invite the adults, you would simply write "David and Sarah". If you have a single guest and you want them to know they are welcome to bring a guest, you would indicate that on the Inner envelope like so "Mr. Jonathan Adams and [Guest's Name]".
Do you offer lined inner envelopes? top
In most situations, yes. There is a limited color selection and there are some sizes that don't allow for liners but just ask and I'd be happy to check.
Do you do envelope addressing? top
Yes, we are happy to offer envelope printing in a wide variety of fonts. Return address printing for all occasions is available for $.50/envelope. Address printing is offered at $1.25/single envelope and $2.25/set (inner and outer envelopes). Address information will need to be submitted electronically in Excel spreadsheet format. Please note that we may not be able to print on all envelopes/sizes. Pricing is for black ink. Colored ink available upon request for an additional fee.
When should I send out Save The Dates? top
It's recommend that you send Save the Date cards a year to six months in advance to give your guests plenty of time to put the date on the calendar and begin making travel arrangements.
What is the proper way to assemble my invitations? top
Check out my assembly guide (PDF).
When should I mail my wedding invitations? top
It is recommend that you mail your invitations 4-6 weeks before the wedding date if you sent out Save the Dates. However, if you decided against Save the Dates I suggest sending the invitations up to 8 weeks before the wedding date.
How many programs should I order for the ceremony? top
This question can be tricky. Proper etiquette suggests ordering one program/guest. However, I have found that brides often have a number of programs left over and end up throwing them away. This is what I often suggest: If portions of the ceremony require guest participation (i.e. congregational song, group reading, etc.) then plan for one program/guest. Otherwise, I have found that ordering programs for roughly 3/4 of your expected guests is sufficient. Typically, couples often share a program and younger kids will not take one. If you are still uncertain of how many to order, then err on the side of caution and stick to the one program/guest ratio!
If I have an image, photo, or graphic I want to use can you incorporate it into our design? top
Yes, I can incorporate photos and images into most designs as long as they are in the proper file format and the images are at a high enough resolution to maintain the print quality. Additional charges may apply to images that need retouching, enhancing, etc. Copyright images will not be reproduced without written permission.

How long does it take to receive my wedding stationery? top
Typically, from the initial consultation to delivery, I require at least 1 month. Ideally, I like to give myself 2 months to ensure sufficient time and the best output. However, I have been able to accommodate brides in a bind and deliver within 2 weeks. There is an additional $250 fee for rush orders.

Baby

What do I include on my baby announcement? top
Typical birth announcements include the baby's full name and birth details including the date, time, weight and length, and even place of birth can be added. It is also a nice touch to introduce the baby with a short quote or phrase ("We are happy to announce", "Our bundle of joy has arrived"), or even the meaning behind the baby's name. You would also want to conclude the announcement with the parents' names as well as any siblings to the baby.
When should I send out baby announcements? top
It is recommended that you send baby announcements as close to the birth date as possible. Having everything planned and prepared, such as addressing the envelopes and buying stamps beforehand, will make it easier for you to get out the announcements soon after the birth of your new baby. Six months is probably the longest you should wait before sending them out.
Who should I send baby announcements to? top
Any family and friends who you think would want to share in the joy and celebration of the birth of your new baby.
Can I request a printed proof before I order? top
Printed proofs may be requested for $5.00/proof for Photo cards, $10.00/proof for Flat/Folded cards.
Do I need to include a handwritten message with each birth announcement? top
No, this is not a requirement at all. People understand that new moms (and even dads) are busier and more tired than ever with a new little one around the house, so there is no need to include a handwritten note with each announcement. If you have certain family members or close friends who you want to write a brief note to that is entirely up to you.
What are Mommy Cards? top
Mommy Cards are a great tool! How many times have you found yourself thinking, "Oh man, what was their daughter's name?" or even worse when you're trying to schedule a playdate with your child's friend and you can't remember the mother's name? Think of them as business cards for busy moms. Mommy Cards are a great way to share your information with people you come in contact with throughout your day as a mom. They typically include your contact information along with your children's names and sometimes even their ages.
Here are some common uses:
  • Give one to other moms you meet at the park, the _______ coach, parents of your child's friend, teachers
  • Use them to schedule play dates
  • Give one to your kids in case of an emergency so they have your contact information readily available and can even give the card to someone trying to help
  • Leave one with the babysitter
  • Keep one in the diaper bag
  • Hand one to an old friend you run into at the grocery store