FAQs
Below you will find answers to some of our frequently asked questions. If you are still unclear about a question you have or have another question, do not hesitate to contact us directly to discuss. Our consultations are the best time to exchange your questions with one of our expert consultants.
- What Is The Proof Process?
• Included in your purchase price, our designer will email your first digital proof 3-5 business days after receiving your order & desired text. (turnaround time for your proof may vary based on the fullness of our production schedule when you place your order… we will be in touch to confirm the timing with you.)
• Please review the digital proof with several sets of eyes and let us know of any corrections, revisions or tweaks you would like us to make. We will do our best to accommodate your revisions within the following 1-3 business days.
• Any additional changes beyond this point may result in an additional fees.
• Once you approve your digital proof & you’re sure there are no content changes you would like, we will print and mail you a proof of your invitation set so you can confirm colors & printing is as it should be.
• At this point you would ideally give us your final approval to move the invitations into production.
PLEASE NOTE: If upon seeing your printed proof you request additional content or design changes, additional charges may apply based on the complexity of your requests and will be determined on a case by case basis.
- What Is The Design Process Like?
Once you have made your Design Deposit & submitted your wording to us, your designer will be in touch with a first digital proof for you.
If you have chosen one of our existing designs, 2 rounds of digital revisions/proofs will be included with your design deposit. (Additional proofs will result in additional proof charges and will be determined on a case to case basis.)
If we are creating a totally new custom design for you, we will discuss & determine the number of proofs based on the complexity of your design requests.
Once you are happy with your digital proof, we will print a proof on your chosen cardstock & mail it to you for your final approval. With your approval, we will send you a link to pay either the balance due… or a link to make a 2nd deposit if that is your preference.
- What Is The Price Range For Your Customized Services?
We’re happy to offer choices in ALL budget ranges.
Basic Invitation sets can be as low as $2.00/set and Save the Dates can be as low as 90¢.
Prices vary based on quantity, card stock, design requests & print methods. We’re always happy to get creative and brainstorm with you to find the best option for your budget!
- What Is The Turnaround Time For Custom Invitations?
If you’re ordering one of our existing Flat Invitation designs, turnaround time can be as fast as 5-7 business days.
If we’re working together to create one of our more complex invitation sets -or- a brand new custom design, turn around time will vary based on the complexity of the design. When customizing an entirely new design, it’s best to allow at least 4 weeks to refine all the details.
From the time you give us your final approval on your custom creation, our turnaround time is generally around 2 weeks.
If shipping is needed, shipping times will add additional time & will vary based on location & product.
- Can I See Your Customized Invitations At Your Shop?
Yes! We create and print all of our custom “dot & bow paperie collection” invitations right here in our shop.
Because of that, we have complete creative freedom… we can mix and match styles, colors, design elements.
- What Should I Bring and Be Prepared To Discuss At My Consultation?
Please bring any fabric swatches, color samples, photos or inspiration pieces that will help us coordinate & understand your vision.
Be prepared to discuss your budget. Be prepared to give us the rough quantity you’d like to order (# of guests divided by 2 + some extra for singles)
(A rough estimation of your quantity is fine for the initial consultation to allow us to give you a preliminary quote… we can adjust this quantity later in the process once you have a firmer guest count.)
Knowing your budget & your quantity will help us zero in on what specific styles fit your budget.
- Are Phone Consultations Available?
Absolutely… phone consultations are a great way to get to discuss your ideas and get the ball rolling. Phone consultations can even simplify the process to the point that we can complete everything via phone, email and mailed proofs if you’d like.
- How Do I Schedule An Appointment
Email info@dotandbowpaperie and let us know your preferred dates and times for an appointment or call us at 724-824-7504 between 10am and 4pm Monday through Friday.
If you would like to request an appointment and provide us with your contact information, please use our form to request an appointment. One of our consultants will contact you to confirm the appointment.
- How Long Is An Average Consultation?
An average consultation takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of items you’d like to discuss.
- Will My Invitations Require Extra Postage?
All postage depends on the size and weight of the finished item to be mailed.
The best way to budget for postage is to take a finished product to the post office and have it physically weighed and assessed.
If you would like to know mailing costs for your invitation prior to finalizing your order with us, we can make an unprinted “dummy” version of your invitation set and have it weighed to determine postage costs.
“Seal and Send” and Pocket invitation sets may require additional postage due to number of inserts and weight of card stock.
Any square invitations WILL require extra postage.
If you plan to mail any of the pieces we’re creating for you as postcards using postcard rate stamps, please let us know ahead of time to ensure that we create pieces within postcard size guidelines.
- What Is The Turnaround Time For Carlson Craft Invitations?
From the time you provide your information and we place the order for you, Carlson Craft turnaround time is generally 7 to 10 days.
- If I Find A Carlson Craft Invite On Your Website, Can I See It In Person At Your Shop?
If you provide the item number for the item you’re interested in, we will check to see if we happen to have the sample in one of our Carlson Craft display books. If we don’t happen to have it, we can order a sample and have it drop-shipped you.
- Do I Need An Appointment?
Yes… An appointment is needed to ensure that the consultation room isn’t already reserved and to make sure that one of our consultants is available to give you their undivided attention.
- Do I Need An Appointment Even If I Just Want To Browse?
Yes! To make sure the consultation room is available for you to spend time browsing on your own, you must make an appointment.
- What Appointment Times Are Available?
We have appointments during regular business hours with start times between: 9:00am-4:00pm Monday through Friday.
If you’re unable to schedule an in-person appointment on a weekday, we suggest getting started with a phone or video chat. We have great success with working remotely with customers through email, text, phone & mailed samples & printed proofs.