FAQ
1. Where do I start?
The process usually begins with an email or a phone call. If you live in the Calgary area, I would be happy to meet with you in person and you can view my entire portfolio.
2. How many invitations do I order?
A good rule of thumb is to order half the number of guests ( one invitation per couple) you will be inviting plus 5 to 10 extra for keepsakes and last minute additions.
3. How far in advance should I place my order?
The sooner you start to look for your invitations the better. Ideally, you should place your order two to four months before the date you want to send them out. If your wedding is during the busy wedding season of spring to fall, you should be looking four to six months in advance.
4. When do I send out my invitations?
For an event like a wedding, invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before your wedding date. For destination weddings or those over the holidays, you should try to send out your invitations four to six months in advance.
5. When can I expect to receive my order?
Depending upon the style and complexity of the design and the quantity ordered, it will take anywhere between two weeks to 4 weeks after approval to print has been received; however, most orders will be ready within two weeks after approval.
6. Is there a minimum or maximum order?
No, there is no minimum or maximum order.
7. Can I customize an existing design?
Absolutely! Remember these are your invitations. Maybe you like one part of one invitation and one part from another invitation–all of my work is custom so you can change any part of the invitation to fit your needs. You can change fonts, paper and cardstock colours, textures, ribbon, ink colours and embellishments. Keep in mind, if you alter a design, it may also alter the price depending on your choices.
8. Can you print additional stationery? Yes, I can design and print co-ordinating pieces including: reception cards, maps, place cards, menus, tables numbers, programs and more. Just email or call me and I can supply you with a custom quote.
9. Are envelopes included?
All Invitations, Thank You Notes and Announcements include outer envelopes to match with a return address printed on the back flap. All Response Sets include a matching self-addressed envelope. Post card style reply sets is also available. The standard envelope supplied with your invitation is ivory or white. Colour envelopes are available on request at an additional charge.
A PDF “proof” of the items(s) is usually ready within a week and will be provided for sign-off. This approval can be done by email. Any changes after the sign-off which require re-printing are to be the responsibility of the customer. Any errors by The Finishing Touch will be corrected free of charge. It is my intention to make you completely happy with your invitations and if you are not happy in any way, I will try to correct the problem. However, I cannot stress enough the need for you to review your final proof(s) carefully prior to approval. If a directions card is part of your invitation, please “drive” your directions to ensure they are correct.
11. What are the prices?
As the invitations are custom designed to fit your personality and needs, the pricing will vary for each order. Please contact me for a quote at 403-538-6645. All prices will be in Canadian dollars.
12. What are the taxes?
Orders for customers in Canada are subject to GST only. Orders from outside of Canada are free of Canadian taxes.
13. Can I order samples?
Yes. Samples can be ordered at a flat rate of $12.00 plus shipping/ postage/handling. I will give you a credit for the full amount (less taxes and postage/handling) should you decide to place an order. Samples in excess of three can be ordered but they will not be credited on your future order.
14. Who assembles my invitations?
All items ordered will be fully assembled by The Finishing Touch. Each item(s) is individually customized and hand-assembled and no work is sub-contracted. Prices include full assembly so that all you have to do is address, stuff, stamp and mail your invitations.
15. Can I talk to someone over the phone?
Yes! Please feel free to contact me at any time at 403-538-6645
16. Where are you located? Do you have a store that I can visit?
My studio is located in Calgary. There is no retail store to visit as the website is my storefront. If you live in the Calgary or surrounding area, we can set up a convenient time to meet and discuss your needs. If you live outside the Calgary Area, we can easily communicate by email or telephone.
17. How do I pay?
I accept personal cheques, cash, and visa. Cheques must be made payable to The Finishing Touch.
18. Do you accept returns or exchanges and refunds?
My work is completely customized, therefore, I am unable to offer any returns, exchanges or refunds. Deposits are non-refundable and this would include forfeiture of any deposits paid in case of your event cancellation.
19. Do you offer invitation addressing?
Yes, computer calligraphy from an emailed list is $0.75 per invitation. I prefer lists in the body of the email or as a word document.
20. Do square invitations require additional postage?
Yes and No. A 6 inch or less square envelope is within the standard size. Larger square envelopes are oversized and require additional postage. If you live outside Canada, please contact the post office in your country.
21. How much is shipping?
If you are not able to pick-up your order, it will be shipped to your specified shipping address by Canada Post Expedited Service. If an order is to be sent by Canada Post Xpresspost or courier, an additional cost above the Expedited Parcel rate will apply. Please ask about upgraded shipping or rates for out-of-country shipping.
22. Do you ship internationally?
Yes, but please note that duty, customs and/or brokerage fees charged are your responsibility.
23. Do you offer foreign language translation and lettering?
The Finishing Touch will print in a foreign language if the translation is supplied. Specialized characters may not be available. Please ask if a particular language can be done. Please allow extra time to review and approve wording/character proofs to ensure accurate translation, spacing and formatting. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the translation is correct.