Because each project is unique, this is a tough question to answer!  Typically, we recommend that you reserve about two to three months of design time per project.  This includes our proofing process, revisions, and printing.  If you are adding assembly and finishing, like wax seals and mailing, add on another 1-2 weeks.

All of this timing varies based on how responsive our clients are, how many proofs are created, if we’re shipping your suite to you, etc.  But have no fear! Once you’re signed on as a client, we will provide you with a personal timeline to follow so you know when to expect the goods!

We recommend inquiring 8-12 months before your wedding for save the dates, and 5-8 months before your wedding for invitations.  Wedding reception stationery can be created and printed along with your wedding invitations, or inquire 1.5-2 months before your wedding.  Our booking is scheduled months in advance, and due to the nature of custom work, it is ALWAYS better to inquire earlier rather than later so you can ensure we aren’t already booked for your wedding date.

Below is an “ideal” timeline for wedding stationery.  Don’t worry, we work with couples that have all sorts of timelines…so don’t let this timeline scare you!

JANUARY 15 - Book your consultation
FEBRUARY 1 - Begin Save the Date Design (2 months for design & production)
APRIL 1 - Mail Save the Date (6 months before wedding)
MAY 1 - Begin Wedding Stationery Design (2-3 months for design & production)
AUGUST 1 - Mail Wedding Invitation (2 months before wedding)
AUGUST 15 - Reception Stationery (1.5 months for design & production)
OCTOBER 1 - Wedding Day (We did it!)

So, shall we get started? Inquire today!

Save the dates should be mailed out 6-8 months before your wedding date.  For destination weddings, aim for 9-12 months before…the earlier the better!

Wedding Invitations should be mailed out 8-10 weeks before your wedding date, and for destination weddings, aim for 10-12 weeks before!

This is one of our favorite questions!  Check out Our Process page to learn more about consultations, our proofing process, and how we print.

This is another tough question, because no two custom orders are the same. There are many variables in pricing your custom stationery, like printing process, quantity, number of cards needed, assembly or any other additional services.  Once we have an initial complementary consultation (in-person or over the phone) to chat about what you’re looking for, we will provide a proposal before any design work begins.  This will outline where your budget will be allocated, from printed paper to luxurious add-ons.

Our current minimum investment for a custom invitation suite is $3,500. On average, Crane & Palette clients invest between $3,500-$9,000 on their wedding paper. This includes unlimited rounds of proofing your design and artwork for your suite, specialty printing, and high quality paper/other materials.

We’re so glad you asked!  Here are some add-on services you can pick and choose from:

• Assembly & Mailing (we’ll put everything together for you, so just sit back, relax, and work on other wedding projects!)

• Calligraphy

• Envelope Liners

• Ribbon or String (to tie everything into a neat little package)

• Wax Seals (for that extra WOW)

• Hand Painting (for each invite or envelope)

• Vintage Postage

Typically, no! Whatever you need, we got it. Just keep in mind that the less quantity that you order, the higher the price per unit will be.

Remember with invitations that you are sending one invitation per household, not per person!  You may have 200 guests total, but many of them will be couples or families, so you will only need only 60-75% of that (about 130 invites). We recommend ordering an extra 10-15 invitation suites to account for last minute guests or any mail that gets lost in USPS transit.

Ah, the age old “etiquette” question!  Once you are signed on as a client, we will provide you with helpful forms that allow you to word your invitations based on formality, who is hosting, etc.  And – of course, we are here every step of the way to answer all of your wording questions!

You bet! Crane & Palette also works on personal stationery, branding projects, custom artwork and whatever else you can think to throw at us.  For projects other than wedding stationery, please fill out our secondary contact form on our contact page.