A G U I D E TO YO U R I N V I TAT I O N
CONTENTS
4
About Us
6
Before We Begin
8
Our Process
9
Policies
10
Glossary
12
Timeline
14
When To Order
16
Invitation & Pocket Styles
19
Color Swatches
20
FAQ
Hello! It’s a pleasure to present you with our services! Dionisa’s Designs is a custom invitation design studio based in Baltimore, MD. We specialize in designing invitations and stationery for all the special events in your life. We provide the creative vision while capturing your personality and style. Our goal is to make each event unique DQG PHPRUDEOH WKURXJK FXVWRP VWDWLRQHU\ XVLQJ RQO\ WKH ÀQHVW resources and materials available. Our products include, but are not limited to: Wedding Invitations Save the Dates Wedding Programs Thank You Notes
Birth Announcements Party Invitations Holiday Greetings And many more...
To tell you a little bit more about who we are and exactly what ZH GR HQFORVHG \RX ZLOO Ă€QG D VKRUW ELR D VWDWLRQHU\ FKHFNOLVW information on when to order, and many other helpful details to help make your experience unforgettable. For more information, please contact us at 443.475.0557. Thank you again for the opportunity to share our business with you and remember to always “send the unexpectedâ€?! Best,
Dionisa Ortiz
Owner and Creative Director
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ABOUT US
Dionisa Ortiz Owner and Creative Director
Good fortune smiled on Dionisa when she decided to make a move to Baltimore. As a budding entrepreneur, she started her custom invitation studio having an understanding that each client has unique needs, and she is known for going out of her way to meet them. At Dionisa’s Designs, our process begins with a complementary consultation to discuss the client’s vision, their budget, event theme and the overall feel of their special occasion. If the client chooses to move forward with us, we take a non-refundable deposit to initiate the design process. :H ZRUN FORVHO\ ZLWK WKH FOLHQW WR UHÀQH WKHLU GHVLUHG SURGXFW XQWLO WKH\ DUH VDWLVÀHG Not only that, we take great pride in the quality of the materials we use, the service we provide, and the knowledge that our work will be a part of making your vision come to life. We would love to work with your clients!
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O U R P RO C E S S
1
Let’s Chat Start the process by contacting us and telling us what you are looking for. We will contact you to set up a consultation. During the consultation, either in person, through email or a phone call, we will work out all of the details for your order.
2
Work Begins Once we’ve settled on everything, you’ll be sent a proposal and questionnaire to ÀOO RXW $IWHU D TXRWH LV VHOHFWHG DQG WKH questionnaire is returned, the design phase EHJLQV DQG ÀUVW SURRIV ZLOO EH VHQW YLD HPDLO
3
Review and Revisions Check your proofs carefully for any errors and let us know if you would like changes. Dionisa’s Designs is not responsible for mistakes found after approval, so it’s important to get everything exactly right. Once you sign and return all approved proofs, you will receive a contract and payment schedule. Production begins when the signed contract and deposit are returned.
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4 5
Ready to Print If you are ordering design or print items, your payment will be due in full at this time. If you are ordering wedding stationery items, your ÀQDO EDODQFH ZLOO QRW EH GXH XQWLO \RXU LWHPV are ready to ship.
Delivery Once your order is ready, you will be contacted to arrange pick up or delivery. Delivery dates are outlined in your contract, and if shipping is required, a tracking number will be provided.
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“Send the Unexpected”
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POLICIES
CONSULTATION Each project begins with a complimentary consultation to discuss your vision, budget, theme and the overall feel of your event. (Schedule your initial consultation 4 – 5 months in advance to allow time for production and mailing.) A quote will be provided to you within 72 hours after the consultation detailing the cost of the project. If you choose to move forward with my services, a $100 non-refundable design fee will be due immediately to be placed on a production schedule. The standard production schedule is 6 – 8 weeks from order date. (This is for up to 100 invitations. Allow yourself more time for larger orders and if you order silk products.) All of my products are designed, printed and KDQG DVVHPEOHG LQ P\ VWXGLR IURP VWDUW WR ÀQLVK PRODUCTION You will receive up to 2 custom designs based on the initial consultation. Additional designs will be provided for an additional fee of $15 each. Once you have chosen a custom design, a deposit of 50% of the total cost is due. Please be sure to proof your design and all its contents very carefully. Pay special attention to the spelling of names, dates, times and addresses. I strongly encourage you to get another set of eyes to proofread for any typos or misspellings. Dionisa’s Designs is not responsible for errors after the proofs have been approved. Any changes made DIWHU WKH ÀQDO DSSURYDO ZLOO EH FRUUHFWHG DW \RXU H[SHQVH I recommend that you order 10% more than your total guest count to accommodate last minute additions to the guest list, lost invitations and to ensure you have a few as keepsakes. Additionally, I suggest that you mail out your invitations 6 – 8
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weeks before a wedding date (3 – 4 weeks before for other events such as birthday parties) to give your guests ample time to save the date for your event. You should request a reply date 2 – 3 weeks prior to your wedding date so you have time to give WKH FDWHUHU RU UHFHSWLRQ YHQXH \RXU ÀQDO FRXQW )RU D GHVWLQDWLRQ wedding, you should send a save the date 10 – 12 months in advance and the invitation 4 months in advance. QUANTITY ADJUSTMENTS I will be happy to accommodate increases in quantities without issue if time in the production schedule allows for it. Additional charges associated with the increase will be added. Decreasing quantities prior to the purchase of materials is not a problem. If a decrease is necessary after production has started, you will assume responsibility for all costs associated with materials already purchased. Dionisa’s Designs requires a minimum order of 50. PAYMENTS A 50% deposit is required before your order goes into SURGXFWLRQ 7KH ÀQDO EDODQFH ZLOO EH GXH XSRQ SURMHFW FRPSOHWLRQ and will include any last minute additional charges incurred including sales tax. Payment is accepted in the form of cash, personal checks, money orders and credit card payments via PayPal. For personal check payments, production will NOT begin XQWLO WKH FKHFN KDV FOHDUHG <RX ZLOO UHFHLYH DQ HPDLO FRQÀUPDWLRQ once the check has cleared. If a personal check is returned, a $40 fee will apply and is due immediately. Please make checks payable to Dionisa Ortiz.
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POLICIES (CONTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;D)
Mail payments to:
Dionisa Ortiz Dionisaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Designs 214 Golden Eagle Way Belcamp, MD 21017
RUSH ORDERS I will try to accommodate orders on a shorter timeframe depending on my availability. If your order is placed on the rush production schedule a charge equal to 25% of your total invoice will be incurred. Full payment is required at time of order for rushed projects. SHIPPING/DELIVERY All orders that need to be shipped are sent by a reputable VKLSSLQJ FDUULHU 6KLSSLQJ FKDUJHV ZLOO EH DGGHG WR \RXU Ã&#x20AC;QDO LQYRLFH <RX ZLOO EH QRWLÃ&#x20AC;HG E\ HPDLO WKH GD\ RI VKLSPHQW ZLWK D tracking number. If you have chosen to have me mail out your LQYLWDWLRQV WR \RXU JXHVWV \RX ZLOO UHFHLYH DQ HPDLO FRQÃ&#x20AC;UPDWLRQ This service is available for an additional fee plus postage. You will DOVR EH QRWLÃ&#x20AC;HG E\ HPDLO LI DQ\ LQYLWDWLRQV DUH UHWXUQHG 3LFN XS LV available if you live in the Baltimore area. RETURNS Due to the personalized nature of the invitations, all sales are Ã&#x20AC;QDO $OO PDWHULDOV DUH SXUFKDVHG VSHFLÃ&#x20AC;FDOO\ IRU \RXU RUGHU Please understand that you are purchasing custom-made products that cannot be returned for a refund.
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CANCELLATIONS Your satisfaction is important to us. In the event of a postponement, Dionisa’s Designs will reschedule your order. In the event of a cancellation I will be as reasonable and fair as the situation allows. In most cases if the cancellation occurs before the approval of the design, I will refund the initial 50% deposit minus a $75 cancellation fee. If the cancellation occurs after the design is approved and production begins, the deposit is nonrefundable. DISCLAIMER Dionisa’s Designs reserves the right to display its products in media advertising or promotions as examples of its work. All artwork and designs on this site are property of Dionisa’s Designs and may not be reproduced. PRIVACY POLICY Dionisa’s Designs appreciates your business and respects your privacy. Any information provided is used solely for the purpose of your order. I will not share your personal information with anyone for any reason, unless required to by law.
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G L O S S A RY
Accommodation Cards Sent to out of town guests who need to make hotel reservations. Backer A piece of paper that your invitation is displayed on top of -it often matches the color scheme of your wedding invitation. Belly Band A piece of material that wraps around your invitation suite to hold it all together. Calligraphy Artistic, stylized handwriting. Calligraphy can be used on invitations, envelopes, etc. Deckled Edge The irregular, feathered or tornlooking edge associated with handmade paper. Digital Printing A modern printing technique where an image is sent directly WR WKH SULQWHU XVLQJ GLJLWDO ÀOHV ,W does not require printing plates. Embossing A printing process that uses two die to raise letters and images on the paper’s surface. The paper is impressed with etched designs and words to produce beautifully subtle details.
Envelopes The most traditional way of packaging invitations. It holds the invitation ensemble DQG FORVHV ZLWK D VHDODEOH ÁDS Escort Cards A card received by a guest which is written with their name and table assignment. Foil Stamping A technique in which a copper plate is used to push gold, silver or even colored metallic foils into the paper to make an impression; the foil also creates a shiny design. Gatefold An invitation with two panels that meet in the center and open up like doors to reveal the wording. Laser Cutting A process that uses a laser to cut out words and design details on invitations. Layered Invitation A layered invitation card consists of multiple layers of paper stacked to create a multi-colored design. Letterpress Using a printing press to make many copies by repeated direct impression of an inked, raised surface against sheets or a continuous roll of paper.
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G L O S S A RY ( C O N T ’ D ) Liner A decorative piece of paper used to line the inside of envelopes. Map Cards (also known as Directions Cards) Direction cards gives driving directions to the wedding, while map cards are maps with the routes to your wedding highlighted. Matte 3DSHU ZLWK D QRQ UHÁHFWLYH ÀQLVK depending on the thickness, it can be used for the invitation. Menu Card The menu card lists the wedding’s meal courses in the order they are served. Panel Card $OVR UHIHUUHG WR DV D ´ÁDW FDUG µ This is one sheet of stationery, most often thicker stock, and is usually used as an invitation. Place Card Placed on the table to identify everyone’s seat. Pocket Cardstock that comes in various styles, folds and materials, including silk, in which invitations and other pertinent wedding suite items are housed for a beautiful presentation.
Program A stationery item that lists the schedule of events for a ceremony, celebration or seminar for attendees to read and follow along. Proof $Q H[DPSOH RI KRZ \RXU ÀQDO invitation or stationery will appear, DOORZLQJ \RX WR FRQÀUP WKH accuracy of spelling, information and spacing. Reception Cards Included with a formal wedding invitation to tell guests where the reception will be held after the ceremony. Response Card Also called an RSVP card, a response card is a small stationery item included inside of an invitation that encourages guests to indicate whether or not they will attend the event. Guests VKRXOG ÀOO RXW WKHLU UHVSRQVH FDUGV and mail them back to the party host. RSVP An acronym for the French “Répondez s’il vous plaît.” RSVP refers to a reply to an invitation that indicates whether a person will be attending an event or not.
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Save the Date Card A stationery item sent to guests who might need advance QRWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ RI DQ HYHQW VR that they can make special arrangements. They do not take the place of invitations.
Vellum A kind of paper that is somewhat opaque when it is held off a surface and becomes translucent when you set it against a surface. Vellum is sturdy enough to be printed on.
Table Card Placed on each table to help your guests locate their table. Traditionally tables are numbered, however you can always add character to your reception by naming your tables after places, people or anything that means a lot to you both.
Wax Seal A very traditional form of sealing your envelopes. Oftentimes a family emblem is made into a wax seal for the wedding.
Thank You Card A stationery item sent to friends, family members and other social contacts to offer a written message of gratitude from the sender. Thermography A heat-based process that fuses ink and resinous powder to create raised lettering. Trifold Card stock thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s folded into three panels, accordion style.
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TIMELINE
Just engaged?
12 MONTHS · Organize your Guest List · Order Save the Dates
9 MONTHS · Mail Save the Dates
For the big day!
6 MONTHS · Order Invitation Suite
Includes wedding invitations, RSVP cards, enclosure cards, etc.
· Organize the Bridal Shower Guest List Send to the host of your shower
· Plan your Rehearsal Dinner Book the venue, pick the menu and order invites.
· Finalize your Wedding Day Menu 2 MONTHS · Mail Your Invitation Suites
After the “I Do’s”
4 MONTHS · Order Day-of Stationery
Includes programs, menus, table cards & place cards.
· Order Bridal Party Gifts and Favors · Mail Rehearsal · Dinner Invitations
2 WEEKS
(after the honeymoon)
· Send Thank You cards
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W H E N TO O R D E R
Here is a list of the dates of when you should order your stationery. For weddings, place your order 5 months in advance. For all others, place your order 3-4 months in advance.
WEDDING MONTH
SAVE THE DATES (mail 9 months prior)
INVITATIONS (mail 2 months prior)
JANUARY
April (prior year)
November (prior year)
FEBRUARY
May (prior year)
December (prior year)
MARCH
June (prior year)
January
APRIL
July (prior year)
February
MAY
August (prior year)
March
JUNE
September (prior year)
April
JULY
October (prior year)
May
AUGUST
November (prior year)
June
SEPTEMBER
December (prior year)
July
OCTOBER
January
August
NOVEMBER
February
September
DECEMBER
March
October
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O ur statio n er y is so ph istic at e d, mo d er n and l u x u r i o u s .
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I N V I TAT I O N & P O C K E T S T Y L E S Invitations and pockets are available in a variety of styles. These are our most popular options, but many more are available. Invitations
5x5
5x7
7x5
6x6
5x7
7x5
6x6
5x7
7x5
Pocket Folds
Signature
Bracket
Classic 7x7
9x6
Booklet 4x5
6x6
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Custom
I N V I TAT I O N & P O C K E T S T Y L E S ( C O N T â&#x20AC;&#x2122; D )
Pocket Envelopes
Signature 6x6
5x7
6x6
5x7
7x5
6x6
5x7
5x7
6x6
5x7
5x7
Pocket Cards Signature
Bracket Folded Cards
Classic Envelofolds
Signature
6x6
5x7
6x6
5x7
Lotus
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Z-Folds
Signature 6x6
5x7
6x6
5x7
5x7
Classic Twist Cards
Classic 6x6
5x7
5x7
Gate Cards
Signature 6x6
5x7
6x6
5x7
Classic
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5x7
You can expec t th e best in design and cr af tsman sh ip at Dio n isaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s D e s i g n s .
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C O L O R S WAT C H E S This is a curated collection of hues selected for all of our digital inks. These colors are available in matching envelopes, custom papers, belly bands, envelope liners and other accompaniments, and we will gladly provide custom color matching.
WHITE*
CREAM PUFF
YELLOW
LEMON
SOLEIL
AMBER
FLAME*
MANGO
OPAL
CORAL*
ROSE QUARTZ*
AZALEA*
BURGUNDY
MARS*
JUPITER*
RED
PISTACHIO*
LIME
MEDINA
FAIRWAY*
BOTANIC*
FOREST
EMERALD*
OLIVE
AQUAMARINE*
LAGOON*
TURQUOISE
TABRIZ
AZURE
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VISTA*
All of the below colors are also available in matching envelopes, envelope liners, pocketfolds, etc. Metallic paper indicated (*).
SAPPHIRE*
NAVY
PURPLE LACE
KUNZITE*
GRAPE
AMETHYST*
PUNCH*
PURPLE
MERLOT*
VIOLETTE*
LATTE
SAND*
KRAFT PAPER
GOLD*
COPPER*
BROWN
FOG
SILVER*
DARK GREY
BLACK*
CUSTOM
ANTIQUE GOLD* BRONZE*
ASH*
LIGHT SILVER*
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F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
How much do the invitations cost? :HGGLQJ LQYLWDWLRQ Ă DW SDQHO VHWV VWDUW DW D VHW DQG SRFNHW invitation sets start at $8 per set. The price increases depending on your invitations needs and embellishments. How much is shipping? Shipping is based on weight, calculated at time of delivery and FKDUJHV DGGHG WR \RXU Ă&#x20AC;QDO LQYRLFH Do you charge sales tax? We are based in Maryland and are required to charge a sales tax. All orders within the state of Maryland are charged a 6% sales tax. Can you print the envelopes for my invitations? Yes! The addressee can be printed on each envelope to coordinate with your set for an additional fee. Just send me your guest list in the template provided What type of payment do you accept? All payments such as personal check, money order, cash or all major credit cards via PayPal are accepted. Is there a minimum order? Yes, a minimum order of $500 is required. When should I order my invitations? You should consider placing your order of custom invitations 4 -5 months in advance to allow for consultation, production and mailing.
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What printing options do you offer? 95% of my work is digital print and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the most popular. Other printing options available are thermography, foil stamping and letterpress. Please note these printing options are higher in costs. When should I mail my invitations? I suggest that you mail out your wedding invitations 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 weeks in advance (3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 weeks before for other events such as birthday parties). You should request a reply date 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 weeks prior to your wedding date so you have time to give the caterer or UHFHSWLRQ YHQXH \RXU Ă&#x20AC;QDO FRXQW )RU GHVWLQDWLRQ ZHGGLQJV \RX should send a save the date 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 months in advance and the invitation 4 months in advance. Do you use eco-friendly products? I am committed to taking part in saving our environment. In an effort to do so, I start within my studioâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; the studio is located in my home so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one less car in the street polluting the air. All materials are reused, whether its scrap papers or packing materials. I have many green options for invitations and stationery.
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D I O N I S A O RT I Z DIONISASDESIGNS.COM INFO@DIONISASDESIGNS.COM 443.475.0557