What is your process?

We begin with an initial consultation where we will discuss your overall vision for your wedding. During this meeting, we will show you invitations we have created, as well as any invitation lines you are interested in seeing, or that we feel might fit your aesthetic. If you have created a Pinterest board, or have any design inspiration you can share with us before this meeting it would be very helpful. If you are interested in a fully custom invitation we will look at paper swatches and ink colors and any embellishments. If you are more comfortable customizing an existing invitation we will go over all of those options. Generally this meeting will last between one and two hours. Within about a week, you should receive a proposal from us that details all the options discussed in the appointment. If we are sourcing materials, or creating an invitation with a lot of “moving parts” your quote may take a bit longer, as we will need to get quotes from outside vendors in order to provide you with accurate pricing. If the quote is acceptable and you wish to move forward, we require a 60% deposit to begin work on your first proof. At this point, we will need to finalize wording for all pieces and ask that you work toward finalizing your guest list so that we can ensure correct quantities when your order is ready to go to print. We understand that the guest list is one of your more difficult tasks so don’t worry if this is not completely nailed down before we begin, we just don’t want you to be delayed by waiting too late in the process.

How much do invitations cost?

There is a wide range of costs and many things that can affect pricing. The main factors contributing to cost are printing methods, number of ink colors and the chosen stock. We would be happy to sit down with you to discuss your invitations and budget. An average cost of invitations is between $12-28, heavier stock, multiple colors and other embellishments would be at the higher end here and can certainly go up. We are very good at helping you find the perfect invitation to fit comfortably in your desired price range. Generally, a completely custom invitation suite starts around $1800.

Which print methods can you accommodate?

We do it all. We work with some of the finest printers and craftsmen in the industry. Letterpress, foil stamping, engraving, embossing, thermography, offset and digital printing. We also love hand painting, laser cutting, die cutting, and all sorts of finishing, including painted, beveled and gilded edges. We can show you examples of all of this and recommend what we feel will work the best for you.

Do I need to make an appointment, or do you accept walk-ins?

Appointments are encouraged to ensure that our designers can give you the attention you and your wedding deserve. Feel free to email to schedule an appointment, or we can also take appointments over the phone. If you are in the neighborhood and want to take a peek, please do! But please understand if we are preparing for a client appointment or on a deadline we may not be able to accommodate you.

How long does it take to get my invitations? When should we start?

We recommend sending out your save the dates roughly 6-12 months before your wedding. For wedding invitations, we recommend sending them out about 8-12 weeks before your wedding day. Production time can vary greatly, but is usually between 2-6 weeks after your proof is approved. If you are on a tighter deadline, we will do whatever we can to accommodate a rush or suggest options that might be quicker. Design and proofing time can vary, a simple customization could be as quick as a week, where a more complex design can take months. Keep in mind if you prefer to have your envelopes hand addressed that can easily take two weeks, and we often book calligraphers well in advance from your mailing date.

Do you only do weddings? What else can you do?

We specialize in weddings and love doing everything from your save the date, to the invitations and anything you might need for the wedding day. We are also proud to be able to do a wide variety of other events! We can do baby announcements and showers, birthday party invitations, bar and bat mitzvah invitations, holiday cards, personal stationery, corporate and personal branding, fundraising galas and just about anything you can dream up!

What other services do you provide?

Elizabeth Grace can help you with all the little details, from invitation assembly and addressing to custom postage. Let us help you as much or as little as you like. Services include calligraphy, addressing, invitation assembly and mailing, hospitality gift bags, custom postage, and so much more!

Can you create something custom/unique for me?

Absolutely! We love creating custom pieces, whether it’s incorporating an existing piece of artwork or creating a custom monogram, we have a talented staff of designers that can help you put your vision onto paper!

Can you address my invitations for me? Do you do calligraphy?

Of course! We offer both digital addressing as well as hand calligraphy. Please let us know if you are interested in hand calligraphy as we need to book calligraphers as early as possible.

Do you do work with people who live outside of Chicago?

Yes! We have worked with many people out of state (and out of the country) and are happy to work remotely if Chicago is not convenient.

Do you provide stamps? Can you create a custom stamp?

We can source current and vintage stamps for you, as well as create a custom stamp.

Can you assemble my invitations for me?

Of course! Many clients prefer we assemble and mail their invitations for them. We are happy to help in any way we can!