Semi-Custom vs. Custom Invitations
WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you have started to look for your dream wedding invitation, you might have noticed various wedding stationers offer ‘semi-custom’ or ‘fully custom’ wedding invitation suites. What is the difference and what are the advantages of choosing one versus the other?
We will take a deep dive into what each entails and help determine which one is best for you!
Semi-Custom vs. Fully Custom Invitation Suites:
SEMI-CUSTOM INVITATIONS:
Semi-custom wedding invitation suites are designs that use a pre-designed template that is then customized to your needs and preferences.
While the design itself cannot be altered, semi-custom invitations can be made unique and have a custom look by adding embellishments such as wax seals, envelope liners, vellum wraps, and calligraphy addressing. Each wedding stationer has different terms, printing methods, designs, and customization options available for their semi-custom collection vs. fully custom.
For all of Love and Paperie’s semi-custom clients:
Our semi-custom designs include a main invitation card + envelope, RSVP card + envelope, a details insert card, and complimentary digitally printed guest + return addressing on main envelope and the couple’s address on the RSVP envelope. To view the nine designs in our Semi-Custom Collection, click here!
The general design and layout of each piece will remain the same, but wording, printing method, colors, and paper type will be tailored to each individual client to match their own wedding aesthetic.
In addition, semi-custom clients are welcome to embellish their suite with any items from our Semi-Custom Handbook at an additional à-la-carte cost.
FULLY CUSTOM INVITATIONS:
As their name implies, fully custom invitations are designed from scratch for each client.
Pricing for a fully custom suite starts with a design cost. Printing, embellishment, assembly, and shipping costs are added on top of that and are dependent on the unique specifications and needs of each client.
For all of Love and Paperie’s custom clients:
All custom invitation clients receive a personalized mood board included with their custom invitation proposal based on their intake form
All the embellishment selection from the Semi-Custom Handbook + complimentary sourcing of additional embellishments.
Unlimited revisions with up to three design overhaul.
THE LOVE AND PAPERIE EXPERIENCE:
In addition of all the above, regardless of whether you’re a semi-custom or fully custom Love and Paperie client, ALL L&P clients receive:
Complimentary consultation upon receiving proposal to answer any questions.
High-resolution digital mockups to review and provide feedback.
Couple keepsake suite + Photographer Suite.
What to consider when selecting a type of invitation suite?
DESIGN CONTROL
Consider a semi-custom suite if:
You already love a design in a stationer’s collection and enjoy a more minimal level of involvement in the design process.
Love embellishments and the idea of using them to make your suite unique.
Consider a fully custom suite if:
You are interested in being very involved in the design process and collaborate with your stationer.
Have a very clear idea of what you want out of your invitation suites.
You think that, regardless of the embellishments, a pre-designed template will not feel like you.
TIMELINE
Consider a semi-custom suite if:
You are in a tight deadline and would like to send out your wedding suites within two to three months.
Consider a fully custom suite if:
You have at least six months between your inquiry date and desired mail out date to account for all extra design, consultation, and assembly time a fully custom project requires.
BUDGET
Consider a semi-custom suite if:
You are looking for a well-designed invitation on a tighter budget. The average L&P couple spends $2,500 for 100 flat printed semi-custom suites with add-ons like wax seals, envelope liners, and silk ribbon.
Consider a fully custom suite if:
You have a comfortable budget and are willing to make the investment on a unique heirloom. The average L&P couple spends $4,000 for 100 flat printed custom suites with add-ons like wax seals, envelope liners, and silk ribbon.
