Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take international orders?
Absolutely! If you have any concerns or questions about receiving your order internationally please inquire directly and we can discuss the process.
DO YOU CHARGE SALES TAX?
All orders shipped within the state of Washington are subject to sales tax.
Washington Residents: Tax will be applied to your invoice either during the checkout process (online via the storefront) or with your confirmed order documentation (custom orders). Note: All efforts have been made to ensure your local tax rate is accurate upon checkout, however as WA operates hundreds of destination-based local tax rates (all of which are subject to change each quarter), orders shipping within the state are reviewed following purchase to ensure the correct local rate has been invoiced and charged. Sales tax over/under-payments will be amended on your final/shipping invoice. You may look up your WA local tax rate (based on your ZIP code +4 digit location) via the DOR website here, and if you think your order includes an incorrect amount please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
CAN I ORDER CUSTOM INVITATIONS ONLY?
Yes you can! While the majority of FPCo’s custom clients coordinate both pre-wedding (Save’s and Invitations) and on-the-day wedding stationery we would also be thrilled to work with you on invitations only. Please note that a minimum investment applies to custom event stationery.
What about on-the-day / day-of stationery?
Day-of wedding/event stationery is available for FPCo. couples (both semi-custom and custom), with priority booking being offered to our custom wedding clients. Day-of items (such as place or escort cards, menus, signage, etc.) are not offered on a standalone basis.
Stationery and paper goods for additional wedding events (eg. a Rehearsal Dinner or Welcome Party) are offered as part of our Custom Design service only.
What are my payment options?
Payments are generally processed online or through a client portal once your project is underway, however payment for custom suites and event pieces are accepted through Stripe, PayPal (no account required), bank transfer, or personal cheque. Note that payment by cheque is subject to a stand-down period of 10 days or equivalent time for the cheque to clear. Any associated bank fees must be paid by you.
Custom commissions are subject to a 25-50% deposit due at the time of your order (depending on timing, scope, and scale), with the balance required prior to shipping. For custom suite designs (generally over USD$2500) your invoice may be split into two or three payments depending on the project. Shipping is invoiced separately once your suite has been packaged and weighed. Select calligraphy projects are subject to either full payment up-front or a 50% deposit (dependent on scope and materials), with the balance due prior to shipping.
Semi-Custom Stationery Payment Plans
For semi-custom suite orders over USD$2500 your invoice may be split into two or three payments on request (depending on the project size). Shipping is calculated separately once your suite has been packaged and weighed and added to your final payment invoice, due prior to shipping. Please get in touch with the details of your suite and stationery preferences and a payment plan invoice will be created for you.
I already have artwork/calligraphy I’d like to use in my suite, can You include this?
Due to differing styles and design aesthetics, we’re unable to incorporate another artist's calligraphy or artwork into a suite design.
On a collaborative level for custom clients there may be exceptions to this (for artwork specifically) on a case-by-case basis, however it is an uncommon circumstance and would require a collaboration agreement with the other party to cover usage and copyrights, etc.
CAN YOU HELP US WITH OUR WORDING?
Yes! If you’re unsure of how to word your invitation set we can work together to come up with something that suits you as a couple. You can absolutely follow traditional ‘etiquette’ guidelines if your heart desires, but adding personality and a bit of yourselves into your design will give you a suite that reflects you both as a couple, representing who you are and the celebration to come.
Timing and Delivery
When should we order our Save the Dates?
It's recommended that you get started on your Save The Date order as soon as you've booked your venue. Ideally 6-8 months out from your wedding date will give you breathing room for design and print, however for destination weddings (and 2-3 day events) 8-12 months is a reasonable time frame.
WHEN WILL OUR SUITE BE READY?
Semi-Custom Collections: Allow 6-12 weeks depending on the number of items ordered, print method, and embellishments.
Custom Design: From introductions to delivery it’s recommended that you allow around 5-10 months for your stationery timeline. This is of course dependent on scope, detail, timing, and other considerations, so it pays to inquire as soon as possible to confirm your spot on the production calendar. If you’re short on time do get in touch to see if a rush order can be accommodated (additional pricing applies).
If you'd like to schedule a chat to talk about your project please get in touch via the contact form.
WILL we GET TO SEE OUR ORDER BEFORE IT'S PRINTED?
Your design will include a specific proofing process with a set number of revisions to ensure all details are as expected. You will see and approve your design digitally before it goes into production.
WILL YOU ASSEMBLE/Mail OUR SUITE?
Semi-Custom Collections: Assembly of your suites may be included as an 'Add On' during the online ordering process or if you are including additional detailing such as postage, liners, or traditional wax seals. Suites are shipped to the client for mailing with an assembled sample accompanied by instructions/suggestions to best present your pieces to your family and friends (unless otherwise requested and arranged).
Custom Design: Full-service custom design encompasses all aspects of your stationery from the initial design to assembly, and mailing of your suite on request*.
*T’s and C’s apply.
WHAT ABOUT RUSH ORDERS?
If you need your suite sooner than the standard estimated time frame please get in touch as soon as possible to discuss whether or not a rush is available. As rush orders require immediate attention this will depend predominantly on calendar availability, but also on print/production timing and a number of other factors. Additional fees will apply if your rush can be accommodated. Please inquire for details.
Print & Production
CAN YOU EXPLAIN MY PRINT OPTIONS?
When discussing custom design we'll talk about the vast range of print options available to you, including digital, foil stamping, embossing, letterpress, and screen printing, or alternative mediums such as wood or fabric. Each process has benefits and limitations to be considered, and we'll decide which will be the best fit for your project, scope, and budget. Certain processes are outsourced (eg. die-cutting) to experienced printers who specialise in those print methods.
Print options for The Wedding Collection are digital, foil stamping, and letterpress (see below for descriptions).
Digital or ‘flat‘ printing is the most cost effective and straight forward option for your suite, printing a digital design directly onto paper without the use of printing plates, generally with a faster turnaround time. FPCo. uses archival-quality Epson UltraChrome HD pigment inks for in-house digital printing. This 8-colour ink system produces accurate, fade-resistant colour on the house range of beautiful fine art and cotton papers.
Note: Digital Printing is not available for handmade paper.
Hot Foil Stamping uses heat, pressure, and a metallic foil to ‘print’ onto various materials. It's often referred to as hot stamping due to the use of heat in the process. To achieve a foil stamp, a die (or metal plate) comes into contact with the foil, transferring a super-thin layer onto the paper or card, laying either flat on the surface or slightly imprinted.
Semi-custom suites are available with gold, silver, rose gold, and copper foils only, however various foil options may be used in custom commissions – Metallic in a range of standard colours (eg. blue or green), as well as many gold, silver, and copper hues; Gloss Pigment for a high, glossy finish; Matte Pigment for a non-shiny matte finish; and Holographic to name a few.
Letterpress is the traditional method used for print work in the mid-15th to 19th centuries using moveable type. More recently, the introduction of copper and photopolymer plates has enabled printers to produce digital designs for use with vintage letterpress machines ('digital letterpress'). Considering the popularity of letterpress stationery today it’s hard to believe that the trademark ‘bite’ – or indent – of letterpress printing is a modern twist to the traditional method, when making an impression on your paper was a big no-no. These days a bold impression on thick card stock is the way to go!
It also pays to note that while beautiful, your letterpressed prints can be a little quirky (and inconsistent), and it’s not the process you should choose for a solid expanse of colour. Letterpress inks are translucent and printed one colour at a time, each with a separate plate (and additional cost). Layering colours will result in mixes (e.g. layering yellow ink over blue will give you a green), and the colour of your card stock will show slightly through the printed ink.
A note regarding Handmade Paper: Handmade paper is made using age-old processes typically producing one sheet at a time. While a beautiful choice for event stationery it can be quirky and imperfect (personally we think this adds to it's charm!), natural discrepancies between sheets do occur and each piece will be slightly different from the next. The size/shape/colour of each sheet may also vary, and printing on handmade paper can sometimes mean that the design is not exactly centered/positioned on the sheet, and your prints may not be as sharp as they would be on standard or heavy cardstock. If you're unsure whether or not handmade paper is right for you please consider requesting a sample pack prior to moving forward with your stationery.
MY GUEST COUNT HAS CHANGED, WHAT DO I DO?
If your guest count has increased and you require more paper goods please get in touch as soon as possible to include these with your order. Additional print costs/add-ons and shipping fees will apply. Unfortunately we're unable to accommodate requests to reduce the quantity ordered once production has begun.
THAT color IS different THAN I EXPECTED, WHAT'S THE DEAL?
Colours on your printed pieces may differ slightly from what is displayed on your computer screen throughout the proofing and production timeline. Please note that your individual computer monitor or digital displays will be individually colour-calibrated, and printed colours will vary from those displayed on screen. If exact colour matching is required you may provide the studio with a physical swatch of the colour(s) requested to be used to cross-check during production (additional print set-up and production costs may apply).