Frequently Asked Questions
Eiffel Originals
What exactly are Eiffel Originals?
Eiffel Originals is a design style that uses a mix-and-match concept. We offer 48 Marsupial colors for pouches, accent colors and envelopes, as well as 10 unique designs and 7 sizes. This is a great option for those who want something personal and unique but don't have the time (or patience!) for a custom design experience. Eiffel Originals are also a great choice for those who are short on time or more budget-conscious.
How do I design my own Eiffel Original?
Start by checking out our design gallery. Here you can view our 10 styles and pick the one that best suits your event. At the bottom of the design gallery page, click the "Start Designing Your Own Eiffel Original!" button to get started. On those pages, you'll choose your design, size and orientation, colors, and get a cost estimate. This is just for information, you won't be charged at this time. Submit this form to us, and we'll check in with you in one business day to confirm your choices. Full payment will be due at this time, and when that is received, we will have PDF mockups of all your printed pieces within 5 business days. With your final approval, we'll get started and have all your printed and cut pieces ready for you in three weeks.
What's the price range for Eiffel Originals?
Eiffel Originals start at $6.50 per set and go up to $7.75 per set, so they'll fit into any budget.
What's included in that price?
A set includes invitation, response card with matching, pre-printed envelope, one other insert of your choice, monogram seal with your names or initials and mailing envelope. Additonal inserts can be added at 50 cents each, per piece.
Can I assemble my own Eiffel Originals invitations?
Absolutely! If you would rather not assemble, we can assemble for you for an additional $2.00 per invitation. (Subject to our assembly schedule, please inquire early about assembly!)
I like one of the Eiffel Original Designs, but I would like to tweak the layout and graphics. Can I still pay the same price?
We've designed Eiffel Originals with the idea that they are ready to go, as-is. Our price points reflect the ease of ordering, too. We are happy to change fonts, orientations, and ink colors, and with some designs, offer a choice of embellishments. But if your tweaks mean changing the overall look of the Eiffel Original, we will consider it a Completely Custom job and charge accordingly.
Can I still get extras like ribbon, envelope liners or printed guest addresses with Eiffel Originals? How do I order those?
Just make a notation on the last order page, or if you've already submitted your order, send us an email! These items incur an extra cost, and will not be reflected in your subtotal. We will provide an itemized invoice before taking your payment.
Can I get a physical sample of my Eiffel Original before placing my order?
While we don't offer personalized samples with Eiffel Originals, we are happy to send you a sample using your layout, size and orientation and colors. Eiffel Original samples are $10 each with free shipping, and can be ordered at any time. Just send us an email!
I'm not sure the colors on my computer monitor are accurate! Can I get paper swatches?
Absolutely! We are happy to provide a swatch ring with all 48 Marsupial colors for $8. Just send us an email!
Are Eiffel Originals only for invitations?
At this time, yes. But if you love your chosen design and want to apply it to save-the-dates, programs, menus, thank-you notes, or something else, we are happy to oblige!
Completely Custom
How do I know if Completely Custom is right for me?
Completely Custom is a great option for those who want a matching suite of items, from save-the-dates to invitations to programs to thank-you notes. Completely Custom also offers the choice of over 500 paper options, as well as custom-made pockets, pouches, folders and other unique paper items. The ordering process is more personalized; expect to spend 4-5 weeks designing and finalizing your items. We offer personalized samples for Completely Custom at $30 for one and $45 for two.
How much will my invitations cost?
Costs vary by style, layout, size and what kinds of paper used. Our Completely Custom invitation sets generally start at around $8 each and go up from there. Paper boxed invitations start at $12.00 per set, and silk box invitations start at $25 per set. Here are a few ways to keep costs reasonable:
- Use postcard RSVP's. Postage will be less with a postcard response card, as well as the overall weight of the invitation set. Plus, it's one less envelope to pay for.
- Think about flat papers and cardstock. Metallic papers and folders tend to bring the cost up. Flat envelopes are usually less than metallic envelopes, too.
- Start early! Don't wait until the last minute to order your invitations, or a rush fee may apply.
Your item descriptions say the price given is for a set. What does a set include?
A set will usually have all the items you see in the picture, in addition to a mailing envelope. Typically, a set includes the invitation, response card and envelope or postcard, one or two other inserts, and the outer envelope. All envelopes come with your return address imprinted, as do the postcard response cards.
Do you charge extra for printing, assembling or layout with Completely Custom items?
Absolutely not! There are no hidden fees for response cards, printed envelopes, assembly, or layout. (Custom map design and custom pattern design is extra, though.) Custom monogram design is complimentary with Completely Custom invitations. If you are crunched for time, let us help you with these extra services:
- Stamps on your response cards. This way you won't need to open up each invitation to add the stamps. It's just a $10 fee, in addition to the cost of stamps.
- Addressing your outer envelopes. The cost is $1.00 per address, and they can match your invitation font perfectly. All you need to do is supply an Excel spreadsheet with your guests' names and address components in multiple columns, or download my Excel address template here. (Zip file, 30K)
General
When should I start thinking about invitations?
Ideally, you should start thinking about custom invitations six to eight months before your wedding. Check out bridal magazines and look at other invitation sellers to get an idea of size, style and layout. For Completely Custom orders, we require a lead time of at least 4 months before your mailing date. For Eiffel Originals, we require 4 weeks before your mailing date. This gives us plenty of time to create mockups, make any needed changes and for production. Considerations can be made for new projects within the timelines. A rush fee of 30% may apply.
What about programs or place cards?
It's understandable that you might not have all your guests' names or ceremony wording too far in advance. It's best to discuss program styles as well as other reception items, ie: place cards, menus, table cards, etc. as soon as the invitations are sent. Getting a design squared away well in advance helps when we'll be making last-minute changes and additions later on.
When should I send my invitations? Save-the-dates?
The current standard for sending wedding invitation is eight weeks beforehand. With winter and spring weddings, you can sometimes get away with six weeks. If you have sent save-the-dates, you can also send invitations out at six weeks during any time of year. Save-the-dates can be sent between 6-9 months before the wedding. Save-the-dates are a must for destination weddings, or for weddings that take place on a holiday or 3-day weekend, as accommodations for your guests can book up early.
What's your minimum order amount?
While we don't have a per-piece minimum, we do require a minimum order of $500. If you find that you don't need that many invitations, we would love to suggest matching programs or thank-you notes!
How can I get one of those beautiful maps for my invitation?
We're excited to have a talented map designer on our team! Custom maps can have up to three locations and directions, and can use colors matching your invitation or black and white. Maps are $50 and include as many changes as you need to get it right. Please click here for samples of recent map designs.
Can you print my guests' addresses for me?
We are happy to print addresses for those placing an invitation order with us. The cost is $1.00 per address, and they can match your invitation font perfectly. All you need to do is supply an Excel spreadsheet with your guests' names and address components in multiple columns, or download our Excel address template here. (Zip file, 30K)
What are my printing options?
We do most of our printing in-house and use color laser and inkjet printers. We are happy to offer multiple ink colors at no extra charge! Occasionally we get requests for thermography (raised printing) and letterpress, and for these types of printing, we have local print-shops to handle it. Outsourced printing will incur an extra printing fee, on top of the invitation price. At this time, thermography and letterpress printing are not available for Eiffel Originals orders.
How many changes can I make to my chosen design?
We are happy to make as many changes as needed to ensure your invitations are perfect. Simple wording changes will be sent as PDF's for you to proof. We won't start production until your final "ok" is given, and you are responsible for proofing all pieces for errors. Errors found after your "ok" may result in additional printing fees. If a new style, layout or design is requested an additional mock-up fee of $20 will apply.
Oh no! I didn't order enough invitations and I need 10 more in a hurry! Can you help me?
Time permitting, we can produce small quanties of extra invitations relatively quickly. (1-2 weeks) A $50 rush fee will apply in addition to the cost of the invitations. We gently encourage you to order 5-10 extras in your intial order to avoid this problem.
Do you make other things that aren't wedding related?
We can make just about anything that uses paper! Some of the other projects we've worked on include: 90th birthday party invitations, Bat and Bar Mitzvah invitations, baby shower invitations, baby announcements, company holiday cards, all-purpose thank you cards, housewarming invitations, school fundraising event invitations, and more. Just ask us!