Step One:

Getting To Know You & Your Event Details

If you're ready to book your calligraphy, go ahead and fill out the order form on our website, or you can call me and arrange everything over the phone.  I must receive your contract and/or deposit before your calligraphy project will be reserved on my calendar.   

If you're interested in custom designed invitations, each custom design project begins with a consultation either by email, phone or in person where we will discuss all the fun details like colors, themes, materials and more. It is super helpful to have an in-person consultation so you can touch/feel/see each of the paper swatches and colors in person... and so we can see your personality and what styles you're drawn to!

Consultations are by appointment only and book 1 to 2 weeks in advance. This is a chance for us to get to know you and your tastes, style and individual personality.

Since no two events are the same, we design especially for each project. You may wish to start with a design you’ve seen in our shop and customize it to your liking, or create an entirely new concept that is unique to your occasion—the choice is yours!

Take a look at some of our most popular designs here.

Step Two:

Timeline & Design Process

After our meeting, I will prepare an estimate for your review. Depending on the scope of the project, this can either be done while you wait or could take 1-2 days.  For many of our customers, we will provide an estimate including everything your heart desires — even if we think its too expensive. That way, you’ll have all the pricing on everything and we can adjust your estimate based on what parts you would like to prioritize and which parts aren’t as important to you so you can get the price within your budget.

After you have approved the estimate, your approval can be sent to me along with your first installment, which is typically 50% of the total. We are happy break your payments into smaller installments if needed, as long as the balance is paid prior to printing. For custom design and calligraphy projects, a “good faith” deposit (Service Reservation Fee of $50) is due before the design process starts.  Due to the nature of our creations and the amount of work we put into your design concepts, this deposit is non-refundable, but it will be applied to the total order.  For calligraphy jobs, the deposit is meant to reserve space on our calendar, and/or to cover costs associated with the design process.  For printed items, such as invitations and wedding programs, payment is due in full after the final design is approved and prior sending it off to print production.

I will present one or two design concepts for you to review based on the event details we discuss during our consultation. You will then have the opportunity to provide feedback and identify any changes you would like to make or new ideas you may wish to incorporate into the final draft.  After we discuss your comments, the changes are integrated into a revised version that is submitted to you for approval.  The final design will be extended to any collateral materials you may have requested such as menus, place cards, etc.

Step Three:

Sending Your Lists + Finalizing the Details

Once your guest list is finalized for calligraphy addressing, you may e-mail me an electronic version of your addresses or a printed Excel or Word document may be delivered.  (see below for tips on "Preparing Your Guest List")  Most of the common etiquette & addressing questions can be found by clicking here, but feel free to call me with any specific questions you may have.  Need a template to plug-in your addresses?  Click here to download my address template. We can also set up a GoogleDoc for you and your family to collaborate on together, which is also easier for our team to help with when you have questions. Please give us a call and we’ll be happy to set that up for you.

Before the printing of your project begins, you will be sent the "final proof."  At this time you will review and confirm that every detail is perfect: the layout, type style, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Please proof carefully, because once you have approved the final proof, Soiree Signatures is not responsible for any future changes or mistakes. The remaining balance will be due with this approval, and before the files are sent to printers. 

Above all, communication is key. I maintain an open dialogue with my clients, encouraging a free exchange of ideas and inspirations. I will work alongside you every step of the way to ensure that your stationery reflects the distinctive flair and personality of your event.