ABOUT
Welcome to Custom Paper Works, a true custom-design studio that creates unique invitations and paper accessories for all kinds of events. Weddings, showers, bar and bat mitzvahs, baby announcements, birthday, retirement and holiday parties. You’ll deal directly with me, the owner and designer.
You can choose from several options so you can have the perfect invitation to suit your style and budget. Choose fully-custom, fully-assembled invitations that need only be sealed, to semi-custom, personalized invitations that you assemble yourself, and any option in-between.
As an authorized Envelopments Dealer, I can create your invitation using their fun stationery pieces. Many, many other papers and invitation formats are available as well.
A little about me … I’ve loved paper products since I was little. Mostly in a “saving the pretty ones” sort of way. Now, I love to make a beautiful piece of paper even better by applying a great design, even if it is primarily text. Creating special printed items for any occasion has always been a favorite creative outlet.
I look forward to working with you to develop a unique creation that reflects your style and your event, be it a large, formal wedding, an informal wedding celebration, baby shower, birthday, cocktail, or holiday party.
Contact Information
Please do not hesitate to contact me at info@custompaperworks.com with any questions. You can also contact me through the comment box below. I look forward to creating your invitations!
VISIT THE GALLERY
A note about names shown on invitations: Names of actual customers and those mentioned on their invitations have been blurred. Any names which are not blurred are completely made up for sample pieces.
FAQ
Why should I consider custom invitations?
First and foremost, you will get exactly what you want when you order custom invitations. They will reflect the style of your event exactly as you have in mind, unlike catalog invitations which are sometimes “close enough,” or “plain enough to work” – and can still cost more than custom-designed invitations.
Also, beautiful paper products at any event can be a less costly decoration than flowers or rented decorations, and also make great keepsakes.
Can I get a sample of an invitation?
Due to the custom-designed, hand-assembled nature of my invitations, exact samples are not readily available. You can schedule a consultation to see the invitations in my portfolio in person, as well as select your papers from over 300 color swatches. I can also mail swatches of papers that are in your color range to pick from.
When your invitation is designed, you will see digital proofs throughout the process which you can either approve as final, or request changes to be made. No item ordered will print until you have approved the design for all elements in your invitation.
What kind of printing is used for the invitations?
Invitations are printed on a professional laser printer (flat ink) on high-quality papers. Printed colors and designs are virtually limitless.
Letterpress (ink indented into paper), Offset (flat ink, also allows for metallic ink and varnishes), and Thermography (raised ink) can also be arranged. For definitions of various processes, see Printing Processes Defined.
How long will it take to get my invitations?
First check the availability calendar using the link to the right and contact me to reserve a design-start date. Generally dates are often booked at least 3 months before you plan on really starting your invitations.
Custom invitations can take a little more time and interaction because of the design process. I want to be sure that you are completely happy with the design before printing begins. Once you have given final approval for printing, allow up to 4 weeks for printing and assembling. I can accommodate rush orders depending on availability as well. See a general time-line for ordering here.
What else can you create besides invitations?
Any paper items can be made to match your invitations. For a full list of ideas, see my Wedding/Event Papers Checklist post. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask!
What about postage?
Price estimates DO NOT include postage.
Most formal invitation sets require a 2oz. rate stamp due to enclosures and heavy paper stocks. Some may even require the 3oz. rate stamp. Square and oversized envelopes automatically require extra postage. Most of my Passport Invitations only need the standard 1-oz. rate stamp. Let me know if postage costs are a concern. I’ve summarized postage guidelines here.
The design for a custom postage stamp is included with any invitation order. I will upload the design to Zazzle and provide a link for easy ordering. You can see some custom postage examples here.
What happened to inner envelopes?
You may have noticed that not every wedding invitation these days has the traditional inner envelope. With the introduction of PocketFolds and other new enclosures, an inner envelope is redundant as the enclosure now acts as an inner envelope, which also adds too much bulk to the overall package.
If you have a panel invitation, you can decide if you want an inner envelope or not. Though it is tradition, I personally feel that it is not always necessary. Band wraps that hold the enclosure cards in place reduce the “need” for the inner envelope as all pieces will be presented in a secure, organized manner once the outer envelope is opened.
Additionally, inner envelope aren’t available in every paper color (but the selection is growing!). If you want to use inner envelopes, just let me know early so I can share the available colors and options with you, and present a cohesive package based on what is available.
What are some ways to make my invitation EXTRA unique?
Ordering custom invitations is the first step in getting invitations that will be uniquely yours. But if you like to go a step even beyond that, there are many ways to do so as your budget allows. I’ve marked a range for these customizations from low to high with the $ symbols.
- Crystals. ($ to $$) Small adhesive crystals can be attached to accent parts of a design, or to create a new pattern on the paper.
- Band Wraps and Ribbons ($) Coordinate colors and mix textures to add interest
- Custom-cut shapes ($$$) Completely unique Pocket invitations or enclosures can be produced just for your invitation.
- Boxed invitations. ($$ to $$$ and beyond) Available in materials from paperboard to metal and silk, any invitation delivered in a box is sure to get attentio
Yeah, that’s great and all, but I’M ON A BUDGET! HELP!
You really want the custom invitations but MUST stay within a budget. It doesn’t matter if you have a modest budget, or a more generous budget. A budget is a budget.
The first step is to make sure you have an accurate count of how many invitations you need. Be sure you are counting invitations, and not total people. This is the #1 mistake that is made when ordering invitations. Depending on your guest list, you will need about half the number of invitations as your total invited head count. Divide your maximum budget for invitations by this number. Most custom invitations are priced PER invitation, so you can compare quickly and make sure you’re staying within this number for any options you select.
After you know your desired maximum price per invitation, prioritize your “want list” of add-ons.
The most basic and budget-friendly invitation is a single-layer all-matte panel with an RSVP postcard. Add on from there.
Layers behind the main panel and an envelope liner add LOTS of glamor for for little cost, as does swapping in metallic papers for the main panel and RSVP card.
If you are simply in LOVE with the PocketFolds, the 4×5 size is very nice and saves compared to the 5×7.
When pricing invitations, let me know your budget and the top features that you want, and I will create an invitation package that will keep you on track.
More questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact me at info@custompaperworks.com or use the comment box below to request pricing. Phone 586-879-7135, but email is by far the quickest way to reach me.
