Process

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Look and FeelThis is the fun part! Start to think about what and how you want your special event to look and feel!
Signature Line: You may select a design from our website which you can order it as-is or personalize it by selecting items from the drop-down menus to choose your favorite design, ink color(s), fonts and embellishments. Make sure to think about these choices as changes down the road can cost you additional money on extra proofs needed later in the process. Please consider all of the different options carefully and select your favorite combination.

Custom Design

Begin to collect images, clippings and anything that conveys your ideas visually. Because we are visual people this is the best way for us to fully understand what you are looking for (and more importantly not looking for). Once you have a good set of images, your ready to move on to the next step!

Placing Your Order

Once you’ve chosen the design elements you would like to incorporate into your piece, contact us! We will walk through your order with you and answer any questions you may have.

So you can prepare, these are a few of the details we will need:
* Choice of invitation design including style, paper, ink, motif and font choices or design ideas for

Custom Invitation

* Elements you wish to order (invitation, response card, save the date, etc.)
* Quantity for each of these elements
* Any additional embellishments (envelope liners, pocket folds, ribbons, etc.)
* Confirmation of who will be assembling the invitations – you or French Press
* Date you wish to receive your invitations
* All your contact information including phone, address and email

Within 2 business days of our conversation, we will e-mail you:
* A Client Form for you to complete
* A contract for you to sign and return
* An invoice and payment form for you to submit your deposit (50% is due to begin design)

When you return your fully completed client form, signed contract and 50% deposit, the design phase begins. Please note that all three elements are required to move to the next phase. Any delays in getting these back to us will push back your timeline.

Completing Your Client Form

This is a very important step in the process that marks the start of the design phase (1-2 week period). We suggest that you take your time filling out the text form with your final wording that you would like to see appear on your stationery. We ask for all final text before we can get started on design. Please be sure to double check any questionable spelling, grammar and punctuation details and proof read carefully. French Press is not responsible for spelling errors (unless we made them). One of our designers will review the information and contact you if (s)he has any questions.

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Step 2: DESIGN (1-2 week process)

Your Proof:

Once you have submitted your completed client form, contract, and deposit, you will receive your design proof PDF sent via e-mail within 3-5 business days. This proof will include all of the pieces in your order, based on the details you provided. If required we can send you a printed proof in 5-7 business days for a fee of $20.

If you wish to see additional fonts, motifs or design options, a proof fee of $25 per printed piece (i.e.: envelopes, response cards, invitations, menus, programs, tags, etc.) will be incurred. This is your opportunity to make any final changes or revisions.

Approving Your Stationery Suite

Please proofread all items carefully prior to giving French Press your approval. We urge you to carefully consider all content on every piece of your stationery and to take the time to verify all information. If any edits are required beyond this point, a proof fee of $25 per printed piece (i.e.: envelopes, response cards, invitations, menus, programs, tags, etc.) will be incurred. Your proof includes approval boxes for your sign-off. You may either e-mail or mail the approval sheet back to us: French Press 50 State Street, Pittsford, New York 14534

Please note that your signature approving artwork for print assumes total responsibility for all design and typographical elements. French Press is not responsible for typographical and design errors that you have approved. French Press will not incur the costs of reprinting and shipping orders due to these errors, nor will a refund be issued.

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Step 3: PRINTING (2-3 week process)

Scheduling Your Press Date

Once all pieces are approved, we will coordinate your press date, shipping details and final payment and contact you within 2-3 days after your final proof is received. Any changes (i.e. quantity changes, additional printed pieces, additional embellishments, etc.) to your order will be applied at this time. Final payment must be received at this point before your invitations are printed.

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Step 4: FINISH WORK (optional – up to 1 week)

Finish Work

Once your printed pieces are complete, our assembly team will take care of any finish work (i.e. lining envelopes, setting grommets, mounting invitations on pocket folders, tying ribbons, stuffing envelopes, etc.) which you have chosen. This process can take up to one week.

Shipping

Our standard method of domestic shipping is UPS ground, which takes UP TO 3 business days to the east coast and 5 business days to the west coast. Expedited and international shipping are available, please let us know in advance if you require these services.

Rush Orders

Rush orders are available: Orders requiring a 3 week turnaround are subject to a rush fee of an additional 25% of printing costs. Orders requiring a 2 week turnaround are subject to a rush fee of 50% of printing costs. Any expedited shipping required for custom embellishments such as ribbon or pocket folders will also be billed.

Early Envelopes

Please let us know if you wish to have the envelopes shipped separately to your calligrapher. Envelopes may also be printed ahead of the rest the invitation suite and sent separately. An additional press time charge of $100 plus shipping charges will be added to the invoice. Please note that French Press does not proof read any addresses nor are we liable for the work of any outside calligraphy service.

Have further questions?

Give us a call, we’d love to talk out the details: 716-832-1902. We look forward to making your next special occasion beautiful!

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