Semi-Custom Invitation Guide

Semi-custom suites are a great option when there isn’t enough time to do a full custom design. These have a quick turnaround of 3–6 weeks to complete.

We suggest mailing out invitations about 10–12 weeks before the wedding date, 12–14 weeks for destination weddings. This gives enough time for the invitation to travel through the postal system and for guests to respond in a timely manner.

Semi-custom suite orders are delivered unassembled and does not include postage stamps.

1 . Selecting

Explore the collection of available semi-custom suites and select a design that best reflects your wedding aesthetics. Each collection is designed to create a cohesive look between all of the pieces.

2 . Order

Decide on how many invitations are needed, paper choice, print selection, and any additional add on details. We recommend having 5–10 extra suites to account for last minute invites and keepsakes. Quantities are in batches of 25.

3 . Proofs

Once the order is placed, we will send you a form to collect the wedding for the cards, envelope return address, envelope color choice(s), and ink color choice. A digital proof will be delivered for review. Semi-custom suites are given up to 3 revisions. Any additional revisions will be an extra charge.

4 . Production

Once the proof is approved, suites begin the printing process. Printing can take anywhere from 1–3 weeks. Once everything is printed, the final pieces are packaged and prepared for shipping. Clients local to LA or OC are welcome to pick up the invitations from our studio. For shipped orders, Client is responsible for shipping costs.


double thick cardstock / duplex paper for wedding invitations for semi-custom invitations by calligraphy by michelle t, a los angeles based calligrapher/designer/engraver based in los angeles, serving LA, OC, SD, and beyond

Papers

These are the paper choices curated for the semi-custom invitations

Double Thick Paper

Double thick paper doubles is a very sturdy cardstock that is double in thickness. This options has a luxurious touch. Please keep in mind that having all cards on double thick paper may require extra postage.

Available in brilliant white or natural white (off-white).

This paper is great for letterpress or foil stamp.

Handmade Deckle Edge Paper

Handmade paper and 100% cotton. This paper is similar in weight to cardstock, is soft to touch, natural deckle edges, and textured.

Available in brilliant white or natural white (off-white).

This paper is only available for letterpress or foil stamp.

deckle edge handmade cotton paper for invitations for semi-custom invitations by calligraphy by michelle t, a los angeles based calligrapher/designer/engraver based in los angeles, serving LA, OC, SD, and beyond

Cardstock

This is the standard paper option for invitations. Selections include a smooth cardstock or textured cotton.

Available in brilliant white or natural white (off-white).

This paper is great for digital prints, letterpress, or foil stamp.

cardstock wedding invitations for semi-custom invitations by calligraphy by michelle t, a los angeles based calligrapher/designer/engraver based in los angeles, serving LA, OC, SD, and beyond

letterpress wedding invitations designed by calligraphy by michelle t, a Los angeles based stationery designer serving all of Southern California and beyond

Print Processes

Customize your invitations with a print process that best fits your wedding vision

Letterpress

Letterpress is a luxurious print option. It requires a custom metal plate of the finished designed. The plate is used to ink and transfer the design onto the paper, leaving an impression. This process can also be combined with digital/flat printing.

Printing turnaround is 14–20 days.

Foil Stamp

Foil stamp is a great option for metallic finishes. It requires a custom metal plate of the finished designed and is a similar process to letterpress. Foil stamp leaves an impression. This process can also be combined with digital/flat printing.

Printing turnaround is 14–20 days.

gold foil stamp wedding invitations designed by calligraphy by michelle t, a Los angeles based stationery designer serving all of Southern California and beyond

Digital / Flat Printing

Digital printing is the most cost-effective option. This option is perfect for full colors prints, such as suites with floral images.

It has the quickest print turnaround of 7–10 days.

digital printed wedding invitations designed by calligraphy by michelle t, a Los angeles based stationery designer serving all of Southern California and beyond

Handmade Seed Paper

Our personal favorite. This is handmade seed paper with wildflower seeds and a variety of flower petals to choose from. The paper is textured and due to the nature of how these are made, there will be some variation between pieces. After the wedding, the paper can be planted for a variety of wildflowers.

Only available in white.

This paper is only available for letterpress or foil stamp.

sustainable handmade seed paper wedding invitations for semi-custom invitations by calligraphy by michelle t, a los angeles based calligrapher/designer/engraver based in los angeles, serving LA, OC, SD, and beyond

Envelopes and Ink Colors

The following are the current selections of envelope, letterpress and digital ink colors, and foil stamp colors for the semi-custom suites. Additional ink, envelope, and cardstock colors are available for an additional fee.

Semi-custom orders includes the printed return address for the outer envelope and RSVP envelope. Outer envelope and RSVP envelopes do not have to be the same color.

Please note that ebony envelopes require return addresses be printed in white ink and will be an extra charge.

calligraphy-by-michelle-t-semi-custom-wedding-invitations-envelopes-san-francisco
calligraphy-by-michelle-t-custom-wedding-invitations-ink-colors-southern-california

Semi-Custom Invitations Design Timeline

We recommend semi-custom suites be ordered at least 3–4 months before the wedding and mailed out 10 weeks before the wedding.

once order is placed…

Proofing: 1–3 weeks

Production: 2–4 weeks

Shipping: 2–7 days within the US