FAQS

I'm here to help with any questions or queries you may have. If you can't find the answer please contact me!

Handmade by zara FAQS

When should I…

When should I send my Save the Dates?

If you’ve booked your venue and set a date then you’re good go! Save the Dates can be sent up 1 to 2 years in advance, particularly if it’s a destination wedding, or you have a lot of overseas guests, or it’s on a Bank Holiday weekend.

When should I send my invitations?

I would suggest that you aim to send your invitations out 4 to 6 months before your wedding, and order them a couple of months before this. This gives your guests plenty of time to respond and for you to gather in the RSVP’s and confirm with your venue. If you have guests travelling from far away or if it’s a busy Bank Holiday weekend it might be worth sending Save the Date cards.

When should I order my on the day stationery?

As soon as you’ve confirmed your guest numbers and menus you can order your wedding stationery like menus, place cards and table names. Please ensure that you have enough time to allow for my processing of up 6 weeks. It is often much quicker for place cards, etc, but if you are in any doubt please contact me before placing your order.

Handmade by zara FAQS

Samples

Can I get a sample & colour swatches?

Yes, of course. You can order colour swatches so that you can colour match at home. You can add these to any sample you purchase.

Are samples personalised?

No, sorry. You’ll receive a sample in a colour that is in stock with ‘fake’ details so that you can see the layout and feel the quality. After ordering you’ll receive digital proofs that will clearly show your name and wedding details so you can be certain what they will look like before they are created.

What do I get in a sample pack?

You’ll receive one invite of the requested design and the corresponding swatch colours (up to 6) 1 wax seal, and 1 ribbon if it’s part of your design. You’ll also receive a code that will reimburse you the cost of a sample if you go on to order your stationery from me.

Handmade by zara FAQS

Ordering

How long does the process take?

It can take up 6 weeks from purchasing through the website to receiving your finished stationery. This is partially dependent on how quickly you approve your proofs.

Can I see a mock up or proof before I place an order?

I’m unable to provide you with a mock up or proof before you have booked in with me. Once booked you’ll receive 3 rounds of digital proofs to confirm that you are happy with the wording. Alternatively, you can buy a sample first.

How do I order my invites?

Choose your favourite design, select the quantity that you need, and choose the main colours, add any extra’s (like printed guest names, etc,) and add it to the cart. You’ll be able to see the individual costs, the total, and postage, as you go. Once you have successfully checked out, you’ll receive an email from me asking for all your wedding details and extra colour choices. You’ll then receive your digital proofs showing a mock up of your stationery to approve before they go into production. This process can take up to 6 weeks, as everything is handmade, but I’ll keep you updated with when you can expect delivery.

Can I get a quote?

I like to be totally transparent about my pricing so you can see the price on everything. Just add it to the cart and you’ll be able to get an accurate cost (including postage), which means that you don’t have to wait for me to get back to you with a quote. You can still contact me if you need to ask something that may affect the cost. I’m here to help!

Are envelopes included?

Yes, of course! All invites, and Save the Dates, come with a cream or white envelope as standard. You can easily upgrade to coloured envelopes too.

Can I order less than 25 Invites?

Yes, you can! Although you’ll still be charged the cost of 25. It’s no problem to leave a certain amount unnamed so that should your guest list change, you have spares. I always advise a few extra anyway.

Why can I only buy in multiples of 5?

I encourage you to have a few spares as things can easily change. It’s costly and time-consuming for me to make extras weeks or months after your order, so it’s much easier to create them at the time. If you only need say, 42 invites, then I can leave the remaining 3 unnamed, so that you have some spare. Knowing that you have extras is really helpful in case you need to make a change to the guest list at the last minute. It also means that you could have a spare set for your photographer to capture! I’d love to see the photos!!

 

Do I get a proof when I order?

Yes, you get 3 rounds of digital mock up proofs to approve before your stationery is created. You will have a chance to read through all the type and check it’s correct. I strongly suggest getting someone else to help you proofread as you are responsible for signing them off and will be printed as such. Hard copy proofs are available at a cost of £20 should you prefer. If you are worried about the physical colours, I recommend purchasing a sample/swatches
before you order, to enable you to see them in real life.

Can you rush my order?

On certain occasions it’s possible to speed up the process but would incur a rush fee of 25% of the total order and would be billed separately. Please contact me first to confirm if this will be possible before placing your order.

Handmade by zara FAQS

Personalisation

Can I change the wording?

Yes, of course! You tell me what needs to be on your invites! I have standard ways of wording things so I can help you if you need it. You can personalise all of the info cards to say whatever you need to tell your guests: menu choices, hotel info, taxis, gift wish, etc.

Can I change the colours on a design?

Yes of course! You get to choose the colour combos to suit your wedding theme. You’ll see the colours I offer on the website, but I do have access to more. Please give me a shout to discuss it.

Can I change the font on a design?

No, sorry. I’ve spent ages to achieve the overall look of the design and find that changing the fonts means it no longer works. I also don’t want to have to pass on font licensing costs.

Can I add a QR code?

Yes! I can add a QR that you have already generated, or I can create one for you as long as you have the website address.

Can you print the names on my invites, and addresses on the envelopes?

Yes, guest names can be printed onto your invite and/or envelopes for an additional fee. Please note that these lists will need to be in a digital format (word, pages, excel, etc) not in an email or as a screenshot.

Can I have some of the invites left blank?

Yes, or course! It’s no problems to have some printed and on others leave a blank space for you to write in your guest names later. I actively encourage you to have spares so that you can adapt to changes in your guest list.

Do you have any suggestions for gift poems?

Yes, I’ve got lots of nice ways of asking for money, or a contribution to your honeymoon instead of a traditional gift list. You can view Gift Poems here.

Do you offer bespoke stationery?

Not at moment. Sorry.

Handmade by zara FAQS

Delivery

Can I collect my order?

Yes, if you’re in Dumfries & Galloway you are welcome to come and pick up your stationery from me. Please let me know when you place your order and we’ll make it work.  

How much will it cost to post my invites to my guests?

It’s best to check the Royal Mail website to get up to date postage prices as some designs may be ‘thick’ and will require a Large Letter Stamp.

Can I change the font on a design?

No, sorry. I’ve spent ages to achieve the overall look of the design and find that changing the fonts means it no longer works. I also don’t want to have to pass on font licensing costs.

Do you ship overseas?

Handmade by Zara is based near Dumfries, Scotland, and I ship all over the UK. At this time, I’m not shipping outside the UK.

Still got a question?

Give me a shout and I'll do my best to help answer your question!