Design Process

[ When to Order ]
You should order, at the very latest, 4 months before your wedding (particularly for custom invitations). But, if you are having something created especially for you, the process should really begin at least 6 months before your wedding (remember, it’s recommended that you send out invitations six to eight weeks before your big day). If you are closer to your wedding than four months, please contact us about availability. We may be able to print and design, but due to limited time, you may need to assemble.

[ Design ]
All custom projects begin with a complimentary consultation, either in person or over the phone, where
we will discuss your event, your vision, and your design ideas. Our goal is to establish a jumping off point to start your design. Shortly after your consultation you will receive a quote, and if accepted, we can proceed with the design process.

Once your project details are determined, we will prepare a price quote based on your project requirements and you will be provided with a contract that identifies the total costs.  All invitations and paper goods must be ordered in increments of 10. Please note that the design will only begin after we have received a signed contract and a payment of 50% of the total estimated cost.

[ Final Approval ]
Sealed with a J will present an initial design for your review.  We will discuss the design and any changes you may wish to make.  Together, we will fine tune until we reach your perfect invitation. Once the changes are integrated, the design will be submitted for your final approval.  Included in the cost of your set is three (3) rounds of changes to your initial proof. There is a $25 charge for each additional round of proof revisions. We will correct, at no cost, any mistakes caused by our own error. Once proofing begins, substantial changes to the design may delay the ship date and/or create additional expenses. Please allow ample time for proofing your invitations and stationery. Turnaround time does not include the proof process. The turnaround time begins after the proof is approved.

If no other changes are required and the design is perfect, a signed copy of the Final proof must be emailed back with your signature.  This signature verifies that every detail is perfect:  the layout, color, typestyle, spelling, grammar and punctuation.  Once approved, Sealed with a J is not responsible for any future changes or mistakes.

[ Proof ]
Sealed with a J offers emailed digital proofs. It allows us to create as many designs as we want without using so much paper and creating less of an impact on the environment. We will create a proof on paper, should you wish. Please contact us for availability (because we order most of our supplies when you order from us, we don’t always have everything in stock). Custom paper mock-ups, however, begin at $25.

[ Production ]
Production will begin upon receipt of the signed Final Proof.  All of Sealed with a J’s pieces are professionally printed and meticulously assembled in house.  Upon completion we will contact you to pick up your order or have it shipped. The remaining owed, including shipping costs, is due at time of shipping. We will ship priority mail with delivery confirmation, unless you ask us to ship FedEx or UPS. Shipping costs are determined by the weight of the order and the final destination.

[ Timing ]
All Sealed with a J invitations + paper goods are hand crafted. Time frame depends on the complexity of the invitation and quantity. An average order of 100 invitations will normally take around 4 weeks to complete after final approval. We do offer rush jobs at 20% over the regular price.

[ Pricing ]
Pricing is customized per project. Paper, print options, quantity and embellishments all play a key role when pricing your designs. If you are looking for a rough price range for your project, please email me at janice@sealedwithaj.com or call 312.375.5378. If you have a budget in mind that you would like to meet, let me know and I can work to meet your needs.

*Prices subject to change without notice*

[ Payment ]
We will send an invoice via e-mail, through which you can pay by cash or check. If you wish to send a check, we will need to wait until the check clears before your order can be processed (usually five business days). Returned checks will be subject to a $25 Returned Check Fee.