customizing invites versus custom invite design
While you are planning your wedding, you will inevitably hear the word custom quite a bit. But, the definition of what custom {or customizing} means to every vendor can vary quite a bit.
For example, one DJ may let you customize a package by picking and choosing from a defined set of options, while another DJ will let you customize a package by having you stipulate the inclusions based on your own needs and wants {not having to choose from a pre-determined list}.
Both offer customizable packages, but the process of creating the final customized package is different with both DJs.
When working with Invites by Jen to create wedding invitations, there is essentially two different customization options:
1. Customize a design Invites by Jen already has
2. Ask Invites by Jen to create a custom design {a bespoke design}
Invites by Jen is proud to offer both types of customization services. However, even though both options include the word custom as a part of the definition, just like with the DJ example above, they are two very different things.
Let me start by going over the first option ::
Customizing a design Invites by Jen already has
This option allows you choose from one of the MANY designs Invites by Jen has to offer and then customize it by choosing your own colors, fonts, cardstocks, numbers of layers, style {ie if you want a flat invitation style or a pocketfold invitation style}, embellishments, etc.
Jen has literally hundreds of designs for you to choose from. You can pick from anything shown on her website, in her design inspiration look book, on her blog, or in-person on display at her studio.
After looking through the vast array of designs Invites by Jen has, let’s say that you decide you like the look of the “Jennifer” design best.
{side note: when Invites by Jen says “design”, she is referring to the printed portion of the invitation}
With the “customizing a design Invites by Jen already has” option, you then have free reign to change any of the colors, fonts, wording, cardstocks, style, embellishments, and so on. Therefore, the yellow and grey invitation design you see above can look completely “custom” once you apply a few changes that make the design better fit your wedding![]()
As you can see from this picture, simply by using a different color palette, different cardstocks, and changing the invitation to a pocketfold style {instead of a flat style} you have an invitation that looks completely custom….and it is because you customized it!
However, if after looking through all of the different designs that Invites by Jen has to offer, you still aren’t seeing THE design…..I am guessing it is because you already had THE design pictured in your mind and you would like Jen to create it for you.
This is when the second service option Invites by Jen offers comes into play ::
Have Jen create a bespoke design, which is a design created just for you!
As an example, very recently I was asked to create a wedding invitation design that incorporated leopard print. The bride knew exactly what she wanted, she just needed someone to create it for her.
So now you may be wondering, “Is there a price difference between customizing a design Invites by Jen already has and requesting she create a custom design?”
Yes.
All of the pricing you see in the Invites by Jen style and pricing guide would remain the same for the two different services, however, with a bespoke {just for you} design you will also be charged a design fee.
To sum it all up, whichever way you would like to have your wedding invitations created, Invites by Jen is here to help!
Make an appointment to stop into her studio for a complimentary consultation, or simply shoot Jen an email requesting a personalized quote!
{color combo} the garden party || coral and lime
When paired with a citrusy green, coral takes on the brightness of a summer’s day. This color combo would be perfect for an outdoor ceremony in a lush, natural setting.
{image via + || Photo by A Fly on the Wall Photography || Bouquet by FH Weddings || Event Designed by Unique Event Design}
{image via + || Photo by A Fly on the Wall Photography || Cake by A Better Cheesecake || Event Designed by Unique Event Design}
{image via + || Photo by Garrett Photography}![]()
{image via + || Photo by Garrett Photography}
{image via + || Photo by Garrett Photography}
{image via + || Photo by Elizabeth in Love || Flowers by De Rose Designs and Floral Boutique || Stationery by Hip Ink || Event Designed by Ginger’s Closet}
{image via + || Photo by Elizabeth in Love || Flowers by De Rose Designs and Floral Boutique || Stationery by Hip Ink || Event Designed by Ginger’s Closet}
{image via + || Photo by Elizabeth in Love || Flowers by De Rose Designs and Floral Boutique || Stationery by Hip Ink || Event Designed by Ginger’s Closet}
free save the dates or wedding invitations!
As some of you have already heard, Invites by Jen will be closed at the end of May and into early June. I will be celebrating at my brother-in-law’s wedding in Maui!
With that being said, when I return I want to get right back up to speed!
Therefore, I am having a summer contest where one lucky winner will win their choice of 50 free save the dates or 50 free wedding invitations…..it is really simple to get yourself entered:
Have a consultation anytime in the month of June and you will be entered into a drawing for the grand prize {winner will get to choose between receiving free save the dates or free wedding invitations}.
In-person consultations are held at my studio in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. To schedule a consultation at my studio, please visit my booking calendar here.
Not local to Beaver Dam? Not a problem! Invites by Jen also offers consultations via Skype. To schedule a Skype consultation, please email me at: jennifer@invitesbyjen.com
Consultations {either in-person or via Skype} are complimentary, of course!
To have a chance at winning this fabulous promotion, make sure to get your consultation {in June} booked right away….dates and times are limited and will fill up fast!
Again, IBJ will be closed at the end of May into the first week of June, so I am not kidding when I say consultation times are limited in June….hurry and get your June consultation booked today!
The only other requirement to be entered into the drawing is to make sure you note that you saw the promotion here on the blog when you schedule your time.
To view some of my work, make sure to check out the Invites by Jen website.
Here is the nitty gritty details of the promotion:
1. Entries will only be considered for new consultations, not ones for previously discussed orders or follow-up consultations
2. Consultation must be booked and held between June 10th and June 30th, 2013 – your entry will be officially entered once your consultation is held
3. Winner will be drawn and contacted via email on July 1st, 2013
4. 50 free items {save the dates or invitation sets} are awarded after the minimum purchase quantity of 75 is met
5. Order must be placed within six months of consultation date
6. Offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts
DIY Wedding Invite Recipe–Kennedy and Gregory
I thought it was about time to take my DIY invitation post just a bit further. It was one thing to let you know DIY invitation options were available, but it is another to lay out those options detail…by…detail!
{if you haven’t read about ordering DIY invitations with Invites by Jen, I would suggest doing so before taking in all of the following information}
Today I will be walking you through what you would need to order to complete one of Envelopment’s newest design inspirations, the Kennedy wedding invitation ensemble.
Invitation:
Gate Card – Classic 5x7L in
Shadow
Card Stock [for layering] 5.125 x 7.125 in
River Rock
Card Stock [for layering] 5.0 x 7.0 in
Chartreuse
Card Stock [printed layer] 4.75 x 6.75 in
Classic White
Enclosure [Additional Information] Card
Card Stock 5.125 x 7.125 in
Classic White
Response Card
Card Stock 3.5 x 5.0 in
Classic White
Envelopes
Signature Paper [for response card] 3.5 x 5 in
London Fog
Signature Paper [outer invitation envelope] 5 x 7 in
London Fog
View my inspiration board that features the DIY supplies related to the Kennedy and Gregory ensemble.
A couple of things to keep in mind when purchasing the above DIY options:
1. The cardstock linked to {above} for purchasing is 8.5 x 11 inches in size. If you purchase this size cardstock, you will need to cut it down to size. Alternatively, you can purchase the cardstock already cut down to size from Envelopments {for an additional fee}. Just choose the custom cut size option when placing the appropriate cardstock colors into your shopping cart.
2. None of the items above include the actual design work or printing {only blank items are available for purchase from Envelopments}. If you plan to design the invitations yourself, and print them yourself, purchase the items blank.
However, if you need someone to design your invitations {here is where Invites by Jen comes to the rescue}, not a problem! Simply purchase any of my invitation or envelope design and print options below {you will need to purchase these design and print services separately from purchasing supplies at Envelopments as it is an exclusive Invites by Jen service and not through Envelopments}.
Note: If you are going to have Invites by Jen design and print any of your items, do NOT purchase the blank supplies from Envelopments first…..the supply cost is already included in the price of the design and print services below. Only purchase the supplies you will need other than those that Invites by Jen will be printing for you.
Additional items suggested by IBJ:
Although these items are not pictured above, they would love amazing with the ensemble!
Envelope Liner [for invitation] in
River Rock
Envelope Liner [for response] in
River Rock

IBJ’s Design and Printing Services for the Kennedy and Gregory design:
| Quantities of Kennedy design |
| Cardstock Color |
| Kennedy Response Card |
| Cardstock Color |
3.5 x 5 envelopes (response card) designed and printed with return address:
| Quantities of Kennedy design |
| Envelope Color |
5 x 7 envelopes (invitation) designed and printed incl guest addressing:
| Quantities of Kennedy design |
| Envelope Color |
Design and Print service process, policies, and general FAQs:
1. After purchasing a design and print service item, email the appropriate wording to: jennifer@invitesbyjen.com Please send the wording for invitations, enclosure cards, and response cards in a Word document and guest addressing {name, street address, city/state/zip} in an Excel document.
2. Once Invites by Jen has received your payment and wording, a PDF proof will be emailed to you within three business days.
3. Price includes up to three rounds of proofs {including the initial proof}, if needed. Additional proofs will be charged at $25 per each.
4. Printed items will be shipped out within 10-15 business days after you have sent the approval of your proofs. Please allow for the full fifteen business days during the busy wedding season. Business days are Monday-Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.
To read all of IBJ’s polices please visit the website here. Payment of any above service assumes you have read and understand all policies listed here and on the IBJ website.
matching postage for your invitations
Every now and then, as clients are looking through design options during consultations, they will ask about matching postage.
Did you know that you can purchase postage that matches any of the Envelopments designs from their store on Zazzle? A lot of my clients like to customize an Envelopment’s design to fit their own needs, but the postage on Zazzle would still coordinate beautifully with the new customized design.
The following are a few of my new favorites!
From the Trellis pattern collection:
From the Luxe collection:
upcoming bridal fairs–spring/summer 2013
After this past January, I am really looking forward to the bridal fairs for this spring and summer. I love meeting the future brides and grooms and it is always a treat to see someone from the show schedule a consultation.
Come and visit Invites by Jen at two bridal fairs for this upcoming season!
The first one is in Madison on May 22nd. It is the Bridal Event held by the Wedding Planner and Guide. The show will be held at the Marriott Madison West.
The second show I will be doing this summer will be in Green Bay on July 21st. The Wedding Show Summer Edition is held at Shopko Hall {right across from Lambeau Field}.
I look forward to seeing everyone!
It’s Martini Time– Emerald Green Wedding Cocktail
Today I am delighted to share a fun recipe, shared by Michelle Pino, that you can use as a signature drink at your wedding. It is perfect for the upcoming spring and summer weddings. The best part is that the recipe is really adaptable and you can adjust it {very easily} to fit your needs. Plus, it is tasty, so you cannot go wrong!
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Everyone who’s ever been to a wedding knows how awesome the cocktails are. During spring and summer weddings, people usually drink emerald cocktails. When you picture an emerald cocktail, you picture yourself at a wedding dancing like a maniac and acting like a goof. But, you don’t have to wait for a wedding to enjoy this yummy cocktail. All you need is a few ingredients and you’re good to go. This recipe is so easy to make; it’s practically goof proof.
This recipe is also amazing for a green-themed wedding because it will go along swimmingly with your wedding décor. Remember, you only get married once, so make it special. This recipe will totally make your wedding one for the books, and the guests will keep on pestering you to give them another round.
Check out this yummy spring cocktail from the expert event planners at the Turning Stone Resort. This particular signature cocktail was served at a golf themed wedding reception, held at the famed Shenendoah New York Golf Resort.
Emerald Green Spring Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
1. 2 oz vodka
2. 2 oz melon liqueur
3. Lemon lime soda like Sprite or Z-up
4. Green food coloring; now, this is optional, but it makes your cocktail more fun and festive.
5. Cute cocktail umbrella; this isn’t necessary, but accessorizing your cocktail makes it festive.
6. Create your own name for the signature drink!
Directions:
Step one: First, find a blender cup or mixing bowl where you can mix your cocktail. Next, fill the bowl with ice because this is the base of your cocktail. You can use cubed or crushed ice. Although, I must say that it’s better to use crushed ice because it makes the martini smooth and creamy.
Step two: Once you have your bowl with ice, add the vodka and the melon liquor. Mix them together until they are incorporated. Once you do that, it’s time to add the lemon-lime soda. Here’s a tip: don’t pour the soda too quickly; if you do, it will fizz and explode all over the place, thus making a huge mess.
Step three: Stir the mix together. Add a few drops of food coloring, and viola, you’re done, my friend. Go find a festive glass and reap the benefits of your hard work. You deserve it.
current noteworthy discounts
Here are a few discounts currently available from some of my sponsors!
10% off all Wedding Paper Divas Orders {expires May 31st; code SPRING 10}
10% off all Tiny Prints Orders {expires May 31st; code SPRING 10}
Get 50 Free Prints from Shutterfly
Free Wedding Website from Wedding Paper Divas











