A graphic art designer also can be helpful in setting up a web page dedicated to your wedding, so that guests can check in with you, view maps to your ceremony, find your registry information. You can also use this site to view RSVPs online, if you wish.
If you know someone who is a graphic designer, you might want to ask them if they would be interested in designing your invitations. Many designers will see this as a great opportunity, because the material can be so fun for them to work with.
If you don't know someone, a quick search of the Internet will produce many graphic art designers willing to take on the task. If you'd rather go with someone local, check your local yellow pages.
Custom invitations will likely cost you more than those ordered through a catalog, so keep this in mind when planning your wedding budget. Also remember that enlisting a graphic designer may take a bit more time than ordering invitations from a catalog. Start making phone calls at least four months before the wedding.
When you call a graphic art designer whose work you haven't seen, there are a few important questions to ask before you decide to arrange a meeting: What kind of paper choices will you have? Will the designer be taking care of printing, or will that be left up to you? How much experience does the designer have, and does he or she have examples you can look at? Will they cater to ideas such as using a photo of the couple on the invitation? And of course you'll want to ask how much they will charge. Usually only and estimate will be given, and the final cost will be decided after the invitation design is complete.
The next step is to set up a meeting with the graphic designer so you can discuss what kind of image you want your invitations to portray. The designer should have examples of invitations previously designed, from which you can gather ideas. Make sure you are comfortable with the designer. It's important that you feel there is good communication with the person designing your invitations, because if they understand your personality and wedding style, it will be reflected in the final product.
After the first meeting, the graphic art designer may design a few mock-up invitations based on what you have discussed. There might be two or three additional meetings to fine-tune the design. When you approve the final design, the artist will then go to work on them.
Finally, when you pick up the invitations from the graphic designer, check for any spelling errors or printing discrepancies before you sign the final check. And enjoy sending out your perfectly customized invitations.
