Stationery

Wedding invitations & stationery contract: what to check before you sign

Invitations are printed in bulk, all at once — which means a single missed typo or a wrong count gets multiplied across your whole order. The contract is mostly about one question: who pays when something on the page is wrong? Here's the checklist, written for the couple.

1. Proof approval and who owns the typo

This is the single most important clause in a stationery contract. Almost every printer requires you to approve a final proof in writing, and once you do, errors are on you — if you approve a proof with the wrong date and only notice after printing, the reprint is at your cost. That's standard and fair, but it means you must proof carefully: names, date, time, venue, address, RSVP details. Conversely, check that if the printer deviates from the approved proof, they reprint at their cost.

2. Reprints, overruns and spare count

Order a few extras from the start — last-minute guests, addressing mistakes, and keepsakes add up, and a small reprint later often costs nearly as much as the original run because of setup fees. Ask about the reprint minimum and price, and whether the printer's quote allows a small overrun/underrun (common in printing). Knowing the reprint economics up front usually makes ordering 10–15% extra the cheaper choice.

"If I need 20 more after printing, what does a reprint cost — and is there a minimum?"

3. What's actually in the suite

"Invitation suite" means different things to different studios. Confirm exactly what's included: invitation card, RSVP card, envelopes, inner envelope, details/insert card, save-the-dates, menus, place cards, signage, thank-you cards — and the paper stock, printing method (digital, letterpress, foil — very different prices) and any envelope addressing or assembly. Add-ons like wax seals, ribbon and liners are often priced separately.

4. Timeline, rush fees and shipping

Custom stationery takes time: design rounds, proofing, printing and shipping. Confirm the production timeline and the number of design revisions included (extra rounds often cost more). Check for a rush fee if your dates are tight, and who's responsible for shipping cost and risk — including reprints if a package is lost or damaged in transit. Leave buffer before your mailing date.

5. Design rights and reuse

A custom design is the studio's creative work. Check whether you're buying the printed pieces only or also print-ready files / rights to reproduce the design yourself (for day-of signage or programs you print locally). Many studios retain the design rights and the right to show your suite in their portfolio — usually fine, but worth knowing, especially if you'd prefer your details be removed from public samples.

6. Deposit and cancellation

Expect a deposit to start design work, often non-refundable once design begins, and a balance due before printing. Check what you'd owe if you cancel after design but before printing versus after printing. For how "non-refundable" works in general, see our deposits guide.