Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering • Payment • Samples • Envelopes • Envelope Printing •
Printing • Ribbon • Portfolios • Thank you cards • FAQ
Ordering
You can order through our online ordering system, phone or email. Typically we email a pdf file as a first proof. Once the pdf file is approved you will receive an actual sample of your invitation as a proof before we begin work (unless you request not to). We do not keep every color in every item in stock so sometimes substitutions are made for the sample. If this happens, swatches of your requested colors are sent along with the sample. Production begins only after we have your approval on the invitation. If you have previously requested and received a sample, send any corrections via email or phone call. You will then receive an emailed pdf file of your invitation text for final approval.
Payment - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Check or Money Order
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We also accept check or money order through the mail. You may mail or call in a credit card information or use our online ordering and give credit card information there. If you pay by check or money order you will need to send full payment before the order can ship. Typically the full price is charged to your card when you approve the order for complete production.
Samples - $20.00
If you would like to receive a sample only it cost $20. With a future invitation order this $20 charge will be credited to your balance. You may purchase additional samples at $20 each, however, only the first $20 will be credited to your order. When requesting samples give as much information as possible. Give a list of all the items and colors including your text and typeface. (there can be color substitutions if any are temporally out of stock)
Send or email order and sample request to:
Renaissance Writings
4709 All Points View Way
Raleigh, NC 27614
To speak with customer service: 919-866-1081
e-mail: mail@RenaissanceWritings.com
Envelopes
There are several types of envelopes (classic white, classic ecru, standard colors, metallics, crystal clear, and handmade). Our handmade envelopes are cut from the same handmade paper you choose for your invitation. Classic are a paper stock in ecru or white. Metallics are made from the metallic paper stocks.
Envelope Printing
We can print the return address on the back flap of the other outer envelopes as well as your address on any rsvp envelope. Printing the return address adds $0.50 to the cost of the envelope. We can also print your guest's address on the front of the envelope. This is an additional $0.50 each per envelope. Handmade and crystal clear envelopes cannot be printed.
Printing
All of our items are off set printed or laser printed.Because the printing would be impossible or very difficult to read we recommend not printing on dark color card stocks. Color printing is an additional $0.10 each item.
For the handmade invitations we print on translucent vellum sheets and attach them to the handmade paper. The flowers can be seen beneath the text for a beautiful layering effect. The handmade papers cannot handle direct printing by printers due to the flower petals and textures that make them so special. You can easily handwrite onto the handmade papers using just about any kind of pen.
Ribbon
Our ribbon selection primarily goes with the handmade invitation line. We use 3/4" organdy (very sheer) ribbon in several colors: white, off-white, magenta, sage and purple. Some ideas in using ribbon include:
1. At the top of the invitation to attach the vellum to the invitation
2. Wrapped around the waist of a portfolio or folded invitation.
3. Tie a ribbon around the spine of a fold or through punched holes with a folded vellum or paper on the inside for a booklet look.
Using ribbon with your invitations is a nice way to "tie up" your wedding package. What a nice little present for your guests to open.
Handmade Paper Portfolios
Portfolios are items offered in the handmade invitations. The double-fold portfolio is like a wrap. The invitation is placed in the center and the portfolio fold over from the left and the right. The double-fold invitation is the same thing with a printed vellum included and attached inside. It is great paired with ribbon. Custom made gate folds are possible in the Envelopments® line.
Thank you cards can be made in all of our papers and card stocks. They are a folded sheet. We can pair them with regular envelopes or if handmade with handmade envelopes. Thank you notes will remind your guests of the unique and personal touches that distinguished your wedding day from beginning to end. Having thank you notes printed with the bride's and groom's names is a great opportunity to let people know how the bride wishes to be addressed. We can print a wedding photo onto the thank you cards if you wish.
You can also have the note cards bundled as stationery. They are a great gift for the bride, groom or bridal party members. Personalize it by having their names printed on each card. These fine papers accept your hand written notes wonderfully.
When should I order?
We recommend 3 months before the wedding. However we have handled orders for weddings as close as 3 weeks away. You can certainly order earlier and then get your sample. We can then schedule when you would like.
When should I send out my invitations?
Invitations should be sent out 4 to 8 weeks before the wedding - this varies with how much time you have available and how far guests will be traveling to come to the wedding - they might need time to make travel arrangements. If the wedding is a long time in the future you might want to consider save the date cards.
What response date should I use on the rsvp card? rsvp / respond date is usually 2 to 4 weeks before the wedding depending on how soon the wedding is, when the caterer needs the information or personal desire. Keep in mind that you usually have some people that don't respond that you will need time to find and get a response from.
When will I receive my order?
For a general guide once we have an okay to print , we can finish the order in 3 weeks. Rush orders are possible. As soon as you place your order you are scheduled for production and we can then give you a definite time, but until then I can only guess based on our current production schedule - and this can change as we receive orders. Fall and winter orders (slow season) usually are finished in 2 to 2.5 weeks.
Why do the handmade envelopes cost so much more?
Because they are each made by hand. Each envelope has be cut from the handmade paper, folded, and then glued by hand.
Is there a quantity discount?
No. However, orders that exceed $1000 can receive a 10% discount. You just have to request it before you finalize your order. If the order is being rushed the discount is not available.
When will I get my sample?
Once we have all the sample information. We can usually get the sample out in 1-3 business days. The sample will be sent via first class mail from North Carolina.
Once I receive the sample do I need to fill out a new order form online to place my invitation order?
No, we keep all the information on file and hopefully after you receive the sample we can just make changes over the phone or email and then we send you a pdf file to verify the order.
Can we print in other languages?
As long as the language you have in mind is based on the same alphabet. Accent marks are usually not a problem but are sometimes not available in some of the typefaces - it is easier for you to choose a typeface and let us check and then if not make other suggestions of some similar typefaces that can make accent marks. We can also print in Hebrew and Greek!
Do I need to get an inner envelope? With so many other options that act as an inner envelope, i.e. Pocket Fold® enclosures, Portable Pocket® enclosures, Handmade Portfolios, we only offer handmade inner envelopes with the handmade paper invitations.
Will I get those tissue things included with my invitation? No. The tradition of a tissue was originated when the ink needed time to dry - eventually people started leaving the tissues in. Our invitations are off set printed or laser printed so there is no drying time with the printing.
How much postage will I need to put on the invitation?
Your best bet is to take your sample invitation to the post office and have them tell you what it would need. Many of our invitations will be an ounce over the first class rate. Please also remember that if you order handmade outer envelopes they need to be taken to the post office and ask for hand canceling.
What if I don't have my text ready for the program when I order the invitations but I know I want to get programs later?
Let us know when you place your first order that you intend to order programs later, then when we send your invitations we will send a sample of a program that you are interested in. Then we need to have the final text for the program about 4 weeks before your wedding.
What if I want to get my own envelopes somewhere else?
You certainly can do that, however, most of the invitation sizes can't be changed. Therefore, it is your responsibility to make sure your envelopes will work.
Returns for unprinted items:
15% restocking fee and shipping is non-refundable.
You can certainly return any item or items in their entirety that you like. (This means if you order 100 of an item you need to return 100 not 15 that were left over after you finished your project) The return needs to be received by us within 30 days of your receipt of the order. There is a 15% restocking fee for the returned item or items. You must notify us for return authorization and the shipping address.
Sale items are non-returnable, all sales are final.
Returns for printed items:
You must approve any printing before it is completed so no returns are accepted of printed items. If there is an error, on our part, in the printing it will be fixed immediately.
