Invitation Lane: FAQs - Checkerboard Invitations, Something Different, Seventeen Fifty, Elite Invitations from Invitation Lane

How do I place an order?

To place an order, you may choose from the products in our online store, and place a secure order via our shopping cart. If you want to purchase something that we currently do not feature in our shopping cart, you may use this secure form.

How many should I order?

Determine your guest list by the number of households receiving invitations, and then add an extra 25. So if you have a guest list of 118 households, don't simply order 125. Place an order for 150, to give yourself plenty of extras to accommodate for guest list changes. Ordering an extra 25 on your original order is much more cost effective than ordering 25 more at a later date. Ordering more later will be treated the same as a new order for 25, with no additional price breaks beyond our usual discount.

How do I request a quote?

For quotes, please use our free quote request form.

Do you have catalogs?

We do not provide mail order catalogs, but samples are available for $2.00 each plus shipping.

What are your shipping rates?

Please see our shipping rates here.

Should I order a sample?

If you have not seen the product in person already, you should order a sample before submitting an order for invitations. Colors and textures may look different in person than they do online, and you should be sure you are ordering what you want. We have an order form for ordering samples of invitations. Checkerboard offers printed samples, but all others will arrive blank unless otherwise specified. Samples CANNOT be custom printed with your information.

When should I order my invitations?

We recommend ordering your invitations three to four months prior to your event date to give yourself time to assemble and address them. We also recommend ordering extra envelopes for any mistakes you may make in addressing. Don't forget to have the Postal Service weigh your invitations after you have added all of your enclosures to ensure proper postage. Mail them at least six weeks prior to the event, preferably eight. Plan ahead!

Should I open an account?

The advantages of opening an account with Invitation Lane are:

- Wish List/Registry: Create a wish list and save your work of items you like and are considering! Save your work so you can come back later and finish your purchase. Or share your wish list with friends and family before making your final decision!

- Newsletters and Offers: Sign up to receive e-mail offers and new product announcements!

- Fast and Easy Checkout: Fills in your bill to and ship to fields, making checkout faster. We do not store payment information.

Should I order a proof?

Yes, we strongly encourage you to include proofs with your order so you avoid any disappointment on the day your invitations arrive. After you place your order, the printer will create a proof of the order which is emailed to you for review. A proof is NOT a single printed invitation. A proof is a rendering of the printed portion of your order and is not printed on the actual card stock. In most cases proofs are only available in black and white.

How long will my order take?

Always plan ahead with plenty of time! Keep in mind that proofs generally add between 2 - 4 business days to the turnaround time of an order. The following are average turnaround time per manufacturer:

Checkerboard: approximately 4 - 5 business days from order to shipment. Online proofs are viewed and approved prior to placing an order. PDF proofs for custom orders will add at least 2 business days to production time. Orders ship from Massachusetts.

Carlson Craft: approximately 4 - 10 business days from order to shipment, depending on the type of product ordered. Orders ship from Minnesota.

McPhersons: approximately 5 - 7 business days from order to shipment. This estimate includes emailed proofs. Orders ship from Indiana.

The Chatsworth Collection: approximately 5 - 7 business days from order to shipment. Orders ship from California.

The Consortium (Elite, Chase & Jansson): approximately 7 - 14 business days from order to shipment, depending on the complexity of the order. Orders ship from Massachusetts.

It is always best to order your invitations and holiday cards well before you need them!

What are the different printing methods?

Thermography: This method is raised ink, which is the most common method for printing wedding invitations. The more affordable alternative to engraving with a very similar look.

Engraving: The traditional method for invitation printing, with your wording raised on the invitation. Usually more expensive than thermography.

Letterpress: Your wording will be indented into the paper using ink and a raised surface printing plate. This old fashioned method of printing has experienced a resurgence in the last few years.

Blind Embossing: No ink is used in this method. Your wording or motif is pressed into the paper and is raised on the surface of the paper. Traditional and elegant, it is common to use blind embossing for return address on the back flap of the outer envelope on an invitation ensemble.

Flat: As it's name implies, there is no texture to the printing.

What are your policies?

Please see our policies page.