our actual wedding cake(s).

wedding faq

ready to get started? have questions? reach out!

  • we’re caroline and sophie, aka pattymelt.

    we are a branding studio. and we think wedding design should follow a similar approach: cohesive, with a clear vision, from start to finish. our semi-custom invitation suites and day-of designs were born from our nontraditional sensibilities and “fuck the norm” attitude.

    our wedding was unconventional in every way and we wanted our stationery to reflect that. but nothing on the market felt like us. so we did what we knew best and created everything ourselves. we think it’s the coolest thing when weddings are treated so personally and artfully. we’re here to do just that.

  • who is this for?
    our wedding designs are for people looking to personalize their wedding stationery in a nontraditional or design-forward way. everyone is welcome, regardless of gender identity, race, or sexual orientation.

    what is like to work with you?
    we approach all of our creative projects the same way: personally and collaboratively. we’ll work hand in hand throughout the entire process. think of us as partners, not vendors.

    how does it work?
    our semi-custom invitations range in style and are meant to be personalized. select your desired style, then choose from any of these options to build a suite that best suits your wedding plans:

    save the date
    wedding invitation
    details card
    rehearsal dinner card
    digital rsvp
    mail-in rsvp + envelope
    day-of materials
    thank you cards

    have an idea that’s not listed? we want to hear it!

    once you make your selections, we’ll work together to make it totally yours. see ‘process’ below for more details.

  • what is the process?
    1. select a suite and fill out the accompanying form.

    2. we’ll reach out in 3-5 business days to schedule a call. we’ll get to know each other and discuss your vision. we’ll review customization options, embellishments, and add-ons. we’ll follow up with a custom quote.

    3. we'll begin designing based on our conversation and your vision. you’ll receive a form to submit your wording and details. 25% of the total fee is required at this time.

    4. you’ll receive the first round of designs in 2-3 weeks. we’ll present a few different design options to choose from. you’ll select one option and provide any feedback for revisions. one complimentary round of revisions is included with the price of your suite.

    5. when revisions are complete, you'll receive a digital proof. when approved by you, the design will be considered final and we’ll move into print production. 50% of your total fee is due at this time. production time is 6-8 weeks.

    6. when your suites are assembled and ready to ship, the remaining 25% fee is due. you have the option of free domestic shipping or local pickup in the berkshires or hudson valley. all you’ll need to do is stamp and send!

    can i see samples of your work before i order?
    yes! sample packs are available for purchase here.

    can i make changes during production?
    no. designs are final once we have your permission to start printing.

  • which parts of my suite can i customize?
    you’re able to personalize with fonts, colors, paper stocks, and wording. optional embellishments and add-ons are also available. your proposal will outline all of your options.

    what embellishments do you offer?
    metallic foils
    matte foils
    letterpress
    embossing and debossing
    digital white ink
    edge painting

    custom icons or illustrations

    what add-ons do you offer?
    hand-selected suite closures (clips, belly bands, fasteners, etc)
    envelope liners
    envelope addressing
    suite assembly
    envelope stamping + mailing
    thank you notes
    custom wedding logo

    custom wedding website

    do you offer day-of designs?
    yes! as branding professionals we love when an event has one cohesive style from beginning to end. we offer:

    welcome signs
    place cards
    table numbers
    bar signage
    printed menus
    matchbooks
    merch/favors

    anything else, really. inquire!

    do you offer completely custom invitations?
    while we prioritize our current collection, we gladly accept custom projects on a case by case basis. if you’re interested in a completely custom invitation suite, reach out to us here.

    how do i share all of my important details?
    when we’re ready to begin, you’ll receive a form to submit your desired language and day-of information. if you choose to add envelope addressing, we will also ask for a spreadsheet with guest names and addresses. please note that we can make changes to these details up until the time of production.

    what paper stocks do you use?
    our preferred papers come from colorplan, lettra, and gmund. samples can be purchased here.

  • how far in advance should i order my wedding invitations?
    as early as you can! save the dates are commonly sent to guests 6-8 months in advance. invitations are commonly sent 6-12 weeks prior to the wedding, or farther out if guests are required to travel internationally. we recommend ordering your save the dates and invitation suites at the same time.

    can save the dates be designed separately?
    yes! though we do encourage full suites to be designed all at once for cohesion and peace of mind.

    how long does the process take?
    design and production take anywhere from 8-12 weeks. this is dependent on factors like complexity of the design, desired embellishments, add-ons, and fast response time. please remember that there are only two of us in the studio. the more lead time, the better!

    what is your order minimum?
    50 suites. we encourage you to calculate the number of desired suites by households, not by the number of guests. we also recommend ordering 10-20 extras for last minute additions, photographs, and keepsakes.

    do you assemble my invitations and stuff envelopes for me?
    yes! envelope stuffing is optional, and always complimentary :)

    can you address the envelopes for me?
    yes! we address envelopes digitally. this is considered an add-on and will be discussed in our initial meeting.

    can you stamp and mail our invitations for us?
    we can! these are also considered an add-ons. stamp prices vary and will be reflected on your final invoice.

  • how much should i budget for these services?
    our clients typically spend anywhere from $2000-$5000+. the cost is entirely dependent on your selected suite, number of guests, paper stocks, embellishments, and add-ons. we customize every proposal, so you’re only ever paying for the services you request.

    i want to work with you, but my budget is lower than that. are there options?
    definitely! we like to think we can find a way to work with anyone on any budget. get in touch to see what’s possible.

    how do payments work?
    once our proposal is accepted and a contract is signed, the payment structure is as follows:

    25% deposit to get started
    50% when designs are final and ready to go to print
    25% when invites are assembled and ready to ship

    do you charge rush fees for last minute requests?
    while never guaranteed, we apply a 50% rush fee to orders placed within 6 weeks of final delivery.

    what is your refund policy?
    we understand, things happen. if you have paid your initial deposit but the design process has not begun, you will receive a full refund. if we are mid-design, you are eligible for a refund equaling 10% of the total fee. once we move into print production, we cannot accommodate refunds.

    do you accept returns?
    no.

    every suite is inspected for quality before it leaves our studio. if your suites arrive damaged, please get in touch immediately.

  • how much does shipping cost?
    suites ship free within the contiguous united states. USPS stamps are not included.

    do you offer international shipping?
    not at this time.

    do you offer local pickup?
    yes. folks in the hudson valley (ny) or the berkshires (mass) are welcome to pick up their suites at our studio.