Costs for printed materials (not just wedding invitations) can sky-rocket once you start designing with different printing techniques in mind. Although there is nothing quite as nice as the first time you run your finger over a spot gloss you just got back from the printer. Setting up the plates alone can cost in excess of £250. If you want to design something special for your client, but the budget just won’t stretch, take a look at some of the tips below.
01. Address the budget early on
It’s not just about giving a client exactly what they ask for, most people like to hear a designer’s opinion on their ideas. It helps to go over the brief and be as honest as possible with the client, if you have something in mind that you think will look or feel better than what the client has proposed, tell them! Mention the budget early on, don’t be afraid to tell them that corners must be cut to ensure they get something nice, and for the right price.
02. Content is key
Make sure that the proposed brief has everything you need before you start, or don’t start at all. Content is a designers worst nightmare, and his best friend. Make sure you sign off content with your client before you start work, if they decide to change anything half way through the design process then the budget will begin to suffer. Again, make sure your client knows about this BEFORE you start.
03. Keep the design simple
Not every wedding invitation design has to have detailed illustrations of 1800′s ornamental characters, a minimal design will usually be quicker to put together and can save you a lot of time if the client ever wants to change or add text. Also bear in mind that one colour prints will cost you much less to get printed.
04. Consider envelope sizes
Make sure your design will fit nicely into a standard envelope size, it can be a nightmare trying to find bespoke envelopes once your work has already been printed.
05. Supply your own paper
You can buy paper from arts/crafts shops, many of which will charge you much less than your regular printer. It also gives you a wider choice, and most paper shops sell good quality stock. Go to the printers with a sample, just to make sure they can and are happy to print on your chosen material.
06. Keep it local
Before you use any of the online ‘next day’ printing services, get out the yellow pages and find your local printer. If you go and pay them a visit they should be able to beat any other quote you have been given, especially if you mention that you are a local designer looking for a good quality printer for future work.
07. Try different techniques
Get creative with your use of print, don’t just assume that if something looks ‘special’ or ‘bespoke’ that it cost the earth. You can achieve some great effects for a fraction of the price if you think about alternative ways of printing. The image below does not show ‘spot gloss’ or varnishing, nor even were plates set up to achieve the effect, it is simply black ink on black paper printed 3 times over. With some testing and persistence great things can come from some experimentation.
08. Get crafty
Get out your scalpels, scissors, glue, and, dare I say it, glitter! Rather than pay your printer to fold your paper, cut out your sleeves, or glue on any jewels, make an evening of it. You can buy ribbons, bows, gem stones (however cheesy!) from most market stalls which if used in moderation can add a bespoke feel to your print work.
Finally make sure that your client is happy with the outcome, and your good to go. If you have the time a test print is ALWAYS a good idea to show your client before delivering the final batch.
The above invitations were designed in one day, and constructed over a couple of evenings. The total cost including paper, printing, glue, and envelopes came to just under £15. Even with design time being accounted for these are were still cheaper to produce than the majority of wedding invitations are to buy.
Good luck creating, let Design & Hype know how it goes!
