Have you heard of semi-custom invitations? Did you know there’s actually a difference between custom and semi-custom?

Custom invitations are 100% unique, designed especially for you and your fiancé, with one-of-a-kind artwork. They are only used one time because they were created just for you, and are typically at a higher price point.

Semi-custom invitations are pre-designed, where your information (and sometimes the printing color) are the only things that are customized. These designs can be used for many different couples, making the price point significantly lower.

Which one is right for me?

Deciding which one to go with really comes down to three things: budget, timeline, and what is most important to you in your wedding.

If you want a romantic, intimate wedding with special touches that tell your love story, then custom invitations are probably the way to go. We can incorporate artwork into your suite that includes things that are important to you as a couple like traveling, your pet(s), your first home together, etc. With custom invitations, the possibilities are endless and you can get exactly what you’re looking for in your invitation suite. Custom designs can take months to design, but they’re definitely worth the wait!

If you want to truly tell your love story and an exclusive, one-of-a-kind invitation design experience is what you’re looking for, custom is the route you should take.

Semi-custom, or pre-designed invitations can be just as beautiful and special, but they don’t include custom artwork. The benefits of semi-custom suites are their lower price point, they’re faster to produce, and there are a tone of designs out there ready to be customized. Often, there

are ways you can upgrade semi-custom suites to make them have a more custom feel (adding wax seals, belly bands, vellum overlays, etc.).

If you’re not bothered by the fact that other couples will have the same invitation design as you and you want to focus your budget elsewhere, then semi-custom is the way to go.

There are pros and cons with both routes, but it’s really up to you as a couple to decide what works best for you!

Guess what? I offer both!

Yep! That’s right! The majority of the work I do is custom. The average Dear Kathryn client can expect to spend between $2,700 and $5,000. My custom packages include unlimited artwork and proofing, material and design choices, production, assembly and mailing, keepsake suites and photo-ready extras, and a secure client portal to house all of your proofs and invoices. All of these things allow you to tell your love story and get exactly what you want, while reducing the stress that can come along with wedding planning!

If you’re not feeling the custom route, get this: I just released my new semi-custom collection that includes six invitation suites with 14 pieces each.

In the collections, you’re able to add on the cards you need, upgrade your paper thickness, and add embellishments like wax seals and vellum to make the suite feel more custom…without the custom price tag. My semi-custom suites start at $320. Really, each time the invitation is ordered, it’s different based on what couples choose to include! Take a look at the options by visiting my Etsy shop!

In my honest opinion…

If we’re working together, you can’t go wrong no matter which direction you choose. You’ll get the same level of care, passion, and communication either way. As long as you’re happy, that’s the most important thing!

If you still have questions about custom and semi-custom invitations, I’m happy to help! Send me an email and let’s chat!

Also, feel free to pin this image to your wedding board on Pinterest for safe keeping!