Printable Invitation Files
Emmy Lu Design Studio is pleased to offer printable design files, an innovative and unique approach to invitations and stationery. Our stylish DESIGNER+DIY stationery and invitations are each individually created by graphic designers, then personalized with your unique details and wording, and finally sent to you via email as high-resolution PDFs. These PDFs are ready for printing at home or at your local print shop. The best part of this system is that you are able to save big bucks on an invitation or stationery design that looks distinctive and stylish. There are no "minimum order" requirements, and you are allowed the flexibility to choose and purchase your own paper and envelopes direct from the paper warehouses without paying a marked-up rate. With our hand crafted and customized designs, you can easily have the beautiful, designer stationery or invitations you've been dreaming about, without putting a big dent in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who designs your stationery?
- What are the advantages of printing my own stationery or invitations?
- What format are the templates?
- Can anyone do this "print at home" thing?
- May I print a sample invitation?
- What kind of paper and materials do I need?
- Where do I find paper/envelopes/embellishments?
- What if my printer isn't up to par?
- What about cutting my stationery or invitations?
- What are the dimensions of your products?
- Is it possible to change the color of a design style?
- May I change the font?
- May I change the wording?
- Will you proofread my invitation?
- How should I word my invitations?
- How is payment processed for my order?
- What is your refund and exchange policy?
- Will you make revisions on my files after I have received them?
- What is the process, and how long does it take to receive my invitation files?
- When should I send out my Save the Dates and Invitations?
- When should I have guests return their RSVPS?
- What postage should I use?
- What type of printer did you use for the sample photos?
- What type of paper did you use for the sample photos?
- Where are the envelopes pictured with your sample invitations from?
- Who takes the family photos that are featured in your designs?
Who designs your stationery?
The team of designers at Emmy Lu includes owners Laura Smetak and Bethany Hway, as well as graphic designers Rachel Johnson, Laura Robertson, and Lisa Von De Linde. These ladies have put their cumulative creative energies together into artfully crafting this unique line of invitation designs. Each style is contemplated, planned and executed down to the smallest detail. Typefaces are carefully chosen and illustration elements are placed "just so" until the final product is worthy of approval by any high-style design expert.
What are the advantages of printing my own stationery or invitations?
The absolute biggest advantage to this method is that you are able to save big bucks on stationery and invitations that look distinctive and stylish. There are no "minimum order" requirement, and you are allowed the flexibility to choose and purchase your own paper and envelopes direct from the paper warehouses without paying a marked-up rate. With our hand crafted and customized designs, you can easily have the beautiful designer stationery and invitations you've been dreaming about, without damaging your budget.
What format are the templates?
You will receive a compressed folder that includes several PDFs. PDFs can easily be read by any computer, whether PC or Mac. You will need Adobe Reader, which is a free download available here if you do not already have it. By using PDFs, we ensure that the integrity of the typefaces and illustration elements are perfectly preserved in the best quality for you to print at home--no need to worry about setting up type or any confusing margins in Word. All you do is open the file, and select "Print". Easy as can be!
Can anyone do this "print at home" thing?
No matter if you are a crafting queen, or haven't touched a gluestick or a pair of scissors in years, you can do this! We provide clear and simple instructions that will guide you through the entire process of printing and assembly. We also offer plenty of tips and tricks, as well as a long list of resources (Need a hot pink envelope? We can point you in the right direction!). By printing your customized invitations at home, you will achieve an incredibly high-style look for an extremely low cost!
May I print a sample invitation?
Most definitely! We want to make sure that you are comfortable with the process of printing your own stationery, so we have provided this sample download for you to try at home. Please note that final files come with several versions of printable PDFs, including a borderless version, as well as a page that allows you to print two invitations per sheet. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have further questions about printing your stationery at home.
:: Download a Sample Invitation ::
What kind of paper and materials do I need?
Included with each invitation package is a complete material list and detailed instructions for choosing the correct paper. All of our invitation styles are sized to fit on a standard letter sized piece of paper, so you will be able to purchase your paper stock at any office or paper supply store. The final cut sizes are set to fit in either A7, A2 and No. 10 sized envelopes, which are also standard and very easy to find. With this flexibility, you don't need to worry about searching high and low for materials!
Where do I find paper/envelopes/embellishments?
For a detailed list of our favorite suppliers, visit our resources page. We have included links to paper, envelope, pockets, ribbon, and custom stamp vendors. There are also links to etiquette guides and inspiration sites and blogs!
What if my printer isn't up to par?
If you feel that your home printer isn't up to the task, consider taking your invitations to a local print shop. Almost any "copy shop" (such as Kinkos, Insty Print, UPS Store, or Minute Man) has a high quality digital printer on site that will produce a beautiful final product.
What about cutting my stationery or invitations?
We highly recommend using the borderless printing feature (if your printer has the capability) on pre-cut A7, A2 or No. 10 flat cards. Flat cards can be purchased through a variety of sources: our favorite flat cards are from Paper Source. Using pre-cut cards with your photo printer entirely eliminates the need to mess with crop marks and cutting. However, if you are not able to print using a smaller card, we recommend that you take your invitations to a local print shop to be cut. For a small fee, you will have stationery or invitations perfectly cut with clean edges and straight lines. Cutting at home is possible with the use of mechanical tools or an Exacto knife, but it is very time consuming and the results are not always top-notch.
What are the dimensions of your products?
We offer A7 (5" x 7"), No. 10 (9.25" x 3.875") and A2 (4.5" x 5.5") sizes, all of which are standard sizes so that you can easily find many attractive envelope options.
Is it possible to change the color of a design style?
Certainly! Each design is customized by hand, and we will be happy to change the font and/or illustration colors to anything you like for an additional charge. You may choose a color from our color chart, or specify an RGB, CMYK or PMS color at the time of ordering.
:: Download Our Color Chart ::
May I change the font?
As designers, we spend a good deal of time researching typefaces and finding the perfect match for the unique style of each design. Each font is carefully chosen to complement and highlight the personality of the stationery or invitation. In order to maintain the integrity of our designs, we do not allow alternate typefaces to be used.
May I change the wording?
You are more than welcome to change the wording however you like! When placing your order, you will be able to specify the exact wording you would like on each line of your stationery or invitation. Each piece does have a limited amount of space available, so there are line restrictions and character restrictions for each line of type.
Will you proofread my invitation?
No. We are designers, and not editors, thus, you are responsible for all content. Please proofread your order form thoroughly.
How should I word my invitations?
For an excellent guide to wording, check out this article from theknot.com. If you want your day to have a more casual feel, consider using language that is down-to-earth and personal. If you need some inspiration, many of our invitations feature different wording styles.
How is payment processed for my order?
All payment is processed through PayPal, a trusted, safe and secure method of payment processing. You will be taken to a payment page after submitting your order. We do accept international payments through PayPal, but will not process your order until the payment has been verified. PayPal accepts any major credit card.
What is your refund and exchange policy?
As soon as we begin work on your personalized files, we cannot offer refunds. However, if you contact us before we have started production of your invitation files, we will gladly offer you a full refund. Please call us at 651.328.1066 or send us an email with "CANCEL ORDER" as the subject line.
If you receive your files and then decide that the design is not right for you, we will offer you a 40% discount on the purchase of a new style that better suits your personality. This offer is only good within one month of your original purchase. Please call us at 651.328.1066 or send us an email with "EXCHANGE REQUESTED" in the subject line with the new order details included in the body of the email.
Will you make revisions on my files after I have received them?
If you receive your files and something is incorrect, we will allow one round of small revisions (text corrections or changes, slight color alterations if you have paid for custom colors) at no cost. If your revisions are extensive or enter into second and third rounds, you will be charged $25 per round of revisions.
What is the process, and how long does it take to receive my invitation files?
After your order has been placed, we will begin creating your customized design files. Each new order is processed by hand, to ensure the highest quality of typesetting and personalization. Once we have completed your unique stationery or invitation, we will put together a packaged folder for you that includes a file for each piece to be printed, as well as specific instructions, tips, and a list of resources. The turnaround time for digital files is 5 - 7 business days.
When should I send out my Save the Dates and Invitations?
As a rule, you should send your Save the Dates out 6 - 8 months ahead. For your formal invitations, allow 6 - 8 weeks, or 10 - 12 weeks for destination weddings.
When should I have guests return their RSVPS?
We suggest setting your RSVP deadline 2 - 3 weeks ahead of the wedding so that you have sufficient time to notify your caterer/florist/venue of the final count.
What postage should I use?
For the most up-to-date guidelines and restrictions, view this guide from the United States Postal Service. All of our invitation styles are designed to accommodate regular postage rates. All Thank Yous, Save the Dates, and RSVPS are postcard size and may be sent using postcard postage. If you choose to put any of these items in an envelope, they will require standard rate postage. Looking for a fun way to mail your invitations? Consider using custom stamps!
What type of printer did you use for the sample photos?
We used a Canon Pixma ip5000, which is a photo printer purchased at our local Apple Store. This is a consumer level printer, similar to many photo printers, which produces prints of the same quality level.
What type of paper did you use for the sample photos?
All paper shown in our samples photos is from Paper Source. We highly recommend their paper stock, as it is extremely high in quality and very convenient to purchase. They offer a large range of colors, textures, as well as eco-friendly options. The specific paper that was used for our samples was Luxe Fino White and Luxe Fino Cream (both in cover weight).
Where are the envelopes pictured with your sample invitations from?
All envelopes in our sample photos are from Paper Depot, a local paper shop in Minneapolis. They do not sell online, however if you are in Minnesota, we highly recommend a visit to this excellent paper store.
Who takes the family photos that are featured in your designs?
Emily Steffen is a great friend and a superb photographer who we have the pleasure of partnering with. Her work is beautiful, and her talent shines through in each photo that she captures. We are so thrilled to be featuring her work in our designs. To learn more about Emily, visit her website and blog.
