Ketubah FAQ by Peggy Davis

How do I start?
What are the parts of an invitation order?
What paper choices and ink colors are available?
What are the different printing methods?
Why do some invitations come with double envelopes?
Can I put the reception information on the invitation itself?
What has to go on an RSVP card?
Can I use an RSVP postcard instead of a card and envelope?
Is there anything wrong with having people RSVP on-line?
How do I tell guests where I am registered for gifts?
Do you address envelopes? How do I prepare an address list for envelopes to be hand-addressed or printed?
How do I carry out the look of my invitations for the rest of my wedding items?
In what form are names written on placecards?
Are there other ways to seat people besides placecards?
Do you print wedding favors, programs, etc.?
How much time do I need for this?
How much will invitations cost?
Can I see samples of your work?
Do you ever repeat the use of a design?

How do I start?

The invitation conveys to your guests a sense of what the event will be like: casual, meaningful, formal, intimate, are words that you might think of, and will be reflected in your choice of paper, colors, images, lettering, size & shape. Bring these ideas to the first discussion of the project.

You’ll want to have an idea of how many guests there will be and how many invitations are needed, remembering that some invitations will be for more than one person in a household.

Most of the invitations that I produce for customers are custom designs. Even if it is based on a design already in my collection, there is always some customization that goes into the final product. The following pointers will help make ordering a smooth process.

2. What are the parts of an invitation order?

You may use any of the following to invite guests and orient them as to what to expect:

A save-the-date card or postcard that would go out well in advance of the event; it could include hotel reservation information.
The invitation itself, with a single, or more formally, a double envelope. This envelope may have a liner added to it (the inner envelope in a double set).
A response card and an envelope with your address on it or a postcard with the response message and your address.
Reception card: These may be used to invite a guest to a Friday evening dinner, a rehearsal dinner, a Sunday brunch, an evening party for a morning Bar or Bat Mitzvah, etc. You may need two or three such cards, which can be ordered in different quantities. For example, you may send 100 invitations, but only 30 may be for out-of-towners, who are also invited to a Sunday brunch. They can receive a separate brunch invitation and an RSVP card that includes both the reception and the brunch.
Directions and hotel information: One card may include directions to the event and a reception; the directions may give instructions from a few locations. Hotel information may be on a separate card or one the reverse of the directions.
Gift registry, charitable donations card: You may want to inform guests of gift registries. If you are starting a marriage with two full households, you may include a card to indicate your preference for charitable contributions on your behalf. Some B'nei/B'not Mitzvah will indicate a preference for making a donation as well.
Placecards: There are many ways to indicate where guests should sit; such as folded cards, cards on favors, or a decorated chart with the guests’ name(s) and table number.
Table numbers: We make table numbers (or sometimes a thematic table name) for an event, using elements of the invitation design. It would be held in a holder on the table; usually supplied by the caterer or hall.
Thank you note and envelope: Usually a folded card with the name(s) of the wedding couple or Bar/Bat Mitzvah. I often include a design element from the invitation. I’ve also designed flat cards for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

3. What paper choices and ink colors are available?

There are many choices of paper and ink. In the past, most of my customers have chosen designs with one or two ink colors. Now, however, I’m also able to print full-color illustrations, either in-house or through one of the printers I use. We can talk about these possibilities.

4. What are the different printing methods?

The most expensive method is engraving, when a metal plate is engraved where the ink will go. It produces a fine line that sits on the paper. Thermography is a different method which looks similar, as a powder is added to the ink to make it sit on the paper; it is also called raised ink. Both of these methods produce ink that can be felt as you run your hand over the paper.

Digital printing, such as the full-color illustrations that I do, does not have a raised surface.

5. Why do some invitations come with double envelopes?

A double envelope set has an inner envelope that is addressed with just the name(s) of those invited at that address. The envelope (or inner one of a double set) may have a liner which relates to the design of the invitation, using a particular color, pattern or texture of paper. It is a formality, so that the outer envelope which can show wear and tear from mailing, will protect the inner envelope.

6. Can I put the reception information on the invitation itself?

While it was once frowned upon, I have had customers who chose to do so. The main concern we discuss is how much wording there is and how much space is available for that text.

7. What has to go on an RSVP card?

A respond postcard or card should request that guests include their names, number attending, and, if needed, entrée choice(s). It is also nice to leave some empty space for a note. Some cards just have a message such as “Please respond by August seventeenth” or “Your presence will make our celebration more joyful.”

8. Can I use an RSVP postcard instead of a card and envelope?

This would depend mostly on the formality of the occasion and how much text there would be on the card. The normal RSVP card is smaller than the postal regulation size for a postcard. I can order cards from a printing company in white or ivory that are an appropriate size. Color-matching of paper and ink will be considered as well.

9. Is there anything wrong with having people RSVP on-line?

I’d suggest considering the age and likelihood of your guests being comfortable responding in this way. You would probably want to have a separate card without an envelope with that information. You could consider printing a smaller number of respond cards & envelopes for some who would appreciate the old-fashioned method. I would recommend including an RSVP card with an added on-line URL. My experience tells me that no one method gets 100% responses, so it can help to provide different methods.

10. How do I tell guests where I am registered for gifts?

Etiquette calls for this to be on a separate card, which can be printed and enclosed in the invitation packet. It could be combined with another card, such as one with on-line response information.

11. Do you address envelopes? How do I prepare an address list for envelopes to be hand-addressed or printed?

Yes, I address envelopes, either by hand or printed in a font similar to the text of the invitation. Use a spreadsheet or database program to create a list with separate fields for each entry. Then you can alphabetize the list. Create the list and send it in the body of an e-mail to us. Be sure there is a single return between each line of an address and a double return between each entry. There is information for this at the bottom of my invitation page. Please allow a week plus shipping time for addressing.

Don’t underestimate how much time it will take to get the address list in order. Printing the invitation will take about a week, so you want to be working on that list while we’re designing the invitation.

12. How do I carry out the look of my invitations for the rest of my wedding items?

We can discuss what other accessories you need and find ways to carry the color or design of the invitation into other items for the event, such as programs, menus, favors, etc.

13. In what form are names written on placecards?

You may choose to use the more formal “Mr. John Doe;” “Mr. & Mrs. Robert Swanson” or you may like it informal, “Andrea and Sam Stillman.”

14. Are there other ways to seat people besides placecards?

This is a place to be creative! Some weddings feature a decorated chart of names and table numbers; others will attach a table number to a favor. We can discuss solutions for this.

15. Do you print wedding favors, programs, etc.?

Yes, I do. I have various ways to create such things and we can brainstorm ideas together. People often want programs for Jewish weddings where there will be guests unfamiliar with the customs.

16. How much time do I need for this?

Most people plan to send the invitations 6-8 weeks before the event, although some customers report that number is creeping earlier. Allow two weeks for printing. That means that aost people e to start discussing the order is 4–5 months before the event. We can produce invitations in whatever time you have, but this is a comfortable margin.

If time is short, you may want to email save-the-date notes before the invitations are sent.

17. How much will invitations cost?

I work with you to find an invitation solution that fits your budget. I represent printers with a variety of printing options. Printing costs can vary from $150-1500 or more.

When ordering an invitation using my art work, the cost can range upward from a minimum of $75. A new design for an invitation set would cost $250-600 for art work, depending on the content.

Once we’ve had the initial discussion and have a few ideas to work with, I will send you an itemized estimate for what we have discussed. I request a deposit of 60% of the estimate, with the final amount to be paid when the invitations are sent to the printer.

17. Can I see samples of your work?

When COVID19 restrictions are past, please arrange to visit my studio, centrally located between Northampton, Greenfield, Shelburne Falls, North Adams, or Amherst, Massachusetts, or Brattleboro or Bennington, Vermont. It is about 2.5 hours west of Boston, 2 hours north of Hartford, and about 2 hours east of Albany, NY. I can send you samples of invitations with my designs. Please return the samples when you have finished with them. Please call 413-624-3204 or e-mail for an appointment and directions or to request samples by mail.

17. Do you ever repeat designs?

Yes, if you would like to use a design in my collection, there is a lower cost for its use than when I create a new, custom design.

Ketubot	Invitations	Gifts of Meaning	Fine Art Prints	Baby	Bar / Bas Mitzve
Gan Eydn Jewish Art & Music Home Page		Peggy H. Davis Calligraphy Home Page	About the Artist		Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Invitations by Peggy Davis
How do I start? What are the parts of an invitation order? What paper choices and ink colors are available? What are the different printing methods? Why do some invitations come with double envelopes? Can I put the reception information on the invitation itself? What has to go on an RSVP card? Can I use an RSVP postcard instead of a card and envelope? Is there anything wrong with having people RSVP on-line? How do I tell guests where I am registered for gifts? Do you address envelopes? How do I prepare an address list for envelopes to be hand-addressed or printed? How do I carry out the look of my invitations for the rest of my wedding items? In what form are names written on placecards? Are there other ways to seat people besides placecards? Do you print wedding favors, programs, etc.? How much time do I need for this? How much will invitations cost? Can I see samples of your work? Do you ever repeat the use of a design? How do I start? The invitation conveys to your guests a sense of what the event will be like: casual, meaningful, formal, intimate, are words that you might think of, and will be reflected in your choice of paper, colors, images, lettering, size & shape. Bring these ideas to the first discussion of the project. You’ll want to have an idea of how many guests there will be and how many invitations are needed, remembering that some invitations will be for more than one person in a household. Most of the invitations that I produce for customers are custom designs. Even if it is based on a design already in my collection, there is always some customization that goes into the final product. The following pointers will help make ordering a smooth process. 2. What are the parts of an invitation order? You may use any of the following to invite guests and orient them as to what to expect: A save-the-date card or postcard that would go out well in advance of the event; it could include hotel reservation information. The invitation itself, with a single, or more formally, a double envelope. This envelope may have a liner added to it (the inner envelope in a double set). A response card and an envelope with your address on it or a postcard with the response message and your address. Reception card: These may be used to invite a guest to a Friday evening dinner, a rehearsal dinner, a Sunday brunch, an evening party for a morning Bar or Bat Mitzvah, etc. You may need two or three such cards, which can be ordered in different quantities. For example, you may send 100 invitations, but only 30 may be for out-of-towners, who are also invited to a Sunday brunch. They can receive a separate brunch invitation and an RSVP card that includes both the reception and the brunch. Directions and hotel information: One card may include directions to the event and a reception; the directions may give instructions from a few locations. Hotel information may be on a separate card or one the reverse of the directions. Gift registry, charitable donations card: You may want to inform guests of gift registries. If you are starting a marriage with two full households, you may include a card to indicate your preference for charitable contributions on your behalf. Some B'nei/B'not Mitzvah will indicate a preference for making a donation as well. Placecards: There are many ways to indicate where guests should sit; such as folded cards, cards on favors, or a decorated chart with the guests’ name(s) and table number. Table numbers: We make table numbers (or sometimes a thematic table name) for an event, using elements of the invitation design. It would be held in a holder on the table; usually supplied by the caterer or hall. Thank you note and envelope: Usually a folded card with the name(s) of the wedding couple or Bar/Bat Mitzvah. I often include a design element from the invitation. I’ve also designed flat cards for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. 3. What paper choices and ink colors are available? There are many choices of paper and ink. In the past, most of my customers have chosen designs with one or two ink colors. Now, however, I’m also able to print full-color illustrations, either in-house or through one of the printers I use. We can talk about these possibilities. 4. What are the different printing methods? The most expensive method is engraving, when a metal plate is engraved where the ink will go. It produces a fine line that sits on the paper. Thermography is a different method which looks similar, as a powder is added to the ink to make it sit on the paper; it is also called raised ink. Both of these methods produce ink that can be felt as you run your hand over the paper. Digital printing, such as the full-color illustrations that I do, does not have a raised surface. 5. Why do some invitations come with double envelopes? A double envelope set has an inner envelope that is addressed with just the name(s) of those invited at that address. The envelope (or inner one of a double set) may have a liner which relates to the design of the invitation, using a particular color, pattern or texture of paper. It is a formality, so that the outer envelope which can show wear and tear from mailing, will protect the inner envelope. 6. Can I put the reception information on the invitation itself? While it was once frowned upon, I have had customers who chose to do so. The main concern we discuss is how much wording there is and how much space is available for that text. 7. What has to go on an RSVP card? A respond postcard or card should request that guests include their names, number attending, and, if needed, entrée choice(s). It is also nice to leave some empty space for a note. Some cards just have a message such as “Please respond by August seventeenth” or “Your presence will make our celebration more joyful.” 8. Can I use an RSVP postcard instead of a card and envelope? This would depend mostly on the formality of the occasion and how much text there would be on the card. The normal RSVP card is smaller than the postal regulation size for a postcard. I can order cards from a printing company in white or ivory that are an appropriate size. Color-matching of paper and ink will be considered as well. 9. Is there anything wrong with having people RSVP on-line? I’d suggest considering the age and likelihood of your guests being comfortable responding in this way. You would probably want to have a separate card without an envelope with that information. You could consider printing a smaller number of respond cards & envelopes for some who would appreciate the old-fashioned method. I would recommend including an RSVP card with an added on-line URL. My experience tells me that no one method gets 100% responses, so it can help to provide different methods. 10. How do I tell guests where I am registered for gifts? Etiquette calls for this to be on a separate card, which can be printed and enclosed in the invitation packet. It could be combined with another card, such as one with on-line response information. 11. Do you address envelopes? How do I prepare an address list for envelopes to be hand-addressed or printed? Yes, I address envelopes, either by hand or printed in a font similar to the text of the invitation. Use a spreadsheet or database program to create a list with separate fields for each entry. Then you can alphabetize the list. Create the list and send it in the body of an e-mail to us. Be sure there is a single return between each line of an address and a double return between each entry. There is information for this at the bottom of my invitation page. Please allow a week plus shipping time for addressing. Don’t underestimate how much time it will take to get the address list in order. Printing the invitation will take about a week, so you want to be working on that list while we’re designing the invitation. 12. How do I carry out the look of my invitations for the rest of my wedding items? We can discuss what other accessories you need and find ways to carry the color or design of the invitation into other items for the event, such as programs, menus, favors, etc. 13. In what form are names written on placecards? You may choose to use the more formal “Mr. John Doe;” “Mr. & Mrs. Robert Swanson” or you may like it informal, “Andrea and Sam Stillman.” 14. Are there other ways to seat people besides placecards? This is a place to be creative! Some weddings feature a decorated chart of names and table numbers; others will attach a table number to a favor. We can discuss solutions for this. 15. Do you print wedding favors, programs, etc.? Yes, I do. I have various ways to create such things and we can brainstorm ideas together. People often want programs for Jewish weddings where there will be guests unfamiliar with the customs. 16. How much time do I need for this? Most people plan to send the invitations 6-8 weeks before the event, although some customers report that number is creeping earlier. Allow two weeks for printing. That means that aost people e to start discussing the order is 4–5 months before the event. We can produce invitations in whatever time you have, but this is a comfortable margin. If time is short, you may want to email save-the-date notes before the invitations are sent. 17. How much will invitations cost? I work with you to find an invitation solution that fits your budget. I represent printers with a variety of printing options. Printing costs can vary from $150-1500 or more. When ordering an invitation using my art work, the cost can range upward from a minimum of $75. A new design for an invitation set would cost $250-600 for art work, depending on the content. Once we’ve had the initial discussion and have a few ideas to work with, I will send you an itemized estimate for what we have discussed. I request a deposit of 60% of the estimate, with the final amount to be paid when the invitations are sent to the printer. 17. Can I see samples of your work? When COVID19 restrictions are past, please arrange to visit my studio, centrally located between Northampton, Greenfield, Shelburne Falls, North Adams, or Amherst, Massachusetts, or Brattleboro or Bennington, Vermont. It is about 2.5 hours west of Boston, 2 hours north of Hartford, and about 2 hours east of Albany, NY. I can send you samples of invitations with my designs. Please return the samples when you have finished with them. Please call 413-624-3204 or e-mail for an appointment and directions or to request samples by mail. 17. Do you ever repeat designs? Yes, if you would like to use a design in my collection, there is a lower cost for its use than when I create a new, custom design.
Return to the Invitation page at www.AnInvitationForYou.com or www.HebrewLettering.com Back to Gan Eydn home page , home of Peggy H. Davis Calligraphy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Invitations

by Peggy Davis