Custom vs Semi-Custom Watercolor Wedding Invitations: Which is Right for You?
As a professional stationery designer who creates both custom and semi-custom watercolor wedding invitations, I often help couples navigate this important decision. While both options can result in beautiful invitations, understanding the key differences will help you choose the right path for your celebration. Let me share what I’ve learned from creating hundreds of invitation suites over the years.
What’s the Difference Between Custom and Semi-Custom Wedding Invitations?
Custom watercolor wedding invitations involve creating original artwork and designs specifically for your wedding, while semi-custom invitations modify existing designs to match your wedding details and colors. Think of it like the difference between having a dress custom-made versus having a designer dress altered to fit you perfectly.
Last month, I worked with two couples who perfectly illustrate this difference. Sarah chose a custom suite where we created original paintings of her Tuscan venue and incorporated elements from her mother’s invitations from the ’80s. Meanwhile, Mal selected a semi-custom design from my collection of watercolor suites, which we customized with her wedding colors and added a personalized monogram. Both turned out beautifully and were customized to their weddings. The main differences were in the start of the process – beginning with a design concept or creating one from scratch – and with the services offered at the end.
How Much Do Custom vs Semi-Custom Invitations Cost?
One of the main factors in a couple’s decision to choose custom versus semi-custom is the price. So let’s get straight into that consideration.
Custom Watercolor Invitation Pricing
Custom watercolor invitation suites typically range anywhere from $3,000-$8,000 for 100 invitations. This range is based on things like the print method, number of pieces in the suite, and accessories. For Cotton & Bow clients, this investment includes:
- Original artwork creation
- Unlimited original artwork for the suite to create venue illustrations, maps, crests, and more
- Unlimited revisions
- Fully custom design services including an original concept
- Premium printing and material upgrades (like letterpress, foil, etc.)
- Wider choice of colors, fonts, materials and accessories
- Assembly and mailing services
- Addressing (guest and return)
- Usage rights for all wedding stationery
- No additional design fees for day of stationery
- More hands on guidance for etiquette, wording, and design choices
Semi-Custom Invitation Pricing
Semi-custom suites generally range from $800-$2,500 for 100 invitations. This range is also based on the number of pieces in the suite, accessories, and whether addressing services are added. This includes:
- Customization of existing designs
- Three rounds of revisions
- Limited original illustrations (usually only one)
- Usage rights for all wedding stationery
- Optional addressing
- Choice of standard colors and fonts
- Choice of complimentary designs for future day of stationery
What Are the Timeline Differences?
Cost is not the only factor when it comes to semi-custom versus custom invitations. The timeline is a major factor as well. Semi-custom is a streamlined process that skips several steps and shaves weeks off the production process. While custom invitations are move involved and typically take more to develop and produce. Assembly and mailing is also included in custom invitation packages which adds more time to the timeline but saves you precious time assembling and mailing your own invitations.
How Long Do Custom Invitations Take?
The custom design process typically requires 8-12 weeks from concept to delivery. Here’s why:
- Initial consultation and concept development: 1-2 weeks
- Original artwork creation: 2-3 weeks
- Design refinement and revisions: 2-3 weeks
- Printing and production: 2-4 weeks
- Assembly and mailing: 1 week
I recently worked with a couple who wanted detailed paintings of three different wedding venues, a custom map, a unique floral pattern that matched their wedding florals, and a custom monogram for their destination celebration. The extra time allowed us to perfect each illustration and create a cohesive suite that told their entire wedding weekend story.
How Long Do Semi-Custom Invitations Take?
Semi-custom invitations usually require 4-6 weeks from order to delivery:
- Design customization: 1-2 weeks
- Revisions: 1-2 weeks
- Printing and production: 2 weeks
Because the concept is already selected from existing designs, we’re able to streamline the design process and jump right into the illustration that needs to be created. There are also fewer choices to make and fewer illustrations, making the colors easier to narrow down and proofs easier to approve with minimal feedback. Lastly, time is saved on the production end by skipping assembly and mailing since all semi-custom suites are mailed to you, ready to assemble. We still bake in time to do quality control checks unless it’s a rush scenario to ensure everything is in order and ready to mail out.
What Can I Customize with Each Option?
Custom Invitation Possibilities
With custom invitations, virtually everything can be personalized:
- Original watercolor artwork
- Layout and design elements
- Paper types and printing methods
- Colors and finishes
- Size and shape
- Special elements like wax seals or ribbon
- Envelope style and color
One of my favorite custom projects recently involved creating a suite that was shaped like the mountain ranges where the couple was getting married. We hand painted several ridges and cut the suites into an intricate die cut that emulated the shape of the slopes and trees.
Semi-Custom Customization Options
Semi-custom suites offer targeted personalization:
- Color modifications
- Text and font changes
- Paper selection from available options
- Addition of coordinating elements
- Envelope color choices
Semi-custom narrows down the choices to make them less overwhelming without limiting the ability to tailor the invitation suite to each couple.
How Do I Know Which Option is Right for Me?
Custom Might Be Perfect If You:
- Have a specific vision that you haven’t seen elsewhere or doesn’t match the semi-custom design collection
- Want to incorporate meaningful personal details
- Are planning a destination or highly themed wedding
- Value a suite of coordinating original artwork
- Have unique cultural elements to include
- Want complete control over every detail
- Would like to incorporate more luxury materials, accessories, and print methods
Semi-Custom Could Be Ideal If You:
- Found a design you love that just needs tweaking
- Have a shorter timeline
- Want to stick within a certain budget
- Want a proven design concept
- Prefer a streamlined process and fewer decisions
- Want to know exactly what you’re getting before you commit
What Are the Key Benefits of Each Option?
Custom Benefits
- Truly one-of-a-kind design
- More original artwork as keepsakes
- Maximum flexibility
- Unlimited revisions
- Ability to tell your unique story
- Complete creative control
- Rights to use artwork for other wedding pieces
Semi-Custom Benefits
- Lower cost
- Faster timeline
- Proven design concepts
- Simpler process
- An original artwork keepsake
- Coordinating elements available
- Rights to use artwork for other wedding pieces
Common Questions About Both Options
Can I Use Either Option for Day-Of Stationery?
Yes! Both custom and semi-custom designs can be extended to day-of items like:
- Welcome signs
- Seating charts
- Menu cards
- Place cards
- Table numbers
- Programs
What About Save the Dates?
Both options work beautifully for save the dates. Custom and semi-custom save the dates provides many of the same benefits of their invitation counterparts. You can mix and match – choosing semi-custom for save the dates and making a bigger splash with custom invitations. Or choose semi-custom or custom for both stationery pieces.
Making Your Decision
The choice between custom and semi-custom often comes down to three main factors:
- Your vision for your invitations
- Your timeline
- Your budget
Consider scheduling a consultation to discuss both options in detail. I often help couples discover possibilities they hadn’t considered, sometimes finding that a semi-custom design can be elevated to achieve their dream look, or that a custom suite is more attainable than they imagined.
Ready to explore your watercolor invitation options? Contact us to schedule a design consultation and discover which approach best suits your celebration.
Looking for more guidance on wedding invitations? Check out these helpful articles:
