Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my order take?
What do Classic, Elegant and Elite mean?
What are the differences between engraving, thermography, embossing and letterpress?
What comes with an invitation?
What other charges are there?
Can I combine printing processes?
Can I get my envelopes ahead of my order?
Why is there a Reaves Engraving embossment on the inner envelopes?
What do Classic, Elegant and Elite mean?
Classic, Elegant and Elite refer to the paper used for an item. Classic papers have CL, CLC, WCL or WCLC in the paper numbers on the samples. Elegant papers are noted as EL or ELC while Elite papers are marked with ET. The "C" at the end of a paper number means that item is on cardstock rather than a sheet.
For additional specifications, please see Our Papers.
What are the differences between engraving, thermography, embossing and letterpress?
The differences between the printing process are how the text or image is applied to the paper. Engraving and thermography provide raised ink, embossing yields raised paper only and letterpress printing results in the ink being depressed into the paper.
For additional details, please see Our Printing.
How long will my order take?
Generally the ordering process takes between two and half to four weeks depending on a few variables. Typesetting for most orders takes one week or less from when your order is confirmed. Our "Fast Service" option means we will try to typeset your order within 24 hours from confirmation. If you do not select a proof, then we will begin production at that time (if your order is paid in full); if you select to receive a proof, a PDF will be emailed (or printed and mailed) to you when the typeset is complete. If your order has been paid in full, it will be scheduled for production upon our receipt of proof approval. Engraved and letterpressed orders are scheduled to ship in ten to twelve working days of receipt of proof approval and thermographed orders within five to seven working days of receipt of proof approval.
Additional services including, but not limtied to: multiple ink colors, special order stock, rounding corners, calligraphy, folding and inserting or stamping will add additional time before shipping. Approvals received after 2:00 pm are counted as approved on the next business day.
What comes with an invitation?
For all wedding invitations and announcements—double (outer and inner) plain envelopes (unless otherwise noted), tissue and up to fourteen (14) lines of text. A Reaves Engraving imprint is on the throat of each inner envelope.
If you need extra envelopes (for mistakes in addressing), the envelopes may be ordered in increments of 25. Two things to keep in mind: first, do you already have extra envelopes included in your order (e.g., if you plan to send 103 invitations and ordered 125) and second, do you want your return address on the envelopes?
What other charges are there?
There are additional charges for additional lines of text, changing the typeset after it is proofed or adding embellishments like an alternate or additional ink color, embossment, rounded corners or lined inner envelopes. For other potential additional charges please call or view our miscellaneous price sheet.
Can I combine printing processes?
Yes and no. We do not mix engraving and thermography orletterpress and thermography within an ensemble. The inks do not match; thermography ink has a sheen to it while engraving and letterpress inks have a matte finish. There are better places to save money on your wedding than trying to mix and match processes.
However, you can mix processes within a piece to create some incredible effects on your Invitations and stationery. Embossing an image, motif, monogram... on your invitation to go along with the printed text creates a nice effect. Adding a letterpress feature to a thermographed or engraved item provides an added tactile aspect to the piece.
Can I get my envelopes ahead of my order?
Years ago when the process took four to five weeks we offered the ability to get plain or embossed envelopes ahead. Now that the process has been streamlined, we would have to hold the body of the order to ship the envelopes ahead. If you absolutely have to have envelopes ahead of your order, you can request plain envelopes shipped ahead for an additional fee. Please consider if the time you will spend adding a return address is going to be worth it for you.
Why is there a Reaves Engraving embossment on the inner envelopes?
Fine stationers have long included their mark on inner envelopes; Reaves has included a small embossment on our inner envelopes since we began in 1933. A 1974 printing of Amy Vanderbilt's Etiquette states "the name of a good stationer embossed under the flap of the envelope lends a certain cachet and costs nothing extra."