Process
Every wedding we work on starts with a conversation. Some couples come to us with a clear vision for a fully custom suite, while others are looking for guidance on simpler invitation options.
Either way, our process is designed to be approachable and collaborative, helping you make thoughtful decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
The steps below outline our typical workflow, from your initial inquiry through to final delivery, with flexibility to tailor the experience to your specific needs.
The Dolce Wedding Process
1. Initial Inquiry
The process begins when you reach out and share a few details about your wedding – your date, venue, guest count, and where you are in the planning process. This first step helps us understand your needs, your timeline, and the scope of what you’re envisioning.
From there, we’ll follow up to continue the conversation and determine how we can best support your wedding stationery.
2. Design Consultation
15 – 60 Minutes
Next, we meet for a design consultation, either virtually (15 minutes) or in-studio (60 minutes). This is where your ideas begin to take shape.
We’ll talk through style, tone, paper options, printing methods, and finishing details, using physical samples and past work to help guide decisions. The goal is not to overwhelm you, but to create clarity – defining a direction that feels aligned with your wedding.
3. Custom Proposal
2 Days
Based on our consultation, we create a custom proposal tailored to your wedding.
Your proposal outlines:
- Your invitation suite and components
- Recommended printing and finishing options
- Pricing for any suggested upgrades
- A clear production timeline
This step ensures everything is defined before design begins, allowing you to move forward with confidence and understanding.
4. Invitation Design
2 – 4 Weeks
We create your invitation design from the ground up and share digital proofs for review. You’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback, ask questions, and refine details as we go. Throughout this phase, we offer guidance to help you make decisions that feel right – balancing creativity, readability, and production considerations.
When everything is approved, your artwork is finalized specifically for printing.
5. Printing + Production
4 – 6 Weeks
With final approval of your design proof, your project goes into production.
Your invitations are printed and finished with close attention to materials, impression, color, and detail. Whether it’s letterpress, foil, or finishing work, each step is handled with care to ensure the final pieces feel as beautiful in hand as they do on screen.
All printing and finishing is completed in our New York studio, allowing us to oversee every part of the process firsthand. This hands-on approach gives us full control over quality, consistency, and timing, and ensures each piece meets our high standards.
Production timelines vary based on method and complexity, and we manage the process from start to finish. Rush production is also available, depending on our current schedule.
6. Delivery
Pickup / Ship
Once your invitations are complete, they can be picked up from our Long Island studio or shipped via UPS, with standard shipping sent via Ground. Most couples choose to mail their invitations themselves, and we make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
For couples who prefer to have everything handled from start to finish, we also offer full invitation fulfillment. This service includes stuffing, stamping, sealing, and delivering your invitations directly to the post office. If you’re interested in this option, we’re happy to share more details and help determine what makes the most sense for your timeline.
For clients handling mailing on their own, we walk through best practices for stuffing, stamping, and sealing – including small but important details like numbering reply cards and organizing envelopes to make the process smooth and stress-free.
7. Wedding Day (and Beyond)
4 Weeks
For couples who order day-of stationery, we carry your paper story through wedding day details and beyond, from menus and programs to thank you cards, ensuring everything feels intentional and connected.
This continuity allows your stationery to feel cohesive from the first impression to the final detail.