Couple kisses during reception in black and white photo - Classic and Neutral Wedding at the Garden Theater in Detroit, Michigan - Recap by wedding invitations designer Leah E. Moss Designs with photos by Niki Marie Photography

People often think that having something custom-made for them is a really complicated process. If that’s you, that’s cool. I get where you’re coming from, but I’m here to try and change your mind! Just because something is special and an investment, doesn’t mean it has to be convoluted, off-limits, or beyond your reach. Let me explain how the custom stationery process works, from start to finish, for every couple that I get the privilege of welcoming into the Leah E. Moss Designs family.


Consultation with your invitations designer - Custom stationery process - Leah E. Moss Designs, photo by Kerby Lou Photography

Step 1: Complimentary consultation, custom proposal, and booking

On my website, couples fill out my custom invitations questionnaire. After I’ve confirmed I have your date still available, I reach out and we get a complimentary consultation scheduled.

During our chat, we discuss your needs and your vision for the big day. I’ll ask any clarifying questions, and I’ll explain anything you want more information about as part of the custom stationery process: print methods, paper types, embellishments, or anything else.

Based on what we discussed, I put together a custom proposal for the two of you, including everything you need, and omitting anything you don’t. I don’t have set tiered packages. If we’re starting from scratch and your design will be just for you two, so is your price point! Nothing extraneous, but everything you want! We’ll review your proposal together, and then you decide it’s a good fit to move forward.


Custom, detailed timeline of each step by step item - Custom stationery process - Leah E. Moss Designs

Step 2: Welcome to the family

Each client’s custom package includes original artwork created just for them! This makes the end result stationery truly one-of-a-kind and unique for you as a couple. As part of my welcome packet sent to each new client, I provide a detailed timeline for the custom stationery process, with each “phase” broken down (save the dates, invitations, and day-of-wedding items). You’ll never have to wonder when you’re expecting something from me, or when you need to have something done! I use my past experience as a CEO’s executive assistant to make sure everything calendar-related is straightforward from the beginning and remains on time until the end.


Custom lookbook and mood board for wedding invitations - Custom stationery process - Leah E. Moss Designs

Step 3: Design and proofing

So, next up, the magic happens! We kick off your design with a complete color palette and look book, with full sketches of every element. You can see how your design will start coming to life, even before the first draft. From there, each proof is fully interactive, so you can provide feedback of each element easily, from wherever you are. Thanks, technology!


Traditional Spencerian envelope calligraphy from Michigan calligrapher Leah E. Moss Designs

Step 4: Printing and production

After you approve your final design, I handle all printing, final details and embellishments, and even assembly if you want. This includes any envelope addressing – in calligraphy or printed – and all the fun added elements, from ribbon to wax seals, vellum to vintage postage. Everything you want, from one vendor. I get everything ready for you to send to your loved ones. Plus, I also send a keepsake copy to your photographer, so their team can use it with your other details on the big day. Nothing for you to have to remember – it’s already crossed off your list! All you have to do is start checking the mailbox for the reply cards to start coming in, which is so much fun.


Ceremony programs - Greenery-filled Planterra wedding - Leah E. Moss Designs

Step 5: Rinse and repeat

After your invitations have made their way out into the world, and your guests have gone nuts about them, we “rinse and repeat” for your day-of-wedding items. Your wedding stationery isn’t just the invitation! As part of the custom stationery process, we’ll use the same artwork elements in new ways. I do this to make sure everything feels cohesive from start to finish, and you get the most bang for your buck! We’ll chat about the entire guest experience and where we can pepper in some bits of your personality and details to make sure they say “wow, they really thought of everything.”


So that’s the custom stationery process! It’s not so scary, right? I’d be honored to help put this plan in motion for you as part of your vendor team. This is high-touch with lots of attention to detail for every couple, so I want to give everyone the full attention they deserve. Because of that commitment to a luxury, service-oriented experience, I take on a limited number of clients each year.

To get the ball rolling, the first step is filling out my custom invitations questionnaire. Can’t wait to learn more about your love story! Let’s help tell it, together.