CLIENT LOUNGE

resources and tips for a stress-free design experience

let's connect:

My goal is to be a helping hand (like an extra bridesmaid!) that walks with your through this exciting season. This Lounge is dedicated to helping you navigate the details – from the design process to wording suggestions, etiquette guides, and mailing tips!

If you have any questions, please reach out to me via email at sarah@banterandcharm.com

I can't wait to get started on your wedding stationery

Welcome!

Like any good relationship, this ones built on solid communication! Read on for how we can best communicate during your design experience.

get in touch

- Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. EST. I reply to all messages within 1-2 business days, during office hours.

- We’ll be using Dubsado as an online portal for proofing and invoicing (don’t worry, I’ll show you all you need to know about Dubsado!)

- Any change or revision requests are required in writing through your Dubsado proof forms.

- If you’d like to chat, let me know and I’ll send you a link to schedule a phone call.

We’ll be using Dubsado to keep track of your timeline, invoices, and eventually your design proofs. You can access your portal at any time to provide feedback, share information, or check the status of your order.

Dubsado: Your Online Portal

how to login

Click on the Client Portal in your welcome email and enter your email address to login.
Bookmark the link for easy access.

overview

The top of your portal includes all the tabs you need to look at your questionnaires, proofs, and invoices.

Update your address or add your social media handles under the PROFILE tab.

The FORMS & RESOURCES tab is the place you’ll visit most. You’ll find your questionnaires, timeline, and design proofs here.

Watch the video below for a walkthrough of your client portal

To kick off the design process, I'll need a bit more information.
Browse the wording resources and styling guides here in the Client Lounge, then fill out the questionnaires in Dubsado to share your design preferences.

Need something a little different? You can explore the full design library to select additional customizations for your decorative elements like graphics and fonts. Custom venue sketches and monograms are available too!

wording & design preferences

step 1: content

Up until this point, we’ve focused on the physical aspect of your stationery: the papers, printing, and which items you need. Still deciding on the physical customizations? Check out the guide below.

view customization options

These forms gather all the important details we need to include: name, dates, times, places. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about the wording—I have guides to help you, or I can suggest options that fit your wedding.

hint: it's in your dubsado portal

Fill out the wording form

You’ve probably picked your favorite Foundational Design – if not now’s the time! Then browse through the suite’s Styling Guide to pick the design elements that speak to you.

foundational
designs

Fill out the details form

look under "forms and resources" in your dubsado portal

Pick your favorite Foundational Design.

styling guides

Browse the Styling Guide for a curated selection of design elements and font customizations.

Need something a little different? You can also explore the full design library to select additional customizations, like fonts, motifs, monograms, or venue illustration.
Can’t decide between two Foundational Designs? Upgrade to see your wording in both invitation layouts for a $75 proof fee.

first draft

Step 2: design phase

Once you’ve decided on wording and selected the design options you’d like to try, the real fun begins! You’ll receive mockups of your invitation design to show how the colors, artwork, and fonts work together. We’ll adjust these and move forward with your favorite design. Two draft rounds are included, additional rounds are $75 each.

stop pinning!

Pro Tip:

Gathering inspiration is such a fun part of wedding planning! But, once you’ve decided on a direction for your invitation design, it’s a good idea to stop looking at new ideas.

Just like you don’t keep browsing bridal shops after you picked out your perfect dress, trust your initial instincts and don’t go searching for more stationery inspiration. In most cases, you’ll just end up confused and overwhelmed!

Tips for providing feedback:

• Be as specific as possible when giving me edits: what isn’t right, and why doesn’t it work for you? Try to narrow it down.

• Be honest. You won’t hurt my feelings - I need to know exactly what you think!

• Don’t try to fix it too much at once. If you're not sure if something is going to work - let me know. I'm happy to put my experience and knowledge to work for you!

To keep your design process smooth and organized, all feedback must be submitted through the official proof form provided. This ensures I receive your comments in one place and can make revisions efficiently. For clarity and accuracy, I can’t accept revision requests via email, phone, or from a third party; this approach keeps your vision intact and minimizes the risk of miscommunication.

Streamline the proofing process

full suite proof

Once we’ve nailed down the invitation design, I’ll create proofs for the inserts and any printed pieces in your order.

We’ll refine the proofs, and I’ll add in mockups of your chosen embellishments (things like liners, wax seals, ribbons, and belly bands) so you can see how all the pieces in the order work together.

Three proof rounds for your full suite are included; additional rounds are available for $75 each.

Step 3: Approval

Once you’re in love with every piece in your order, it’s time to review everything one last time and finalize for printing.

This is your last chance to make any changes to the order, so double check that everything is exactly the way you want it.

The final balance (order total less the retainer) is due at this time.

You’ll review everything one more time and sign off on each piece in the order before production begins.

Proofreading Checklist

· quantities, colors, papers, and print styles

· dates and times, addresses

· the spelling of names and locations

· street addresses and phone numbers

· spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation

Pro Tip: try reading everything backwards and have one (or more) other people proofread all pieces in your order

Step 4: production

Your digital proofs are turned into paper perfection during the production process. I’ll order the necessary supplies and work closely with my trusted print vendors to bring your stationery to life.

Every piece is thoroughly inspected to ensure everything is up to the highest standards, and I personally check the envelopes and add any finishing touches.

You can entrust me with assembly and mailing, or I can ship them to you! Some brides love to be hands on for this part! (But don’t worry, I’ll share tips for assembly and mailing.) If I’m mailing, you’ll receive your keepsake copies before your guest’s invitations are mailed.