Invitation Maps FAQ

Our maps are completely custom designed from start to finish. Looking for a specific style? Custom illustrations, monograms, graphics, or icons? No problem! We design to your needs!

To place an order visit our custom map order form page or view some samples of our work by visiting our custom map gallery.

Commonly Asked Questions About Ordering Custom Invitation Maps

1. What should I include on my map?
2. Why print them myself?
3. How can I have a map printed for me?
4. How fast is the turn around time?
5. Do I have a chance to make any changes or corrections of my map?
6. I need something specific for my wedding theme. Can you create a custom theme map?
7. What about custom icons and illustrations?
8. What file formats are available for printing my custom map?
9. Why print them multiple per page?

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1. What should I include on my map?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions! Many of our clients love the look of our maps but are not sure what they should include, both in terms of ideas for illustration, and what might be important for their guests to know.

The maps can be as simple or elaborate as you would like. We can keep it to the most simple of streets and fonts with basic icons, or a fully hand drawn and illustrated map.

The most common is a simple map showing where both the ceremony and reception will be held, with or without written directions. The directions are written by our clients and formatted to fit onto the map insert by Do-it-yourself-invitations.com.

Many clients like to also add where the closest motels are located, as well as airports. We can also add written information to accompany these such as addresses and phone numbers, discount information, and even wedding website info.

Some of our clients like to go all out with all of the info above plus local restaurants and attractions, where they met asd a couple of their favorite places to visit. They add custom illustrations for local landmarks and buildings. It's all up to what you want to see in the end product.

2. Why print them myself?
The main reason for printing them yourself is cost. If you are planning a budget wedding, which let's face it, many brides are doing these days, then this is a super cheap way to include an invitation map into your stationery suite.

You can print these inserts from home on your own paper and computer printer. Or save them to a disk and bring them to a local copy shop. They will print them onto card stock for you and even trim them at a very affordable price.

3. How can I have a map printed for me?
Some clients do wish to have their maps commercially printed yet really like our design work and would like to have Do-it-yourself-invitations.com design their map for them. Once you have chosen a printer ask them what format they would prefer the map design be presented as. We can accommodate most needs.

4. How fast is the turn around time?
We reserve up to 7-10 business days to get your first proof out to you, although many proof copies go out sooner. Once the first proof copy has been sent, some time factors depend on how often you check your emails or how soon you are able to get back to us with any changes or corrections you want to request.

5. Do I have a chance to make any changes or corrections of my map?
Yes. All maps are custom created based on the information you submit to the order form. A proof copy is sent to you within 7 to 10 business days from the time you place your order. Proof copies are meant to be a first draft in which you have the option of asking for changes or corrections. Proof copies are sent continually until you are satisfied with your map. All proofing is free, However changes to the map that result in a re-design or were not included in the original order form, can incur additional fees.

6. I need something specific for my wedding theme. Can you create a custom theme map?
Absolutely! Got a color scheme you'd like us to work with? Or an all around wedding or party theme? We'll work with you to come up with something that works for you. Clients have been known to send in scans of their wedding invitations suite for us to match. As well as send color swatches by mail, or even graphics they would like to work with. We have even been sent inspiration boards. Give us an idea (or two, or three) and we'll run with it!

7. What about custom icons and illustrations?
We do offer custom and hand drawn icons and illustrations for your wedding map designs. These can range from small icons such as a tree or flower to represent certain locations you've included on the map, to large scale drwaings of mountains, meadows, and landmarks or city skyline. Custom illustrations are priced individually based on what type of drawing you would like to have created, but generally run at about $20 per custom hand drawn illustration.

6. What file formats are available for printing my invitation map?
Most maps are provided in the form of a PDF file. If you do not have a PDF reader you can download one for free from Adobe.com.
We have also sent maps in the form of JPEG, and GIF files. If you have a special request do not hesitate to ask!

7. Why print multiple per page?
Clients like to print multiple maps per page when they do not have a specific sized card to print onto. For example, a client may have a 5 x 7 flat card that matches their invitation paper, and they wish to print onto it. We would create the map to print onto 5 x 7 paper.
Many clients do not have a specific paper to print onto, so they request multiple per page so that their maps are designed to print 2 - 4 times on a single sheet of standard 8 1/2" by 11" paper. After printing they are meant to cut from the sheet to conserve paper. We design them complete with cutting guidelines for no hassle trimming.

A very popular size requested is 5 1/2" by 4 1/4" sized maps. This is half a sheet of 8 1/2" by 11" paper. After printing, clients only need to cut the paper in half to create two map cards per single sheet of paper. We also often do a quarter sized sheet printed 4 times to a page.