It can be difficult to choose your stationery with so many different options available. Ordering a sample is a great way to show you the quality, colours, and style so that you can make up your mind. We offer 3 different types of sample from a simple generic sample through to a fully personalised, printed sample. We’ll assemble the invitation set for you and even finish it off with your choice of tag & twine or a sleeve & sticker.

Generic Sample: A generic sample is to show you the size, quality, style, and colour of your chosen invitation set. We do not personalise them in any way and you will receive a sample as shown in the images, but with your selected options such as card type. All tags come with twine. All sleeves come with blank matt stickers as standard. Matching round sleeve stickers are available in matt or gloss. If you do not specify, they will be matt. There is no need to send us any details. We’ll dispatch your sample as soon as possible, usually within 1 or 2 working days.

Personalised Sample: A personalised sample is a great way to take you through the whole process of creating your perfect invitation from ordering through to receiving the finished product in the post. Choose from the available options and then let us know if you’d like additional options. Check out the main product page for ideas. Send us all the information you would like to have printed on your cards such as gift message, RSVP, menu options, directions etc. You can have any information you like printed on your cards. You can choose to have printing on the back of cards and personalised guest names at no additional charge. 
All *tags come with twine. All sleeves come with blank matt stickers as standard. *Matching round sleeve stickers are available in matt or gloss. If you do not specify, they will be matt.
We’ll draw up electronic proofs and you have plenty of time to make any amendments. When you’re happy with the proofs we’ll send them to print and you will receive the finished, printed invitation set in the post. Your Personalised Sample can be for any event.

If we do not hear back from you for 4 weeks from the date of placing your Personalised Sample Order, we reserve the right to print and dispatch the sample without your approval.

*Please note that if your sample includes a tag and/or sticker, the printed versions will not be personalised even though your proofs will show them as personalised. It is not cost effective to print single tags & stickers and you will receive those shown in the listing photographs.

Electronic Sample: Perhaps you’ve had a Generic Sample already and are happy with the quality but would now like to see what your information would look like in your chosen design. Perhaps you need to have the design tweaked? Then this is the option for you! We create electronic proofs of your chosen invitation combination. You can make changes to your proofs until you are happy with them (within reason) for up to 10 days at which point the order will be closed. We are always happy to make changes and update proofs but if you change your mind and would like a different design, please order a new Electronic Sample. If we don’t hear back from you, we will presume that you were happy with the most recent proofs. Please note that an electronic sample is not suitable for printing at home. It is purely for you to see what your information will look like in your chosen design. Please note that an electronic sample is not suitable for printing at home. It is purely for you to see what your information will look like in your chosen design.

Proofs - All proofs are shown on a white background irrespective of your chosen card type. Please always read any annotations on your proofs with regards to card colour, size, and quantity.

When folded the invitation is approximately 14.8 x 14.8 cm
When open the gatefold is approximately 29.6 x 14.8 cm
The tag is approximately 5 x 8.3cm
Twine is long enough to wrap twice around the folded invitation
Stickers are Medium 37mm dia

Envelope for invitations – Square 15.5 x 15.5 cm
RSVP envelopes – Square 13 x 13 cm

Please note that all recycled Kraft brown envelopes can have shade variations as it is a natural product.

Choose the type of sample you would like to receive. Either include the information for your cards with the order or email it to us afterwards at your convenience. There is no need to send any information if ordering a Generic Sample.

Once we receive your order a member of our design team will create electronic proofs using the information you have supplied, usually within 2 working days. The proofs will be emailed to you. Unlike many companies, we do not limit the number of changes you can make to your proofs within reason. Once you are happy with them, let us know and we will send them to print or, in the case of an electronic sample, close the order out. Nothing goes to print without your approval. If after placing an order you haven’t heard from us within 3 working days, please get in touch. 

After you have approved your proof, we aim to dispatch your order within 3 - 4 working days. The whole process normally takes around a week plus delivery time depending on the product and whether amendments are made to the proofs. Generic Samples are usually dispatched within 1 or 2 working days. Shipping times may vary due to bank holidays or during busy periods.

Our Shipping Policy has been updated. Please see our Delivery Information page for the latest details: www.vintageprints.co.uk/delivery