Frequently Asked Questions

The Big Picture

What are some common uses for a Custom Wedding Poem?

Besides being given as gifts before or after a wedding, Custom Wedding Poems can be read during the ceremonies themselves, or can be printed onto invitations, programs, table settings, or thank-you notes. As a gift, the framed version of the custom poem is a one-of-a-kind keepsake, displayed as a remembrance of the couple’s unique relationship and story.

Who commissions Custom Wedding Poems?

Brides and grooms commission them for one another. Family members and friends commission them as gifts for the couple (who can add them to a gift registry). Couples can also purchase them as anniversary gifts for their partners − one, ten, or fifty years after the special day, to remember their wedding and honor the distance they’ve traveled between then and now.

What sort of tone will my Custom Wedding Poem have?

For the most part, the tone is dictated by the focus and content you provide. I’ll work with you to convey the emotions you’re after, whether it’s poignant or wry, introspective or playfully bombastic. If the question is, can I be funny, the only way I can answer that is to ask you, “What did the zero say to the eight?” When you hear that the answer is, of course, “Nice belt,” you’ll have a better sense of my range and versatility. :)

Will my Custom Wedding Poem rhyme?

Probably not. Ultimately, the end result of forced rhyming is that the structure becomes master to the content – in good poems, the two work together. That said, rhyming is a powerful tool if wielded properly. I sometimes use rhyme for effect, often internally to link ideas and create rhythm and music. Ultimately, I can craft you a fully rhyming poem if your heart is set on it; however, the resulting poem may be inferior to one that allowed me to find my own path to the emotional truth of your subject.

What sort of info can be included before or after the poem?

The most common inclusions are the couple’s names, the date, and the location. It’s best to keep the ancillary information to a minimum to avoid overcrowding the page, but I’ll work with you to include and smartly arrange the information you want.

I need help with my vows. Is that something you can assist with?

Of course! Any writing you need in connection with your wedding I’d be happy to write or edit for you. Contact me and I’ll make it work. The same visual options I use for poems can be also applied to another piece of writing, such as vows.

The Physical Product

How big are the letter-pressings and frames?

The letter-pressings are letter-sized (8.5 x 11 inches). The width of the frames vary a little based on style, but each has an 11 x 14 inch opening. I found these sizes to be best for both printing and for allowing the final product to be displayed in a variety of ways.

What if I want a larger frame and more matting? A smaller frame? Something different?

While the size of the letterpressed backgrounds is set, we can definitely go larger on the matting and frames. Just be aware that this will most likely add time and cost to the order. There is also the option of forgoing matting and using an 8.5 x 11 inch frame that fits perfectly around the letterpressing. If you have another vision for your final product, just let me know what you have in mind and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

Can I get my Custom Wedding Poem printed horizontally?

Of course! The horizontal arrangement can also accommodate a slightly longer poem, if necessary, particularly when printing on the “Treeline” and “Seascape” letterpressings. With these backgrounds, used horizontally, I generally like the pressing on the left, but the alignment is ultimately up to you. Given its symmetrical layout, though, the “Wildflower” letterpressing definitely works best horizontally.

Can I just get a poem without the printed and framed copy?

Absolutely. The process will be the same, but without the printing, matting, and framing. You will be provided with a Microsoft Word document of your poem, which you will be able to manipulate to meet your needs. For a small service fee, I can arrange the poem on an e-version of one of the template options.

I want you to print my poem on the letterpressed background, but I want to frame it myself. Is that possible?

Definitely. The process will be the same, but without the matting and framing.

The Process

How long does the entire process take?

It depends on the volume of orders I’m handling at the time , but the process from start to finished product usually takes 3-4 weeks. If the wedding date is closing in, though, contact me immediately to see if a quicker turnaround is possible.

What if I’m in a rush?

For an extra fee, I can get you your framed, custom poem within two weeks. In a poetry emergency (the worst kind of emergency!), a week might be doable, though this becomes complicated by frame availability and shipping times. Though I’ll go the extra mile to make sure you get what you need when you need it.

What is the revision and editing process for my poem?

Most people are thrilled with their initial draft and have minimal revision requests. One round of revisions is included in your custom quote — I work with the feedback you provide after you review that first draft. Each subsequent round of revisions you request will be subject to an hourly surcharge.

Are there different prices for the different options?

Your price will be the same regardless of the combination of visual options (letterpressing, matting, frame) you choose. Of course, the price will be lower if you forgo framing and/or printing. Your total price will also reflect any expedited scheduling and the changes in shipping needs that result. Contact me with the specific needs and time frame of your project, and I’ll get back to you quickly with a custom quote that combines all of these various factors.

Can I purchase multiple copies of my printed and/or framed Custom Wedding Poem?

Absolutely. Just be sure to include this request when you contact me. If you want multiple copies, you can also request different options for each, such as different frames or letterpressings.

What is the payment schedule of the process?

Before I start writing, the non-refundable deposit (roughly half of the custom quote) will be due. The final product will be printed and shipped once I’ve received your balance payment.

The Rest

Do you write other kinds of custom poems?

Certainly! I can apply and adapt the same Custom Wedding Poems process to meet any of your poetry needs. Just ask, and do my best to I’ll make it work.

Can I add a Custom Wedding Poem to a gift registry?

Yes, and absolutely. Please do. Contact me with anything you need on my end to make this happen.

How do you ship your items?

I ship using trackable, insured UPS ground shipping. Upgrades for expedited and international shipping are available.

What payment do you accept?

I invoice using WAVE, where you can pay securely through bank transfer or credit card. How secure? From WAVE: Keeping our customers personal and financial information safe and secure is our number one priority. All credit card numbers are sent directly to Stripe using the highest form of security (AES over SSL) and never touch Wave’s servers. Stripe has been audited by a PCI-certified auditor, and has in turn been certified as a PCI Level 1 Service Provider, the most stringent level of certification available.