Minted Wedding Invitations: Shipping Speed And Efficiency

Minted is a popular choice for wedding invitations, with many customers reporting fast shipping times. However, there is some variation in the time it takes to receive Minted wedding invitations, with some customers receiving their orders in around a week, and others reporting longer wait times of two weeks or more. In some cases, shipping delays may occur due to supply chain issues or other unforeseen circumstances. It is recommended to order Minted wedding invitations well in advance to account for any potential delays and to ensure timely delivery.

Shipping speed

The speed of shipping from Minted appears to vary, with some customers reporting that their orders arrived within a week, and others stating that it took around two weeks or longer. One customer reported that their order took "a little over a week", while another stated that their order took "about 10 days". Some customers who ordered Save the Dates from Minted reported receiving their orders within a week, while another customer who ordered wedding invitations stated that they received their order in "about a week or so".

In addition to the time it takes for Minted to process and ship orders, customers should also allow time for the proofing process. One customer reported that it took "2 days max" to receive a proof of their order, while another customer stated that they received their proof "in about a week".

It's important to note that the shipping time may be affected by various factors, such as the complexity of the order, supply chain issues, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers are generally advised to order their wedding invitations well in advance to allow for any potential delays.

Overall, while some customers have experienced delays, the majority of reviews suggest that Minted ships orders within a reasonable timeframe, with most receiving their orders within two weeks.

Quality papers and finishes

Minted offers a range of luxurious paper options for wedding invitations, with different printing techniques to choose from. Their standard paper is a thick, luxurious cotton cardstock with a versatile off-white hue and a velvety texture. It is 130lb. or 19.3 points in thickness and is FSC-certified, carbon-neutral, and manufactured with wind power.

For a small fee, you can upgrade to their premium papers. Their recycled paper is made from 100% post-consumer waste, is FSC-certified, and has a carbon-neutral manufacturing process. It has a thickness of 160lb. or 17.5 points and a smooth, matte finish.

Minted's DoubleThick paper is also made from 100% post-consumer waste and has the same eco-friendly credentials. It is crafted from two layers of cardstock, resulting in a thickness of 320lb. or 35 points.

The thickest paper option is their TripleThick paper, which is made from three layers of paper and is virtually unbendable. It has a thickness of 480lb. or 52.5 points and a smooth, matte finish.

Minted also offers a Pearlescent Paper option, which has a subtle shimmer and a soft white colour. This paper is thinner at 98lb. or 14.5 points.

In addition to paper options, Minted provides various printing techniques to elevate your wedding invitations. You can choose from Foil-Pressed, Letterpress, or Gloss-Press® printing. Foil-Pressed printing adds dimension with hand-pressed real foil in eight different colours. Letterpress printing creates a beautiful tactile impression by pressing the design into thick, soft paper using vintage Heidelberg presses. Gloss-Press® is a luxurious and exclusive technique that adds a subtle gloss to high-quality paper.

High-end printing processes

Wedding invitations from Minted can take around a week to arrive, but some customers have reported waiting up to ten days. If you're looking for high-end printing processes, there are several options to consider:

Digital Printing

Digital printing is a broad term that covers a variety of techniques, including laser and inkjet printing. It's often used for labels, menus, letters, and posters. This process is generally faster and more cost-effective than other methods like lithography, as it doesn't require a printing plate.

Offset Lithography

Offset lithography, or simply offset printing, is commonly used for mass-produced printing projects. It works with a range of materials, from rough fabrics and wood to stationery and paper. The content to be printed is put on aluminium plates, which are then transferred to rollers and printed onto the chosen medium. This method ensures consistent, high-quality images.

Screen Printing

Screen printing uses a fine mesh or other porous material to transfer an image to another material, often fabric or clothing. It is a complex process, making it more suitable for larger projects where its efficiency and cost-effectiveness can be fully realised.

Flexographic Printing

Flexographic printing is an updated version of letterpress printing. It is commonly used for printing on uneven surfaces and can handle extended print runs. This method uses semi-liquid, quick-drying inks and flexible photopolymer plates for durability.

LED UV Printing

LED UV printing is a digital process that uses UV light to dry ink as it's placed on the desired medium. This prevents the ink from sinking into the paper, resulting in vivid colours and very short turnaround times. It is also more environmentally friendly as it consumes less power than other printing machines.

Colour accuracy and legibility

• Contrast: One of the most important factors for legibility is contrast between the text and the background colour. Generally, dark text on a light or very pale background is the most legible combination. White text should be used only on a very dark background to ensure readability. Tools like the WebAIM colour contrast checker can help determine if the contrast between the background and text colour is sufficient.
• Colour Palette: Choose colours that complement the wedding theme and any images included in the invitation. Consider using tints and shades of colours to create visual interest while maintaining legibility. For small amounts of text, such as headings or charts, darker colours can be used effectively.
• Paper Type: The choice of paper can also impact colour accuracy and legibility. Smooth matte paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it provides a clean and elegant look. However, other options include linen paper, which adds a subtle texture, or pearlescent paper, which gives a hint of sparkle and shine. Cotton fibre paper, though more expensive, offers a soft feel and excellent ink absorption for rich colour.
• Printing Technique: Different printing techniques can affect the appearance of colours. Flat digital printing offers freedom and flexibility in design, allowing for the addition of visual effects. Other techniques like foil stamping, letterpress, and thermography can enhance the invitation's luxury and tactile appeal but may require custom metal dies and increase costs.
• Proofing: Before finalising the invitations, be sure to proofread and check the colours carefully. What looks good on a computer screen may not translate well in print. Zoom in or out to ensure that the text is legible and that any design elements are properly sized and positioned.

Regarding shipping times, Minted typically delivers wedding invitations within a week or two. However, it is recommended to allow for a longer timeframe, especially if customisation or assembly is required.

Paper options

Minted offers a variety of paper options for wedding invitations, each with its own unique characteristics and price point. Here is an overview of the different paper types available:

Signature Cardstock

The Signature cardstock is a thick and luxurious cotton cardstock that comes standard with all Minted wedding invitations at no additional cost. It has a weight of 130# (19.3 points) and a soft white colour with a subtle, slightly textured matte finish. This paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations due to its high-quality feel and versatility, as it works well with any printing method and wedding style.

Premium Recycled

The Premium Recycled cardstock is an environmentally-friendly option made from 100% recycled paper. It has a smooth, matte texture with subtle flecks from the recycled fibres, giving it a less formal look than the Signature cardstock. This paper is thicker than the Signature option, with a weight of 160#. The colour is a bright white, but not a pure white.

Pearlescent Paper

The Pearlescent paper is Minted's thinnest cardstock option, with a weight of 98#. It has a soft shimmer that gives invitations a subtle, elegant glow when caught in the light. While this paper is quite thin for invitations, it can be a beautiful choice for a soft and sophisticated look. The colour is a soft white, but it can appear brighter when the light hits the shimmer.

Doublethick Paper

The Doublethick paper is a premium option that offers a super sturdy feel. With a weight of 240#, it is almost double the thickness of the Signature cardstock. It has a soft white colour and a premium cotton texture that is similar to the Signature paper but with a more substantial weight.

Triplethick Paper

The Triplethick paper is Minted's heaviest cardstock option, weighing in at a whopping 360#. This paper feels like smooth, luxury cardboard and is perfect for couples who want to make a statement with their invitations. It has a soft white colour and a premium cotton texture. However, it may be overkill for more low-key weddings or those on a tighter budget.

In addition to the variety of paper options, Minted also offers high-end printing processes like foil-pressing and letterpress at more affordable price points. Their customer service is highly responsive, and they offer free guest addressing and digital address collection tools to make the process easier. When ordering, it is recommended to allow for ample time for shipping, as delivery times can vary.

Frequently asked questions