Balance Deposits for wedding stationery and invitations
Invitation suites are designed and printed for one couple. A deposit starts the design work; the balance is due before you commit to the print run.
In short: Stationers usually take 25% to 50% at checkout and the balance once the proofs are approved, before printing. Use a 'when the order is ready' plan and mark the order ready when the couple signs off the final proof.
The usual plan
Set a 50% deposit and the balance rule to 'when the order is ready'. When the couple approves the final proof, mark the order ready: the balance is charged from the saved card before you send anything to print, and dispatch stays on hold until it clears.
Example: £600 invitation suite, 50% deposit. £300 at checkout, £300 when the final proof is approved, before printing.
Guest numbers that change
Guest lists grow after the first order. Edit the Shopify order with the new quantities and Balance Due adds the difference to the balance, so the final charge matches the final count.
On-the-day items
Place cards, table plans and menus are often ordered later with a fixed deadline. Sell them as a separate product with an exact balance date a few weeks before the wedding.
Cancellations
In the UK, personalised stationery printed to the couple's specification is generally outside the 14-day right to cancel online purchases, so a clearly stated deposit policy usually holds. Say it on the product page. This is general information, not legal advice.
Wedding stationery questions
Can I charge the balance before printing rather than on delivery?
Yes. Mark the order ready when the final proof is approved and the balance is charged then, before you print.
What if the guest count changes after the deposit?
Edit the Shopify order and Balance Due adds the difference to the balance.
Does it work with digital-only stationery?
Yes. The fulfilment hold applies to the Shopify order; send the files once the balance clears.
Not on the list?
If your customers commit before the work is done, Balance Due fits. Tell us what you sell and we will suggest a plan.