How Custom Engraving Works: From Shipping to Final Delivery
If you’ve never mailed a keepsake to be engraved before, you may have questions, for instance:
Where do I ship it?
How long does it take?
Will I see a draft first?
What if I need it by a specific date?
This guide walks you through exactly what to expect when booking in-studio custom engraving with Heirloom Ink Studio.
I’ve been engraving since early 2023, serving hundreds of brides and clients across the United States. Based in Southern Illinois and serving the Greater St. Louis area, I work with clients nationwide through secure shipping. Whether you’re personalizing a wedding fragrance, a bridal party gift, or a meaningful keepsake, my goal is to make the experience simple, secure, and beautifully executed.
Who In-Studio Engraving Is For
In-studio engraving is ideal for:
Brides gifting perfume to their bridal party
Couples personalizing wedding day keepsakes
Wedding planners sourcing thoughtful details for clients
Individuals celebrating milestones
Brands sending curated gifting pieces
If you value intentional details and elevated craftsmanship, this service was designed for you.
Step 1: Submit Your Inquiry
Begin by completing the inquiry form on my In-Studio page. Please include:
The items you would like engraved
The exact wording
Quantity
Your needed-by date
The more details you provide, the more efficiently I can prepare your custom quote.
Within a few business days, I’ll respond with an invoice if I have all necessary details. Payment secures your place in my schedule and allows us to move forward.
Step 2: Ship Your Keepsakes
Once your invoice is paid, I’ll send detailed shipping instructions.
Clients ship their items directly to my secure UPS location, where packages are safely held until I pick them up. The location accepts deliveries from all major carriers, including UPS, FedEx, and USPS.
Once your items are in my hands, I’ll confirm receipt so you know they’ve arrived safely.
Step 3: Draft Approval
Within 1–2 business days of receiving your items, you’ll receive a draft for approval.
Each draft is thoughtfully prepared to reflect spacing, scale, and flow on your specific piece. Most mailed-in items receive a digital draft so you can clearly review the layout before engraving begins. In certain cases, particularly with studio-provided pieces, I may draft directly onto the item.
You’re welcome to request minor refinements to spacing, alignment, or small wording adjustments before engraving begins. Larger message changes or multiple layout redesigns after drafts are prepared may require an additional design fee.
No engraving begins without your approval.
Step 4: Engraving & Finishing
After approval, I engrave each piece in my signature calligraphy style.
Gold and silver fill options are available to complement most items. Once engraved, each keepsake is polished, refined, and carefully inspected before packaging.
This is where elevated craftsmanship truly matters — the depth of the engraving, the smoothness of the lettering, and the final presentation.
Step 5: Packaging & Return Shipping
Your engraved keepsakes are carefully packaged and returned, ready to gift.
Many brides tell me that opening the box feels like a moment in itself — knowing their pieces are complete and ready for such a meaningful day.
Timeline Recommendations
For wedding and event orders, I recommend booking 3–4 weeks in advance when possible. This allows time for shipping, drafting, approval, engraving, and return delivery without stress.
Rush orders may be available depending on availability and include a rush fee.
If you’re unsure whether your timeline works, I’m always happy to guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you engrave items I purchase myself?
A: Yes. Most clients send their own keepsakes for engraving, either directly or via online vendor.
Q: Will I see a draft before engraving begins?
A: Absolutely! Approval is required before engraving begins.
Q: What fill colors are available?
A: Gold and silver are offered to complement most engraved items.
Q: What types of items can be engraved?
A: Perfume bottles, compact mirrors, hair accessories, glassware, metal keepsakes, cake cutting sets, and more.
Q: Do you offer local pickup in Illinois?
A: At this time, all in-studio engraving orders are handled via secure shipping to ensure consistency and scheduling efficiency.
Here’s what one client shared after commissioning an engraved Tiffany & Co. cake cutting set as a wedding gift:
A Client Experience
“I commissioned a hand-engraved cake cutting set from Tiffany & Co. as a wedding gift and entrusted Alishia with the engraving. The craftsmanship is beautiful, precise, and deeply thoughtful — every detail feels intentional and heirloom-worthy.
Alishia’s communication was professional throughout, and the care she put into the entire process genuinely shows. I will absolutely be returning for future gifts.”
Begin Your In-Studio Engraving
In-studio custom engraving is a beautiful fit if you value thoughtful details, clear communication, and heirloom-quality personalization.
If you’re planning ahead and want a seamless, guided experience from shipping to final delivery, I would love to work with you.
