FAQ
Everything you need to know about Achidam
About the brand
What is Achidam?
Achidam is a boutique wedding invitation studio from Coimbatore, crafting deeply personal, tactile invitations that blend handwork, traditional print techniques, and thoughtful storytelling.
How did Achidam start?
It began in 2017 at home with a pair of scissors, a few sheets of paper, and a breastfeeding baby in arms—purely handmade invitations, one order at a time, growing slowly through neighbours, family friends, and pop‑ups.
What makes Achidam different?
Brand thinking
Instead of starting from a ready‑made layout, each suite is built around your rituals, spaces, and symbols, so the card feels like an extension of your wedding, not a generic design. The focus is on rooted Indian aesthetics with a calm, modern mood subtle, layered, and personal rather than loud or trendy.Craft and technique
Achidam combines hand‑craft, letterpress, and sculpture embossing carefully produced batches, so the paper actually carries depth, weight, and memory.Values and experience
Eco‑conscious choices run through the brand—from paper selection to packaging—so luxury doesn’t feel wasteful. Clients get a guided, one‑on‑one process: help with wording, timelines, and quantities, so that the invitation journey feels calm, collaborative, and genuinely cared for from first call to final courier.
Our Materials & Paper
What kind of paper do you use?
Most invitations are printed on thick cotton, textured, or recycled stocks that can hold deep impression and embossing beautifully. The aim is to make the card feel substantial and keepsake‑worthy.
Are your materials sustainable?
As far as possible, papers are tree‑free or recycled, and packaging avoids unnecessary plastic. The goal is to balance luxury with responsibility.
Can I choose paper, colours, and finishes?
Yes. You can pick from a curated range of paper shades, thicknesses, and finishes. Guidance is given on what works best with letterpress, sculpture embossing, or any other technique chosen for your suite.
Do you use handmade paper?
Yes, for certain concepts we use handmade or mould‑made paper, especially when a raw, organic deckle‑edged look suits the design.
What thickness (GSM) do you usually work with?
For invitations, we generally work with heavier boards that can take deep impression well, while inserts and add‑ons are printed on slightly lighter but still sturdy stocks.
Can you do deckle edges or special finishes?
Yes, deckle edges, rounded corners, edge‑painting, and tinted edges are possible on select papers and are discussed during the design stage.
Will the paper colour exactly match what I see on screen?
Screens vary, so slight differences are natural. During the process, reference photos or physical samples are shared to align expectations as closely as possible.
Do you offer coloured papers or only neutrals?
Along with classic whites and ivories, there is a curated set of coloured papers—deep, muted tones that complement Indian weddings without feeling loud.
Will the impression fade or flatten over time?
No, the letterpress and embossing impressions are physical changes in the paper, so they remain visible and tactile for years when stored flat and dry.
How should we store the invitations?
They are best kept flat, away from moisture and direct harsh sunlight, to preserve both the paper and ink.
Can I bring my own paper?
In most cases, no, because not all papers are suitable for letterpress or sculpture embossing. Testing is needed, and using in‑house stocks ensures reliable results.
Printing Techniques
What is letterpress, and why do you use it?
Letterpress is a traditional printing method where an inked plate is pressed into thick paper, creating a visible, touchable impression. It gives invitations a soft, elegant depth that flat digital print simply cannot match.
What is sculpture embossing?
Sculpture embossing uses custom metal dies to raise specific elements—like monograms, deities, or motifs—into a three‑dimensional form. It feels more like a sculpted surface than a simple raised outline.
Do all invitations use letterpress or embossing?
Not necessarily. Some designs are purely letterpress, some combine letterpress with sculpture embossing, and others use a mix of specialty and flat printing depending on design, budget, and timelines.
Custom Design
Do you offer fully custom designs?
Yes. Achidam specialises in bespoke concepts inspired by your story—whether that’s temple architecture, family symbols, heirloom textiles, or a specific colour mood.
How does the design process work?
It usually starts with a call or meeting to understand your events and aesthetic. Then a concept and layout are developed, digital proofs are shared, revisions are made, and once approved, plates/dies are created and printing begins.
How many revisions are included?
Typically, 2–3 rounds of minor changes to text, layout, or colour are included. Major shifts in concept after approval may involve an additional design fee.
Orders
What is the minimum order quantity?
Because of plate and setup costs, most letterpress or sculpture‑embossed suites have a minimum of around 100 invitations. For certain products, the minimum might vary.
How much time do you need?
For fully custom letterpress or embossed stationery, 8–12 weeks before you want to courier the cards is comfortable. Simpler or semi‑custom orders may be done faster, but earlier is always safer during peak season.
Do you ship within India and abroad?
Yes, pan‑India shipping is available, and international shipping can be arranged on request. Shipping costs depend on location, weight, and packaging.
What are the payment and cancellation terms?
A non‑refundable advance is required to begin design and block production. The remaining amount is paid before dispatch. Since everything is custom, cancellations or major changes after design/plate making are limited and may incur extra charges.