How do I avoid hurting FI aunt's feelings?

HeatherN78

FI aunt is a graphic designer and has graciously given her time and talents to help us design our invitations.  However, she lives out of state, communication has been extremely difficult, and she has been so busy with work that she hasn't had the time to quickly get proofs to us.  I'm freaking out about time and am considering using a local company who may not allow us to use her design.  (The current thought is an on-line company - whole other story there, hence some communication problems.)  While the aunt has put time into the invites, I'd hate to not use what she's done, but on the other hand, I need this process to be as stress free as possible.  And done SOON.  What do I do??  Any input is much appreciated!!  Thanks!

526SadieSadie

When is your wedding?  You don't need to send them out more than a month or two in advance...
Maybe it's time to go to your aunt yourself if she can't come to you, or call her and just say "Auntie it's getting to be about that time, could you please send us some proofs in case we want to change something?  We'd hate to do anything last minute and have it be a rush for you to do" 
It's really in her best interest to get them done sooner anyway. 

danieliza1127

You still have 3 months before you need to send out invitations.  I would have your FI contact her and express the concerns both of you have and ask if she would rather you guys use her design with a local company.

quotequeen

Is the design finished and you just need a place to print it, or is she still working on it?  If the former, I would try to find a place that you can print what she's designed.  If the latter, I would tell her that you appreciate all of her effort, but if she isn't able to get you a finished design by X date, you will have to go somewhere else.

SheDiva4

I would have a conversation with her stating your concerns.  Did you discuss previously a timeline for getting the proof so you could order the invites?  You might want to discuss setting up a reasonable deadline and that might alleviate some of the stress. 

HeatherN78

Thank you all for your advice and thought provoking questions.  Will talk this over with FI and get it figured out!