Standard production for custom labeled water is about 20 business days (about four weeks) after you approve your proof, so order 5–6 weeks before you need it in hand. If you're short on time, Quick Ship rush tiers produce in 10, 5, 3, 2 or 1 business day for $150–$600 per 20 cases, and air shipping can be added.
Key takeaways
- Total time = proof approval + production + shipping.
- Standard: ~20 business days of production, no rush fee.
- Rush tiers: 2 weeks ($150), 1 week ($225), 72 hours ($300), 48 hours ($450), 24 hours ($600) per 20 cases.
- Approving your proof quickly is the easiest way to save time.
- Reorders with artwork on file skip setup and proofing and move fastest.
The most common question we hear after "how much?" is "can you get it here in time?" Usually the answer is yes. Here's how our timeline works and how to plan backward from your event date.
The three parts of every timeline
- Proof approval. We send a free digital proof, usually within one business day. The clock starts when you approve it.
- Production. Labels print, bottles fill, labels apply on the line and cases pack. Standard is about 20 business days.
- Shipping. Ground freight is three to five business days to most of the continental US; two-day and overnight air are available.
Standard vs. Quick Ship rush tiers
| Tier | Production after proof | Fee per 20 cases | Order this far ahead (ground)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | ~20 business days | $0 | 5–6 weeks |
| Standard rush | 10 business days | $150 | ~3 weeks |
| 1-week | 5 business days | $225 | ~2 weeks |
| 72-hour | 3 business days | $300 | ~9 business days |
| 48-hour | 2 business days | $450 | ~8 business days |
| 24-hour | 1 business day | $600 | ~7 business days (or 3 with overnight air) |
*Includes one day for proof approval and five business days for ground. Use the date checker on our rush orders page to find your tier.
How to plan backward from your event
Pick the date you need bottles in hand, not the event date. Give yourself at least one business day of buffer for unloading, chilling and delivery to the venue. Then count back shipping, production and proof time. If the result is in the past, move up a rush tier or switch to air.
Example
Your event is Saturday, June 20, and you want bottles by Thursday, June 18. Ground shipping takes five business days, so bottles must ship by June 11. Standard production needs 20 business days, so you need to approve your proof by about May 14. If you're reading this on June 1, the one-week tier (five business days) still makes it.
Five ways to speed up your order
- Send vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) so the proof is right the first time.
- Approve the proof the same day. Every day of back-and-forth is a day of production lost.
- Choose full-color 2" × 8" labels. They have the most press capacity.
- Reorder existing artwork. Reorders skip setup and proofing.
- Call us. For 24- and 48-hour slots, call 1-866-559-6111 to confirm stock before you order.
Seasonal planning
Spring and summer are peak season for weddings, graduations, festivals and races. For events between May and September, request quotes in March or April. Q4 is busy with holiday gifting and year-end corporate events, so order holiday gift water by mid-October. For outdoor event tips, read what planners get wrong.
Have a date in mind? Request a quote and tell us your in-hand date; we'll recommend the most affordable tier that makes it.
Frequently asked questions
About 20 business days of production after proof approval, plus one day for the proof and three to five business days for ground shipping. Plan five to six weeks in total.
Our 24-hour tier produces your order one business day after proof approval. Combined with overnight air, bottles can arrive within two to three business days. 24- and 48-hour slots depend on bottle stock and the schedule, so call to confirm.
Rush fees are per 20 cases: $150 for standard rush (about two weeks), $225 for one week, $300 for 72 hours, $450 for 48 hours and $600 for 24 hours.
No. Production and ground shipping are counted in business days, Monday to Friday, excluding major holidays.
