Everything you want to know about your starmap
From personalisation to production and shipping, you will find all answers to your questions below.
About our star maps
What is a personalised star map?
A personalised star map is a custom artwork showing the stars and constellations above a chosen location at a specific date and time. Starlit Stories combines this astronomical representation with your names, date, location, personal message and, on selected designs, a photograph.
Is the star map astronomically accurate?
Yes. Starlit Stories generates each star map using astronomical data and the date, time and location you provide. The positions of the stars and constellations are calculated for that specific moment rather than added as a decorative or random pattern.
Does the star map show the sky exactly as it appeared from my chosen location?
The map represents the calculated positions of the stars and celestial objects above your chosen location at the selected date and time. It shows the astronomical sky, including stars that may not have been visible to the naked eye because of daylight, clouds, buildings or light pollution.
Can you create a star map for any date and location?
Star maps can be created for almost any valid date and location worldwide. Enter a city, town or recognisable address in the personalisation tool and select the correct location from the available results.
Can I create a star map for a moment during the daytime?
Yes. The stars are still present during the day, even though sunlight normally prevents us from seeing them. A daytime star map shows their calculated positions at your chosen time and location.
What if I do not know the exact time?
You can use an approximate time. The stars move across the visible sky throughout the day, so the selected time can affect their position, particularly near the horizon. If you only know that the moment happened in the evening, for example, you could select an estimated evening time.
How precise does the location need to be?
A city or town is normally precise enough for a personalised star map. You do not need to enter the exact hospital, wedding venue or street address unless you want that location displayed in the text. Nearby locations generally produce very similar maps, while locations farther apart may show more noticeable differences.
Can you create a star map for a future date?
Yes. Astronomical positions can be calculated for future dates, so a star map can commemorate a planned wedding, expected birth date or another upcoming occasion. For an event whose exact date or time may change, consider waiting until the details are confirmed.
Can I use a date from many years ago?
Yes. Starlit Stories can recreate the astronomical sky for historical dates as well as recent moments. This makes a star map suitable for older birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and family memories.
Choosing and personalising your design
How do I create my personalised star map?
Choose a star map design and size, then enter the date, time and location of your special moment. Add your preferred names, message and background colour, and upload a photograph if you selected a photo design. Review the preview carefully before adding the product to your basket.
What is the difference between the available star map designs?
Starlit Stories currently offers four main designs:
- A circular star map for couples without a photograph
- A heart-shaped star map for couples
- A circular star map for couples with a photograph
- A birth star map with a photograph
All designs use astronomical data and are printed on premium aluminium. The main differences are the shape of the star map, the text arrangement and whether a personal photograph is included.
What is the difference between a star map with and without a photo?
A photo design combines your star map with a personal photograph, making the artwork more visual and personal. A design without a photo gives the star map, names and message more prominence and has a cleaner, more minimalist appearance.
Which design is best for a birth star map?
The personalised birth star map is specifically arranged to celebrate a baby’s arrival and includes space for a photograph, name, birth details and a personal message. A circular star map without a photograph can also be suitable if you prefer a simpler nursery design.
What parts of the design can I personalise?
Depending on the selected design, you can personalise the date, time, location, names, personal message, text arrangement, background colour and photograph. The personalisation tool shows the options available for the specific product.
Which sizes are available?
Starlit Stories aluminium star maps are available in:
- 30 × 40 cm
- 40 × 50 cm
- 50 × 70 cm
The sizes refer to the full aluminium panel.
Can I choose the background colour?
Yes. You can choose between a black or white background in the personalisation tool. The available options may differ slightly depending on the selected star map design.
Can I add names, a date, a location and a personal message?
Yes. Starlit Stories star maps can include names, a meaningful date, a location and a personal message. Photo designs also allow you to include your own photograph.
Can I leave out the date, location or another part of the text?
Yes, provided the personalisation tool accepts the field as optional. Leave out any information you do not want printed and check the preview to confirm that the remaining layout looks balanced.
The date, time and location used to calculate the astronomical map can be different from the wording displayed beneath it.
Can I write my personalisation in any language?
You can enter personalisation in most languages that use the Latin alphabet, including English, Dutch, French and German. Accents and common punctuation are normally supported. If you want to use another alphabet or unusual symbols, contact Starlit Stories before ordering.
Does the online preview show exactly what will be printed?
The preview is designed to represent the content and layout that will be printed. Check all names, dates, locations, spelling, line breaks and the positioning of your photograph before ordering. Minor colour differences can occur between your screen and the finished panel.
Will I receive a design proof before printing?
A separate design proof is not normally sent because the online personalisation tool acts as your preview. Your order is produced using the design you approve when ordering. If you require a separate manual check, contact Starlit Stories before placing the order.
Can I change my personalisation after placing the order?
Contact Starlit Stories immediately. Changes may be possible if production has not started, but personalised orders are processed quickly and a change cannot be guaranteed after the order has entered production.
What should I do if I notice a spelling mistake or incorrect date after ordering?
Email Starlit Stories immediately with your order number, the incorrect information and the exact correction. If production has not started, the team will try to update the design. Once the panel has entered production, it may be too late to make a change.
Using a personal photo
What type of photo works best?
Use a sharp, well-lit photograph with the main subject clearly visible and enough space around the people for cropping. Avoid screenshots, heavily compressed social-media images, dark photographs and images in which important faces are close to the edge.
Can I use a photo taken with a smartphone?
Yes. Photographs taken with a modern smartphone are usually suitable, especially when you upload the original image at full resolution. Avoid sending a version that has been compressed by a messaging or social-media application.
Can I use an older or scanned photograph?
Yes, provided the scan is clear and has sufficient resolution. Scan the original photograph at the highest practical quality, preferably at least 300 dpi. Remove dust, reflections and glare before uploading it.
Which image formats can I upload?
JPG, JPEG and PNG are the safest formats to use. If your photograph is stored as HEIC, PDF or another format that the uploader does not accept, convert it to a high-quality JPG or PNG first.
Is there a minimum image resolution or file size?
Use the largest and clearest original file available. As a practical guideline, an image should preferably measure at least 1,500 pixels on its shortest side. Larger formats, such as 50 × 70 cm, benefit from higher-resolution photographs.
Can I adjust the position or crop of my photo?
Use the personalisation tool to position and crop your photograph within the available photo area. Keep faces and other important details away from the edges and check the complete preview before ordering.
Material, quality and finish
What is the star map made from?
The artwork is made from a lightweight 3 mm composite aluminium panel. It has strong aluminium outer layers and a reinforced core that helps the panel remain flat and stable.
Is the artwork printed directly onto aluminium?
Yes. The design is printed directly onto the aluminium panel using high-quality UV printing. It is not a paper poster mounted behind glass.
How thick is the aluminium panel?
The total panel thickness is 3 mm.
What type of finish does the panel have?
The panel has a smooth satin finish. This provides a refined appearance with sharp details and less reflection than a highly glossy surface.
Why do you use aluminium instead of paper?
Aluminium is more durable and stable than paper. It does not require a frame, is less vulnerable to folded corners and provides a clean, modern finish. Its reinforced construction also helps prevent warping.
Will the colours fade over time?
The panels are printed using UV-resistant materials designed to keep colours clear for many years. As with any printed artwork, avoiding prolonged exposure to intense direct sunlight will help preserve the colours for as long as possible.
Can the aluminium panel warp or yellow?
The reinforced composite construction is designed to remain flat and does not yellow like some paper products. Normal indoor display and careful handling will help keep the panel in its original condition.
Will the printed colours look exactly the same as on my screen?
Not always. Screens differ in brightness, calibration and colour settings, so the printed colours may vary slightly from the online preview. These small differences are normal and do not mean the product is defective.
Is a frame required?
No. The aluminium star map is designed to be displayed without a frame and includes a hidden hanging system.
Is a wall hanger included?
Yes. Each aluminium panel is supplied with a pre-mounted hidden wall hanger.
How far does the panel sit from the wall?
The hanging system positions the panel approximately 8 mm from the wall, creating a subtle floating effect.
How should I clean my star map?
Dust the panel gently with a clean, soft and dry microfibre cloth. For small marks, use a slightly damp cloth and dry the surface immediately. Do not use abrasive sponges, aggressive cleaners, solvents or excessive water.
Can I hang the panel in direct sunlight, a bathroom or outdoors?
The panel is intended for indoor use. Keep it away from prolonged intense sunlight, continuous high humidity and direct contact with water. It is not designed for outdoor installation or very humid bathroom environments.
Production and delivery
Where are the star maps produced?
Starlit Stories is a Belgian business, and the aluminium star maps are produced and dispatched from Mannheim, Germany. The products are therefore produced within the European Union.
How long does production take?
Most orders are prepared and dispatched within 1 to 2 working days. Orders placed after 12:00 Central European Time may begin processing on the next working day. Weekends and public holidays are not counted as working days.
How long will delivery take?
After dispatch, estimated transit times are:
- Germany: 1 to 3 working days
- Belgium, the Netherlands and France: 2 to 5 working days
These are estimates, not guaranteed delivery periods. Production time must be added to the transit time.
Which countries do you deliver to?
Starlit Stories currently delivers to Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France.
Is shipping free?
Yes, all shipping is free.
Which delivery companies do you use?
Orders may be delivered by DHL, DPD, FedEx or a local postal service. The carrier is selected according to the destination, parcel size and available delivery service.
Will I receive tracking information?
Yes. When your order is dispatched, you will receive a shipping confirmation containing a tracking number or tracking link.
When will my tracking link become active?
Tracking may take up to 24 to 48 hours to update after the shipping label is created. This is normal and does not necessarily mean that the parcel has not been handed to the carrier.
Can I request express production or delivery?
Express production or delivery is not currently offered as a guaranteed standard service. Contact Starlit Stories before ordering if your deadline is close, but faster production or delivery cannot always be arranged.
Can you guarantee delivery before a particular date?
No. Starlit Stories can provide an estimated delivery period but cannot guarantee a specific date because carrier delays, public holidays, weather and other circumstances may affect delivery.
Can I change my delivery address after ordering?
Contact Starlit Stories immediately with your order number and the complete corrected address. The address may be changed if the order has not yet been dispatched. Once the parcel has been transferred to the carrier, changes may no longer be possible.
What happens if I entered an incorrect or incomplete address?
Contact Starlit Stories as soon as possible. If the parcel is returned because the address was incorrect or incomplete, it can normally be resent after it has been received back. Additional shipping costs may apply.
What should I do if my package is delayed?
Check the tracking link first. If there has been no update for several working days or the estimated delivery window has passed, contact Starlit Stories with your order number and tracking number so the shipment can be investigated.
What should I do if the tracking says delivered but I have not received anything?
Check around your property and ask household members and immediate neighbours. Also check whether the carrier delivered the parcel to a collection point or safe place. If you still cannot find it, contact the carrier and Starlit Stories promptly.
What should I do if my order arrives damaged?
Contact Starlit Stories within 48 hours of delivery. Include your order number, a description of the damage and clear photographs of the product, external packaging and shipping label. Keep all packaging until the claim has been resolved.
Orders and payments
Which payment methods do you accept?
Starlit Stories currently accepts the following payment methods:
- Apple Pay
- Bancontact
- Google Pay
- iDEAL Wero
- Klarna
- Maestro
- Mastercard
- PayPal
- Visa
The methods available to you are shown during checkout and may depend on your country, device and order value.
Are taxes included in the displayed prices?
Yes. Prices shown on the Starlit Stories webshop include applicable taxes unless the checkout explicitly states otherwise.
In which currency will I be charged?
Orders are charged in euros.
Can I pay with Bancontact, iDEAL, Klarna or PayPal?
Yes. Bancontact, iDEAL Wero, Klarna and PayPal are listed as accepted payment methods. Availability is confirmed during checkout and may vary by country or payment-provider approval.
Why have I not received an order confirmation?
Check your spam or junk folder and confirm that the email address entered during checkout was correct. The confirmation may take a few minutes to arrive. If it is still missing, contact Starlit Stories with your full name, approximate order time and payment reference.
Can I place an order without creating an account?
Yes. You can complete checkout as a guest without creating a customer account.
Can I order several different personalised designs at once?
Yes. Personalise each design separately and add it to your basket before starting the next one. Carefully check that the correct names, dates, locations, photographs and sizes are attached to each product.
Changes, cancellations and returns
Can I cancel my order?
Contact Starlit Stories immediately. Cancellation may be possible before production begins, but it is not guaranteed because personalised orders can enter production shortly after they are placed.
How quickly must I contact you to request a change or cancellation?
Contact Starlit Stories as soon as you notice the issue, preferably immediately after ordering. Orders are commonly prepared within 1 to 2 working days, so waiting may make a change or cancellation impossible.
Can personalised products be returned?
Personalised star maps cannot normally be returned because they are made specifically using the customer’s chosen date, location, text, colours or photograph. Starlit Stories will assist if an order is damaged, defective, incorrect or not produced according to the approved design.
Does the 14-day right of withdrawal apply to personalised star maps?
No. The standard 14-day EU right of withdrawal does not apply to goods made to the consumer’s specifications or clearly personalised. Your legal rights still apply if the product is faulty, damaged, incorrect or not as described.
Can I exchange my star map for a different size or design?
A correctly produced personalised star map cannot normally be exchanged for another size or design. A new order must be placed because the original panel cannot be resold.
What happens if I provided an incorrect date, location, name or message?
The customer is responsible for checking all entered information and the preview before ordering. Contact Starlit Stories immediately if you discover an error. A correction may be possible before production starts, but the product cannot normally be replaced free of charge if it was printed according to the information submitted and approved by the customer.
What happens if Starlit Stories made an error in the design or personalisation?
Contact Starlit Stories with your order number and clear photographs showing the error. If the delivered product does not match the personalisation you submitted or approved, Starlit Stories will arrange an appropriate replacement or refund.
What should I do if I receive the wrong product?
Contact Starlit Stories within 48 hours of delivery. Include your order number and photographs of the product, packaging and shipping label. Do not return the item until you receive instructions.
What should I do if the product or packaging is damaged?
Photograph the damage before discarding or altering the packaging. Contact Starlit Stories within 48 hours of delivery and keep the product and all packaging while the claim is reviewed.
Which photographs and information should I provide when reporting damage?
nclude:
- Your order number
- A short description of the problem
- A photograph of the complete product
- Close-up photographs of the damage
- Photographs of the external and internal packaging
- A clear photograph of the shipping label
These images help Starlit Stories and the carrier assess the claim quickly.
How soon after delivery must I report a problem?
Damage, defects or incorrect products should be reported within 48 hours of delivery. Reporting the issue quickly makes it easier to document carrier damage and arrange a solution. This reporting request does not remove any mandatory legal guarantee rights.
Will a damaged or incorrect order be replaced or refunded?
If the claim is accepted, Starlit Stories will normally offer a replacement or refund, depending on the circumstances, your preference and product availability.
How long does a refund take?
Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method, normally within 10 working days. Your bank, card provider or payment service may need additional time to display the refund. Contact Starlit Stories if more than 15 working days have passed since approval.
Who pays the return shipping costs?
If Starlit Stories asks you to return a damaged, defective or incorrect product, reasonable return shipping will be covered or a return label will be provided. A product should never be returned without first contacting Starlit Stories and receiving return instructions.
Gifts and special occasions
Is a personalised star map suitable as a gift?
Yes. A personalised star map is designed as a meaningful gift that connects a real date and location to the stars above that moment. It is made individually and arrives ready to hang.
For which occasions is a star map most suitable?
A star map is particularly suitable for:
- Weddings
- Engagements and proposals
- Anniversaries
- Births and baby gifts
- Birthdays
- First dates or first kisses
- The day a couple met
- Housewarmings
- Valentine’s Day
- Memorials and remembrance
- Other personal milestones
Can I send the order directly to the recipient?
Yes. Enter the recipient’s address as the delivery address and your own details as the billing information. Check the recipient’s name, address and any access information carefully before completing the order.
Can I add a personal gift message?
The personal message printed on the star map can be personalised. A separate message card inside the parcel is not available currently.
Is gift wrapping available?
Gift wrapping is not currently listed as an available option.
Will prices or an invoice be included in the package?
Prices and invoices are provided digitally rather than printed inside the parcel, making it suitable for direct delivery to a gift recipient.
Is the packaging discreet if the order is a surprise?
The protective external packaging does not need to display the personalised design. However, the shipping label contains the delivery and sender information required by the carrier. If the recipient must not know that a parcel is coming, arrange delivery to another suitable address.
Can the recipient exchange or return a personalised gift?
A correctly produced personalised gift cannot normally be exchanged or returned because it was made specifically for the order. Starlit Stories will provide assistance if the item is damaged, defective, incorrect or not as described.
Can you help me choose a design for a wedding, birth or anniversary?
The heart-shaped design is especially suitable for weddings, engagements and romantic anniversaries. The circular couple design offers a more minimalist look, while the photo version combines the stars with a favourite memory. The birth design is arranged specifically for a child’s photograph and birth details.
Sustainability, privacy and support
Are the star maps produced in Europe?
Yes. Starlit Stories is based in Belgium, and the aluminium panels are produced and dispatched from Mannheim, Germany.
Is the packaging recyclable or environmentally friendly?
Starlit Stories uses protective packaging intended to balance product safety with reduced environmental impact. Many packaging components, including cardboard, can be recycled according to local collection rules. Remove labels, tape and non-cardboard protective materials before recycling where required.
How is my personal information used?
Starlit Stories uses personal information to process payments, create and deliver orders, provide customer service, prevent fraud and comply with legal obligations. Information may be shared with service providers such as Shopify, payment processors, production partners and delivery companies when necessary to fulfil the order. More information is available in the privacy policy.
Will my photograph or design ever be shared publicly?
Your photograph or personalised design will not be published for promotional purposes without permission. It may be processed by the service providers required to create, store and fulfil your order, in accordance with the Starlit Stories privacy policy.
How can I contact Starlit Stories?
You can use the contact form on the Starlit Stories website or email hello@starlitstories.eu.
In which languages can I contact you?
You can contact Starlit Stories in English, Dutch, French or German.
How quickly will you respond to my message?
Starlit Stories aims to respond within 1 to 2 working days. Replies may take longer during weekends, public holidays or unusually busy periods.
What information should I include when contacting you about an existing order?
Include:
- Your order number
- The name and email address used for the order
- A clear description of your question or problem
- The relevant product or design
- Photographs if the product, parcel or personalisation is incorrect or damaged
- Your tracking number for delivery questions
Do not send complete card details or other unnecessary sensitive payment information.