The first impression guests have of your wedding day begins the moment your wedding invitation arrives in the mail. Couples have many choices for wedding stationery. There are traditional papers in white or cream, and contemporary-style invitations, and almost anything in between.
The good news is since there are so many styles and choices available, wedding stationery can be customized to fit any budget. Couples can keep it simple, and have the ink match the main wedding color, or get elaborate by having invitations hand-written by a calligrapher.
When shopping around for wedding stationery, ask the professionals what they mean by “custom.” Lots of stationery stores today let brides and grooms do at least some of the invitation assembling themselves, which will save money. Take along examples of invitations you like and don’t like and be prepared to discuss exactly why you do or do not like each one. Ask how much input you are allowed to have in the design process.
Check on all your stationery needs, including invitations for showers, parties, wedding programs, place cards (if needed), and thank-you notes. Can the stationer design and provide everything you need? If so, what flexibility are they willing to offer in the pricing?
Make sure the stationer agrees to give you proofs of all printed stationery before the “final product” is ready. Review everything carefully to avoid mistakes.
Find out exactly how long it takes for the wedding invitations to be ready. Remember, they should be mailed approximately eight weeks before the ceremony. Thank-you notes should be finished and sent out by your three-month wedding anniversary.
