Stationery & Invitations

There is more to wedding stationery than simple invitations. In addition, you might want to send engagement announcements, 'Save the Day' cards and thank-you notes. For your wedding day you may choose to print Order of Service sheets, manu and place cards and a table plan. Your stationery can set or reflect your wedding day style or theme. It's also the first indication your guests have about the formality and style of your celebration. The style of your stationery will often be an expression of your personalities. That does not meanyou have to hand-make it or have it custom designed. You can order beautiful, high quality stationery on the high street and in department stores. The cost benefitis that you are not paying a set-up charge for one-off job. Generally you choose from a set of designs and your personal details are added, often with a choice of typeface. Features such as embossing, gold and silver foiling orintricate and ornate cut-outs will cost less than bespoke stationery from a printer. There is so much choice you are bound to find a style that is 'you'. Matching stationery will look really smart and many of your guests will keep the printed items from a wedding as a memento of the day, so give them something to treasure!

If you produce your own design, have a chat with a local printer. He or she will be able to assist you with both layout and design if required. You may also have a photograph or a picture you would like to use and a printer can scan this professionally and incorporate it in your design. Before securing a printer's service, ask to see examples of their work and get costs estimates in writing. Confirm deadlines and allow time for delays with proofing and any changes required. The cost does not have to significantly morethan predesigned stationery, but bear in mind any additional touches will add to the price.

If you select an ornate typeface, make sure it is legible, especially the numbers. If you are hand-writing stationery, that too needs to be easy to read, however neat your writing. In addition to a traditional fountain pen, you can also try calligraphy pens and rollerballs which give a lovely finish.

A traditional wedding invitation is a folded 20,3 x 15,2 cm white card. The text is engraved on the front, states who is hosting the event and includes the words 'request the pleasure of your company'.  The names of the guests are hand written on the top left hand corner in black ink (some couples employ a calligrapher to do this). Traditional or otherwise, the wording on your invitations should include the following information:

• Full name(s) of the host(s).
• Bride's first name and her relationship to the host(s).
• Bridegroom's title and full name.
• Ceremony Adress.
• Date and time of the ceremony.
• Reception address (if different)
• RSVP address

When sending your invitations, give your guests as much information as possible. Include as appropriate: an accommodation list, maps and directions, details of other wedding-related gatherings, information about public transport and local taxi numbers. Order your invitations at least three months before the wedding. Post them ten to eight weeks in advance. Two-weeks before, chase up anyone who has failed to respond.

Providing a reply card with pre-adressed envelopes will speed-up the response process. You can also ask for dietary preferences to be indicated on the card as well as details of where out-of-town guests will be staying (that information may be useful to you if you are probviding transport, or if additional events are being planned before and after the wedding). If you know where guests are staying you could leave a note or welcome pack which includes a bottle of wine, nibbles and hangover cure to welcome them.