Designing Your Perfect Wedding

When it comes to wedding invitations, the choices are truly limitless. How do you find the perfect wedding stationery? Do you order some that you've seen online, or do you attempt to design your own? Why not have a professional designer create custom invitations for you! Having a professional designer design your wedding stationery will save you time and help you avoid stress as a busy bride, and will allow you to effortlessly reflect your vision and style for your special day.

Here are just a few things that you will want to consider when thinking about your wedding stationery items:

Your wedding size and style. Will your wedding be large or small, formal, semi-formal or casual? All of these can have an impact on how your invitations will look.

Your personal style and preferences. Are there any special themes that you would like to include on your invitations, such as a flower, color, monogram or an emblem that is special to you? Are you a traditional or modern bride?

Quantity. When thinking about quantity, you will want to consider how many guests you are going to invite. One invitation per single guest, couple or family is the rule; however, children over 18 years of age who still live with their parents should receive an invitation of their own. You will also want to order some extra invitations for people you may have to add at the last minute as well as extras to have as keepsakes. If you are going to have a calligrapher address your envelopes, calligraphers recommend ordering 10% to 15% extra envelopes in case of mistakes. It is best to order these all together because ordering them later on can become expensive.

Additional stationery items. Are there any other items that you would like to have complement your invitations, such as save-the-date cards, thank you cards, wedding programs, reception table numbers, menus or place cards? Again, it is best to order these together with your invitations because ordering them later on can incur extra fees and become expensive. Some venues/caterers will provide reception table numbers and menus at no extra cost to you; however, these may be generic and won't necessarily match your theme.

Timing. Save-the-dates are sent a minimum of four to six months prior to your wedding, but if you are holding a destination wedding, it may be best to send them twelve months or more in advance of your special day.

Wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the date of your wedding. Therefore you will need to meet with your stationer five to six months before your wedding date in order to have everything completed and back to you in time to be sent out.

If you've booked your venue and date, book your stationer. Avoid rush charges and stress by starting the process early.