Define your style
Your wedding invitations and stationery are a reflection of your personal style and your wedding day theme and decor. Wedding stationery helps to create a cohesive look because there are so many different items from start to finish ie. invitations are your guests first glimpse of what to expect at your wedding day and continuing with the same style and colours right through to your thank-you notes, helps to create a modern, flowing and finished look. Look for inspiration from your favourite flower or colour to your favourite motif or font.
Save the Date Cards or Magnets
If you have lots of out-of-town guests, are getting married on a public holiday, or you are having a destination wedding, save-the-date cards should be sent six months to one year before your wedding. Invitations should go out four to six weeks before your wedding day.
Find a Wedding Stationer whose Style you like
Find a wedding stationer whose style you like or ask friends to recommend someone they know. Ask to see as much of their previous work as possible. Check the quality of the samples and ask if the printing is done professionally - you don't want an ink-jet printer printing your invites! Ask if the stationer has experience in creating the kind of invitation you would like. Bring photos of invitations you like, fabric swatches or other props to convey your style.
Invitations to thank-you notes
Discuss all your requirements from invitations to save-the-date cards to name placements to seating cards to the menu to the order of service and even thank-you notes wraping paper/bags/boxes for favours. Discuss the design of each item so that you know exactly what to expect.
Order Extras
If you are planning a large wedding, order 20 extra invitations and envelopes up front to allow for addressing mistakes and extra guests you may want to invite. You'll save money versus ordering extras at a later date.
The Wedding Directory - http://www.theweddingdirectory.co.za
South Africa's Online Wedding Guide
Source: www.isnare.com
