Here we review those things that you need to be clear about to order your stationary. We also explore the option of making your own stationary, and some key points about typeface (font) and paper quality.
The following article is an example of the content we have in our online wedding planning membership site HappyWeddings.ca under the heading of Stationary. To learn more and get useful wedding planning tools for FREE, click here!
There were many choices that you made as you went through the videos in this module, so now is the time to go to your Stationary Overview Checklist and make sure that those things you are interested in having actually fit your budget, or decide where you can save a few dollars. Once you have finalized what you want to order, and are sure of the number of guests, that is the time to put your order together. Add some additional invitations to your original number to cover envelopes that are addressed wrong, last minute guests, or as keepsakes for yourself and your family. Sometimes you can just order extra envelopes, so inquire with your stationary supplier.
Remember that engraved invitations, which are traditional for a formal wedding, is the most expensive option. There are less expensive print options available to you described in topic 2-3-4 Print Styles.
Your options in ordering are to order your invitations on-line, order them from a local printer, or to do them yourself. The first two options you can explore yourself, but if you opt for the do-it-yourself method there are some things you should be aware of. If you are purchasing your wedding stationary, be sure to get at least 3 quotes to compare cost, timeline, and quality. If you want to make your own stationary, here are some tips.
Firstly, you don’t want DIY stationary to LOOK like it is a DIY project. You want the cut edges of your stationary to look perfect, not with perforation marks or crooked edges.
Secondly, the printing needs to be straight on the paper you are printing on. If the typeface is at a slant, it will look cheap and amateurish. The font type needs to be readable, which seems like a given, but it is easy to get caught up in a typeface that you like, that some people will find difficult to read. At weddings, the majority of the guests are family and they are older. As the host of the party, your guests’ comfort and ease is the major consideration.
Thirdly, you want your paper quality to be good. Card stock is what you will want to use, although you can go into other grades of paper if you choose. Card stock is typically shown as 50 lbs on the package, although it can go up to 110 lbs. Normal paper is usually 20 lb paper.
Other than these three quality issues, you can choose any type of design, colour of paper and typeface that you want. Be creative and enjoy!