How to Select a Stationer

Whether you want to keep it simple with just invitations and place cards or would like to add a bit of whimsy to your wedding day with items such as printed matchbooks and napkins, the right stationer will make sure that all looks paper perfect.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wedding Planner Book
• Yellow Pages
• Wedding Consultants

1. Draw up your guest list.

2. Figure out your priorities in terms of budget and originality.

3. Begin your search for a stationer four to six months before the big day.

4. Keep an eye and ear out for experienced stationers - consult with family and friends, and start collecting wedding invitations that you've received and liked for future reference.

5. Provide the stationer with specific quantities, as well as color samples, sketches and fabric swatches if you'd like your invitations custom-made.

6. Ask for written price estimates, as well as guarantees if mistakes are made and the time expected between ordering and receiving the invitations.

7. Proofread your order carefully before signing; have a second person go look at the order as an extra act of caution. This simple measure could save you hundreds of dollars in reprints.

8. Buy your entire "stationery wardrobe" - that is, invitations, programs, place cards, menus and thank-you notes - as a package. This ensures uniformity of design and possibly a lower rate.

9. Order extras - 50 invitations and 100 envelopes - to account for mistakes and guest list changes.

Tips & Warnings

• Go with a large stationery store, the most popular option, and get great prices from a moderate selection, or save time by ordering your stationery when you register at the department store for gifts. Expect to find a small selection of classic designs.
• Why not go the creative route? Hire a graphic design pro and concoct an original (this costs a bit more and may take a bit more time, so get going early). Or, do it yourself - all you need is access to a computer, a laser printer and some good software, like QuarkXPress or PageMaker.
• Get the envelopes as soon as possible so you can begin addressing them.