Being the financial stickler that I am, let's start with some money talk. Often when we say stationery, you think invitations. But it is oh so much more! Stationery includes: Save the Dates, Invitations, Programs, Thank You Cards, Seating Cards, Signs, Postage and and any other printed items you may need. It also includes other sneaky items, such as inner envelopes, which aren't always included with invitation sets. Additionally, the type of invite you choose may require extra postage, so keep that in mind as well. So it is important to consider all of these items when setting a budget, and when shopping around for each item. A good rule of thumb for setting your stationery budget is 2-5% of your total budget. Where your stationery budget falls in this range depends on what type of priority it is for you.
So now you know what you need, and what you should spend, let's talk about some options!
Before starting to purchase or order anything, it's a good idea to have some things already checked off your list. Your colors and theme are the foundation of your stationery. You will want your stationery to properly reflect your day. Is it formal? Casual? Rustic? Vintage? Destination? Additionally, choosing stationery that matches your theme will help you achieve a consistency throughout all of your decor. This way you can carry the invitation theme through to place cards, programs etc.
There are tons of sources out there for stationery. I feel like I am finding new ones all of the time! Below are a few of the places I have used with great success:
Make Your Own Invitations
This company has a variety of custom invitations and save the dates. I have used them recently for save the dates. They are great to work with, and provide awesome customer service. Additionally a lot of their options involve you purchasing the JPEG for a flat rate, which allows you to make as many copies as you would like yourself. Great for the budget! Just be sure that you consider all aspects of the cost here: printing, envelopes, postage, etc.
One of my awesome couples, so cute!
This is one of many online printing options. They have some fantastic stuff! Many of their invitations have matching items so that you can get your entire stationery suite with them. They also have great options for shower and other party invitations.
A luncheon invite by yours truly:
I love Vista Print. I use them all of the time for shower and party invites, and many other types of stationery. This is one of the more economical options, and they deliver a great product. They almost always have a 50% off sale going, if you get to the site by first going to Coupon Cabin. I never pay full price here! One of the best parts of this company is the flexibility. You have the capability to change just about anything: text font, size and even placement, colors, add pictures, and more. You also always have the option to put info on the back of anything. If you are using them for wedding invitations, definitely go for the envelope upgrade. Their standard envelopes are plain, and pretty thin paper. Fine for a shower invite, but for a wedding invite you will want something a little nicer.
Here's one I did for an 80's themed surprise birthday party!
Stationery doesn't have to be ordered online. Michael's has some good stuff, if you can find a set that fits your theme. They also often have matching items like thank you cards and programs. Since Michael's gives out 40% off coupons like it's going out of style, you can usually get your items for a reasonable price. Just remember that printing, and possibly inner or extra envelopes, will be an extra cost. This printing can be done at places like Kinko's for little cost, especially if you are printing in black ink. They do not offer thermography printing (raised ink) though, so if you need that I suggest going to a local printer, like Imperial Printing here in Charlotte.
I have a few of these in process, but aren't ready to be revealed. So for now, here is one that is adorable:
Last but certainly not least, Martha Stewart has some fantastic ideas for the bride that wants to break tradition. Check out the link above for some alternative wedding invitation ideas.
Love this fabric embellished invite:
And these fun DIY lined envelopes!
Lastly, let's talk about the stationery timeline. Traditionally wedding invitations should be in the mail six to eight weeks before the big day. I always encourage to aim for the eight week date to allow for delays. Sending out less than six weeks before your wedding is not great etiquette. Not only does it not give your guests ample notice, but you may find yourself in a time crunch to give vendors final numbers. Typically set your RSVP date three weeks before the wedding, but check with your vendor policies on final headcount before setting the RSVP deadline. Also keep in mind that you need a bit of time after the RSVP deadline to round up the stragglers that didn't respond! As for events other than weddings, I suggest invites go in the mail a month before the event, maybe five weeks if it's a popular time of year like spring.
I hope that you find this information helpful with your stationery needs. And as always, if you need help with the planning, give me a call!
704.960.2262
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