10 Things You Need to Know to Save Money and Stress with Wedding Invitations.

(1) Begin early so you have time to make your selection. Last minute purchases could incur rush charges. Some suppliers will NOT print a rush order.

(2) Complete your guest list early and thoroughly so you don't have to reorder at an additional cost. Am additional 25 is far less expensive than making a brand new order.

(3) Ask for and pay for proofs so you KNOW that you KNOW you are going to be happy with the fonts selected and the layout.

(4) Provide directions and a map for guests on the reception card that is oversized and pocket handy. (Three cards in one.) This also shows your guests you care about their ease in finding the locations forthe ceremony and reception.

(5) Print maiden thank you's for shower gifts and early wedding gifts when ordering thank you stationery and you will usually get a discount with a printer who is doing your work.

(6) Use one printer/designer/creative who saves you money because he or she is planning your stationery. Spending money a la carte is going to add up regardless of where you spread it out. One individual will be responsible to and accountable to you and will work with larger sheets of stock to save you hundreds of dollars and give you more for your money.

(7)Do your homework on what you like so that when you are given a good price, you will know it is a good price. You cannot compare apples, oranges, and have a good comparison.

(8) Look at additional services provided by the same supplier....e.g. computer calligraphy addressing, and the price, and see if all else is equal, you are getting more service with a slightly higher package than buying this service a la carte with several vendors. For example, wedding map design, calligraphy addressing and invitations and programs.

(9) Having table number cards and seating cards that match will save money in the long run. (If you want table or individual menus, ditto.) Your supplier can use the same stock. Select a quality white or cream stock to save money.

(10) Using seating cards in slightly different colors or different shades of ribbon to denote: beef, chicken, fish, or vegan will make it easier for your server to deliver the plates to the appropriate tables.

While a custom invitation may be slightly higher than what you find in a wedding album, the cost is offset by having the ability to use larger pieces of stock and print from the same stock on the same press runs with the same ink color.