One of the main things people think about early on in the planning of their wedding is the invitations and save the date cards/chocolates.

Stationery reflects the style of your event and your personal style. Traditional or contemporary, today's invitations offer a variety of options to help set the tone.

Guest Lists

So you have a date and a venue and now you have to make the agonising decision of who to invite? Do we invite Aunt Julie who has a problem with us being a same sex couple?

The answer is simple. This day will be your day and you should not feel uncomfortable. Many same sex couples fight prejudice every single say of their lives and your big day is a day that you should not have to.

If you are having a ceremony and evening reception, compile two lists. One for the guests you would like to attend the signing and another for your evening guests for distant relatives and friends. Bear in mind what your budget is at all times!

Save The Date

Ok so first thing is first, you need to let your prospective guests know the keep the date of your wedding free. One of the most cost effective ways to do this is to send save the date cards.

It is suggested trying to send save the date cards out about 6 months in advance if you can, especially if you are planning to have a weekday wedding. This allows your guests to make sure they have booked time off work etc.

The Invitations

Once you have determined the number of guests you plan to invite, select and order your invitations. Allow at least two months before your special event (Less if you have sent save the date) so you will have plenty of time for addressing, mailing and receiving responses, if you have a wedding planner this can be managed by them.

Wedding invitations can be purchased from a number of locations, wedding shows, mail order, printers and many more.

Traditionally, the wedding invitation is a double sheet of white or ivory card stock, with the message in black ink on the outside, and blank on the inside. Contemporary invitations come in many colors, often using colored inks.

Most invitations will come with other stationery in the group like order of service cards, RSVP cards, Menu cards and so on. Don't get carried away and have a wedding full of stationery. Always bear in mind your budget and style for your big day.

What Else Shall We Include In the Invitation

Generally people like to include further information on the big day. Examples of this might be a map or guest list for your gifts.

Some people also set up a web page and include this on the invite for people to log on to and get information on the venue, days events and local places to stay.

You may also want to include a RSVP card to make it easier for your guests to send the reply back to you.