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Invitations and Stationery

Invitation Savings

Think you have to spend hundreds of bucks on your stationery? Think again—you can get a beautiful product at a very inviting price.

It's the mother of all cliches: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. You heard it when you started school, during sorority rush, before your first job interview and on every important people-filled event in between: Banal, maybe. But fundamentally true? You betcha!

So what does all this have to do with your wedding? Think invitations. Not only are they the first tangible evidence your family and friends will have of the Most Important Event of Your Life, they also provide a good sneak peek of what's to come. The design you choose should set the stage for the type of shindig your planning to throw-simple and elegant, sleek and chic, flowery and romantic. Which means, as any bride worth her weight in tulle will tell you, you're going to want your invitations to be perfect. First-impression perfect.

But alas, perfection doesn't come cheap. Although your stationery should generally amount to just 4 percent of your total wedding budget, per piece invitation prices can range anywhere from 50 cents to well over $10, depending on the paper, the stationer, the typeface, the printing process, and the length of your guest list. Hiring a calligrapher and adding response cards, double envelopes and other extras can hike up the price even more.

The good news? There are ways to cut costs. A rule of thumb for the bargain-seeking bride is to keep things simple by steering clear of multiple inclusions, envelope linings and custom designs that can topple your budget. Below, we've detailed some other dollar-saving devices.

The Fine Print

The first thing you'll probably want to choose for your wedding invitations is the paper. But know this: The most important factor in setting your invitation tone is the print. So let's start there. There are four main printing techniques, each with its own price range. There's the ultraformal engraving method, a superpricey process that involves stamping each invite from the back to produce raised letters. A less expensive option is thermography, a popular heat-based method that creates raised lettering almost indistinguishable from engraving (unless you feel the back of the invitation) and will save you up to 50 percent of the total cost.

If the hand-crafted look of calligraphy is more your style, but you just can't stomach the high price tag, many stationery stores now carry calligraphy software, which will allow you to recreate a similar effect for less. Finally, there's offset printing-the flat printing found on most letterhead, business cards and fliers-for the super budget-conscious bride.

Paper Trail

Paper, like print, can vary widely in quality and price depending on material (cotton, linen) and finish (matte, glossy), as well as texture, thickness and style. Handmade and specialty papers-often featuring nub textures or embedded with metallic threads and dried flowers-are sold by the sheet and will set you back more than prepackaged stock, as will a particular brand name or watermark.

If you simply must have handmade paper, try shopping around at different stationers for less-expensive versions. Or buy stock and decorate your invitations yourself by tying them with ribbon, wrapping them with tissue or sealing them with wax. Another way to save on paper is to choose a regulation size invitation like embassy (5" x 7") or classic (4" x 6"). If you depart from these standards, you'll probably have to buy custom, handmade envelopes, which can be quite pricey, and you may have to pay higher postage.

Playing Cards

Speaking of envelopes, remember that each item you add to your invite-inserts, maps, response cards, reception cards-will influence price. Try printing your reception info on your actual invite instead of ordering up a separate card. Response postcards, instead of separate R.S.V.P. cards and envelopes, will not only save you on paper price, but also on postage. And if you're hosting a small wedding with tech-savvy guests, consider having your response cards sent by e-mail. We offer all our clients who buy invites from us, the use of our rsvp reply email, 0871 local number and text back, all free of charge so you need not worry about your rsvp replys as we take care of them for you.

Addressing the Crowd

Hand-addressing envelopes yourself will always be less pricey than paying to have it done by a pro (who can charge up to £4 per envelope), but it can be a tedious, time-consuming chore. If you're not up to the task, opt for computer calligraphy (around £1.50 per envelope), do it yourself with the calligraphy software mentioned above, or enlist the services of a student from your local art school. A great money-saving idea for your return address is to purchase an embosser and go it alone. Added bonus: you'll get good use out of it long after your wedding.

Get Creative

Other money-saving tips: order extra invites from the get-go-it's better to have leftovers than to have to re-order more later, which can be pricey. Steer clear of bulky materials to save on postage. Order invites from mail order or Web-based companies, which are generally more cost-effective than working with a stationery store. And confirm all wedding times and locations before placing your order-any last-minute changes will cost you.

Finally, there's no law that says invitations must be engraved or professionally printed. It's perfectly agreeable to design and print your own unique versions at home. If you're having a smaller, less formal affair, it's also acceptable to visit your nearest card store for ready-to-buy invites. Even better: send a handwritten, heartfelt note to each of your guests, inviting them to share your special day with you. It's personal, permissible, and the perfect way to set a warm, welcoming mood for your party.