As with all aspects of wedding planning, your selection of invitations and stationery should reflect your personal style and tastes as well as your budget. It is the first glimpse into your new life and the promise of your future together. Your wedding invitations, elegant, understated, flashy, fun or cute, are very important in setting the tone and mood for the entire wedding. Select the style you feel most comfortable with to convey to your guests the significance of your special day.

Today, couples planning their wedding have more options available to them than ever before. The old rules and much of the formality have been set aside in favor of more personal contemporary choices. Of course, you can still visit your local stationer and opt for the traditional engraved white or ivory invitation. Your stationer can be an invaluable resource in guiding you through the many options available, particularly if you are looking to be a bit more traditional. If you are searching for something truly unique, consider also designing and making your own invitations. Depending on your choices, handmade invitations can be much less expensive, an excellent alternative for couples on a tight budget.

Stamping is increasing in popularity and there are a variety of inks and rubber stamps designed especially for weddings. There are also special software packages and a wide variety of decorative and fine papers. You will have an infinite number of options to choose from.

Typically, invitations should be ordered at least four months prior to the wedding. Allow more time if you are ordering something that requires special customization. You really can't order your invitations too soon. Make sure to allow at least 25 extras for last minute additions to the guest list, errors, and keepsakes. Reordering can be very expensive.

To insure that your invitation arrives in a timely manner, send in-town invitations three to four weeks ahead of time, out of town four to six weeks ahead of time.

Today's bridal couples have many choices. Handmade, modern or traditional, your wedding invitation should be a reflection of the theme and style of your wedding, uniquely your own.