Lets face it. When it comes to planning
your wedding you want everything but in reality "the wedding
budget shouts stop". But it doesn't have to be that way.
Hunting around for the best deal may take a while but in the
end you will see the difference. One particular area for the
cost factor is your stationery. Its has special requirements:
it has to match your theme, colour scheme, have a specific design.
Nobody but you understands.
Ideas for stationery for those on a budget: Go on make your
own!
Go direct to the printers. Look up in your yellow pages and
find the ones that offer foil blocking as a service. This will
give the stationery a raised embossed look. Foil blocking comes
in a wide range of colours so ask them. They are also very accommodating
if you a specific design in mind. They may be able to do you
the full works: order of service, table place names, etc for
a reasonable price. Many printers are also agents for the leading
stationers. Take a look in the sample albums and see if you
can re-create for half the price.
If you don't like the prices they have quoted (and remember
to shop around!) use your own PC.
Most PC software has a template for invitations. www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk
has a great selection of free templates and material to match.
Have a favourite photo? They look great with a caption and you
would only need to find the card. You can also take your photo
to the printers and they can print the invitations if you don't
want to do yourself. Materials
You’re probably thinking where do I start? What kind
of cards do I use? What materials are available? Below is
a checklist to help you get started.
Cards & Envelopes
· Card stock quality is dependent upon your price.
The usual invitations are done on laid or hammer (cream, ivory
or white) effect between 150-200 grams in weight. www.stick-n-mix.co.uk,
www.madaboutcards.com all offer a wide range of materials.
· Buy prefolded if you are using a greeting card style
invitation, as this looks more professional. www.craftcreations.com
supplies everything at an affordable price and don't forget
to ask for there free sample card and paper swatch book and
catalogue. You can then see before you buy.
· You can buy envelopes from discount shops or look
for buy one get one free.
· Parchment paper is a marbled paper and comes in green,
pink, cream, blue. This looks nice as an insert or as a scroll.
Ribbon
· Ribbons: go to your local market, all colours for
only about 15p a meter. Sheer organza ribbon has a nice effect.
· Florist also sell raffia or paper yarn which comes
natural or in a variety of colours.
Embellishments
· Buttons, paper flowers, miniature rings, even garters
(www.stick-n-mix.co.uk), are available from a variety of craft
websites.
Design Help
There are many forums out there (www.craftsbycarolyn.co.uk
catered for brides or crafters to express ideas and advice
for making invitations (www.mulberrybush.com) that also offer
a DIY pack of the materials already assembled together if
you are having a design block. You will find the best craft
websites and the most affordable on forums (www.card-inspirations.com
www.crafts-beautiful.com
Ebay is great for unique one offs such as mini envelopes.
However doing a google search will bring up the best ones.
If you are pushed for time, there are many people who love
making cards who could re-create the design. Friend of the
family? Wedding present? Alternatively searching the Internet
will bring a wide range of sites offering the service.
Do you have children? What about using one of their drawings
or even better get them to do some!
Ideas
· Scroll invitations with matching bow on parchment
paper. Boxes can be found at www.find-me-a-gift.com.
· Vellum (transparent paper) as a cover for a plain
folded A5 card tied with matching ribbon. www.paperpoint.com
allows you to order 8 A4 samples of paper a day. This can
give you an idea on the different cards and papers you can
use.
· Use tassels to hold inserts together.
· There are many parchment paper flowers in many styles,
which look great alone on a card. Add a 3mm bow in your colour
for effect.www.cardinspirations.com
· Gold or silver peel offs found in most craft shops
as an alternative to foil blocking. They come in a variety
of wording.
· Rubber stamps can be found in all craft shops and
can add a stylish touch. A plain cream card with a black stamped
Celtic design looks effective on its own.
· Using material from the bride’s maid dresses
is a nice touch as a backing fabric or a bow.
· Look in your herbs and spices or garden for lavender
or roses, to embellish cards. (Star anise can be used)
· Use scented draw liner to use as stylish envelope
inserts.
From invitations can come table cards and seating plans, wedding
albums or memory boxes? Let your imagination run wild but
remember less is always best!
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