| Let's face it: Your wedding is going to cost | | | | pieces of paper. Put the 'please RSPV by' at |
| more than you thought it would. You were | | | | the bottom of the invitation. See 'Making |
| lucky to find that reception hall. You could | | | | Your Own Wedding Invitations' below.Provide |
| have chosen the cheaper wedding dress. But | | | | liquor and/or chocolate to your |
| the one you bought was perfect. Making your | | | | invitation-making crew.Making Your Own |
| own invitations might seem like the way to | | | | Wedding Invitations--Go to a specialty paper |
| make up for that.But is it? Will you save | | | | store and finger the samples. |
| money? | | | | |
| | | | Even if you end up buying online. You need |
| Or will you simply invest in needless | | | | to know what 60-85 pound paper feels |
| aggravation?Before deciding to make your own | | | | like.Hint: it has to do with the thickness. |
| invitations ask yourself these five | | | | Printer paper is somewhere around 20-25 |
| questions#1 Am I willing to spend entire days | | | | pounds. Invitations typically weigh in at |
| putting together invitations?An invitation | | | | 65-85 pounds.--Keep it simple. |
| made out of three different papers looks | | | | |
| gorgeous. But is it worth it? Making even | | | | Extra layers mean extra hours. And extra |
| simple invitations takes time. Picture hours | | | | expense.Invitation 'kits' (which include |
| of tedium.This is on top of the time you | | | | blank invitations, envelopes, reply cards, |
| spend addressing the things.Remember, | | | | etc.) will make your life easier.Be sure to |
| whatever time you spend on invitations is | | | | buy paper that's compatible with your |
| time taken away from other parts of your | | | | printer. If you have an ink-jet, for example, |
| wedding.#2 Do I hate all the ready made | | | | don't buy laser-jet paper.--Automate. |
| invitations I've seen?Do a lot of research | | | | |
| before you answer this. Hundreds of companies | | | | Consider purchasing an invitation making |
| make invitations. Check out at least half a | | | | computer program. You'll get some nice fonts. |
| dozen before you give up.If you absolutely | | | | And customizable templates.Three Ways To Save |
| hate everything you've seen, see the tips | | | | Money--Watch your weight |
| under 'Making your own Wedding Invitations' | | | | |
| below.#3 Do I have a crew of reliable people | | | | The post office charges extra for heavy and |
| who have agreed to help me?This answer can | | | | or oversized invitations. Check with them |
| make or break you. Please don't try to make | | | | before you make your invitations.--Bulk Up |
| 200 wedding invitations alone. It's a good | | | | |
| way to drive yourself nuts.Or it can add | | | | Buy fancy paper in bulk. Save even more by |
| unnecessary stress if you make invitations as | | | | printing two invitations on one 8 1/2 X 11 |
| a couple.A reliable crew will turn invitation | | | | sheet. Each invitation will be a long |
| making into a social occasion instead of a | | | | rectangle. Very modern.--Mooch |
| blood bath.#4 Is my budget so small that this | | | | |
| is my only option?Then that's just the way it | | | | Don't buy specialty equipment to cut those |
| goes. See 'Making Your Own Wedding | | | | invitations. Go into your local copier store |
| Invitations.'#5 Am I having a small | | | | like you own the place and use their |
| wedding?If you're only inviting 10-20 people, | | | | equipment. Bring a few sheets of something to |
| go for it. You'll still be at it for hours if | | | | photocopy if they give you the hairy |
| you make complex invitations. But they'll be | | | | eyeball.These questions and your answers will |
| beautiful.30-80: The upper limit of sanity. | | | | help you decide if making wedding invitations |
| | | | is right for you. And help you avoid common |
| Try to have enough invitation makers on your | | | | mistakes if the answer is yes.Happy |
| team to keep the 'invitation to person' ratio | | | | planning!Amy Lee Johnson is a freelance |
| at 15:1.80+: Frustration here we come. | | | | writer who often contributes to a site that |
| | | | gives useful hints and tips such as buying |
| If you must do this, forget the multiple | | | | wedding invitations or writing wedding vows. |