Choosing wedding stationery involves a whole new set of decisions.

How formal or casual are the two of you? How important is being "proper." (having good manners and being fastidiously proper are two different things...) How sentimental? How creative? How thoroughly do you document your life? (lots of pictures or do you run from cameras...)

Follows is a list of the different kinds of wedding stationery. You certainly don't need ALL of these items, but we've listed them all, nonetheless. Wedding related stationery can span a three or four year period(from engagement to first year anniversary gift, which is paper).

Some couples like to start things off with an engagement party. Their families and friends may be all meeting each other for the first time. Engagement parties range from a casual picnic to urban elegant. The invitation to the engagement party should reflect the type of the event and the personalities of the couple. Since the wedding date may not be settled on yet, the engagement party doesn't have to be stylistically similar to the wedding event.

• Invitations (usually very simple)
• Printed keepsake (story of your meeting, a memento that also serves as an icebreaker.
• PlaceCards for the table settings.
• Thank-you notes for any gifts received.
• Guest book | Memento book or Scrapbook
• Photo album

You've set the Wedding Day and it's time to let everyone know. Save-the-Date cards have quickly become a Modern Wedding Tradition. Save-the-Date's are sent out one year to four months before the wedding. This may be the first mailing your guests receive from you - so should be somewhat in the style of the wedding event. (More on the older ritual behind the modern save the date announcement)>>>

Usually the responsibility of the person throwing the shower for you. However, friends like to keep a theme about you going AND they probably know you're fussy!

• Shower Invitations
• Guestbook | Scrapbook
• Thankyou Notes -- for all those wonderful gifts!

Wedding Invitations are mailed out 6 - 8 weeks before the wedding. Ten weeks if going overseas.

• Invitations
• RSVP card and envelope
• Reception Card - if the reception is in a separate location to the wedding
• Map and/or Directions Card
• Outer Envelope. Not necessary, depending on the invitation style.