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Cost – taking into account the number of cards required, set a budget and stick to it. This will enable you to narrow down what is possible and what is beyond reach.

Print run – it is wise to print an overrun of between 15 to 20 percent. These additional cards may come in handy should you decide to increase your guest list. To do small volume reprints after the initial print run would be costly.

Lead time – better early than late. Certain times of the year require a longer lead time than others. Also, do make sure there is sufficient time allocated to write and mail the cards as well as for guests to respond.

Design – traditional, contemporary or quirky? A reproduction of an existing design may be less expensive as compared to a symbolize one.

Colour – is there an overall theme that should be adhered to? Discuss colours with your parents especially if they are traditional-minded and have objections against inauspicious colours.

Paper quality – although many feel that invitations may ultimately be discarded by recipients, it is still good to use paper of reasonable quality. After all, invites set the tone of your wedding at the onset. Stick to matte finish or non-shiny paper as they are easier to write on and the ink will not smudge.

Wording – being politically correct is important to ensure that all parties concerned are happy with the outcome i.e. the bride and groom and their parents.


When looking into the nitty-gritty of wedding stationery, do take note of the following:

  • It should reflect your excitement and enthusiasm as well as your personalities and stylistic preferences.
  • Talk to at least 3 stationers, view their range of cards and evaluate the services they offer.
  • As soon as you feel comfortable with a stationer, pay a deposit and get started. Do not procrastinate and do not leave yourself too little time.
  • Mail invites 2 months ahead whereas save-the-date cards can go out even earlier.
  • Decide on a theme which can be fashioned around one of the following – colour, monogram, graphics etc.
  • Calligraphy is sophisticated and elegant but be prepared to invest some additional funds for an expert to be responsible for the hand-written elements of your stationery set.

In our Asian society, the design of invitation cards can be an issue where conflicts may arise between the young couple and their parents. A cosmopolitan Chinese couple, educated abroad, may favour a design predominantly in white with silver lettering, much to the chagrin of their more traditional parents. The latter would certainly be more accustomed to one in red and gold, colours that symbolize prosperity, fortune and good luck.

Whatever the case may be, the solution perhaps is to compromise, so that all parties are happy with the end result.

After all, weddings are meant to be happy occasions, aren’t they?
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