Save some money and create your own wedding invitations and stationery. It is easier than you think and will add that personal touch.

Once you've organised the venue, ordered your dress and booked the photographer you need to start thinking about the finer details, such as ordering your wedding stationery.

Creating your own stationery adds a personal touch to the day and it doesn't have to be a monumental task but it does take some time and effort so don't do it if you think it will just make you even more stressed.

If you're having a relatively small wedding, and you have months to plan, creating your own wedding invitations could be an excellent idea. You might even decide to include reply cards, and make some thank you cards to match.

If, however, you're having over 100 designing your own invitations could be a bad idea unless you have a lot of time on your hands, which with a wedding to organise you probably haven't.

However, this doesn't mean you can't make other items of stationery. Table names and menus are a great idea they add wonderful impact to your reception room and you probably only need to make 10-15 in total. Placecards can also be simple, but obviously you will require one per person.

Get crafty

If you like the idea of making some of your own stationery, the first thing to do is to think about what you'd like to make and what you're capable of making in terms of time. Invitations, menus, placecards, table numbers, reply cards, order of service and thank you cards are all items you might consider creating yourself.

As long as you have a rough idea of numbers, and have selected your colours, there's no time to waste. The more time you give yourself, the more you'll enjoy being creative without feeling too pressured.

  • Have a look at wedding stationery offered by other companies to give you an idea of design.
  • Choose your colours and plan your design, taking in to consideration the style of your wedding.
  • When you have an idea of the design, make up a few different samples. This 'testing' session is crucial. It enables you to find out what your designs look like, and whether you enjoy making them before you buy enough for your entire wedding party.
  • Make a detailed list of what you need. You don't want to waste money by buying too much, but equally want to make sure you have enough (allowing for a few mistakes along the way). Paper, glue, glue dots, trims, ribbon, envelopes, pens, placecards, ribbon and card might all be on your list.
  • Create an area at home and get organised. You need to give yourself plenty of room and have a working system. Working in a disorganised area will not only make it harder for you, but you're more likely to make mistakes and be less pleased with the end result. If possible, choose an area where you can leave your stationery out and don't have to pack away every time you finish.
  • If you have any willing helpers (bridesmaids, or perhaps even the groom), don't be precious about doing everything yourself. Making stationery with your bridesmaids could be a really fun time in the planning of your wedding, and will certainly help you get everything done faster.

Making your own stationery can be quite a task and is certainly something to be proud of. So make sure your guests know about it. A hand made invitation or placecard by the bride herself is something they will treasure, so write 'made by ' on the back.

You might also consider making an extra special design for the members of your wedding party. And, be sure to make an extra set to keep for yourself. Your range of stationery is something you should keep in your wedding photo album or scrapbook, along with a pressed flower from your bouquet and any other keepsake items that will act as a reminder from your special day.

You can order everything you need to make your own wedding stationery and find ideas at www.confetti.co.uk