Make sure you give yourselves plenty of time. If you are the organised type you may decide to have service sheets, menus, place cards and thank you cards all printed at the same time.

If you are buying stationery ask to see a proper sample, not just a photograph, so that you can judge the look, weight and quality.

You have got several options when it comes to choosing your invitations:

A specialist company

This is probably going to be the most expensive option. There are hundreds of talented original designer printers out there who will be happy to discuss your thoughts and ideas as well as offering helpful suggestions. They will then print the invitations.

Pre-designed stationery

You will be able to choose form a large selection of styles, provide the words that you want and then they will be printed for you. These are available from department stores and stationers.

Pre-printed, ready to write

This is a cheaper option that offers very good results. All you have to do is fill in the blanks. These are available from card shops, department stores and stationers.

The print shop

For a really simple look just decide what you want in terms of card weight, wording, typeface and colour, then take it to a reputable high street printer. Once they are printed you could add details of your own to give it that personal touch.

The DIY option

Home-made stationery can look really lovely. This is the economical way to get something really unusual and unique. Just find some paper or card at an art and craft shop and decorate it with ribbon, sequins, fabric or pressed flowers in your colour scheme. Alternatively you could design and print them on your home PC.