Each supplier has their own ways of processing your order – some have online ordering and telephone hotlines, others are smaller companies with one-to-one service. Heres a general guide of what should happen when you order your wedding stationery.

1. Request a printed sample of a wedding invitation so you can see card and print quality before you order.

2. If you have any worries, now is the time to speak to your stationer and firm up any design changes you want, and if there are any cost implications.

3. Get a confirmed quote including any discounts that may be available.

4. Complete your order form with all the relevent details – some suppliers have handwritten forms, other you can order and pay online. For documents such as Order of Services or personalised invitations with the names of your guests they may require you to email a typed format such as Microsoft Word. At this stage most suppliers request a deposit.

5. You should receive back a confirmation of your order and proofs for you to check the wording and design (they will probably not be of finished printed quality, or on correct paper) You need to check these carefully as amendments after the items have gone to print usually incur costs.
Invitations – check with your partner, and parents
Travel directions – check they are understandable and check all telephone numbers are correct
Menus – check with your caterer or venue
Order of Service – check with your minister

6. If you need to make text amendments, mark them clearly on the proofs or talk through them with your stationer.
You should always see final copy before approving.
Some stationers now require full payment, others wait to invoice after you have received your order.

7. Once you receive your order, check everything carefully – that its the quality you expected and the right quantities. If it is the stationer’s mistake they should rectify any problems quickly and without further cost to yourself.