If you’re very lucky, and you’re budget will allow, you can hire a professional graphic designer to create a range of wedding stationery completely unique to you. Packages can range from anything up to £2000 so take your time choosing the right supplier.
- The relationship you have with them is very important, so make sure they are someone you get on with, you like their style of work and they will listen to your views. Some designers can be very precious about what they create and think they always know best - its good to take their advice, but ultimately this is your design so you should have the final say.
- It is probably best to use someone local, as face-to-face meetings are more productive than dealing over the phone or by email
- Look at their portfolio and previous invitations they have designed and any feedback from other clients - although they are hardly going to show you any negative comments!

Once you have commissioned a designer you will have an initial briefing session to discuss any of your ideas - but don’t worry if you don’t have a specific idea at this point. Its the designer’s imagination that will create a design reflecting you as a couple.You can always take in some inspiration as a starting point - perhaps something you’ve seen in one of your favourite lifestyle and fashion magazines, or a pattern on a dress you love. It could be some words that sum up your relationship, or a token that means something to you as a couple.

When working with bespoke designers, always remember these points:
- Give the designer your budget limitations at the beginning so they don’t design something gorgeous, but unaffordable. The same is true of timings - if you are in a rush to send out your wedding invitations you shouldn’t go for a design where there is a lot of hand finishing.
- Once the design is finalised get a confirmed quote - especially if you’re using specialist materials and unusual sizes
- Get a confirmed timescale - when you will see first stage designs, ammended designs and final proofs, and finished stationery.
- Make sure you approve everything - not just the layout of the text and design, but the materials used, the print quality, even the envelopes