Party Planning: Getting Invitations Made

STATIONERY STORES
At a large stationery store, you can browse through scores of catalogs from different manufacturers and look through samples to find the style you like best. Generally, someone from the store will work with you to select the wording you want and handle special requests like extra artwork (photos, maps, and so on) you may wish to incorporate. You'll wait anywhere from a few days to a couple of months to pick up your order, depending on the complexity.
Pros: Mainstream stationers work with major-league printers (who deal with gazillions of customers), so prices most likely will be competitive and they'll have the service down pat.
Cons: You're restricted to the catalogs they carry, in most cases. Some shops may be willing to special order invites, but any cost advantage might thus be offset. If you're thinking Picasso-esque creativity, you may want to look elsewhere.

INDEPENDENT STATIONERS/PRINTERS
In our big-business-dominated world, many small print shops are following the fate of the dodo bird, but you can still find a great independent stationer through friends' referrals or online. When it comes to independent stationers and finding the perfect invitation, you generally sit down with the owner or a salesperson and design your own, or peruse a book of original or exclusive designs the store offers.
Pros: Indies are all about personal service -- feel free to ask loads of questions! You generally also have more stylistic leeway. That may mean choices like multicolor invitations, several ink colors, interesting shapes or papers, and customization (like a custom logo or monogram). In addition, some independent printers might specialize in high-quality letterpress printing or engraving if that's a look you're after.
Cons: Customized work is typically more expensive. Also, a small operation usually takes longer to fill your order, so you may not want go this route if you're pressed for time.

ONLINE STATIONERS
You can buy virtually anything online these days -- from drugstore items to automobiles -- so why not invitations? Simply log on, surf the online catalogs, make your selection, type in your wording, and with a click your order is processed immediately. Several web sites offer hundreds of styles, brand-name papers, high-quality printing, complimentary proofs, competitive prices, and efficient customer service. Make sure the site has a toll-free number you can call with any problems or questions.
Pros: These sites are accessible day or night, so you can compose your invites at home whenever the mood strikes, in your PJs if you so desire. Proofs are often available within 24 hours of your order, and most orders are shipped in less than two weeks. Some sites also accommodate camera-ready or digital art for a more personal touch, and many have helpful interactive wording tools. In addition, many of these sites offer all your stationery needs (like matching thank-you notes or place cards). Just be sure you are ordering from a secure site that guarantees up front that they use security software for the exchange of your credit card information.
Cons: Same problem as ordering anything online -- you can't touch the goods while you shop. Examine the styles closely before you buy. If seeing the design up close or feeling the paper quality is important to you, know that many sites offer to send product samples, usually for a nominal fee (often this cost is credited back toward your order). Another word of caution: Proofread your wording carefully. Your order will be processed exactly as you have entered the information, and if something is incorrect (an address, the spelling of a name), it's your fault -- not the online stationery company.

MAIL-ORDER CATALOGS
For selection and savings (not to mention the ease of leafing through invite styles at home or on the bus), you may wish to shop from a stationery mail-order catalog. There are thousands of styles to choose from.
Pros: Because you're usually ordering from the printing company directly, these catalogs offer unbeatable prices, convenience, and quick turnover (sometimes within a week of placing your order). If you're having a theme party, you'll often find ready-made designs to match, which will be much cheaper than custom ordering.
Cons: Many of the same issues related to online shopping. Be sure to take advantage of ordering samples before you buy, and always have a proof mailed or faxed to you for approval before completing your order.

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Find a talented pro by word of mouth or ask a designer friend to create your invitations for an I.O.U. You'll end up with one-of-a-kind stationery, and your friend can undoubtedly hook you up with a print shop he or she trusts.
Pros: Artistic flair; originality; endless options -- it's pretty much the ultimate in customization.
Cons: Unless the design work is being done gratis, you'll have to pay two people -- the graphic artist and the printer -- which could wind up being more expensive than the other options. Since this process can take a while, get started early. Also beware of sensitive issues: If you are picky, be certain to offer up your criticism of your friend's design carefully.

DOING IT YOURSELF
If you have good desktop publishing software such as QuarkXpress or PageMaker and a creative streak, you might want to design your own invites. After you've perfected your creations, get the job done on a laser printer on high-quality paper; this may mean taking a trip to your local copy shop or output service.
Pros: Total creative freedom; one-of-a-kind specimens.
Cons: This method is the most time-consuming and labor-intensive for you. You may still need to seek out a printer if you want your designs professionally outputted, so you might not be decreasing your costs after all.

 

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