It used to be that the formal wedding invitation was the only way to introduce guests to the bride and groom. There were few choices and a strict protocol to follow. In a word, traditional. Today, couples are going their own way, not necessarily breaking with tradition, but adding to it with save the date cards, engagement announcements, bridal shower invitations, wedding photo invitations, and personalized photo thank you cards. In short, the wedding stationary choices available today are a reflection of modern living. Couples want everything about their wedding to reflect personal style and point of view so colors, photos, and alternative designs are all in the mix.

With that in mind, wedding stationary can convey your personality very simply and effectively. For example, photo wedding announcements featuring a photo of you and your fiancé instantly relate the style, tone and ambiance of your wedding.

Most modern style wedding cards and invitations can be created online. Just upload the digital photos you want to use and then drag and drop them into the design. Wedding Paper Divas is one such vendor featuring fresh, modern style with stationary designs that unify your wedding theme. Other vendors, like Shutterfly and Photoworks, give you even more mileage out of engagement and wedding photos by offering not just cards and announcements, but photo books and photo gifts as well.

If you're looking for inspiration or searching for ideas to unify all the events involved your wedding, take some time to review this guide to wedding stationary.

Save the Date cards

Now more popular than ever, save the date cards are a thoughtful way to let people know four to six months in advance of your wedding and are even more essential if your wedding falls on a holiday, if your guests are coming from distance, or if you're having a destination wedding.

Engagement Announcements or Party Invitations

Just like traditional announcements in the newspaper, Engagement Announcement cards tell the world that a wedding is in the works. Even if you don't have dates or locations worked out yet, these cards are a fun way to set the stage. If you're planning to host a bash to announce your engagement and kick off your wedding planning, then why not turn your engagement announcement into an engagement party invitation. It's a great way to get the wedding party together for the first time.

Bridal or Couples Shower Invitations, Bachelor or Bachelorette Party Invites

While traditionally the shower is the job for maid of honor, more and more couples are choosing to have a shower together. Beautiful bridal or shower invitations can be had for less than two dollars.

Wedding Invitations and Response Cards

Both formal and informal wedding invitations and response cards can be created online and choose from formal or informal motifs. Designers such as Sarah Hawkins, Petite Alma and Wedding Paper Divas have coordinating wedding stationary sets. And by creating your stationary order online, you have complete control. For example, you can create a design, sleep on it, and then look it over at your convenience before placing the order, which is not the case when you have to make on-the-spot decision at the printer.

Wedding Ceremony Programs

Quite often, guests receive a short printed program of your wedding ceremony. It's a thoughtful gesture, especially if your ceremony is unconventional or blends the traditions of several cultures. Programs can be printed on coordinating papers and use the design motifs from your other stationary.

Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are essential part of your wedding stationary plan. Whether you are modern or traditional, thanking your guests properly is proper etiquette and just good manners. Thank you cards customized with photos, personal messages, poems or other pictures are the most personalized way to express your gratitude.

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations, Directions, and Place Cards,

In most cases a wedding is a major event supported by numerous smaller ones. You can use these opportunities to once again set the tone with other wedding stationary such as rehearsal dinner invitations, directions, and place cards. All these enclosures can be coordinated to match wedding colors or theme.

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By Leanne Tremblay

Leanne Tremblay is publisher of Photo Printing To Go, an idea portal for getting the most out of your digital photos. Stop by for more ways to create free digital prints, photo wedding invitations, wedding photo books, and gifts.

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