Your wedding invitation is like your ambassador. It does much more than simply convey a set of facts; it makes the first impression and sets the tone for your wedding. And you know what they say: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. It is likely that many brides have never before realized the significance of a piece of paper until they start shopping for wedding invitations.

A full suite of wedding stationary contains some or all of these: save-the-date cards, wedding invitations (with inner and outer envelopes), assorted maps and directions, bridesmaid luncheon invitations, rehearsal dinner invitations, pew cards, at-home cards, cards with table numbers and place cards for the reception, announcements (sent after the wedding to distant friends and family not invited to the service), and of course thank you cards. You will actually want two batches of thank you cards: one with your maiden name or monogram, and a second set with your married name for use after the wedding. You may notice something not listed: response cards. They are widely used, but are not technically correct etiquette, because they are based on the presumption that your guests do not have the good manners to respond to a formal invitation. Even without response cards, though, the list is extensive, which is why it is wise to start shopping early. Another detail to consider is finding a calligrapher if you plan to use one.

There is very specific etiquette and protocol pertaining to wedding invitations and stationary. Don't be daunted, though, because there are many resources that clearly spell out the answers to everything from what to do with the tissue that comes with the invitations (throw it out) or the difference between “the honour of your presence” and “the pleasure of your company” (the first is for a religious ceremony, the second for a civil ceremony). As for whether to use “R.s.v.p. or “The favour of a reply is requested” - both are correct, so just pick your favorite.

The design of your invitation should match the style of your wedding. An easy way to think of it is to base the look of the stationary on the look of the bride. For instance, if you are wearing a very classic gown with pearl wedding jewelry, then your invitations should be something very traditional, like black engraving on a heavy ivory cotton paper. Let's say that your style is more earthy. In that case, you might select paper handmade with leaves or flowers in it. You can also choose a motif to use to personalize your wedding. Perhaps you will be wearing a very special tiara as part of your wedding jewelry ensemble – you could have custom letterpress invitations created with a tiara emblem on the top. The idea is that the wedding stationary should be as expressive of your personal style as your gown is.

Your wedding stationary says so much more than the who, why, what, where, and when of your event. It should really reflect who you are (thus the popularity of monograms). Wedding invitations give your guests the first taste of what your wedding will be like.