STATIONERY 101
Your No-Stress Guide to
Custom Wedding Stationery
What to Expect, When to Start, &
Why It’s Not as Overwhelming as It Sounds

Planning your wedding is exciting—but also, let’s be real, a lot. You’re picking florals, cake flavors, playlists, and somewhere in there… custom invitations land on your to-do list.
And if your brain immediately goes, “Wait, what even is custom stationery and how does it work?”—you’re in the right place.
This is your no-stress guide to all things custom wedding paper: what it is, when to start, and why it might be the best decision you make for your wedding day (besides marrying your person, obviously).
“I Don’t Know What I Want Yet” – That’s Okay.
Let me say this louder for the brides in the back:
You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out to a custom stationery designer.
You don’t need to know fonts. You don’t need to know paper types. You don’t even need to know your full guest count yet. If you’re curious about the different finishes and techniques available, we can always explore a few beautiful invitation print methods together when the time comes.
You do need a vibe. A Pinterest board. A feeling you want your wedding to give off.
From there, it’s my job to help pull those dreamy pieces together and design something that actually feels like you.
When to Start So You’re Not Scrambling Later
Wondering when to actually get started with your invitations? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

The earlier you start, the more we can dream up thoughtful, personal details – and the less chance of late-night panic ordering. (We’ve all been there.)
What You Actually Get With Custom
Custom stationery isn’t just a fancy way to say “pretty invitations.” It’s a full experience. Here’s what it includes:
- One-of-a-kind design: No templates, no repeats, no basic.
- Everything coordinates: From your save the dates to your menus, it’s a whole moment.
- Expert support: You don’t have to Google timelines, wording, or etiquette – we’ve got you covered.
- Materials that feel good: Thick, textured paper. Gorgeous printing methods. Details that your guests notice.
Custom doesn’t just look better. It feels better.
It’s Not Just Paper – It’s Part of Your Story
Your invitations are the first impression your guests get of your wedding day. And your day-of details? They bring that vibe full circle – tying everything together from ceremony to reception.
Things like:
- Welcome signs
- Place cards
- Programs
- Menus
- Thank you notes
…become so much more meaningful when they match the story your invitation started. Woven into thoughtful day-of items that carry your theme from “I do” to last dance..
Because when every detail feels connected? Your guests feel it. And so will you.
Experience the Anna Howe Design Difference
If you feel overwhelmed by the task of wedding invitations and choosing the right print mehod, we have good news: we’re here to help! With so much already on your plate in the wedding planning process, we exist to take the stress of design, timeline, etiquette, and production of your save the dates, invitations, and day-of paper goods off the table. AHD clients get one-on-one access to a designer to hold your hand through every step of the process as well as unlimited proofs until every single detail is perfect! If this sounds like something you’d be into, we’d love to hear from you! Fill out the form here to get started today!
Ready to work together on your dream invitations?
The first step is to fill out the inquiry form. You’ll get a no-strings-attached estimate back within 3 business days!