Your invitation makes the first impression. It sets the tone and should reflect the style of wedding you are having. So choose your invitation and other stationery to reflect the same importance you place on the rest of your wedding. In other words, make them special.
     
Invitations can be printed or engraved. Engraving is the process of pressing the design into the paper so that it is visible on both sides of the sheet.
     
While engraving gives your invitation a luxurious look and feel, it can be pricey. Thermography (raised printing) can give you the same effect at lower cost.
     
Whichever format you choose, mail out your invitations at least four weeks before the wedding, six weeks before for out-of-town guests. Your envelopes should be addressed by hand in black ink.
     
Enclosure cards, mailed with the invitation, come in two parts:
* Reception card. Used when the ceremony and the reception are at different sites, it gives details of the time, the location, etc. It is also used when there are people who are being invited to the wedding but not to the reception.
* Response card. Sent with the reception card, it consists of a response card and a stamped reply envelope.
     
A wedding announcement is used to convey news of an engagement or wedding. If it's a wedding, the announcement is mailed on the day of the wedding. Best: Ask your maid-of-honour or a friend to look after this job for you.

THANK YOU NOTES
Wedding gifts should be acknowledged promptly. Best: Make a master list of the guests you have invited to the wedding and use this as a reference when it comes time to write your thank-you notes.
     
The thank-you note comes from you, but mention that both you "and Harold" are grateful for the gift. Mention the gift by name and include a personal remark, such as a few words on how you will use it. This is especially important if you receive a gift of money.
     
For efficiency's sake, there's nothing wrong with using printed cards to acknowledge the receipt of gifts as they arrive. But it is absolutely essential that a handwritten note follow within a few weeks. Best: Get your man involved in this job.