IS DIY WORTH the bother? Are bespoke designs too expensive? We asked stationery suppliers themselves for their honest opinions on each method, here are the results

DIY Stationery

ADVANTAGES

• Can be cost effective, although cards, envelopes and other components can start to add up
• Specialist shops now make this option easier, and stock a huge variety of materials
• You can have exactly what you want because you are in control
• Works well if the bride is naturally ‘crafty’ or help is at hand
• You can put your heart into them and be creative, using unusual materials and matching colours
• Potentially a great sense of achievement

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DISADVANTAGES

• Lack of experience can produce a less professional product so you might not get the finish you hoped for
• It's the guests’ first impression of the wedding so it’s important to get it right
• You’ll pay more in the long run if you get it wrong
• It takes a lot of time and effort and time is priceless to brides. Any saving may be considered not worth the effort when weighed against time required
• Stationery designs are copyrighted and are therefore the intellectual property of the designers and/or manufacturers. Some manufacturers pursue anyone found to be copying designs

Read on for the pros and cons of shop-bought stationery, and having your stationery designed for you...