Be aware of theme throughout your chosen design. If you have bows on all pieces take into consideration number of sets you need. For example: one of my very first clients wanted gold organza bows on invitation, reply card, place cards and thank you cards. I produced a sample set for her which she loved. She ordered 100 sets. That meant 100 invitations, 100 reply cards, 200 place cards and 100 thank you cards. That meant 500 bows and 200 of those were tiny ones for place cards! If you want bows that’s fine, but just be aware of amount of work it can involve. Maybe just have them on invitation and/or place cards. You can always enlist help of your girlfriends and make a night of it.

If you choose to have a folded card, buy it folded where possible. It costs a little extra but cuts down on work you need to do yourself. Scoring card, while not difficult is quite fiddly. You only get one go at scoring card – if it’s wrong then it’s wasted. This can be frustrating and expensive.

Place cards can be purchased individually, in pairs or threes. Don’t buy them individually cut if you are going to print directly onto card as they may not feed well through printer. Our software comes with placecard templates for all sizes which can be guillotined afterwards. Some placecards come with perforations for easy separation.

Making your own stationery can be fun and you will definitely save a bundle if you plan your design thoroughly BEFORE you purchase any materials. Most stationery outlets will have paper and card available by single sheet so purchase a few of ones you like and test them in your printer first.

The key to a smooth process is testing and planning before you decide on anything definitely. Having a set of stationery finished completely and making sure you are happy with look and level of difficulty involved will ensure you enjoy experience.

The best 50th anniversary gift for couple is one that helps them to enjoy life more. Many couples don't even want to receive gifts. Give a gift of your time and help. Make up "Gift of Time" or "Labor of Love" coupons to take them out to their favorite restaurant, make them a home-cooked meal, chauffeur them on a shopping trip, run errands for them, take them to a show or movie, have a local landscaping company take care of their property, have their home repainted. Find out what will make a difference in quality of their life.

Your love and attention will be most appreciated 50th anniversary gift you can give your parents or a couple. Make time for those you love!

Copyright 2005 Renee Michaels