The subject of wedding stationery can be contentious. One school of thought maintains that it is an unnecessary expense and ordinary writing paper and the telephone are all that are required to make announcements and invite guests.

Another is equally adamant that for such a special occasion, special stationery is not only desirable, it is essential.

Those subscribing to the latter need read no further. They obviously have a highly developed sense of occasion, perfect taste and a full appreciation of the 'fitness of things'.

For those belonging to the former group, and those still sitting on the fence, perhaps the following might help persuade you to change your mind?

A wedding is a formal ceremonial event, marking an ancient rite of passage, that still plays an enormously important part in our society. When you order specially printed invitations and 'Thank you' notes, you are not only marking the event, you are also paying a great compliment to the person to whom the invitation or note has been sent. You are acknowledging their important part in the proceedings. No ordinary note paper, no quantity of phone calls can do this. And that exquisite card can be put away and treasured as a memento of a very special day.

Then there is the concept of style. Most people take a great deal of care over the choice of decoration, flowers and other accessories at a wedding, not to mention the bride's and bridesmaid's gowns. Wedding stationery that also echoes the general theme is just one more aspect of an overall, beautiful design and a perfectly arranged day.

As well as invitations, correspondence notes and place setting cards, wedding stationery can include table napkins, order of service cards and even books of matches.

Your local stationer or printer will have books of samples for you to choose from. There will usually be three main styles: traditional and formal; modern and formal; modern and informal.

In addition, there will be different typefaces to choose from and a variety of papers. You should find exactly what you want in your price range, but you can have the samples adapted or changed to fit in exactly with your own ideas if you so wish.

Give the stationer/printer time to fulfil your order. Make sure you are given a proof to approve before you take delivery. The last thing you want to discover is that the names of the bride and groom are wrong, that the date has been changed inadvertently or there are glaring spelling mistakes for all to see!