Let's face it: Your wedding is going to cost more than you thought it would. You were lucky to find that reception hall. You could have chosen the cheaper wedding dress. But the one you bought was perfect. Making your own invitations might seem like the way to make up for that.

But is it? Will you save money? Or will you simply invest in needless aggravation?

Before deciding to make your own invitations ask yourself these five questions

#1 Am I willing to spend entire days putting together invitations?

An invitation made out of three different papers looks gorgeous. But is it worth it? Making even simple invitations takes time. Picture hours of tedium.

This is on top of the time you spend addressing the things.

Remember, whatever time you spend on invitations is time taken away from other parts of your wedding.

#2 Do I hate all the ready made invitations I've seen?

Do a lot of research before you answer this. Hundreds of companies make invitations. Check out at least half a dozen before you give up.

If you absolutely hate everything you've seen, see the tips under 'Making your own Wedding Invitations' below.

#3 Do I have a crew of reliable people who have agreed to help me?

This answer can make or break you. Please don't try to make 200 wedding invitations alone. It's a good way to drive yourself nuts.

Or it can add unnecessary stress if you make invitations as a couple.

A reliable crew will turn invitation making into a social occasion instead of a blood bath.

#4 Is my budget so small that this is my only option?

Then that's just the way it goes. See 'Making Your Own Wedding Invitations.'

#5 Am I having a small wedding?

If you're only inviting 10-20 people, go for it. You'll still be at it for hours if you make complex invitations. But they'll be beautiful.

30-80: The upper limit of sanity. Try to have enough invitation makers on your team to keep the 'invitation to person' ratio at 15:1.

80+: Frustration here we come. If you must do this, forget the multiple pieces of paper. Put the 'please RSPV by' at the bottom of the invitation. See 'Making Your Own Wedding Invitations' below.

Provide liquor and/or chocolate to your invitation-making crew.

Making Your Own Wedding Invitations

--Go to a specialty paper store and finger the samples.
Even if you end up buying online. You need to know what 60-85 pound paper feels like.

Hint: it has to do with the thickness. Printer paper is somewhere around 20-25 pounds. Invitations typically weigh in at 65-85 pounds.

--Keep it simple.
Extra layers mean extra hours. And extra expense.

Invitation 'kits' (which include blank invitations, envelopes, reply cards, etc.) will make your life easier.

Be sure to buy paper that's compatible with your printer. If you have an ink-jet, for example, don't buy laser-jet paper.

--Automate.
Consider purchasing an invitation making computer program. You'll get some nice fonts. And customizable templates.

Three Ways To Save Money

--Watch your weight
The post office charges extra for heavy and/or oversized invitations. Check with them before you make your invitations.

--Bulk Up
Buy fancy paper in bulk. Save even more by printing two invitations on one 8 1/2 X 11 sheet. Each invitation will be a long rectangle. Very modern.

--Mooch
Don't buy specialty equipment to cut those invitations. Go into your local copier store like you own the place and use their equipment. Bring a few sheets of something to photocopy if they give you the hairy eyeball.

These questions and your answers will help you decide if making wedding invitations is right for you. And help you avoid common mistakes if the answer is yes.

Happy planning!