Personalized stationery is always great to have but it becomes a necessity once your engaged. Family and friends will bring you bottles of champagne and send you lovely gifts to recognize your engagement. You'll want to send them a proper thank-you note (get tips on how to write them here). Engagement stationery doesn't have to break the bank. Keep it simple, clean and most importantly make sure it represents both of you. Here's some affordable and adorable options.

1. Use an online service like Vistaprint.com and get a cute card like the one above. A quantity of 50 will cost you only $29.99. There are many customized add-ons like matching envelopes with a return address on the back flap, which will run you an additional $17.49 for 50 on this particular design. Look at other cost-effective sites like Zazzle, 123print and Overnight Prints.

2. Ashley Brooke Designs is a fun twist on traditional forms of thank-you notes. This stationery is extremely personal and your friends and family members will love receiving it. Send Ashley your favorite shot from your engagement shoot and get back beautifully illustrated one-of-a-kind thank-you notes! (They're a great idea for BM gifts, too!)
3. Choose a flat card like this one from Wedding Paper Divas. A flat card usually costs less than a folded card, so it's a great way to save money. The one above is as low as $0.84 depending on quantity which includes envelopes!
4. Make your own. Take a trip to your local paper or craft shop and get creative. Many people make their own wedding invites, so this could be great practice or just a fun DIY project. Check out my DIY rehearsal dinner invites here. Also, check out Apple's new iPhoto print products here for all you mac users.
5. Order from the stationer you plan to use for your wedding invitations. This could be a bit more costly but it gives you the opportunity to see how they work.
Chances are this will be the first time your names appear together on stationery, so have fun! You can do whatever you want. This stationery has nothing to do with the wedding so don't get overwhelmed by trying to make it themed or match.
Did you have pre-wedding stationery? Tell us all about it by commenting below, writing on our Facebook wall or tweeting us.
Wishing you all glamorous planning!
xoxo
-Lindsey (Nina's Newlywed)