Online Invitations vs. Local stationer?

Does anyone know what the difference would be to order invitations online vs. ordering from a stationer? I went into Hallmark today, and also went onto Invitations by Dawn.com. It seems that they use the same brands, such as Carlson crafts. But, I'm not sure which is less expensive and which is reliable. I am waiting for samples and a catalog from the website. What have others done? Thanks.

I'm using Simply Elegant...30% off

I thought I would order from Party City at first because they were 30% off, a friend of mine mentioned Simply Elegant. The price was the same but I didn't have to do all the work. They handle all the ordering and I was able to just relax. The invitations are identical from what you would order order from Hallmark or online. We also got our favors from them too (they were cheaper). If your interested the owner is Gail and her # is: 718-357-6124

Online Invitations vs. Local stationer?

I went to Papyrus and looked at invitations and then order them from Invitationhotline.com. Their prices were much cheaper and my invitations came out perfect.

BRIDE-TO-BE Where is Simply Elegant Located? *NM*

It depends on the quality of the paper...

I looked at several invites online, but ended up falling in love with one that could only be ordered through a distributor. I did pay more for my invites, but I wanted something that looked and felt more expensive, since the invite sets the tone for your wedding day. My invites came from William Arthur, but I ordered them through Write Impressions in Merrick. I worked with Ellyn Mittleberg; 516-223-9224. I would definitely recommend them...they were very helpful to me - especially since FedEx lost my original order in shipping, and I had to have all 150 invites re-printed! Also, you might try Crystal International Gifts for invites or favors. On Hicksville Rd in Massapequa...ask for Diana, she has a nice selection too and is very easy to deal with. 516-796-8530

BRIDE-TO-BE Where is Simply Elegant Located?

They are at 204-16 38th Avenue Bayside, NY. Here is there website if anyone would like to take a look. If anyone calls speak to Gail, she was great. On the website you can look at all the favors too. http://simplyelegantny.com

Bridal Boutique in Massapequa Park

I had a lot of trouble getting samples I requested from online sites and just gave up after a few never came. Of those that did, the quality of the paper seemed very cheap to me. I wanted good, sturdy paper, and what I kept getting was flimsy. Anyway, we decided the best thing to do was go out to shops that had books for us to go through. We went to Bridal Boutique in Massapequa Park, and the guy was great. We sat for a while, going through all their books .. they had lots .. and the guy NEVER pressured us. We found only a couple we liked .. out of hundreds!! Could you imagine all the samples we would have had to have delivered?! Anyway, we wrote the stock numbers down, and went back a few weeks later. We didn`t realize how quick the order would be filled. He said 2 weeks .. but it turned out they came back quicker! We couldn`t have asked for better service. If I recall correctly, the invites are discounted 15% off the sticker price, and if you purchase your favors through them, the discount on the invites jumps to something like 25% off. We also found it very helpful having someone there to help us through the order process. I was ready to order 150 invites .. til he questioned me on it. He talked me down to 125, which was perfect .. we did end up with extras, but not overwhelmed with extras. I was so grateful for that .. cuz he could have just put the order in for 150 to get the extra money, but he didn`t. He also helped a lot in determining dates, and had advice in some tricky situations. I highly recommend checking out this shop! Plus, they have so many other things to check out too. Lots of little things you might forget .. and TONS of headpieces and veils .. if you`re still looking for that. I believe the guy`s name is Tony. Oh .. and if you`re also looking for shoes .. Sandy`s Shoes is located just a couple blocks to the west .. I also highly recommend them. Bridal Boutique 5000 Sunrise Hwy Massapequa Park 516-797-4355 Sandy`s Shoes 4878 Sunrise Hwy Massapequa Park 516-799-5450 Sandy`s Shoes is right across from the Massapequa Park train station, while Bridal Boutique is a couple blocks east, next to The Curtain Store. Both are on the south side of the Hwy.