Before placing your stationery order, it's wise to compile a comprehensive list of all the items requiring printing and creating for your wedding. This proactive step helps you with budget management and clarifies which components are indispensable (such as wedding invitations) versus those that may be optional.
To provide assistance, we've created a complete guide including all of the diverse paper elements appropriate for your special day. It's important to note that while this list offers valuable guidance, it's not exhaustive. Many of these elements are flexible, allowing for DIY customisation or sent electronically. However, we still think it’s important to send a traditional printed wedding invitation to ensure a thoughtful touch for your guests.
If you're stuck on ideas for any of your wedding stationery after going through the list we suggest searching for some inspiration online. However do consider that eventually you’ll need to break away from the endless inspiration and ideas online and start to make some decisions. Think about who you are, where you are getting married, what is in keeping with some of the decisions you have already made including your venue and any theme and what matters to you both.
Below, check out our checklist of all the stationery items you'll need for your wedding.
BEFORE THE BIG DAY
Engagement Party Invitation
For a formal engagement celebration, send out invitations two to three months beforehand. If it's a more relaxed event, six to eight weeks prior is sufficient. Make sure to include the venue, date, time, and any dress code instructions.
Save-the-Date Card
While not obligatory, sending save-the-date cards is a thoughtful gesture and ensures that your guests can be mindful of holidays and any time off work they may need to prebook. If you opt for them, we advise sending them out eight to twelve months prior to the wedding. These should mention the wedding location, date, your wedding website, and a note that a formal invitation will follow. For destination weddings, sending save-the-dates up to a year ahead is advisable. This ensures a better RSVP rate and gives your guests plenty of time to plan and arrange their travel.
THE WEDDING INVITATION
Outer Envelope
If you're opting for a classic invitation set, it should always comprise an inner and outer envelope. On the outer envelope, include the recipient's address on the front and attach the postage stamps in the upper right-hand corner. Before mailing check the correct postage at your local post office.
Inner Envelope
For the inner envelope, include the title and last name of the invitees. While not mandatory for less formal suites, consider it if you want your guests to receive a pristine envelope, as the outer one may show wear.
Invitation
The invitation is usually the largest card in the collection, or has something a little extra special included. The first line should detail the wedding host(s), the couple's names, the date, time, venue name, and location. If the reception follows at the same location, include a note like 'dinner and dancing to follow’. Don’t forget to specify the attire if there’s a formal dress code.
Reception Card
If the reception takes place at a different venue than the ceremony, include a reception card with the venue name and address. Optionally, you can also include the timing if it doesn't immediately follow the ceremony.
Directions/Map Card
While wedding websites and Google Maps have largely replaced traditional direction cards, they can still be a useful addition, especially for venues that may be difficult to find.
Response Card
Response cards serve as a method to gather RSVPs. Each card should feature a "reply by" date at the top or bottom, along with checkboxes for "accepts with pleasure" and "declines with regret." Traditional reply cards often leave the remaining space blank, while modern versions may include a fill-in-the-blank section for guests to write their names. While online RSVPs are gaining popularity, we still recommend sending a response card instructing guests to RSVP online if this is what you wish your guests to do.
AT THE WEDDING
Ceremony Program
While optional, ceremony programs are particularly useful for longer ceremonies. If you opt to create one, it typically includes the couple's names, date, ceremony location, a brief welcome, an outline of the proceedings, and the names of everyone involved in the ceremony.
Escort Cards
Escort cards aid in guiding guests to their designated tables. These can be individual cards or a sign listing guests' names and their assigned tables, usually positioned at the entrance of the reception area.
Place Cards
More formal than escort cards, place cards are optional. They specify both the table and seat for each guest, commonly used for sit-down dinner receptions to assist the venue in meal distribution.
Table Number Cards
An essential inclusion, especially for larger weddings, table number cards facilitate guest seating and organisation. Ensure the numbers are prominently displayed for easy visibility.
Menu Cards
Providing an overview of the meal, menu cards may offer meal options simply list the available food.
Favour Tags
These usually include the names of the couple and/or the date of the wedding. Including a tag is optional (a lot of the information these days is engraved on the gift itself), but it's also a nice touch.
AFTER THE WEDDING
THANK YOU CARDS
Generally, thank-you cards should include the gift giver's name, what they bought, and a note of appreciation. They should be sent out within three weeks of receiving the gift. If you want to include formal photos from your wedding on or within your thank-you cards, they can be sent out a little later.
Crafting the perfect wedding stationery involves attention to detail and thoughtful consideration of each element. Whether you opt for traditional or modern designs, remember that your stationery reflects your unique style and sets the tone for the celebration to come. By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be able to navigate your wedding stationery with confidence, ensuring that every detail is perfect.
Comments