If you love thick paper stock, beautiful illustrations and calligraphy, then choosing your wedding stationery is one of the loveliest parts of planning a wedding. There are some great options for sending out e-invitations (try Appy Couple, Paperless Post or With Joy). However there’s nothing better than setting the tone for your wedding with a gorgeous paper invitation and hand written envelope.
Whatever my couples’ wedding style, we always run through the following list so they can decide which items of stationery are essential for them. Some chose everything – others chose a selection. Stationery is a big investment and often costs more than people are expecting. However it’s definitely worth considering carefully, as a luxuriously lined envelope, beautiful menu card or illustrated map of your venue really does elevate the design of your wedding.
Timings wise, aim to send out save the dates about 12 months before your wedding, and invitations about 6 months before. If you’re getting married abroad or somewhere that could be busy with tourists and travellers, I’d suggest sending them sooner to ensure people can secure travel and accommodation. For stationery on your wedding day, you’ll need to speak with a designer at least four months ahead of your wedding date. This is to ensure time for design work, amends and proof reading.
BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Save the Date – this can be as casual or formal as you like! I’ve had clients send a WhatsApp, use a Paperless post style option, or send a beautifully printed card.
- Invitations – remember to include your names, the date, the venue and venue address, the ceremony time and the end time. I often help my couples with wording and I find this webpage useful too.
- Details Cards – send alongside your invitation. This can include information such as accommodation details, taxi recommendations, your policy on children, the dress code, menu options or a note requesting dietary requirements, your gift list details, directions / map to your venue, details about parking and info for any pre / post wedding events you might be hosting. This can also be communicated via an email or wedding website.
- RSVP Card – if you’d like guests to RSVP with a note, be sure to include a card with your invites which they can fill in with the required details. It’s also a nice touch to include a self-addressed envelope so that it’s quick and easy for them to reply. Alternatively, ask people to reply via email on your details card.
- Envelopes – don’t forget to ensure you have the correct sized envelope for the above items and check at the post office what postage is required (particularly if there are multiple pieces of card and wax seals as this will make things heavier than a standard card or letter).
- Website – perhaps you’re forgoing the above for a website. If so, I love Sixfold Studio for their elegant, minimal and stylish designs.
ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
- Order of Service booklets – one per couple is usually more than enough, but make sure you keep one or two back as mementos
- Cards to reserve seats at ceremony for wedding party – not essential but a lovely touch
- Confetti envelopes or cones
- Order of the Day – this can be a large sign to be displayed, or can be included in the order of service booklets
- Menu Cards – print one per place setting, one per table or have a large sign displayed on an easel
- Table Names / Numbers
- Table Plan (and don’t forget to hire or buy an easel to display this on)
- Escort Cards – a fun and interactive way to replace the traditional table plan board
- Place Name Cards
- Additional signage for the loos / bar
- Bar Menus
- Guest book sign
AFTER THE WEDDING
And finally, it’s a lovely touch to send out thank you notes after your wedding to both guests and suppliers. If your stationer can provide you with thank you cards to match the stationery from your wedding day, this will bring everything to a lovely cohesive close.