What wedding stationery do we need?
Your wedding stationery is an important element of your planning process – it not only communicates vital information but also sets the tone of your celebrations. But how many items are required? We’ve created a list of essential and optional choices that should help you decide what your particular wedding preparations require.
Engagement Party Invitation
Include the location, date, time, and any required dress code. Decide whether this is going to be a big formal bash or a smaller casual affair. If it’s the former, with lots of guests, make sure they are all invited to the wedding – it’s important to manage expectations and avoid disappointment! Send invites two to three months ahead of a major party but only six to eight weeks if it’s a more modest affair.
Save the Date Card
These are optional but sending them is a good idea – people have busy schedules and need lots of warning! Send six to a year ahead and include the date (obviously!), rough location (even if you haven’t finalised a venue), details of your wedding website and a line explaining that a formal invitation will follow.
Be My Bridesmaid Cards
Not essential but a nice gesture that makes your chosen individuals feel extra special.
Photo by Noelle Rebekah on Unsplash
Hen Party Invitations
You can probably organise this with emails but if you want to make things more formal and have something elaborate planned then a properly designed invitation is a great idea. Send this two to three months in advance and if the hen party is going to have a theme then the invite should reflect this – you should let everyone know what to expect and how to really get into the spirit of the event.
Bridal Shower Invitation
Traditionally the bridal party hosts this and takes care of the invitations – as well as details of location, time, date, and theme (if there is one) it should include your gift registry information.
Thank-You Cards after Bridal Shower
Sending these as soon as possible after the event (two weeks at latest!). A hand-written note is more thoughtful and appreciative than an email.
The Wedding Invitation
It is obligatory to send a printed wedding invitation by post. There are several elements to this:
· Outer Envelope. If you want to be formal and observe tradition the wedding invitation should include an inner and outer envelope. The outer should just include the recipient's address on the front.
· Inner Envelope. On this is written the title and surname of the recipient. Having an inner envelope ensures the actual invitation arrives in a pristine state – the outer will receive wear and tear in the post.
· Invitation Card. This should state who is hosting the wedding, who is getting married, the date, the time, and details of where the ceremony is being held. This should include a line such as “Dinner and Dancing to follow” and guidance on dress code.
· RSVP Cards. The cards should have a "reply by" date at the top or bottom and checkboxes for "accepts with pleasure" and "declines with regret." There is a space for the invitee to add their name. In today’s digital age online RSVPs are acceptable but you should still send a response card telling the recipient to respond by email or vis your wedding website.
· Direction and Accommodation Information. This provides maps of the ceremony and reception venue(s) and website addresses of suitable local hotels, guesthouses and AirBnB options.
· Belly Band. This is an optional extra made of paper, fabric or ribbon that wraps around all the above items to hold them together.
· Reception Card. If the ceremony and reception are being held at different locations you need a card to provide details of the latter along with the time the reception starts.
· Itinerary insert. If you are planning an extended celebration with activities immediately before or after the big day (such as a welcome party, a dinner the night before, or a second day bbq) this provides all the details.
Evening Invitations
If you have guests who are invited to the reception but not the ceremony, or just to the evening party, you’ll need a separate invitation for them.
The order of service/ceremony booklet
These are optional, especially if the ceremony is to be short and sweet. It typically includes the couple's name, date, location of the ceremony, a brief welcome, an overview of the proceedings, and the names of everyone involved in the ceremony. It can include quotes or poems, "in memory of" tributes to loved ones who have passed on or a thank you to the parents and guests.
Escort Cards
When guests arrive for the wedding breakfast you’ll need a seating plan on a board that lists names and table numbers. Or you can create escort cards. These have guest's names written on them with their table number. These cards are set out in alphabetical order for guests to grab as they enter the dining room before making their way to their seats.
Table Number Cards
This is important to include, especially if you're having a big wedding. It helps guests find their seats and provides some organization. Make sure the numbers printed on the cards are big enough for people to see.
Place Cards
Once a guest arrives at their table this tells them exactly where to sit. They also help the venue staff if some guests have selected different menu options.
Menu Cards
These will tell people what dishes will be served for each course or what options they can choose from, or what is included on the buffet tables – they also help to whet the appetite!
Photo by insung yoon on Unsplash
Thank You Cards
It’s polite to send these out shortly after the big day (and no later than three weeks after). The card should include the giver’s name, details of the gift and a short form of words expressing thanks.
A final note
This list includes most of the stationery items that a couple will generally need to consider. We could have added in wedding welcome bag tags, rehearsal dinner invitations and favour tags, amongst others, but we had to draw the line somewhere! If you have any other questions about wedding stationery, or any other wedding planning topic, just get in touch – we’d love to help!