Before you order your wedding stationery, it’s a good idea to put together a checklist of all the things you’ll need to get printed. Wedding stationery can be a big cost, and it’s usually cheaper to order it all at once, so you definitely won’t want to miss anything important. From invitations to thank you cards, here is the ultimate guide to wedding stationery.
Pre-Wedding Stationery
Engagement Party Invitation & Thank You Cards
If you’re opting for a formal engagement party, you’ll want to get invitations printed and sent off. They should include the location, date, time, and any dress code requirements. People tend to give gifts at engagement parties as well, so have some matching thank you cards ready. If you’re opting for a more casual engagement party, formal paper invitations may not be necessary, but if you’re going for a formal one, then they are!
Save-the-Date Card
Save-the-dates aren’t mandatory, but they’re super helpful in helping guests prepare to attend your big day. They should be sent out about six to eight months in advance and mention the date and location of the wedding, as well as state that a formal invitation will follow. While paper save-the-dates are still used, these days many couples opt for more fun save-the-dates like magnets, social media videos, stickers, and more.
Bridal Shower Invitations & Thank You Cards
Traditionally, the bridal party or mother of the bride hosts the bridal shower. Usually, all the female friends and family members are invited. If you’re sending out physical invitations, timing etiquette is about two to three months in advance. If you’re registered for gifts, have some thank you cards ready to go as well.
Bridal Party Invitations
Want to ask the people closest to you to join your bridal party in a memorable way? Print off a cute invitation to be your groomsmen or bridesmaid! You can attach it to a fun gift or just use the invitation by itself. This isn’t required, but it is a neat way to make your friends feel special and proud to support you. Don’t forget about invitations for the bachelor/bachelorette party also!
Wedding Invitation Stationery
Outer Envelope
If you’re opting for a traditional invitation suite, it should always include both an inner and an outer envelope. The outer envelope should include the recipient’s address on the front and postage in the upper right corner. Make sure you have the right amount of postage!
Inner Envelope
Inner envelopes aren’t required, but they do mean that your guests will get the invitation in a pristine envelope, as the outer one will take any transit damage. The inner envelope should include the full names and titles of the guests.
Wedding Invitation
The wedding invitation is by far the most important piece of wedding stationery you’ll need to get made. This is where all the important info is given to your guests. It should include the bride and groom’s full name, the date, time, and address of the venue, and who’s hosting the wedding. Be sure to include reception information as well, especially if you’re having it at a separate location. If the venue is hard to find, make sure to include directions as well. You should also include things like gift registry info and any dress-code requirements. The invitation is also where you should put key info like if it’s a kid-free or dry wedding.
Response Card & Stamped Envelope
The response card is what most people would call the RSVP. This is how you’ll get responses from your guests to know who’s coming. Include things like their names, reply by date, and checkboxes for if they’ll be attending. You should also include meal options here and ask for any dietary restrictions. The response card should always come with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope as well!
Wedding Day Stationery
Ceremony Program
The wedding program is your guests’ guide to the wedding day. It should include the couple’s name, date, location of the ceremony, a welcome message, an overview of proceedings, wedding party names, and any readings or songs that will take place during the ceremony.
Escort Cards
Escort cards are optional, but they’re what help direct your guests to their assigned tables. Some couples these days opt to just do one giant table seating chart to direct guests, but individual escort cards are the more traditional option.
Place Cards & Table Numbers
If you’re doing a sit-down dinner with a seating chart, you’ll need table numbers and place cards. These can be as simple or elaborate as you want. If you include place cards, you can use them to help waitstaff identify any food allergies or restrictions.
Menu
Menu cards give an overview of what will be served. You’ll probably want some form of menu no matter what type of meal you’re serving. A formal dinner may include all the options (even if guests have pre-selected), while a buffet or family-style will just list the food available. Make sure to include ingredients on the menu, especially for things that are common allergies like dairy, gluten, and nuts.
Post-Wedding Stationery
Thank You Cards
Once the big day is done, there’s still one last task to do- write thank you cards! Thank you cards should include the gift giver’s name, what they bought, and a note of gratitude. Typically, it’s recommended you sent them out no later than a month after the wedding.
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