There are hundreds of different stationery designs available, from traditional to modern, handmade to ready printed, bespoke to off the shelf. Try to obtain as many brochures as possible and look at as many different designs as you can - the internet is a great resource for finding stationery companies and seeing what they produce.

By seeing what is available to you, you should get a strong idea of what you would like. With any luck you will come a cross a design that you think is perfect but if not then you can always choose the bespoke route and commission something unique.

Most importantly your stationery should compliment the chosen style of your wedding - it will be the first taster that your guests will receive about the kind of wedding you are having.

The Relevant Details

Once you have decided on your design you need to sort out all the relevant details for the inserts.

Details you need to include...
The Host Names
The Bride & Groom Names
The Date of the Wedding
The Venue of the Ceremony
The Time of the Ceremony
The Venue of the Reception
Dress Code (if applicable)
RSVP details

Insert wording and layout can vary depending on whether you go down a traditional route or a more informal one.

If you are unsure how to word your insert then ask your stationery supplier for their advice.

How much stationery do you need to order?

For invitations allow one invitation per family/couple.
Also order a few extra for any mistakes you may make when writing them out, or for later when you may be able to invite those from your standby list. It is also good etiquette to send the grooms parents an invitation and your minister too.

You may also want to think about ordering matching pre printed rsvp cards which go in with the invitations and can help to speed up the process of receiving replies from your guests.

Amounts of other items of stationery that you need will be down to personal choice. With many stationers you can order all of your stationery in one go or split it up and order as and when you know how many of each item you will need. It is a good idea to tell your stationer that you will be wanting other items though so that they know and can pencil you into their diary.

Checking and Double Checking

Once you have placed your order, paid your deposit and sent your details your stationer will provide you with a proof of the insert for your invitations. Check over the spelling, the dates, the times and then get at least two other people to check it over too.

Double check all timings with your church and venue and once you are happy then confirm to your stationer that the proof is ok or tell them any alterations you wish to make. First alterations are usually free but any more sometimes incur a charge.

Timings

Stationers need, on average, about two months to complete your order (depending on its size).

You should send your invitations out approx. two - three months before your wedding and so you should be looking to order your stationery at least five months before your wedding date.

Do I need to send anything else?

Many people include an information sheet with their invitations.

An information sheet could include such things as...
Maps - to the Church or Reception Venue.
Accommodation - for those coming from further afield.
Travel Information - fro those coming via train, aeroplane, bus etc.
Child Care Arrangements - if applicable.

Try to keep your information sheet concise and to the point.

Stationery Countdown

Up to one year before wedding date

- start obtaining brochures and order samples of designs you like.

Six months before

- decide on some designs, get quotes from the printers

- make final decision on design

Five months before

- sort out all details for inserts

- order stationery

Four months before

- proof read insert, double check church and venue details, confirm all ok or any alterations to printer.

Two months before

- collate all information sheet details and print them out

- receive invitations from printers

- write invitations, add information sheet and send!

Once you have sent all your invitations out remember to make a list of all the replies that you receive and any relevant information that your guests may give you (eg dietary requirements etc.)

Copyright - All designs, photographs and text © 2003 - 2008 Deborah Smith. All rights reserved
No reproduction in part or whole may be made of this article without written permission of Deborah Smith