| What do you want from your wedding stationery?
Do you want it to make a statement about the style of your wedding? Or would you prefer it to be more functional and just state the details without too much fuss?
There are hundreds of different stationery designs available, from traditional to modern, handmade to ready printed, off the shelf to bespoke.
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 across 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 style of your wedding and should set the tone and applicable formality of the day.
Where do I start?
A good way to start is to set your budget and then make your guest list.
Decide exactly which items of stationery you definitely need and the amounts you require and then you can consider extras if your budget allows.
When making your guest list also make a standby list of people you might like to invite should any of your original guests be unable to come.
How many invitations will I need?
Allow one invitation per family/couple and 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, traditionally, if you are having a relegious ceremony, 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.
Another consideration is the inclusion of any other information that may be useful to your guests such as directions and maps to the church or reception venue, accommodation for those coming from further afield, travel information, child care and menu choices if applicable.
Many stationers now produce invitations that include rsvps and information cards integrated within the design and these can be a stylish solution to keeping everything contained and together whilst also maintaining the look and style of your invitation.
The Relevant Details
Once you have decided upon your invitation design then you need to sort out all the relevant details for the inserts.
Details that you need to include...
The Host Names
The Bride & Grooms 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. Here are some examples of insert wording but if you are unsure as to how to word your insert then do ask your stationery supplier for their advice.
Other Stationery
There are many other items of stationery that you can consider for your wedding.
Again, decide on what you need based upon your budget. You may feel that some items are essential for the smooth running of your day whilst others would not be missed.
Save the Dates
Usually sent out up to one year in advance Save the Dates are a great way
to announce your wedding and ensure your guests can plan ahead.
They are particularly useful if you are getting married at an exceptionally
busy time of year such as a bank holiday or over the Christmas season.
Evening Invitations
If you are having an evening reception then you may want to invite extra
guests to that part of the day only.
Evening invitations can be the same as your day invitations (with different
wording obviously!) but many stationers can offer simpler alternatives
that match your day invitations but are more cost effective.
Order of Sevice / Order of the Day
Order of Service are traditionally given out to your guests as they
arrive at the church by your Ushers. It gives details of the ceremony,
hymns, music and readings and is a great way to make sure your guests
feel involved in, and can follow, the service.
Your Minister can advise you as to what details need to be included and
you should order enough for one copy per guest plus additional copies
for the Minister and choir if applicable.
If you are not having a relegious ceremony then Order of the Days work in
a similar way as Order of Service but detail a breakdown of the days
events instead.
Table Plans, Table Markers, Place Cards and Menus
If you are having a formal sit down wedding breakfast at your venue then
table plans, table markers and place cards are a great way to ensure your
guests can find their seats easily.
Display your table plan at the entrance to your dining room and use
matching table markers on each of your tables to indicate to your guests
where they should be. If you would like your guests to sit in specific seats
at each table then add place cards to each place setting showing their names.
Table plans are traditionally quite formal but themed table plans that move away from the general wedding design are also very popular and can quite
often invovle other aspects of the Bride and Grooms personalities such
as hobbies, favourite football teams or perhaps photographs of significant
places.
Tempt your guests with the delights to come by providing menus on
your tables. If you have enough in your budget then one menu per person
can be quite a luxury to your guests, however, two - four menus per
table should suffice.
Menus can be a great talking point and a useful way to help your guests
break the ice and get chatting if they do not already know each other.
Thank You Cards
Thank you cards are an absolute must on your stationery list so make
sure you budget accordingly.
It is good ettiquette to thank each of your guests for sharing the day with
you and, of course, for any gifts they may have given.
Allow one thank you card per couple/family (as with invitations)
Checking and Double Checking
Once you have found the perfect stationery design you need to place your order, pay your deposit and send your details to your stationer who will then provide you with proofs of how your stationery will look.
Check over the spelling, the dates, the times and then get at least two other people to check it over too. Once printed it can be very costly to rectify any mistakes or omissions so double check all timings with your church and venue and only once you are completely happy then confirm to your stationer that the proof is ok (or obviously tell them any alterations you wish to make).
Timings
Stationers need, on average, about two months to complete your order (depending on the size) but it is always best to check with your supplier before you order.
You should send your invitations out approximately two - three months before your wedding and so you need to be ordering your stationery at least five months before your wedding date.
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 (and information sheets if applicable)
- 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 (if supplier is not providing them).
- receive invitations from printers.
- write invitations, add information sheet and send!
Once you have sent all your invitations out do not forget to make a list of all the replies that you receive and any relevant information (dietary requirements etc.)
Copyright - All designs, photographs and text © 2003 - 2009 Deborah Smith. All rights reserved
No reproduction in part or whole may be made of this article without written permission of Deborah Smith
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