Planning a wedding involves making numerous decisions and one crucial aspect is choosing the right stationery; wedding stationery not only sets the tone for your special day, it also serves as a keepsake for you and your guests, but navigating all the options for stationery products can be tricky. In this blog post, we'll explore the wedding stationery essentials you need and why.
1. Bridal Party Proposal Cards
Ladies, it's time to assemble your dream team! Bridal party proposal cards are the cutest way to pop the question to your besties. You’ll want a card with plenty of space inside to write a personalised message; whether it’s by post or in person you don’t want to let this special occasion pass without a keepsake.
2. Save the Dates
Some couples skip on save the dates, but we strongly recommend including them in your stationery line-up! Why? Often you won’t be ready to send out your invitations until much closer to your wedding date so save the dates can take the pressure off worrying whether your guests can make it and they’re also a fab way to announce your big day and begin building the excitement amongst your guests; let them know it's time to clear their schedules because they won't want to miss this celebration.
3. Wedding Invitations
It's time to make a statement! Your wedding invitations are your chance to shine and show off your wedding style, giving your guests a glimpse into what they can expect from your wedding day.
What you include in your wedding invitations suite will depend on your event and budget. Most commonly you’ll find couples opting for a suite (more than one card) which might include an invitation card, details card and RSVP card. Other cards may include menu options, gift information or a note from you, the couple. If you’re working to a tighter budget, consider setting up a wedding website so you can condense the information you need to print and guide your guests to the information online instead.
Your wedding invitations will be your last opportunity to excite your guests before the big day so if your budget will allow it, consider finishing touches such as ribbon, belly bands, vellum jackets, and wax seals to perfectly finish your invitations. After all, love is in the details.
4. On-the-Day Stationery
A Welcome Sign
Strategically placed at the entrance of your venue, your welcome sign – believe it or not – isn’t there to tell your guests they’ve come to the right wedding(!). It’s an opportunity to get the conversation and photos flowing and sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Seating Plan
Don’t underestimate the importance of a clear seating plan to help your guests find their seats easily. Tip: make sure the text is large enough for all ages to read and the font is legible (whilst fancy fonts are pretty, being able to find your name easily on the list is key to ensuring a smooth flow of guests from sign to seat).
Table Names/Numbers
Hand in hand with your seating plan, table names/numbers are crucial to making sure guests easily find their way to their seats.
Place Names
You know on the plane when everyone wants the window seat? Wedding seating is a little like this; guests will love to choose the best seat, the one without their back facing you, or not next to the person they don’t know. Avoid any tension by designating seating on the table using place names. Not only do they act as a signpost to each seat, but they also work wonderfully to bring your tablescape to life by adding another dimension.
Menus
In our opinion table menus are a must have! Whether it’s one per person or one per table, a printed menu gives your guests a conversation starter making them even more excited to dig into the feast you've planned. For weddings where menu choices have been made, they’re also a fantastic reminder of food choices (after all, who remembers what they ordered four months ago!?).
Other Decorative Signage
Totally optional but oh so worth it if you want to add the perfect finishing touches to your stationery. Here’s a few signs to consider:
- A sign for the cards & gifts area
- A sign for the bar
- A sign for tissues
- A sign for fans
- A sign for your guestbook
- A sign for anyone absent from your day
- A sign for flip flops
- A sign for toiletry baskets
- A sign for the buffet
- A sign for the sweet cart
5. Post-Wedding Thank You Cards
After the confetti has settled and you're floating on cloud nine, it's time to show some love to your amazing guests. Send out post-wedding thank you cards that embody your wedding theme one last time. These little gems will leave a lasting impression and remind your loved ones of just how special your day was.
Now you're armed with a guide to wedding stationery essentials, just remember choosing the right wedding stationery is an opportunity to infuse your unique style, personality, and love story into every aspect of your big day. Create a cohesive and visually stunning wedding stationery collection and you'll ensure that it leaves a lasting impression on your guests.