What Stationery Is Needed For A Wedding?

Table of Contents

    Planning a wedding involves many details; one key aspect is ensuring you have all the necessary stationery. A well-organised stationery list helps prevent last-minute issues, manages your budget, and ensures all important items are remembered. 

    This guide provides a thorough overview of the various types of wedding stationery you might need, detailing their purposes and offering tips for preparation and organisation. While this list aims to be comprehensive, remember it is partial. Many elements can be personalised or handled as DIY projects.

    Let’s get straight to the point.

    Planning wedding stationery involves several key elements to ensure your big day runs smoothly. Create invitations, the primary way to inform guests about your wedding. 

    Include essential details such as maps, directions, and accommodation information if your event is unfamiliar. Consider additional items like evening invitations for post-wedding events and RSVP cards to manage guest responses efficiently. 

    Envelopes should include both outer and inner versions for addressing and personalising invitations. A well-organised wedding day itinerary helps guests navigate the schedule, while ceremony and reception programmes provide important event details. 

    Seating charts, menu cards, and wedding signs enhance the guest experience and ensure clear communication throughout the day. Hiring a professional stationer can streamline the process and create a cohesive look for all your stationery needs.

    Invitations: The Heart Of Wedding Stationery

    what stationery is needed for a wedding

    Designing Your Invitations

    Wedding invitations are arguably the most significant element of your wedding stationery. They set the tone for your event and provide essential details to your guests.

    • Start Early: Begin the design and ordering process as early as possible. This allows ample time for creating, revising, and printing your invitations. Starting early helps avoid last-minute rushes and ensures you have enough time to address any potential issues.
    • Professional Assistance: Engaging a professional designer can elevate the quality of your invitations. Communicate your vision clearly and review proofs carefully to ensure accuracy and satisfaction. The designer can advise on paper types, colours, and styles best suit your wedding theme.

    Invitation Inserts: Additional Information

    Directional Information

    Providing clear, directional information is essential, especially if your guests are still getting familiar with the wedding venue.

    • Maps and Directions: Include detailed maps and directions to the ceremony and reception locations. This is particularly important if the venues are in different locations or if many guests are coming from out of town. Maps should highlight key landmarks and major roads to assist in navigation.
    • Accommodation Details: Provide information about nearby hotels, bed and breakfasts, or other lodging options. Include contact details, booking links, and any special guest arrangements. This will help out-of-town visitors find suitable places to stay and make their visit more convenient.

    Evening Invitations / After-Party Invites

    If you’re hosting a post-wedding event or reception, consider sending out evening invitations.

    • Purpose: Evening invitations are used for guests who may not attend the main ceremony but are invited to the reception or other after-wedding activities. These invitations ensure that all guests feel included in the celebrations.
    • Formality: Ensure that evening invitations align with the tone and formality of the main event. Clearly state the nature of the event and provide all necessary details.

    Rsvp Cards

    RSVP cards are crucial for managing your guest list and making final arrangements.

    • Function: Include RSVP cards with your invitations to allow guests to confirm their attendance. This helps with catering, seating, and other logistics planning. The RSVP card should allow guests to write their names and indicate their attendance status.
    • Response Deadline: Set a deadline, typically two to three weeks before the wedding, to ensure timely responses and avoid last-minute changes.
    • Postage: Attach a stamped, self-addressed envelope to each RSVP card for convenience. This encourages prompt responses and helps ensure that all replies are received. Using postcards can be a cost-effective solution and simplify the process.

    Envelopes: Types And Functions

    Envelope Types

    Envelopes play a critical role in protecting and presenting your invitations.

    • Outer Envelope: The outer envelope is used to address and stamp the entire invitation package. It should be sturdy and large enough to accommodate the inner envelope and all inserts.
    • Inner Envelope: The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope and addresses individual guests. This helps manage who is invited and prevents uninvited plus-ones. Write the names of the guests on the inner envelope to avoid confusion.
    • Addressing and Postage: If time is limited, consider having your stationery provider address the envelopes. Take one completed invitation to the post office for weighing to determine if additional postage is required. Many invitations need extra postage, so it’s best to be informed beforehand.

    Wedding Day Itinerary

    Itinerary Details

    Including an itinerary with your wedding invitations can be thoughtful, especially for multi-day events.

    • Purpose: An itinerary helps guests understand the schedule of events and plan accordingly. This is particularly useful if your wedding spans several days or includes multiple activities.
    • Content: Outline key events such as pre-wedding dinners, cocktail hours, and other activities. Provide information about local attractions and dining options to entertain guests during downtime. A well-organised itinerary ensures guests can enjoy your wedding without any confusion.

    Ceremony Programs

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    Program Content

    The ceremony programme is a valuable addition to your wedding stationery, providing guests with essential information about the ceremony.

    • Introduction: The ceremony programme introduces guests to the wedding party and provides a detailed ceremony outline. This helps guests understand the flow of the event and adds a personal touch.
    • Details Included: Typically, the programme includes the couple’s names, the wedding party, the officiant, and the parents. It also outlines the order of events, such as rituals, readings, and music. Customising the programme with personal touches, such as quotes or poems, can make it more meaningful.
    • Customisation: Consider including brief biographies of the bridal party, tributes to loved ones who have passed away, and expressions of gratitude. This adds a personal and sentimental element to the programme, making it a cherished keepsake for guests.

    Wedding Programme

    Reception Details

    The wedding programme for the reception provides guests with information about the evening’s events.

    • Purpose: The reception programme outlines key events such as meals, speeches, cake cutting, and the first dance. This helps guests understand the schedule and enjoy the celebration without confusion.
    • Format: While only sometimes necessary, a reception programme can be useful if the venue has multiple activities or rooms. It helps guests navigate the event and ensures they don’t miss out on any planned activities.

    Seating Plan / Table Plan

    Seating Arrangement

    A seating chart or table plan is essential for managing guest seating at the reception.

    • Display: The seating chart or table plan should be prominently displayed at the entrance to the reception area. This will guide guests to their assigned seats and help ensure everything is clear. It’s particularly useful for large weddings, where managing seating arrangements can be complex.
    • Coordination: Ensure that the seating plan aligns with table numbers and place cards or escort cards. This coordination helps guests find their seats quickly and easily, ensuring a smooth start to the reception.

    Menu Cards

    Menu Information

    Menu cards give guests details about the meal options available at your wedding.

    • Purpose: Menu cards inform guests about the dishes served, whether you offer plated meals or a buffet. This helps manage expectations and ensures guests are aware of their meal choices.
    • Types: For plated dinners, menu cards remind guests of their pre-selected meal choices. For buffets, use menu cards and small signs near the food stations to inform guests about available options. This can help speed up the buffet line and prevent confusion.
    • Special Considerations: Include information about dietary restrictions or allergies to accommodate guests with special needs. This ensures everyone can enjoy the meal and prevents food intolerances or allergies.

    Wedding Signs

    Signage

    Wedding signs add both functional and decorative elements to your event.

    • Types and Sizes: Signs come in various sizes and styles and can enhance the décor and provide essential information. Use signs to guide guests, display schedules, or welcome them to the event.
    • Function: Place signs to direct guests to different areas of the venue, such as the ceremony location, reception area, or restrooms. Signs can also display schedules or welcome messages to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

    Conclusion

    Wedding stationery is vital to the planning process. It ensures guests receive all necessary information and contributes to the event’s atmosphere. 

    While only some types of stationery are essential, having a well-organised selection enhances the guest experience and helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable wedding. 

    By carefully planning and organising your wedding stationery, you ensure that every detail is attended to and your guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience. Each piece of stationery contributes to the overall success of your special day, helping you create a well-coordinated and beautiful event.

    FAQs About Stationary At Wedding

    What Does Stationary Mean For A Wedding?

    A stationery suite consists of all your wedding-related paper goods. It should include your save-the-dates and invitations, thank-you cards, response cards and other important information (like programs, travel information and hotel options).

    What Should Not Be Included In A Wedding Invitation?

    Phrases like “no children” or “adults only” should not be included on the invitation card; the names on the envelope will imply who is invited. You should also leave off registry information, and members of the wedding party can spread the word when asked about it, or you can provide it on your website.

    Should All Wedding Stationery Match?

    Stationery pieces can be chosen and purchased at different times, allowing the couple more freedom to gather what they need when needed. The couple doesn’t have to worry about purchasing everything from the same place to ensure each piece matches perfectly.

    What Do You Use Stationery For?

    Stationery is useful for sending official letters, jotting down quick notes, or adding a touch of class to handwritten statements. Custom stationery also makes it easy to reinforce and spread your brand. You do exactly that with every printed memo and correspondence.

    When Should I Order Wedding Stationery?

    It is never too early to send your wedding invitations, but we recommend sending them out up to four months before your big day to ensure that your guests have all the information they need well in advance.

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