Introductory guide to wedding stationery from Save The Dates & Orders of Service through to Wedding Maps and RSVP Cards what is each item for? Do you need it? And when would you use it? Read more for a full breakdown of Wedding Stationery items and ideas about what wedding cards to include your Wedding Stationery suite.
Different stationery items can be categorised into these timings:
BEFORE THE DAY
- Save The Dates
- Invitations
- RSVP Cards
- Information / Details Cards / Maps / Timelines / Itineraries
ON THE DAY
- Orders of Service
- Place Settings & Escort Cards
- Menus
- Table Plan
- Games & Activities
- Advice Cards
- Table Signs
- Favours
- Information / Details Cards / Maps / Timelines / Itineraries
AFTER THE DAY
- Thank You Cards
PRE-WEDDING STATIONERY
Save The Dates:
A fairly recent addition to Wedding Stationery save the dates are usually sent out as soon as the wedding date is confirmed, they allow the guests to book in the date to avoid getting double booked!
Invitations:
The formal invitation to the wedding, these should include everything the guests need to know ahead of getting to the wedding, timings, accommodation, does code etc.
RSVP cards:
Also fairly new to the wedding stationery set, traditionally guests would have written there own letter. RSVP cards have become popular as means for ensuring your guests actually do RSVP, and include all the information you need; dietary requirements, travel arrangements etc.
Information Packs:
What information you send when will vary hugely from wedding to wedding - they can include maps, timelines, menu options, wedding list details, transport & accommodation. It really depends on your wedding. For complex weddings or wedding abroad it pays to let your guests know more in advance so you might even send some additional detail with your Save the Dates.
CEREMONY & RECEPTION STATIONERY
Orders of Service:
A guide to the ceremony itself, this enables your guests to follow the course of the ceremony and if you are having a religious ceremony might include hymns, blessing or prayers for the guests to partake in.
Place Settings & Escort Cards:
You've gotta know where you are going to sit... Place and Escort Cards are used to let your guest know just that!
Menus:
These can be a lovely keepsake if you decide to print one per guest, they can also double up as place settings if you do! Alternatively table menus and large format menus are also an option.
Table Plan:
Again with the seating plan! It is quite important, you don't want to end up stick between old Aunty Margerie and your future 2 cousin twice removed on your wedding day, trust us!
Games & Activities:
Great fun for adults and a must if you are having kids! Games and actives are a really fun and unique way of getting your guest involved in the wedding day.
Advice Cards:
Another fun activity and a great keepsake, advice cards are designed for your guest to write you a little note of there own wisdom for you to keep. Perfect to reminisce on your anniversaries!
Signs:
Need to point out where the loos are? Or which table is which - Sometimes Wedding Stationery is purely practical.
Favours:
A age old tradition, Wedding Favours have definitely been made modern these days - why not include bespoke personalised boxes for your sweeties or gifts to make them really special.
Information Packs:
Wedding day information packs are popular with wedding abroad or away from home, when there will be a few different days of celebration involved. The perfect opportunity to give your guests the local low down, transport information, places to eat and your itinerary for the whole wedding.
POST-WEDDING STATIONERY
Thank You Cards:
We say this a lot but really do believe these are one of the MOST important bits of your wedding stationery. Don't forget to say Thanks!
