Wedding Stationery You Need Before Your Big Day
I’ve got you covered for every piece of stationery you need leading up to your wedding.
Lucy Collection
Before you start thinking about ordering your wedding stationery, it’s a good idea to jot down exactly what you’ll need printed for each part of your event. This includes before, during and after your big day. This will help you and your spouse-to-be stay within your budget and figure out which pieces are most important to you. Today’s post, we’re tackling all things before your Wedding Day.
The list below might seem a little overwhelming, but some of these items are optional. I find it’s better to begin with the ‘all-singing-all-dancing’ version, and then remove the pieces you may not need. Plus, some items can even be sent digitally, although I do believe it’s still important to send your guests a printed invitation (or maybe I’m bias, given my job title: Wedding Stationery Designer…)
No time to waste, let’s crack on.
Before the Wedding
Engagement Party Invitations
Who doesn’t love an engagement party? If you’re planning a formal occasion, I’d recommend sending your invitations two to three months before the event, but for a more casual affair, anything from six to eight weeks if perfect. Be sure to include the date, location, time of arrival, dress code and your names, of course!
Save the Dates
Receiving a Save the Date through your postbox is so exciting, you’re officially invited to a wedding! Ideally these should be sent to your guests eight to twelve months before your big day. As soon as you’ve set a date and booked your venue, this is the time to start thinking about them. The earlier you give your guests notice, the higher acceptance rate you’ll get. It allows your guests enough time to plan around your day and say no to other events happening at a similar time. Make sure you include your names, date, venue and a message such as ‘formal invitation to follow’. If you’re planning a destination wedding (exciting) I’d recommend sending these twelve to fifteen months before your wedding date, there’s a few more elements for your guests to plan when it comes to going abroad (as I’m sure you’ll know).
Will you be my Maid-of-honour/Bridesmaid Cards
This is on of the sweetest ways to ask your bestie to be your Maid of Honour or Bridesmaid, especially with a handwritten note inside. Now, they’ve already received their Save the Date so your big day is set aside in their calendar, but I’d make this official anywhere from six to twelve months before your wedding. Now Hen-do’s can be planned, bridesmaid dress shopping can commence, makeup trials can be booked and the rest!
Katherine Collection
Wedding Invitations
Invitation Card
Your wedding invitation card should be the largest and most substantial piece in your invitation suite. The first line should include who is hosting the wedding, following with who’s getting married, the date, arrival and ceremony times, name of the venue, county and postcode and the last line should indicate whether a reception is happening after the ceremony, such as ‘dinner and dancing to follow’.
Details Card
The second piece of your invitation suite should give your guests more information about your wedding day. These can include details such as the dress code, accommodation options nearby, whether children are invited, registry information and a link to your wedding website (if you’re having one, which I highly recommend).
Direction/Map Card
Even though wedding websites (and Google Maps) have mostly replaced illustrated map cards, these are still a fun and functional add-on, especially if your reception venue is hard to find. These will include exactly where your venue is (full address) with illustrated details around your venue, making it easier to locate.
Guest Name Cards
One of my favourite elements in a wedding invitation suite is your guest’s names on an individual piece. This adds a very personal touch to each of you invitations. These will also allow you to specify which members of one house hold are invited, for example ‘The Smith Family’ (entire family) or ‘Jhonny & Louise’ (only there parents). Depending on the design, you could also include a QR code on the reverse, taking your guests straight to your wedding website, ready to RSVP. Which leads me to…
Response Card & Self Addressed Stamped Envelope
Response cards are a traditional way to collect your RSVPs. They should include a date to reply by at the top, with a space for your guests to write their names and two checkbox options, such as ‘Happily Accepts’ and ‘Regretfully Declines’. Most response cards stop here, but you can be fun with them, such as asking your guests to fill out a song requests, ready to play at the reception. Even though collecting RSVPs online is a very popular option, I’d still recommend having a response card included in your suite, asking your guests to RSVP by your chosen date.
Daina Collection
Lily Collection
And there you have it, my full comprehensive list of all the wedding stationery you need before your big day. But let me save you some time, pop your details in the box below and I’ll send you a digital copy (with actual checkboxes!) You can thank me later!
