Wedding stationery creates an atmosphere for your big day. Wedding stationery consists of the most important paper goods that will be used throughout planning the wedding, like invitations, guest lists, menus, seating charts, program planning, music, and many many more. 

Should you skip wedding stationery? – No. But you can choose the items that are genuinely required for you and your Big Day.

Based on our experience and analyzing many weddings and articles for wedding stationery plans, we have created a helpful stationery checklist you will want to include in your wedding planning. 

Before everything begins

Dates, dates, dates.

Lock in your dates. Plan ahead, the general rule of thumb is around 6-8 months before the wedding. Guests don’t like last-minute plans as they need to coordinate the time with their families, around their own plans, and work. It is also important for destination weddings so the guests have enough time to coordinate travel and accommodation plans.  This will also provide enough time for the guests to decide if they will make the wedding.

Bridal Shower Invites

A bridal shower is an event to honor the bride-to-be. This event is usually made for people who are live close by. A few weeks in advance, think about 4-5, should allow those to plan accordingly. Should you mail the invites? – No. Skip it and formulate nice emails out. You can use websites like Evite or Etsy.

Bridesmaids Invites

Your bridesmaids are always ready to come and join the party. Consider asking your folks to stand by your side as soon as possible. We suggest at a minimum of 5-6 months in advance should be enough to give them time to plan accordingly! You may mail the invites out to have some kinesthetic memories for some of them. Check out Canva to design your own invites! Your own design is always better and it will stand out. 

Wedding 

The wedding invitation

Think enough time, 6-8 months before the wedding day should give enough room to people build their plans. What to include? – The invitation should have the names of the newlyweds, the venue and precise location, the date and time, the reception information, and RSVP details. It is important to order those early enough in case there are things to change in the design. Also, when you mail them out, mail them with delivery confirmation.  

RSVP/response card

The RSVP card is mailed with the wedding invitation. Guests will return the card to the couple with their information and intent to attend the Big Day. Nowadays, it is common for couples to opt for a digital RSVP option via the wedding website. Plan to set a deadline to reply 3 – 4 weeks ahead of the wedding to give time for the creation of seating charts and confirming food and beverage headcounts. Zola provides a great article on how to properly RSVP.

Venue & Directions

Oftentimes, venue location is difficult to find. In this case, you should consider sending out a precise location card along with the wedding invitation. Especially when you have multiple wedding locations it is important to have all clear destinations and map pins available to the guests. As an alternate option, you may add such details on the wedding website you have. This will  shrink some printing costs.

Addressed Envelopes

Addressed envelopes – what’s that? The envelope includes the guests’ names and their mailing addresses. Be sure to budget for stamps for the outer envelope. Also the RSVP card envelope.

Day of the Wedding

Wedding Programs

Wedding programs are usually optional. This specifically applies to weddings with short ceremonies. The program consists of a one-page outline of the ceremony times and actions. Some other programs include further details such as the bridal party lineup, ceremony readings, or personal messages from the couple. Wedding programs might be helpful to set the tone for the day and provide guests with a clear outline of where to be and when. However, it is absolutely up to the couple to decide whether they would like to have it or not. 

Seating Chart

Important! These oftentimes get overlooked but when done properly, they will save you tons of time. A seating chart is mandatory if the dinner provided is in a sit-down fashion. Personnel will know who is receiving what and where they sit. The options are endless. Some do a champagne wall, standing frame, mirror, chalkboard, and digital assignee cards.

Place Cards

In addition to the seating chart, you should consider place cards. These cards are usually displayed in the exact seat where guests will be seated. If you do NOT have a seating chart near your entrance, place cards are necessary for guests to know where to go and sit. Consider sites like The Knot and Canva.

Table Numbers

When table numbers are necessary? Well, when you plan to have assigned seating. They both go together. Table signs will guide the guests to the tables. You will avoid any potential chaos and confusion with seating arrangements. This is a simple DIY assignment or Amazon has a variety of options. 

Wedding Menus

Some people say that menus are not needed when budgeting for a wedding. However, we disagree and recommend making table menus. It could be short with the most important set of details; first and second courses, entrees, and desserts, as well as any sides that will be served. You can use Canva to create your own menu design on a budget. 

After the Wedding

Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are very important to recognize the people who came and the gifts given to the new family. It might be a time-consuming task, but it is proper etiquette to show your gratitude to ALL guests and gift givers, and please don’t forget about your wedding vendors. Please consider writing each guest by their name, and express thanks for attending and the specific gift given. When to send it? – Thank you cards should be sent within 2-3 weeks of receiving the gifts or after the wedding.

With Respect,

CTRL+shot Wedding Videography

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