With so many things to consider and a budget to manage, I have prepared a wedding stationery list to consider at the start of your wedding planning journey. You keep hearing that it’s the little things that can push you over the budget and stationery goods can certainly fall into that category occasionally.
Each item serves a purpose, but not all of them are required for all weddings. However, it's worth evaluating all during the early stages to make sure you have accounted for everything you will need before and on-the-day.
Pre-wedding
Save the date - an initial heads-up to your guests allow them to pencil in your wedding day as soon as you have it confirmed. Your guests will be especially grateful if it’s a destination wedding. Sending out these cards will give you more time to finalise the day-of detail, however, if you have everything agreed well ahead if time, you might want to go straight for invitations.
Invitations - the centrepiece of your wedding stationery that contains the most important information - who, when and where. All other details should be left for the information sheet. The less information you can include on the invitation the better!
Information sheet - include details that will make the travel of your guests easier, but remember to keep it concise. Also, be ready for your guests not to read this so it's always a good idea to include the wedding planners contact number (do not leave your own number, you don't want to be dealing with this; if you are a DIY bride, entrust a friend to collate the questions and you can answer them in one go).
Map - consider inducing a map if your locations if difficult to find.
RSVP card - even if you are asking for a digital RSVP via email or website form, I always advise having a separate sheet for this. Again, this makes it easier for people to digest the information and will mean less hassle for you.
Addressed envelopes - consider a budget not only for postage stamps, but also for envelope calligraphy or envelope printing. This should also induce a return address on the back.
Envelope liners - for s special little touch consider adding envelope liners that will help set the tone for your event.
Return envelope - shall you require a physical RSVP, you should include an addressed and stamped return envelope.
On-the-day stationery
It is never too early to start thinking about on the day stationery. If you have not allocated the budget for this at the start, you might be caught off guard how much it can all add up to. Consider if you will need any of the below:
order of service - this will let your guests the order of events. For religious ceremonies, this will also include the prayers and hymns as a cue for the guests.
place cards - depending on what type of cards you had in mind, also consider the detail as it will influence the price - first name or full name, table number included. Are there any associated costs with displaying these if not placed on the tables?
table plan - to help people find their seat a full table plan is usually displayed. Consider related costs of setting this up - frame, easel, flower decorations etc.
dinner menu - indicating the dishes and accompanying drinks if applicable. These can be created individually or have a couple per desk.
bar signs - if you are serving your bespoke cocktails, let the guests know with specially prepared bar signs.
table numbers - doesn't matter if you are using numbers or names, you will need a way to help your guests find their table. Also consider associated display costs.
other signs - love quotes or words special to you both can be incorporated in your styling. 'Other' category usually includes signs for photo booths, sweets table, guest book signing, gift table etc. Consider associated display costs.
Would you add anything to this list? Let me know and I can update the article to help a future bride even further.
Ev x