Your wedding invitations and stationery are your guests' first glimpse of your style of wedding; modern or traditional, colourful or simple chic, handmade or printed - the choice is immense. For many couples, it is important to coordinate your choice of wedding stationery, from your wedding invitations to your place cards, so it all has a running theme. Wedding stationery can be easily personalised whether using DIY wedding stationery or a professional service. Here is our quick guide to great wedding stationery.
Express your personality
Wedding stationery should be personal and express what your wedding will be like, as well as informing your guests of what they can expect for the big day. This opens the door to whatever it is you are wanting for your big day and there are literally thousands of designs to choose from!
Make sure you and your fiancé take time to form an idea of what you want so you can easily make decisions. Whether the decision is about colour, motifs, invite shape, presentation, or style, ensure that your choices reflect your personalities and, if you have one, your wedding theme. You might even want to opt for something more fun and quirky like pop-up wedding cards!
Our top tip: don't forget to consider wedding calligraphy to give your wedding stationery that professional touch.
Image: London Paper CraftsWhat do I need to have?
Whether you are hand making DIY wedding stationery or using a professional wedding stationery service, it is important to have all the wedding stationery that you need! It is not necessary to have every piece of wedding stationery available as the costs soon add up, but there are certain pieces you shouldn't go without. Here's a checklist of the stationery items you'll probably need...
Stationery Checklist:
- Save the dates
- Invitations
- RSVP cards
- Order of service / ceremony
- Table plan
- Table numbers
- Place cards
- Menu
- Thank you cards
If you are looking to be a bit more budget savvy, think of creative ways you can incorporate two of these key stationery items into one. For example, perhaps you can include your wedding menu on your invitation and ask your guests to send their preferred meal order on their RSVP card.
More info about stationery you may need
Save the Dates
If you are having a summer wedding, a weekday wedding or a wedding abroad; your guests need to know well in advance in order to save up and book holiday off work.
Our advice: you should try to send out your save the date cards a year before the wedding to ensure your friends and family can secure your special date in their calendars. That way, when your wedding invitations arrive, they are more likely to respond with a yes!
Your 'Save the date' can be as simple as a postcard or can be as exciting as a fridge magnet - just keep in mind when you're choosing that it is the first impression of your wedding on the guests.
More info on sending save the date cards
Image: Cloud Nine StationeryDIY stationery is an option too
If you're planning a DIY wedding, you may be considering creating your own wedding stationery, or buying from a DIY wedding stationery range. Although it may at first seem cheaper than the wedding stationery services, remember to factor in the considerable cost of ink cartridges, small details and good quality paper or card!
More info on printing your own invitations
Have fun with your wedding stationery and create something you are proud of. Guides for Brides lists many wedding stationery providers and there'll be plenty in your area, find them here.