Your Essential Wedding Stationery Guide
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey filled with countless decisions, and your wedding stationery plays a key role in setting the tone for your special day. From the first hint of your wedding style in a save the date to the final touch with on-the-day stationery, every piece is a reflection of your unique celebration. Let’s explore the essential wedding stationery timeline, ensuring nothing is overlooked as you craft a cohesive and elegant experience for your guests.
1. Save the Dates (12+ Months Before the Wedding)
Your save the dates are the first peek your guests will have into your wedding day, making them a crucial piece of your wedding stationery suite. Sent around 12 to 18 months before your wedding, save the dates give your guests plenty of notice to mark their calendars, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding or a celebration during a busy time of year.
Save the dates can be as formal or informal as you like, but they should always include the essentials: your names, wedding date, and location (even if it’s just the city or town). While this piece of stationery doesn’t need to match your wedding theme exactly, it’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce the style and tone of what’s to come, whether that’s classic, contemporary, or something uniquely yours.
2. Invitations (6-9 Months Before the Wedding)
The main event of your wedding stationery suite is, of course, the invitation. This is where your wedding theme truly shines through, and it’s the first tangible connection your guests will have to your wedding day. Invitations are typically sent out 6 to 9 months before your wedding, giving your guests ample time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements.
Your invitation suite can include several components:
The Main Invitation: Featuring the key details of your wedding day—who, what, when, and where.
RSVP Card: Encouraging guests to respond promptly, with space for dietary requirements if needed.
Details Card: Covering any additional information such as accommodation, transport, dress code, or your wedding website.
When it comes to bespoke wedding invitations, nothing compares to the luxury of letterpress and hot foil finishes. These techniques add a level of sophistication and elegance that sets the tone for an unforgettable celebration. Whether you opt for the timeless impression of letterpress or the shimmering allure of hot foil, bespoke invitations are a perfect reflection of your style and attention to detail.
3. On the Day Stationery (3-4 Months Before the Wedding)
As your wedding day approaches, your on-the-day stationery helps to bring everything together, guiding your guests and adding those final flourishes that make the day feel truly special. Typically, you’ll start planning these items 3 to 4 months before your wedding, allowing time for design, printing, and any last-minute changes.
Essential On-the-Day Stationery:
Order of Service: A guide to your ceremony, particularly useful if you have readings, songs, or traditions your guests may not be familiar with.
Table Plan: Ensures your guests know where they’ll be sitting, adding a touch of order to the festivities.
Menus: An elegant way to inform your guests of the culinary delights they’ll be enjoying.
Place Cards: Adding a personal touch, these ensure everyone feels welcome and knows where they belong.
Table Names or Numbers: Whether you’re opting for traditional numbers or themed names, these help guests navigate to their seats with ease.
For those seeking elegant and sophisticated on-the-day stationery, consider bespoke designs that complement your overall wedding theme. Custom letterpress menus, chic hot foil place cards, and beautifully crafted table plans not only add a luxurious touch but also ensure a seamless flow throughout your day. These carefully curated pieces of stationery are not just functional—they’re a reflection of your wedding’s aesthetic, enhancing the overall guest experience.
4. Thank You Cards (Within 3 Months After the Wedding)
After the celebrations have come to an end, sending out thank you cards is a thoughtful way to express your gratitude to those who shared your special day. Aim to send these within three months of your wedding, and consider including a personal note or a photo from the day as a keepsake.
Your wedding stationery is more than just paper—it’s a keepsake, a first impression, and a guide all rolled into one. By following this timeline, you can ensure each piece arrives at just the right moment, creating a beautiful, cohesive journey for your guests from the initial save the date to the heartfelt thank you. Remember, the details matter, and with the right stationery, you can craft an unforgettable experience that reflects the essence of your love story.
Bespoke Stationery: Elevating Every Moment
Choosing bespoke wedding stationery allows you to personalise every detail of your day. Whether it’s the tactile luxury of letterpress or the refined shine of hot foil, these bespoke elements elevate your wedding stationery to something truly special. From save the dates to on-the-day stationery, each piece can be tailored to fit your vision, ensuring a cohesive and stylish narrative from start to finish.
By investing in bespoke wedding stationery, you’re not just purchasing paper—you’re curating an experience that speaks to the heart of your celebration. So, as you plan your wedding, remember that your stationery is more than just a necessity—it’s an opportunity to make a statement, leaving a lasting impression long after the day has passed.