Planning a wedding is an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming!) journey filled with lots of decisions, and one important aspect not to be overlooked is wedding stationery. From save-the-date cards to invitations and thank-you notes, wedding stationery is not only a practical necessity but also a chance to set the tone for your wedding day. In this guide to wedding stationery, you'll discover everything you need to know about what to include and how to make it extra special.
From choosing the perfect colors and fonts to selecting the right wording, every detail matters. We'll guide you through the process, providing tips and inspiration to make your wedding stationery stand out. We'll look at the essentials of wedding stationery, such as wedding invitations, response cards, details cards, and more. The dos and don'ts, and the latest trends in wedding stationery design.
Essential Wedding Stationery Items
When it comes to planning a wedding, the realm of stationery is vast and varied. Essential wedding stationery items go beyond the traditional invitation. Each piece has a purpose and plays a crucial role in the overall communication of your event. The primary components typically include save-the-dates, invitations, response cards, details cards, and thank-you notes. Understanding what each item entails is fundamental in crafting a cohesive stationery suite.
Save-the-date cards are often the first glimpse your guests get into your wedding plans. These cards are typically sent out six to eight months before the wedding date, especially if you are hosting a destination wedding or have many out-of-town guests. Including essential details like the date and location helps guests mark their calendars early, ensuring they can make arrangements to attend.
The wedding invitation is obviously the most important piece of stationery! The invitation can convey your wedding theme, whether it's a classic, whimsical, or modern event. We love to layer our invitations with details cards, which provide essential information about the wedding, including accommodation options, directions, and any other information of your choice. If you're opting for a traditional RSVP card and envelope, this will be placed on top of your invitation and detail card, and will often be seen with your response date and meal choices for your guests to fill in and send back.
Lastly, thank-you cards are a vital part of the stationery suite, allowing you to express gratitude to your guests for their presence and gifts, ensuring that your appreciation is felt long after the wedding day has passed.
Invitation Wording and Design Tips
Traditionally, invitations follow specific etiquette rules, such as including the names of the hosts, the couple's names, the date and time of the ceremony, and the venue. However, we've seen our couples personalizing their wording to reflect their wedding day in less traditional ways, and focusing on being fun and inclusive, which we love!
Traditional wedding invitation formats often include a single card with all the details printed on one side, but we love to do a multi-piece suite with separate cards for the invitation, details, and RSVP. This allows us to focus on the invitation color palette, and how the colors work together and complement each other! Creative formats, such as postcards or pocketfold invitations, can add another unique touch, and you'll see some incredible fold out invitations we've created for some of our past clients.
Save the Dates and Their Importance
Save-the-date cards serve as a gentle reminder for guests to reserve the date and make necessary arrangements. They are particularly important for weddings that are taking place during busy seasons or on holiday weekends when guests may have other commitments. Sending save-the-dates allows you to ensure that your loved ones are informed in advance, thereby increasing the likelihood of their attendance.
When designing your save-the-dates, it’s essential to include key information such as the names of the couple, the wedding date, and the location. While a full address isn’t necessary at this stage, providing the city or venue will help guests start planning. Additionally, consider including a note that formal invitations will follow, as this sets expectations for further details, and you can even include your wedding website if it's ready!
RSVP Cards and Managing Guest Responses
RSVP cards are an essential component of your wedding stationery suite, as they help you manage guest responses effectively. These cards typically accompany the wedding invitation and should include a line for guests to confirm if they can make it. Including options for meal choices or dietary restrictions can also streamline planning and ensure your catering meets everyone’s needs.
Managing guest responses can often feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Create a system to track RSVPs, whether it's through a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app. Be sure to set a deadline for responses, usually around three to four weeks before the wedding date, to allow adequate time for finalizing the guest list and seating arrangements. Make sure your RSVP envelopes are already printed with your address for your guests to easily mail back.
Thank You Cards and Expressing Gratitude
Thank-you cards are a vital aspect of wedding stationery that can sometimes be overlooked or forgotten about! However, saying thank you to your guests for their presence and gifts is so important in making them feel loved after they've traveled so far! Sending thank-you cards should ideally be done within three months after the wedding, and try to highlight the specific gift or gesture you received!
When crafting your thank-you cards, personalization is key. A handwritten note that mentions the specific gift and how you plan to use or enjoyed it adds a special touch and demonstrates genuine appreciation. This can be particularly meaningful for family members and close friends who played significant roles in your big day. We've designed thank you cards which are specific to each member of the bridal party, which are perfect to add to your gifting.
Personalizing Your Wedding Stationery for a Unique Touch
Personalization is what truly sets wedding stationery apart and makes it memorable. From choosing unique colors and fonts, to the print method which makes you feel with your eyes. Textures or embellishments like ribbon, wax seals, or foil printing can elevate your stationery and make it feel extra special. By thinking outside the box and incorporating personal elements, you can create wedding stationery that reflects your story, and a keepsake your guests will cherish forever.