Wedding Stationery: The Ultimate Guide To Paper Elegance

what is a wedding stationery

Wedding stationery is an important part of wedding planning and decor, serving the practical role of informing guests about the wedding while also contributing to the overall aesthetic of the celebration. It includes various paper goods such as save-the-date cards, invitations, thank-you cards, menus, and signage. Couples can work with a wedding stationer to create custom or semi-custom designs that reflect their unique style and personalities. The process involves choosing from different print methods, paper options, colours, fonts, and themes to create a cohesive wedding brand.

Characteristics Values
Purpose To inform guests about the wedding details, such as date, time, location, and activities.
Items Save-the-date cards, invitations, thank-you cards, place cards, menus, programs, etc.
Design Custom or semi-custom, reflecting the couple's personalities, wedding aesthetic, and style.
Materials Paper, print, envelopes, stamps, seals, stickers, etc.
Timing Pre-wedding, day-of, and post-wedding stationery needs.
Budget Average of 8% of the total wedding budget, with 6% for invitations and 2% for other stationery.

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Wedding invitations

The invitation suite can include an outer envelope, an inner envelope, an envelope liner, the main invitation, and a details card. It can also include an RSVP card and envelope. However, it can be as simple as a single invitation in a single envelope. The complexity of the suite depends on the couple's needs and what information they want to convey.

The invitation should include the host of the wedding (bride's parents, both families, etc.), the couple's names, the wedding date and time, the venue name, and the city and state. Any other information should be listed on separate cards. The standard card size is A7 (5" x 7") with a coordinating envelope.

It is recommended to send out invitations three months before the wedding. You can browse Pinterest and Instagram for ideas, but it's important to get off these platforms at a certain point and focus on your unique style and concept. Working with a wedding stationer can help you create a cohesive look across your wedding stationery.

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Pre-wedding stationery

Wedding stationery is an important part of the wedding journey, and there are many options to consider for pre-wedding stationery.

Bridal shower invitations can also be sent six to eight weeks before the shower and can include where the couple is registered for gifts and even a QR code to their registries. Bachelorette and bachelor party invitations are another important piece of stationery, and their designs can be more casual and fun. These should include the meeting point if everyone is travelling together. Bridesmaid proposal cards are another simple type of stationery, usually featuring minimal text, and are often delivered in person.

Other pre-wedding stationery can include custom stamps, envelope seals, and stickers to add a personal touch and tie your aesthetic together. Return address labels can also be a fun part of your wedding brand identity, and belly bands can be used to fasten envelopes for a rustic vibe.

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Day-of stationery

Wedding stationery is an umbrella term for all the paper goods you'll need for your wedding, from the necessary invitations to the sentimental extras. Day-of stationery refers to the paper goods you'll need on the day of your wedding. This includes items like programs, place cards, and menu cards. These items can be designed by a hired stationer to create a cohesive aesthetic for your wedding.

Programs are an important part of day-of stationery as they provide guests with a schedule of events and can include information such as the names of the wedding party, song lyrics for any group songs, and explanations of any cultural or religious traditions being incorporated into the ceremony. They can be designed to match the aesthetic of your wedding invitations and other stationery.

Place cards are another essential piece of day-of stationery, especially if you are having a seated dinner at your reception. They help direct guests to their assigned tables and seats, ensuring a smooth and organized seating process. Place cards can be designed in a variety of styles, from simple and elegant to creative and whimsical, to match the overall theme of your wedding.

Menu cards are also a popular choice for day-of stationery, especially if you are having a plated meal or want to provide guests with information about the food and beverage options available. They can be designed to match the aesthetic of your wedding and can include details such as the names of the dishes, a description of each item, and any relevant dietary information.

In addition to these essential items, there are other optional pieces of day-of stationery that you may want to consider, such as table numbers, welcome signs, and thank-you cards. Table numbers help guests find their assigned tables, while welcome signs can add a decorative touch and provide guests with information about the day's events. Thank-you cards are typically sent out after the wedding, but it's a nice touch to include a personal note of appreciation for each guest's attendance and any gifts they may have brought.

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Post-wedding stationery

Wedding stationery is a comprehensive term for all the printed materials used in wedding planning and to share information about the wedding. It includes all the paper goods you'll need before, during, and after the wedding.

Post-wedding, thank-you cards are a must. It is customary to send a thank-you note to each guest who attended the wedding, especially those who brought gifts. These cards are typically folded, ranging in size from A7 (5" x 7" when folded) to A2 (4.25" x 5.5" when folded) with a coordinating envelope. They can also be sent out as postcards (no bigger than 4.25" x 5.5").

It is a good idea to designate someone to write down who gave what gift so that you can properly express your gratitude in your note. You may choose to thank all the guests who attended, whether they brought a gift or not.

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Hiring a stationer

Wedding stationery is an important part of the wedding planning process. It includes all the paper goods you'll need before, during, and after your wedding, from engagement party invites to thank-you cards. While it is possible to DIY your wedding stationery, hiring a professional stationer has its benefits.

A professional stationer will be able to create a cohesive look for all your wedding stationery, from invitations to place cards. They will have the experience and expertise to make the process easy and fun, ensuring you stay on schedule and within your budget. Stationery designers know how to work with printers and understand different printing techniques to get the best results. They will also be able to advise on font choices and create custom artwork to match your wedding style and aesthetic.

When choosing a stationer, it's important to find someone who understands your style and vision for your wedding. Look for a stationer who can create custom designs and offer unique add-ons, such as pretty papers, glistening foils, and dreamy colours. Request samples or view their portfolio to get a sense of their work and whether it aligns with your taste.

It's also essential to consider your budget when hiring a stationer. Discuss pricing upfront and be clear about what is included in their services. Shop around and compare prices, but remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Instead, look for someone who offers quality and understands your needs.

Finally, don't forget to check their availability and turnaround times. Wedding stationery can be a lengthy process, so ensure your chosen stationer can commit to your timeline and deliver everything you need when you need it.

Frequently asked questions

Wedding stationery is any printed material that you may need for your wedding, including invitations, save-the-dates, thank you cards, menus, and place cards.

A wedding stationery set, or suite, can include an outer envelope, an inner envelope, an envelope liner, a main invitation, details or insert card, an RSVP card, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for guests to send back their responses.

Wedding stationery serves a practical purpose by providing guests with important information about the wedding, such as the date, time, and location. It can also be used to communicate the style and theme of the wedding, and contribute to the wedding decor.

A wedding stationer is someone who creates custom or semi-custom wedding stationery. They can be artists, graphic designers, or calligraphers, and may work with individuals to create unique designs that reflect their personalities and wedding aesthetic.

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