Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and wedding stationery is an essential part of the process. From engagement party invites to thank-you cards, there are many types of stationery to consider for your big day. Wedding stationery sets the tone for the event and helps build excitement for guests. It is also a reflection of the couple's style and can include various design elements that tell their unique story. This guide will provide an overview of the different types of wedding stationery and offer tips for choosing the right options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To outline what guests can expect at the wedding, from the invitation right down to the table numbers |
| Timing | Save-the-dates should be sent 6-8 months in advance, engagement party invites 2-3 months in advance, and thank-you cards within 3 weeks of receiving gifts |
| Content | The invitation card, reception card, response card, and enclosure card with extra details for guests |
| Design | The stationery should reflect the wedding theme and/or colour palette |
| Format | The invitation card is the largest, followed by the reception card, response card, and enclosure card |
| Size | Typically A7 (5" x 7") with a coordinating A7 envelope; formal invitations may include an outer A7.5 envelope |
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What You'll Learn
Invitations
Wedding invitations are the most important piece of wedding stationery. They are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding, setting the tone and giving an idea of the style of the event. They also include all the crucial information about your wedding day.
The invitation card itself should include the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the wedding, along with dress code information. If the reception is at a different venue, this should be made clear, either on a separate reception card or the invitation itself.
A traditional wedding invitation suite is made up of five different cards: the invitation card, an inner and outer envelope, a response card, and an enclosure card. The outer envelope should include the recipient's address and postage stamps, while the inner envelope should include the title and last name of the invitees. The response card should include space for the recipient's name, their response, and the number of guests attending, along with any dietary requirements or meal options. Enclosure cards provide extra details such as accommodation, travel, and parking information, and directions to the venues.
Before sending out your invitations, you may want to send ''save the date' cards, particularly if you are getting married abroad or inviting guests from abroad. These should include the names of the couple, the date, and the city where the wedding will take place, along with a wedding website for more information.
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Save-the-dates
Save-the-date cards are a polite way of providing guidance to your wedding guests. They are not a mandatory part of your wedding stationery, but they are a nice gesture, especially if your wedding is near a holiday or you have several out-of-town guests. They are also perfect for couples who need to give their guests advance notice of the wedding, particularly if you are getting married abroad.
Save-the-date cards are usually sent out about six to eight months before the wedding and include very little information. All you'll need to include are the bride and groom's names, the date, and the city or area where the wedding will be held. You may also include a wedding website to direct guests to more information. It is common to put "formal invitation to follow" at the bottom of the card.
Save-the-date cards do not have to coordinate with your wedding, but some couples prefer to match them with their wedding invitations for a cohesive look. When it comes to card size, the standard size is A7 (5" x 7") with a coordinating A7 envelope. However, formal invitations may also include an outer A7.5 envelope to enclose the entire suite.
When creating your save-the-date cards, consider your wedding theme or colour palette to achieve a cohesive look for your wedding stationery. You can also add personal touches to make your stationery unique and reflect your personality as a couple.
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RSVP cards
When including an RSVP card, it is important to provide a separate card for responses, even if you are requesting that guests reply online. This is because including website information or RSVP information on the main invitation can clutter the design. The response card should include the reply-by date, a line for the guest's name, a response (either 'accepts' or 'regrets'), and a space for the number of guests attending. You may also want to include a meal option.
It is recommended that you list all your wedding stationery requirements before placing your order. This will help you decide what is essential and will assist you in staying within your budget.
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Thank-you cards
You can coordinate the design of your thank-you cards with the rest of your wedding stationery, perhaps even including photographs from your wedding day. This is a great way to create a cohesive look and feel throughout your wedding stationery suite. If you are hiring a stationer, they can help you with this.
It is recommended that you send your thank-you cards within three weeks of receiving your gifts. This is a good opportunity to thank your guests for their presence and their gifts. You can also include a personal message to each guest, perhaps even mentioning the gift they gave you and how you plan to use it.
When planning your wedding stationery, it is a good idea to put together a list of all the items you will need to print. This will help you to stay organised, on budget, and ensure you don't miss anything. You can then decide which items are essential and which you may not need.
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Envelopes
The size of your envelopes will depend on the size of your invitations. Traditionally, wedding invitations are sent in A7 envelopes (5" x 7"), with a coordinating A7 envelope. If you're sending formal invitations, you may also wish to include an outer A7.5 envelope to enclose the entire suite. This is a good idea if you want your guests to receive a pristine envelope, as the outer envelope is likely to suffer some wear and tear in the post.
When addressing your envelopes, the outer envelope should include the recipient's address on the front, with postage stamps in the upper right-hand corner. Be sure to double-check the postage amount before mailing and request hand-cancelling at the post office to avoid any mishaps. The inner envelope should include the title and last name of the invitees.
If you plan to include RSVP cards with your invitations, you will need to choose envelopes that can fit the invitation, any enclosure cards, and the RSVP card inside. These envelopes should be postmarked and included with the invitation, with the purpose of encouraging recipients to let you know if they will attend the wedding.
Finally, don't forget to consider envelopes for any other stationery you may be sending, such as save-the-date cards, engagement party invitations, or thank-you cards.
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Frequently asked questions
The most essential piece of wedding stationery is the wedding invitation. This is where guests will find all the essential information about the day, such as the date, time, and venue. Other essential types of wedding stationery include RSVP cards, thank you cards, and save-the-date cards.
Optional types of wedding stationery include engagement party invites, bridal shower invites, bachelorette/bachelor party invites, and hen party invites. These are a great opportunity to match the invitation to the theme of the party.
A traditional wedding invitation suite is made up of five different cards: the invitation card, a reception card, an RSVP card, an accommodation card, and a detail card. The invitation card is the most important and should include the host of the wedding, the couple's names, the wedding date and time, the venue name, and the city and state.
The standard size for wedding invitations is A7 (5" x 7") with a coordinating A7 envelope. Formal invitations may also include an outer A7.5 envelope to enclose the entire suite.
