Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and it's easy to get lost in the details. From engagement parties to thank-you cards, there are many paper goods to consider for your big day. The right stationery can add a personal touch, enhance your wedding aesthetic, and provide practical information for your guests. So, what paper goods do you need for your wedding day? This checklist will guide you through the essential items and help you create a cohesive and memorable experience for you and your guests.
Paper Goods for a Wedding Day
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Save-the-date cards | Sent 6-8 months before the wedding |
| Engagement party invitations | Optional |
| Invitation suite | Includes RSVP details, reception information, and registry information |
| Ceremony signs | Important if the venue is hard to find or has multiple weddings in one day |
| Seating chart | Printed on a board or displayed creatively |
| Escort cards | Tell guests which table they are sitting at |
| Place cards | Assign guests to a specific seat at the table |
| Table numbers | Printed or displayed in a photo frame |
| Menu cards | Give an overview of the meal |
| Favor tags | Personalize end-of-night gifts |
| Welcome tags | Accompany a welcome basket for out-of-town guests |
| Ceremony programs | Can be included for traditional or mixed-faith ceremonies |
| Social media signage | Communicate preferences for an unplugged ceremony or a specific hashtag |
| Thank-you cards | Sent after the wedding to thank guests for their gifts and presence |
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What You'll Learn
Save-the-date cards, invitations, and RSVPs
Save-the-date cards:
Save-the-date cards are typically sent out 6-8 months before your wedding day. They are a precursor to your formal wedding invitations and a great way to let your guests know that they will be invited. This gives your guests enough time to plan their schedules, make travel arrangements, and RSVP in advance, especially if your wedding is during peak season or at a destination. Save-the-date cards can be simple and fun, and you can personalize them with your photo, font, or template to match your wedding theme. They usually include the names of the couple, the date and location of the wedding, and an indication that a formal invitation will follow.
Invitations:
Your wedding invitations are the official communication that your guests will receive, containing important details such as the specific time and location of your wedding, registry information, and your wedding website. They are typically sent out after the save-the-date cards and should match the tone and style of your wedding. You can choose from various paper types, such as recycled, pearlescent, or linen, and add custom foil for a luxurious touch. Invitations also serve as the official time for guests to RSVP and choose their dining preferences, as well as provide information on any "plus ones" they may be bringing.
RSVPs:
RSVPs are an important part of your wedding planning process as they help you determine the final headcount for your wedding day. You can collect RSVPs through various means, such as email, physical mail, or online tools and websites. It is essential to set an RSVP deadline to help you plan and organize the wedding day details, such as seating arrangements and catering.
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Table numbers, escort cards, and place cards
Table Numbers:
Table numbers are crucial, especially if you are having a large wedding with multiple tables. They guide your guests to their assigned tables. You can display table numbers in various creative ways, such as photo frames, die-cutting them into specific shapes, or even hanging tags. The numbers should be clearly visible and easy to identify for your guests. It is recommended to start designing these pieces four to six months before the wedding, finalising the quantities after receiving RSVPs.
Escort Cards:
An escort card informs a guest about their designated table. It is a helpful way to ensure your guests do not scramble for seats and can easily find a table where they know someone. Escort cards can be designed with an eye-catching display, including champagne or party favours for each guest. You can also include the names of guests in alphabetical order on the escort cards to make it easier for them to find their table.
Place Cards:
Place cards are the next step after escort cards. While escort cards indicate the table, place cards assign a specific seat to each guest at their designated table. This is particularly useful for managing complex family dynamics or seating arrangements for large wedding groups. It also helps catering staff ensure that each guest receives the correct meal, especially if you are having a sit-down dinner reception.
It is recommended to provide one escort card per couple or family, assuming they will be seated together. For place cards, you will need one per guest. The standard size for these cards is typically 2" x 3.5" (flat or folded), but custom sizes are also an option.
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Menus, programs, and signage
Menus
Menus are a standard element for every wedding. They inform your guests about the food they can expect and are useful even if guests have pre-selected their entrees on the RSVP card. You can include the starter, accompaniment, and dessert in the menu, along with sides and options to choose from. Menus can be placed atop each guest's plate or displayed as a large sign near the entrance of the reception area or a focal point in the room. You can also get creative and project the menu onto a wall, combining lighting and stationery design.
If you want to save money, you can opt for a printable menu template that you can edit and print yourself. You can also choose from a range of premium and sustainable papers from printing services like Canva.
Programs
Programs are a traditional part of weddings, especially if you're having a church or temple wedding. They can be fun and sentimental while also being formal and functional. They list all the details of your celebration, including the wedding party names, a message to your guests, the order of the ceremony, and any hashtags for event photos. You can print them on ivory parchment paper for a special look, especially for an outdoor wedding. Printable templates are a budget-friendly option, and you can edit and print them yourself.
Signage
Signage is important throughout your wedding to direct guests and provide information. Welcome signs are a great way to greet your guests, and you can feature your engagement photo on them. Directional signs are also useful, especially if your wedding is in a rural area or a venue with multiple weddings in one day. You can also have signs for your gifts table, favours table, and guest book. Don't forget to include any social media or unplugged ceremony requests on your signage or programs.
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Thank-you cards
Wording and Content
Finding the right words for your thank-you cards can be challenging, especially when it comes to non-traditional gifts like cash, experiences, or gift cards. Here are some key elements to include:
- A heartfelt message expressing your appreciation for their attendance and/or gift.
- Mention the specific gift the guest bought you, but refrain from referencing the amount for monetary gifts.
- Share how you intend to use the item or how you've used it so far.
- Include a sentence about how much you enjoyed celebrating with them and their presence on your special day.
- For charitable donations, explain why you chose to support that particular organization and its significance to you.
- Add a personal touch by writing something unique for each recipient, such as an anecdote from your wedding day or a reminder of a special moment you shared.
Design and Customization
- Select thank-you cards that align with the theme and style of your wedding and other wedding stationery.
- Consider including a wedding photograph or two to encapsulate the joy of the day.
- Add handwritten notes to printed cards to showcase your appreciation and make each guest feel valued.
Timing and Recipients
- Send thank-you cards to anyone who attended your wedding, sent a gift, or shared their best wishes.
- It is recommended to work out your wording in advance and send the cards promptly to express your gratitude in a timely manner.
- Keep a careful note of each gift and the corresponding guest to ensure no one is forgotten.
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Accommodation and welcome tags
If you're having a wedding, congratulations! It's an exciting time, but there's a lot to plan. One important aspect is the paper goods you'll need for the big day. Here are some tips and ideas for accommodation and welcome tags to help you get started:
Accommodation Cards:
If many of your guests are travelling from out of town, it's a thoughtful touch to include an accommodation card with your invitations. These cards can provide recommendations on hotels or other accommodation options in the area. Make sure to include all the relevant booking information and codes so your guests can easily reserve their stay. This is especially helpful if you don't have a wedding website with accommodation details.
Welcome Tags:
Welcome tags are a lovely way to greet your guests, especially those who have travelled to celebrate with you. These tags can be attached to welcome bags or baskets filled with small gifts and treats. Here are some ideas for what to include in your welcome tags:
- A personal note: Thank your guests for coming and express your excitement for their presence.
- Local recommendations: Include suggestions for restaurants, cafes, or attractions they can visit during their stay.
- Practical items: Consider adding a bottle of water or custom-labelled drinks, snacks, or small souvenirs like luggage tags, candles, or playing cards.
- Themed goodies: Choose items that reflect the theme of your wedding or incorporate your wedding colours.
- Wedding schedule: You can also include a brief schedule or timeline of the wedding events so guests can easily keep track of the celebrations.
Welcome tags can be as creative or simple as you like. They are a wonderful way to make your guests feel appreciated and excited for the wedding festivities. You can find ready-made tags or design your own to match your wedding stationery.
Remember, planning your wedding should be enjoyable, so take your time and don't be afraid to ask for help from your wedding party or family. Happy planning!
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