Couples can be unsure of what stationery pieces they'll need for their wedding. We're happy to help you choose what you'll need based on the style, location and budget of your big day.
STAGE 1. SAVE THE DATE CARDS Order 10 to 18 months before the big day
What's it for? Once your venue has been confirmed, order your save the date cards. These go out 10 to 18 months before the wedding to ensure guests mark their calendars ahead of time. Most important if you’re having a destination wedding, and can be as elaborate or simple as you like. Details of a wedding website can be included to direct guests to any further details.
Do I need it? If your wedding is going to be in a popular holiday spot or season, your guests will need a save the date so they know to book accommodation or travel in advance. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to skip letterpress for the save the date and opt for digital print instead.
STAGE 2. WEDDING INVITATIONS Order 8 to 3 months before the big day
What's it for? The invitation is a foretaste of your wedding day style. From this card, guests can deduce various things about your wedding, including:
The wedding theme: Inspired by The Great Gatsby, barely blush or homespun romance, what is your wedding style? By offering a little insight into your wedding theme, guests will get excited about being invited to such a great wedding.
The level of formality: A morning suit or chinos and a polo? Guests need to know what is expected of them.
The who, what, where, and when? Give your guests the important information however you like. It can be traditional, mysterious, funny, whatever; but there are certain things you simply cannot leave off of the invitation card, the last thing you want are guests showing up 3 hours late for your wedding ceremony!
Do I need it? If you want people to be there, you’re going to need an invitation!
THE RSVP CARD
What's it for? If you need to know how many guests to expect, you'll need some form of RSVP. Some guests will return an RSVP card promptly, while others may appreciate the convenience of being able to RSVP via text or email.
Do I need it? If you’re having a formal wedding reception with sit down meal, you will absolutely need an RSVP card. If on the other hand you’re having a more informal reception, it’s still a useful way to estimate how much food your caterer should prepare. Having a small or intimate venue often means there isn’t enough space for everyone you’d like to be there. Guests declining can allow you to invite others instead, so when ordering invitations, allow for a second round.
THE PARTICULARS CARD
What's it for? If you’d like to give your guests the details on your wedding itinerary, accommodation, directions and gift registry, you can put this information on a particulars card.
Do I need it? It isn't entirely necessary to bombard guests with endless amounts of information. Remember most of your guests are able to Google your venue, find suitable accommodation and work out how to get there themselves. If your budget won't stretch to particulars cards or there’s simply too much information to fit on one piece of paper, consider directing them to a wedding website. There are many free options out there, even for those with little to no knowledge of web design. All you'll need to do is direct guests to your website by including the URL somewhere on your stationery.
STAGE 3. ‘DAY OF WEDDING’ STATIONERY Order 4 to 2 months before the big day
ORDER OF SERVICE / CEREMONY PROGRAM
What's it for? While your guests are waiting for you to walk down the aisle, they can read the program to learn who’s who, what’s coming next and the words for any hymns or readings.
Do I need it? For a short civil ceremony with no wedding party, you can forego these. If you want your guests to sing, stand or participate in the ceremony, they’ll need instruction. This is also the best place to honour the wedding party and any loved ones who couldn’t be there.
TABLE PLAN, TABLE NAMES/NUMBERS AND PLACE CARDS
What's it for? At a sit down reception, the table plan, table names/numbers and place cards are used by guests to locate their table and find their seat.
Do I need it? If you’re having a large reception with many tables it will be difficult for your guests to find their seat without these items. Unaided your guests will be wandering around the venue for hours, while their wedding breakfast is getting cold. For small, intimate weddings with one large table, place cards would be sufficient.
THE MENU
What’s it for? The menu card can be used one per person at a plated dinner reception or perhaps one or two per table to show their guests what grub is going to be served.
Do I need it? Although a little extravagant, wedding menus can make a lovely keepsake for you and your guests. It’s possible for the menu to serve as a place card, with space left for digitally printing or calligraphing the name on the card.
STAGE 4. THANK YOU CARDS Order on or around the big day
What’s it for? A thank you card is a tasteful way to say thanks to family and friends for a wedding gift, support or just attending your special day.
Do I need it? What could be lovelier than a personalised and handwritten thank you card. If at this point your budget is exhausted, at least pick up the phone or send an email to show your appreciation.