The ultimate wedding stationery guide
If you are confused by the wonderful world of wedding stationery you are not alone.
We get asked ‘What is it all for and do I really need it?’ all of the time.
So to help we have put together a list of the what? why? how many? and when? in a clear and easy to understand format.
We also have a handy FAQ page, or if you are still scratching your head just get in touch.
Wedding stationery for before the wedding
What are they?
These are a clever way of asking your wedding guests to keep the date of your big day free. They are also a great way to introduce the style and feel of your wedding and to build anticipation!
Do I need them? – Optional but recommended
They are particularly useful if you are tying the knot on a busy summer bank holiday or on a sunny beach somewhere. Save the dates are also just a nice a way of spreading your exciting news.
How many do I need?
Order 1 card per household that you intend to invite to your wedding.
You do not send a card to the guests invited to the evening reception only.
When should I order them?
12 – 14 months before the wedding.
When should I send them out?
10 – 12 months before the wedding.
What are they?
They invite your guests to your wedding. Day invitations usually ask your guests to the marriage ceremony and to the reception.
Do I need them? – Yes
How many do I need?
Order 1 card per household that you are inviting to your wedding. If a member of the same household is single and will be bringing a guest, it is wise to send them a separate invitation.
You do not send this invitation to the guests invited to the evening reception only.
When should I order them?
5 – 6 months before the wedding.
When should I send them out?
3 – 4 months before the wedding.
What are they?
They invite your guests to the evening reception only .
Do I need them? – If you are having extra guests join your for the reception in the evening – Yes
How many do I need?
Order 1 card per household that you are only inviting to your evening reception. If a member of the same household is single and will be bringing a guest, it is wise to send them a separate invitation.
You do not send this invitation to the guests invited to the whole wedding day.
When should I order them?
5 – 6 months before the wedding, ideally at the same time as your day invitations.
When should I send them out?
2 – 4 months before the wedding.
What is it?
If you are having the names of your guests on your invitations, and your handwriting is not quite as neat as it could be – we can print their names on the invitations for you. It is also a real time saver! For the one fee we can print both the day and evening invitations and also leave a few blank if you should need them.
Do I need them printing? – Optional
How many do I need?
As it’s a one off fee, you only order ‘1’.
When should I order them?
You need to tell us to print them when you order your invitations.
What is it?
We print your envelopes for you. They will be printed to match the style and font of your chosen invitations. This is can really save you some time, and the outside of your invitations will look as beautiful as the inside.
Do I need them printing? – Optional
How many do I need?
Order 1 per invitation ordered.
When should I order them?
You need to tell us to print them when you order your invitations.
What are they?
They are a card your guest uses to tell you whether they can attend your wedding (you can send these to both your day and evening guests). As these come with either a return addressed envelope, or the address printed on the reverse, sending these with your invitations will prompt a quick response. You could maybe add extras to the card such as asking for songs for the DJ, or menu choices etc. They are also a lovely keepsake for you.
Do I need them? – Optional but recommended
How many do I need?
Order 1 card per invitation sent.
When should I order them?
With your invitations.
When should I send them out?
With your invitations.
What are they?
They are a card to give your guests all the information they need to attend your wedding (you can send these to both your day and evening guests). You can give handy travel or accommodation suggestions and also give details of any dress code etc. Think of all the information you would like to know if you were invited to a wedding and you won’t go too wrong.
Do I need them? – Optional but recommended
How many do I need?
Order 1 card per invitation sent.
When should I order them?
With your invitations.
When should I send them out?
With your invitations.
What are they?
If you do not need the larger information card but still want a more personal way to ask for wedding gifts, or maybe give your wedding website address then a small card is probably the way to go (you can send these to both your day and evening guests).
Do I need them? – Optional
How many do I need?
Order 1 card per invitation sent.
When should I order them?
With your invitations.
When should I send them out?
With your invitations.
On the day wedding stationery
What is it?
A welcome sign sits at the entrance to your venue and as it suggests, welcomes your guests to your wedding. It is a lovely gesture, you could also thank them for sharing your special day on the sign.
Do I need it? – Optional but recommended
How many do I need?
Just the one.
When should I order it?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
What are they?
The Order of service cards or booklets detail your religious marriage ceremony. The give the words of any hymns etc. and it usually acknowledges the people involved in the ceremony. They may also show any readings or music used, and the number of pages you need is dependant on the level of information you want to give. An order of service also gives your guests a lovely memento of your wedding day.
Do I need them? – Yes
How many do I need?
One booklet per couple, one per single person and one each for the members of the bridal party. You also need one for you and your partner, one for the celebrant and often you need to give one to the choir and organist if you are having those at your ceremony. Your celebrant will be able to advise you on this.
When should I order them?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
What are they?
An Order of day card or booklet (or order of events as it is sometimes called), details your non-religious marriage ceremony. The give the running order of the ceremony and usually acknowledges the people involved in the proceedings. The number of pages you need is dependant on the level of information you want to give. You can print the words of readings, music etc if they have special meanings to you. They also give your guests a lovely keepsake from your wedding day.
Do I need them? – Optional
How many do I need?
One booklet/card per couple, one per single person and one each for the members of the bridal party.
When should I order them?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
What are they?
A little card that sits on the chair reserved for your Bridal party or important family members.
Do I need them? – Optional, but useful!
How many do I need?
Order 1 per member of your Bridal party or members of your family eg Bridesmaids, parents, grandparents etc. (people who need a seat reserving).
When should I order them?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
What is it?
An order of events sign is used to tell people what is happening and when. It usually sits at the entrance to your wedding venue and is very helpful – guests need to know when they are being fed!
Do I need it? – Optional but recommended
How many do I need?
Just the one.
When should I order it?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
What are they?
Menus detail the food you will be serving to your guests. They are also a way for your reception tables to follow your stationery theme.
Do I need them? – Optional, but recommended.
How many do I need?
Order 3 per round table, 1 between 4 on long tables or 1 per guest, depending on your preference.
When should I order them?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
What is it?
Place cards show your guests their allocated seat.
Do I need them printing? – Yes
How many do I need?
Order 1 per guest.
When should I order them?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
What are they?
These cards combine a personal menu and place card. They are printed with your guest’s name and their exact menu choices.
Do I need them? – as an alternative to the place card so optional
How many do I need?
Order 1 card per guest.
When should I order them?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
What are they?
They label the tables so your guests can find their seats. Table names make the reception more personal, are an ice breaker/ talking point and avoid table number envy! Again this is a lovely way of continuing the theme of your wedding.
Do I need them? – Yes
How many do I need?
Order 1 card per table, including the top table.
When should I order them?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
What is it?
A seating plan shows your guests where they are to be seated. It is a poster sized sign, usually sited at the entrance to your reception room.
Do I need it? – Yes
How many do I need?
Order 1 up to 150 – 200 guests, any more you may need 2 (to avoid crowding!)
When should I order it?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
What are they?
Signs can be for any purpose, for example asking guests to sign you guest book, give hashtag details or even pointing to the toilets!
Do I need them? – Optional, but useful
How many do I need?
As many as you need.
When should I order them?
1 – 2 months before the wedding.
Stationery for after the wedding day
What are they?
A Card to say thank you for attending your wedding (you should send these even if the guest did not give you a gift).
Do I need them? – Yes
How many do I need?
One per household who attended the wedding.
When should I order them?
Either with your on the day stationery, or just after the wedding.
If you are still a little lost, just get in touch