The stationery for your wedding is the first and last formal communication your guests receive from you; the first being your save the date cards or invitations, the last being your thank you notes. Your stationery is the thread that ties all your wedding events together and unifies your weddings design.
It is one of the most important components in which your effort and attention to detail is tangible and appreciated. Unlike the other elements of your wedding – the food, the music, even the flowers your stationery is permanent. Every single piece is a keepsake, created for you as a symbol of one of the most special days of your life.
Save the Date!
These cards are sent to guests long before invitations to inform them of the wedding date and location. They are especially helpful for out of town guests or if your wedding date is over a holiday weekend.
Order: As soon as you know your wedding.Send: Ideally six months before the wedding.
Invitations
The centerpiece of your wedding stationery. Your invitations are the first tangible evidence your guests have of your event and provide you with the perfect opportunity to set the tone whether it be black tie or brunch.
Order: Three to four months before your wedding.
Send: Eight weeks before the wedding.
Reply Cards
These cards are sent with your invitations with a self-addressed stamped envelope. By returning the card your guests are letting you know that they understand all the details of your wedding and if they will be there or not.
Order: With your invitations.
Send: With your invitations.
Reception Cards
A must if your ceremony and reception will be at two different places, or if you have separate guests list for each event.
Order: With your invitations.
Send: With your invitations.
Event & Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
If you are hosting a destination wedding and plan to provide fun activities for your guests to enjoy you will need to know who plans to attend each event. You can combine a rehearsal dinner, an afternoon of golf, a cocktail party and a morning after brunch all on one invitation. This is a fun way to get people excited about what you have in store for them and it makes planning a lot easier on you by knowing who will be at each function.
Order: Two to three months before the wedding.
Send: Two weeks after your invitations.
Favorite Things
The perfect treat for your out of towners. Let them know where to get a good cup of coffee, a slice of pizza and who has the best martinis. You could also add the weekend itinerary. Put it in a welcome bag all ready for them when they check into their hotel room and you have instantly made them feel at home.
Order: Six weeks before the wedding.
Programs
Programs are a wonderful way to make your guests feel a part of your ceremony. They also provide you with an opportunity to tie the theme of your event together and make great keepsakes for your guests.
Order: Six weeks before the wedding.
Gift Tags
Personalized gift tags for your wedding favors, guests welcome bags, wedding party gifts and more.
Order: Six weeks before your wedding.
Escort Cards
Small cards that direct your guest to their table.
Order: Six weeks before the wedding.
Table Numbers
You will need to mark each table so your guest will know which table they have a place at. It is fun to give your tables names that have special meaning to you as a couple, such as places you have traveled together or landmarks such as rivers, mountains or hiking trails in the area. Another opportunity to personalize your wedding and make it different from others you and your guests have been to in the past.
Order: Six weeks before your wedding.
Menu Cards
Menu cards are gaining in popularity and are much appreciated by guests. No one enjoys sitting down to a meal when they haveno idea what is about to be served.
Order: Six weeks before your wedding.
Place Cards
Small cards with individual names placed at each table setting informing your guests where to sit. A fun opportunity for you to play match maker with your single friends and a must if you are serving more than one entrée at a sit down dinner.
Order: Six weeks before your wedding.
Guest Book
This is an area where we can really have some fun. There are so many ways to record the presence of your guests at your wedding. Whether it’s in a traditional sign in book made just for you, fun snapshots of themselves or making a wishing well for them to share their love for you. Thinking outside the box creates endless possibilities.
Order: At least six weeks before your wedding.
Wedding Announcements
There are always going to be people that you could not invite to your wedding but you want to share your good news with.
Order: With your invitations.
Send: Immediately after your wedding.
Thank You Notes
Handwritten notes from both of you should thank guests for their gifts and presence.
Order: Six weeks before your wedding.
Send: No later than one month after your honeymoon.
