A Guide to Wedding Stationery
Congratulations on your engagement! As you dive into wedding planning, one of the first elements you'll likely encounter is wedding stationery. This includes everything from save-the-dates to thank-you cards. Not only does stationery provide essential information to your guests, but it also sets the tone and style for your entire wedding. To get you started, here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the world of wedding stationery.
Photo by Perry Vaile.
Save-the-Dates: The First Impression
Save-the-dates are your guests' first glimpse of your wedding. They typically go out 6-8 months before the big day. If you're planning a destination wedding or a celebration during peak travel times, we recommend sending them out as early as 8-10 months in advance to ensure that guests do not make any conflicting plans and can begin making travel arrangements.
Your save-the-dates can be as formal or informal as you like. They should include your names, the wedding date, and the location (city and state). If you have a wedding website, this is a great place to share that information too. Choose a design that reflects your wedding theme and gives a hint of what’s to come—this is a perfect opportunity to showcase your engagement photos!
Photo by Sophie Kaye.
Invitations: The Main Event
Your wedding invitations are the heart of your stationery suite, including crucial details like the date, time, and location of your ceremony and reception. When designing your invitations, consider the overall aesthetic you want to portray. Whether it’s classic and understated elegance, trendy and modern, or whimsical and romantic, your invitations should mirror the vibe of your wedding day. A typical invitation suite includes an invitation card, an RSVP card with a return envelope, a details card (accommodations, directions, dress code, wedding website), and optionally, a reception card if the ceremony and reception are at different locations.
Invitations should be mailed out about 8-12 weeks before the wedding. For destination weddings, consider sending them even earlier, around 12-16 weeks before the event, to give your guests ample time to make travel arrangements, update their passports, or book accommodations. Be mindful that the USPS can be unreliable—account for potential delays in your timeline and consider sending your invitations earlier than planned to avoid any uncertainty.
Photos by Sophie Kaye, Perry Vaile, Elizabeth LaDuca, Stephanie Vegliante, and Christian Oth.
Day-of Stationery: Tying it All Together
On the day of your wedding, stationery continues to play an important role. This includes items such as ceremony programs, escort cards, menus, and signage. These pieces not only provide helpful information to your guests but also enhance the decor and experience of your day. We typically recommend that the design of your day-of stationery is consistent with your overall theme and invitation suite– tying it all together!
Typically, you will need to have all of your RSVPs in before placing your day-of paper order to ensure an accurate headcount and guest list. Aim to place your order for day-of stationery items about 1-2 months before the wedding, though items not dependent on final numbers, such as custom cocktail napkins, can often be ordered earlier.
Photos by Sophie Kaye, Perry Vaile, and Elizabeth LaDuca.
Thank-You Cards: A Gracious Ending
After the wedding festivities have ended, it’s time to show gratitude to your guests. Thank-you cards are a thoughtful way to express your appreciation for their presence and gifts. Each card should include a personal note of thanks and mention the specific gift received or a memorable moment shared. Try to send them out within three months of your wedding day.
Photo by Elizabeth LaDuca.
Keep It Consistent
From save-the-dates to thank-you cards, consistency is key in wedding stationery. Choose a cohesive design theme that ties all elements together, whether it's through color schemes, fonts, or motifs. This consistency not only looks polished but also reinforces the overall atmosphere and theme of your wedding. If you’re unsure about your wedding theme or struggling to decide on a design, check out our “What’s Your Wedding Style?” quiz below for inspiration.
Your wedding stationery is more than just paper; it’s a way to communicate with your guests and share the excitement of your upcoming celebration. By carefully selecting and designing each piece, you can create a cohesive and beautiful presentation that enhances the entire experience from start to finish. Happy planning!