Wedding stationery sets the tone for your celebration, giving your guests their first glimpse of your big day. From the moment they receive your Save-the-Dates to the time they sit at your beautifully adorned reception tables, each piece plays a vital role. Whether you’re hosting a destination wedding or a local affair, understanding the timing, quantity, and essentials for each stationery item ensures everything flows smoothly.
Here’s a complete guide to your wedding stationery suite, including when to send them, how many you’ll need, and a few extra touches that will leave a lasting impression.
Save-the-Dates
Save-the-Dates are your official announcement to guests about the wedding date and location, allowing them to mark their calendars early. This is especially crucial for destination weddings, where guests may need to book flights and accommodations well in advance.
Timing:
Local Weddings: 6-8 months before the wedding.
Destination Weddings: 8-12 months prior, giving guests ample time to make travel arrangements.
Quantity:
Order one per household, not per guest. It’s always wise to order an additional 10-15% more than your guest list in case of last-minute additions or mailing mishaps.
ProTip: Include your wedding website information on the Save the Date so that guests can stay informed about travel, accommodations, and the weekend itinerary once those details are finalized.
Wedding Invitations
Your invitation suite is more than just a card—it’s a reflection of your wedding’s theme, formality, and overall vibe. It typically includes the main invitation, RSVP card, and any additional information like hotel accommodations, transportation, or a wedding website link. The Save the date will include the website, while the invitation will provide additional details and specifics.
Timing:
Local Weddings: Send out 6-8 weeks before the wedding date.
Destination Weddings: Send 3-4 months before to give guests plenty of time to finalize travel plans.
Quantity:
Again, one per household. You should order around 10-15 extra sets for unexpected changes, keepsakes, and to send to vendors or for photography.
Reception Stationery
The reception stationery is where you can truly personalize and elevate your guest experience. This includes signage, menus, table numbers, and bar menus.
Signage:
From welcome signs to seating charts, signage guides guests through your event. For destination weddings, consider including signs with transportation details, timelines, or even local cultural notes.
Menus:
Menus let your guests know what delicious treats to expect during the reception. If you have a signature cocktail or a multi-course meal, highlight these on customized bar and dinner menus.
If you’re placing one menu per guest, order as many as the number of guests. Alternatively, you can place one menu per table for a more communal dining feel.
Table Numbers:
Ensure your guests find their seats easily with beautifully designed table numbers that match your overall wedding theme. Order one per table, keeping in mind you’ll need to know the final guest count and seating arrangements.
Thank You Cards
Thank you cards are a heartfelt way to express gratitude to your guests for attending your wedding and for their thoughtful gifts. It’s the final touch of your wedding stationery suite and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
Timing:
Local Weddings: Send these within 1-2 months after the wedding.
Destination Weddings: Guests who traveled to attend your wedding will appreciate a thank you card within 1-2 months as well. You might want to include a personal note thanking them for making
Beyond the essentials
There are additional stationery pieces that can truly elevate your wedding experience.
Personalized vow books are a beautiful keepsake for you and your partner to cherish your heartfelt words long after the big day.
Programs guide guests through your ceremony and or reception.
Weekend itinerary; need some weekend ideas enter my blog.
Ceremony fans offer a practical and stylish way to keep cool during outdoor weddings.
Add some fun with interactive elements like selfie mirrors for guests to snap memories
Custom dance floor decals that make a bold statement at your reception.
Each of these personalized touches enhances your day and creates a memorable experience for you and your guests.
Plan with Purpose: Create a Seamless Experience with Your Wedding Stationery
Thank you for diving into the world of wedding stationery with me! From setting the tone with your Save-the-Dates to the final touches like Thank You cards, your stationery plays a key role in crafting an unforgettable wedding day experience.
I’m ready to help you create a cohesive, beautifully designed wedding that reflects your love story. Whether you're planning a destination wedding or keeping it local, I’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring all the details are perfectly timed and tailored to your vision.
Let's bring your dream wedding to life, one thoughtfully crafted piece at a time. Reach out to me today, and let’s get started on planning the celebration of a lifetime.
I'm here for you! Contact Thais
Let's create magic together!
I’m Thais, your detail-loving, time-saving wedding planner. I orchestrate the overall vision while collaborating with the best vendors to deliver a stunning event that leaves your guests in awe.
Credits:
All the stationery shown is created by Paper Crafts, located in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
Talented photographers are linked in each photo. #WilliamdelaCruz #YodalisLopezPhotography and #APhotoGallery
#puertoricoweddingplanner #weddingstationery #weddingguide #weddingtips #puertoricoweddingplanner #destinationweddingplanner
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