There is nothing more exciting for guests than receiving a dazzling wedding invitation through the door. Invitations and other wedding stationery establish the mood and indicate the style of your big day. However, it can become overwhelming with so much wedding stationery on offer. Therefore, we have created the ultimate Wedding Stationery Checklist to help you remain on budget, feel organised and get all the essentials well in advance.
Wedding Stationery Checklist
Pre Wedding
Wedding stationery goes beyond just the wedding invitations, so it’s important to plan ahead. Below are some optional extras to really set the scene for your celebration:
• Engagement Party Invitations
These invitations should be sent to guests you also plan on inviting to your wedding. They should detail the event date, time and location with optional information about preferred event attire. These small letters are typically A7 (5″ x 7″) in size with a matching envelope and a design that reflects your wedding concept.
• Save The Date Cards
These cards should list the bride and groom’s names, the date of the event, the wedding location, and a note explaining a formal wedding invitation will follow. They can be sent up to a year in advance, although it’s more typical to receive the cards within six to eight months of the wedding date. The card size can either be A7 or A2 (4.25″ x 5.5″).
• Bridesmaid Proposal Cards
These are usually folded A2 card with space inside to handwrite a personal message, making them the perfect sentimental gesture to ask your closest friends to be your bridesmaids.
• Bridal Shower Invitations
It is likely that the bridal party will design and send these invitations. However, there is no harm in making design suggestions! They are typically A7 in size and should be sent two to three months in advance, detailing the bridal shower’s location, time and date, and whether there is a theme.
• Bridal Shower Thank You Cards
This lovely gesture should be sent within two weeks of the bridal shower. Collect the address from each attendee from the bridal shower host and include a personalised message detailing the gift received on A7 or A6 card.
Top of our Wedding Stationery Checklist during the pre-wedding phase is, of course, the wedding invitation set. The invitation set should include:
• Invitation Card
The name of the wedding host and the bride and groom, venue, location, date and time of your big day should be included. Traditionally, these are A7 in size with a coordinating envelope.
• Response Card (RSVP)
This card should be separate from your invitation and include a date to which your guests should respond. You should include their name, space for their response and the number of their attending party. It is common to include a meal option here if applicable, especially for those with dietary requirements. These are often presented as a postcard (4.25″ x 5.5″).
On The Day
The list below are key on-the-day items from our Wedding Stationery Checklist:
• Ceremony Programs
These A7 programs outline the order of the ceremony and, therefore, can differ significantly.
• Place cards
Place cards detail a guest’s name and their corresponding seat. They are usually folded to a business card size (2″ x 3.5″) and placed on tables.
• Menu
These can vary in size but are usually A7 and inform the guests of the wedding meal, although they may not be required if you have a buffet.
Post Wedding
The final item on our Wedding Stationery Checklist are Thank You Cards. These should include the guest’s name, the received gift and an expression of appreciation for attending the wedding and their generosity. They should be sent out within three weeks of the wedding day, although if you are including photographs they are expected to be received at a later date. They are typically A7 in size and can also include the bride and groom’s change of address if applicable.
As you will have noticed from our checklist, stationery is a key part of your big day and, therefore, should be carefully designed and created. For reliable wedding stationery printing, Sherwood Universal offers bespoke and elegant designs to make your wedding day even more special.
Tony Hunt is a seasoned Print Industry Expert with over three decades of experience in the trade. He has been instrumental in helping clients expand their product ranges, secure more business, and ultimately increase their profitability. Tony’s approach is characterised by enthusiasm and passion, balanced with a realistic and tactical mindset. His expertise is further bolstered by seven years of running his own business, fostering a commercially-driven perspective. An excellent communicator, Tony prides himself on never compromising on detail.