What stationery do I need for my wedding? We have the answers
Wedding stationery is a perfect way to add a personalised touch to your special day. With so much to think about on the run-up to your wedding, it can be easy to forget about the little printed materials that not only show your guests that you care about the details but can also help with the logistics of the day and make sure that everything runs smoothly. Read on to discover what stationery you might need before, during and after the big event.
Before the day:
Save the Dates
Save the dates generally contain your names, the date and the location of your special day. Usually sent six to eight months before the wedding, this simple piece of wedding stationery helps to prompt your guests to keep their eyes peeled for a formal invitation. Save-the-dates tend to be more informal and don’t have to fit the theme of your wedding, allowing you to have more creative freedom over the design.
Invitations
Finalised your guest list? Now it’s time to send out those all-important invitations. While your Save the Dates may not be themed, your wedding invitations are a perfect way to show your guests what they can expect from your wedding day. Whether you are opting for a more laid-back affair or a glamorous occasion with extra finesse, your wedding invitation will communicate whether it is a black-tie event or something more casual. With a professional design, your invitations can be personalised to you.
Logistically, invitations are an essential component in your wedding planning and can help people make travel arrangements in advance.
RSVP Cards
RSVP cards are usually sent around 8 weeks before the wedding date, although they can be mailed out with the invitation. These cards are great for indicating catering numbers and your guest’s food choices. While RSVP cards are small (usually around 4×6″ in size) and it is essential that the design is simple so that the text is easy to read, with a graphic designer you can link your RSVP card visually to your wedding invite so that your theme is consistent across your wedding stationery.
On the day:
Order of Service
Guiding your guests through the ceremony, an Order of Service can ensure that everything on the day goes smoothly and that you can get hitched without a hitch! Your order of service may contain details about you and your partner, your closest family, as well as a timeline of the day. This stationery is ideal for all kinds of events, from church weddings to civil ceremonies. From a print perspective, your Order of Service can come flat, folded or in a booklet format.
Table Plan
A table plan might not sound like the most inspiring piece of wedding stationery that you can invest in, but it gives you a brilliant opportunity to create a fun representation of your seating arrangements while preventing any confusion or chaos around the tables. The materials used in the design and print of your table plan can be tailored to the type of wedding you are having; while they are usually printed on hard-backed boards, if your event is outdoors our professional print studio can ensure that it is both waterproof and has a matte finish so that it is visible and can be deciphered in bright light.
Table Numbers
Another way of preventing confusion at your wedding reception, table numbers are an excellent addition to your dressed tables and can complete the look of your venue while guiding your guests to their seat. Made of premium materials and a stand-out design, your table numbers can be a sweet keepsake to cherish after your wedding day.
Menu
If the guests haven’t ordered their food in advance via the RSVP card, then you will need a menu. These are usually no more than A5 in size, and many venues have a set menu for guests to choose from. With a bespoke design and print team, you can choose whether your menu is flat or folded and create a unique design that gets your guests talking.
After the day:
Thank you cards
Your special day has come to an end, now it’s time to wrap up your wedding stationery. Sending a thank you card is an ideal token of appreciation, thanking your guests for attending the event or for giving you a wedding gift. Whether you want to personalise it or keep it short and sweet, it’s best to send your thank you cards about three weeks after the wedding. Make your guests smile again and relive the crazy dancing, speeches and general cheer of the day.
With a talented design team and an in-house print studio, Team Valley Printers can help you design a premium, personalised product for your wedding. For more information on our stationery services, click here.