The Write Style

Your wedding stationery gives guests the first glimpse of your wedding ‘personality’ but with so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start! A wedding stationery specialist will guide you on your choices and help you find the right solutions to match your brief and your budget. Here are some of the key elements to include in your wedding stationery suite:

Save the Date

Your ‘Save the Date’ should be sent at least 6 months before your big day and can be a useful way to whittle down your guest list before distributing your official invitations. The most practical ‘Save the Date’ is digital, but there are some fun alternatives like scratchoff date cards, magnets, luggage tags or personalised macaron bomboniere boxes.

Invitations

Send these out 3 months ahead of the wedding. Invitations set the tone for your wedding and give your guests the honour of accepting. You can hint at your colours and theme, and include information like RSVP, directions, accommodation options and gift registries. When it comes to design, the world is your oyster.

Wedding website

Create your wedding website at least 4 months before. A wedding website can serve as an alternative or an add-on to your wedding invitation and is particularly appealing because it usually comes with an online RSVP system that’s easy to use. A wedding website also enables you to share additional details about your personal love story. Couples that set up a website often include the link on their printed invitation for reply purposes.

Welcome poster

Welcoming your guests to your wedding is a nice touch and can be used to guide guests to the chapel upon arrival. Usually placed on an easel, they can be dressed with foliage and other decor items. Your poster might include a programme for the day, a special thank you, or a request for an ‘unplugged wedding’ where guests are asked to turn off their phones prior to the ceremony.

Programme

A printed programme with a clear and concise order of service helps your day to flow smoothly and makes sure that guests know what is happening when, and where they need to be throughout the day so that no one misses your special moments.

Seating plan

A seating plan is vital for any wedding. A large print placed on an easel or in a frame is the more traditional format but you can get creative: stringing cards on twine, etching into perspex or using vinyl on a mirror or piece of acrylic. If you are ‘theming’ your wedding, then you may want to incorporate this into your seating arrangement. For example, a travel theme could have a world map with guests assigned to cities or countries.

Place cards

Place cards are an extension of your seating plan and guide guests to their seat at the table. Depending on your theme and budget you can get really creative here, from foiled or embossed card, laser cut wood, etched acrylic… the options are endless!

Table number cards

Table numbers (or names) are one of the more practical details of your reception but they definitely don’t need to be boring! They should be legible and easy for your guests to spot on the table and enhance – rather than detract from – your wedding décor.

Menu cards

Your menu card should also be seen as an extension of your décor and theme. The menu card can be combined with your table number, or form part of your guests’ individual place cards. Alternately, make a statement by designing a customised menu card in the form of a circular underplate, a gorgeous pennant laid neatly on your side plate, or a smaller version tied to your napkin.

Confetti

Throwing confetti invites guests to add their ‘hooray’ to your celebration, whether you choose to throw rose petals, fresh flowers or greenery. Personalised confetti cones are popular, as are organza bags, but you can also have open-ended envelopes made up in a semi-transparent paper with a message such as “When Ryan and Jax pass your way, toss the confetti and yell Hooray!” printed on the front. Branded bubble confetti also makes for some lovely photo opportunities.

We hope these ideas inspire you to have fun with your stationery planning! And if the myriad of options feels a little overwhelming, book a consultation with a wedding stationery professional and let them guide you through the process.

Barefeet Film & Photo