Wedding Stationery can seem like such a minefield. What you should and shouldn't get, is it needed, or is it personal choice. Well here's where I will try to help with out little check list.
Wedding stationery is totally personal choice and it doesn't have to cost a fortune either. Here I will go through what is on offer and what you should have and what is totally personal choice as an addition.
Next week I will go into more detail of what styles of invitations there are and give you a little more information on those.First things first
Stationery is a huge area which not only concerns the wedding invites and on the day items it also includes the lead up to it. Here are a few things you may want to have. (all these are totally optional)
Will you be my Bridesmaid/ Best man Proposals
So, you've started looking at getting married and have now chosen who you want to be in your bridal party. You could ask them by sending them a proposal card. These often include little verses to ask for their help in your special day.Save The Date's
Save the dates are there to let you guests know of your upcoming wedding, it gives them the chance to book time off work and make sure they will be available to attend. These are usually sent out 18 months to a year before hand.
Save the dates are only intended to state the date of your wedding and occasionally the location if it is for abroad or people have to travel to attend. They also inform guests that they will be receiving a formal invitation at a later date with the details.
Wedding Invitations
This is often were people get confused firstly remember you only need ONE invite per family or couple. We often hear of people not realising until they have started handing them out and they have lots left over.
These are to be returned to yourself informing if your guests will or won't be attending, providing any dietary requirements they may have and may also include menu choices or transport if you have provided those options
Guest information
This is any information you need to provide your guests, whether it be maps and directions.These are useful if you have to travel and guests are not local. Accommodation for the venue if it offers it with price guides or other local hotels and B&Bs. Transport if you are providing any or local taxi companies.
Gift Lists/ Poems
Gift registry or a gift poem can be included so your guests know what you would like as a gift. Poems often include requests for money towards a honeymoon, house or savings.
Menus
Menus are often included when you have a choice of what meals are available. Guests then inform you of their options when they return their RSVP cards.
Evening Invitations
Your day guests would not require these as you add to the bottom of your invitation that an evening reception follows. These invitations are often a simpler version of your day time ones and include all the time, date and reception details. You may wish to add an RSVP card and hotel information also.
Wedding Day
So the big day has arrived, what stationery do you require to help your day run a little more smoothly
After the Wedding
Other Optional Extras
With all the main details accounted for there are many extras you might have planned.
You may want signage for other extras you have (sweet cart, photobooth)
Do you want guests to leave you messages of congratulations, date ideas or well wishes. For these you may require a Guest Book, Well wishes cards, or tags.
Do you favours? Do they need stickers, or tags to finish them off? Are you providing a free drink via scratch card tokens or drinks vouchers.
I hope this makes planning a little easier and explains some of the options available to you.