Wedding Stationery Guide
If you are confused by the wonderful world of wedding stationery you are not alone. We get asked ‘What is all this for and do I really need it? So to help, we have put together a list of the what? why? how many? and when? to make your wedding stationery selection a breeze.
Save The Date Cards
A "Save the Date" is a pre-invitation notice sent out to your guests well in advance of your wedding. It's essentially a heads-up that lets them know the date and location of your big day so they can mark their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements early on.
Do I need them? Optional, but recommended.
How many do I need? Order 1 card per household that you intend to invite to your wedding. You do not send a card to the guests invited to the evening reception only.
When should I order them? 12-14 months before the wedding.
When should I send them out? 10-12 months before the wedding.
Wedding Invitations - Day & Evening
The wedding invitation formally invites your guests to the wedding. It sets the tone and gives them a sense of the style, theme, and formality of the event. It provides your guests with all the essential details they need to join you on your special day.
Do I need them? Yes, definitely.
How many do I need? Order 1 card per household that you are inviting to your wedding. If a member of the same household is single and will be bringing a guest, it is wise to send them a separate invitation. You do not send this invitation to the guests invited to the evening reception only. Evening invitations generally have slightly different wording and should be ordered separately.
When should I order them? 6-8 months before the wedding.
When should I send them out? 4-6 months before the wedding.
Details / Information Cards
A card to give your guests all the information they need to attend your wedding (you can send these to both your day and evening guests). You can give handy travel or accommodation suggestions and also give details of any dress code etc.
Do I need them? Optional, but recommended.
How many do I need? Order 1 per invitation ordered.
When should I order them? With your invitations.
When should I send them out? With your invitations.
RSVP / Response Cards
The RSVP card is used to gather responses from your guests about their attendance. It helps you keep track of who will be attending your wedding and, if necessary, collect information about meal preferences or other information you need from your guests.
Do I need them? Optional, but recommended.
How many do I need? Order 1 per invitation ordered.
When should I order them? With your invitations.
When should I send them out? With your invitations.
Order of Service / Order Of The Day Cards
A wedding order of service card or booklet is a key piece of stationery that guides your guests through the wedding ceremony. It helps guests follow along with the proceedings, understand the significance of each part of the ceremony, and when to participate.
Do I need them? Optional, but recommended if you are having a religious ceremony.
How many do I need? One booklet/card per couple, one per single person and one each for the members of the bridal party.
When should I order them? 2.5 months before the wedding.
Menus
The wedding menu serves to inform your guests about the courses, dishes, and drinks that will be served during the reception. It sets expectations and enhances the dining experience by allowing guests to anticipate each course.
Do I need them? Optional, but recommended.
How many do I need? Order 3 per round table, 1 between 4 on long tables or 1 per guest, depending on your preference.
When should I order them? 2.5 months before the wedding.
Table Number / Name Cards
A wedding table name or number sign is a key component of your wedding reception decor that helps guests easily locate their assigned tables.
Do I need them? Yes, definitely.
How many do I need? Order 1 card per table, including the top table.
When should I order them? 2.5 months before the wedding.
Place Cards
A wedding place card is designed to indicate seating arrangements at your wedding dinner. It shows guests exactly where they are meant to sit, helping to ensure a smooth and organised dining experience.
Do I need them? Yes, definitely.
How many do I need? Order 1 per guest.
When should I order them? 2.5 months before the wedding.
Welcome Sign
A wedding welcome sign serves as a warm greeting to your guests, setting the tone for the day. The welcome sign is typically placed at the entrance to the ceremony or reception venue.
Do I need them? Optional, but recommended.
How many do I need? Just one.
When should I order it? 2.5 months before the wedding.
Order of Events Sign
An order of events sign is designed to inform your guests about the timing of key events throughout your wedding day. It ensures that everyone knows what to expect and when, helping the day run smoothly and allowing guests to be in the right place at the right time.
Do I need them? Optional, but recommended.
How many do I need? Just one.
When should I order it? 2.5 months before the wedding.
Seating Plan Sign
The wedding seating plan is designed to inform guests of their assigned seats at the wedding breakfast. It helps to avoid confusion and ensures that guests are seated according to your desired arrangements.
Do I need them? Yes, definitely.
How many do I need? Order 1 for up to 100 guests, any more you may need 2.
When should I order them? 2.5 months before the wedding.
Thank You Cards
Wedding thank you cards serve the important purpose of expressing your sincere appreciation to your guests for attending your wedding, celebrating with you, and for any gifts they may have given. They allow you to acknowledge their presence and generosity in a thoughtful and personal way.
Do I need them? Yes, definitely.
How many do I need? Order 1 per household who attended the wedding.
When should I order them? Either with your on the day stationery, or just after the wedding.
When should I send them out? After your wedding.
Still Confused?
As a guide, most brides will order the following stationery:
Save the Date Cards / Daytime Invitations / RSVP Cards / Guest Information Cards / Evening Invitations / Order of the Day Cards or Order of the Day Sign / Welcome sign / Seating Plan / Place Cards / Table Number or Name Cards / Menus / Thank you Cards
Please note: Whilst these are our recommended ordering times, we know sometimes things don’t go to plan so we are sometimes able (workload allowing) to do rush orders – but please contact us before placing a rush order. Rush orders are subject to an additional fee.
Wedding Invitation Wording
Crafting the perfect wedding invitation wording doesn't have to be daunting, even though it often seems overwhelming at first. Essentially, you need to convey the essential details: who is getting married, where, when, and at what time. The tone of your wording typically reflects the nature of your wedding—whether it's a formal, traditional affair or a more relaxed, informal celebration. Just as your invitation design sets the visual tone for your event, the wording sets the overall mood and expectation for your guests.
To help you find the right words, we've compiled a selection of wording examples that we will include in your personalisation and customisation request email. You'll find both traditional and informal styles to match the tone of your celebration.
Please note that while the examples use ‘Bride’ and ‘Groom,’ we celebrate love and commitment between all partners, regardless of your wedding titles.