Planning a wedding can be overwhelming if you're just starting out and are unfamiliar with this territory. There are things to do before, during, and even after the wedding, so where do you start? We have created a checklist to help you through planning your stationery. Don't worry, you don't have to do every piece. Budget and location will play a huge part in how much you will need to do.
The Necessities
-Invitation: Your wedding invitation is a giving your guests a sneak peak of the type of wedding you have in store. They provide the necessary information that you need to communicate: Who is getting married, date, time, and location. Some couples add more information to keep costs down so they don't have to have extra stationery items such as RSVP and gifting suggestions. Your wedding invitation should give your guests an idea on whats to come, it could have your colours you are using, flowers, monogram of the couple, or just be simple type on some gorgeous textured card stock. Some couples even opt for a paperless post invitation, these can be the same price as a printed invitation but there is zero wastage.
-Thank you cards: Should always be used to thank your guests for attending your wedding. Its a polite gesture to thank them for coming and if they provided you with a gift. You could include a photo from the day or it could be a sweet hand written note.
-Signage: Should be used to direct or inform your guests. To tell them that they are at the right place (welcome sign), directions, toilets, gifting table, smoking area etc. Most wedding venues provide this for couples. You can get really creative with your welcome sign, it could be a simple print on card, you could add different textures, florals, use a stand or other matching decor items.
-Table Numbers/Names: Your guests will need some indication on where they need to be seated if you are having a sit down meal. You can get creative with how the numbers are displayed or by the names you use for your tables. These could even be sentimental places that you have been to as a couple.
-Placecards/guests tags: Go hand in hand with seating your guests. You could double up with your favor tags and create these as placecards as well.
Optional Extras
-Save the Date: Are ideal if you are planning a destination wedding (this could be a location that needs an over night stay) or if your wedding falls on a long weekend. You want to give your guests the heads up in they need to book accommodation, flights or need to time off work for your wedding.
-RSVP/Reply card: Some couples like to have this as a separate card. The likely chances of every guest sending these back in a timely manner and filled our correctly is pretty slim. You will most definitely have to chase your guests up to get that final yay of nay.
-Gift/Wishing Well card: Are needed if you have a particular gift in mind or are wanting a wishing well or no gifts at all.
-Ceremony programs: Are useful if you are having a lengthy ceremony or at a Church. Guests like to know whats coming up next during the service.
-Seating chart: Should be used if you are having a sit down meal, if you have a large number of guests or are particular about who sits next to who. Especially if you don't want your Nan sitting next to a bunch of your crazy school friends.
-Favor Tags: These can look cute to really personalise your take homes for your guests. They could have your guests name or a personal message from the newlyweds.
-Menu cards: Are not a necessity for your guests but are a great talking point to get your guests excited on what is to come. Everyone loves food and loves to chat about food.
