Paper Trail - Wedding Stationary

Although often perceived to be on the periphery, wedding stationery is one of the few wedding details that runs the full length of the event, from the engagement to well after the big day. And, like any other bridal aspect, it allows the betrothed the opportunity to reflect their individually unique creativity as well as their new identity as a couple.

Let’s take a look at the various elements that account for the lengthy ‘lifespan’ of wedding stationery:

Save the Date Card
Sent to guests in advance of the wedding invitations, these cards initiate the happy process. The idea is to give guests ample warning, and to make sure that they diarise the event on receipt of the card. Save the date cards are especially useful for guests who will be coming from abroad. The Save the date card should be sent approximately four months before the wedding.

The Wedding Invitation
The wedding invitation represents the indispensable element of the stationery ensemble. It may assume a variety of formats, but the ideal card is one which is single folded for easy handling. Typically, the card contains a paper insert cut to size. While the choice of colour is entirely up to the couple, the most popular options remain white, ivory, gold, silver and pearl. The lettering is traditionally done in black. The wording of the invitation may follow a traditional template or be utterly original. You should aim to send the invitations at least two months ahead of the wedding date.

Evening Invitation
The evening invitation concerns the wedding reception only. It is usually a smaller version of the wedding invitation.

Reply Cards
Reply cards are essentially RSVP cards. These are blank cards that make provision for the filling in of one’s name and their response (if they are coming to the wedding or not). The card should be complete with an envelope.

Order of Service Card
An order of service card details the proceedings, informing guests what will happen when and where. It is a sort of wedding plan and is usually a simple, single sided insert placed inside the card cover.

Table Plan
Located at the entrance to the reception venue, the table plan provides an ‘aerial’ view of the table arrangements and seating allocations.

Place Cards
Place cards are small cards that are placed on the reception tables to indicate where each guest should sit.

Menu Cards
The menu card gives the details of the menu. Printed on a paper insert, it may be finished off with ribbons or tassles that tie in with the overarching colour theme.

Announcement Card
The announcement card is sent after the wedding, to inform family and friends who were not present or invited to the wedding. Plain and to-the-point, these cards convey a simple message.

Thank You Cards
Thank You cards are sent after the wedding to express appreciation and thanks for gifts received.

Putting it all together
Depending on your invitation style, the invitation itself will usually be the largest item of the stationery ensemble. Place it at the bottom of the pile. Put your extra enclosures - response card, reception card etc - directly on top of the wedding invitation. Usually the response card is placed on top of the stack, and tucked under the flap of its stamped envelope. Slide everything into the envelope with the wording facing up so that it is immediately visible upon opening.

Curtailing costs
Given the nature of the times, cost-saving is the order of the day for many. As far as wedding stationery is concerned, here are a few tips:

* Place your stationery order at least four months in advance. Last minute orders - and pressured printers - are sure to considerably increase your costs.
* Order all your stationery requirements - response cards, thank-you cards, place cards etc - at the same time. A bulk order will give you greater bargaining power as far as discounts are concerned.
* Order an extra 25-30 invitations with your original order. Bulk orders at one time will cost you much less than having to get extras printed later.
* Dispense with separate reception cards if you are having the ceremony and reception at the same venue.
* Check your stationery proofs thoroughly to avoid reprinting and extra costs down the line.
* Design and make your own wedding invitations. Not only will this save you a bundle, but it will sport the optimally personal look!

 

Click here to find a list of stationery specialists.  

Paper Trail - Wedding Stationary | Wedding Articles