On the Day Wedding Stationery: What Do You Actually Need?
When it comes to wedding stationery, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the options available. But in reality, you only need a few key items to guide your guests through your day and set the tone for your celebration. Here’s a breakdown of essential and optional wedding stationery for each part of your wedding day, from the ceremony to the evening reception.
Ceremony Stationery
Your ceremony is where it all begins, so it’s important to make sure your guests know what’s happening and where to go. Here are some items to consider:
Essential:
Order of Service Booklet (Church Service): If you’re having a formal ceremony (such as a church service), an order of service booklet will detail the ceremony’s structure, readings, and songs.
Consider the following:
Welcome Sign: Greet your guests as they arrive with a sign that lets them know they’ve arrived at the right place and sets the mood for the day. This can also be combine with an ‘order of the day’ sign.
Order of the Day Sign: This sign will help your guests follow the timeline of events, from the ceremony to the wedding breakfast and beyond.
Unplugged Ceremony Sign: If you want your guests to put their phones away and be present in the moment, an unplugged ceremony sign is a polite way to let them know.
Pick a Seat, Not a Side Sign: If you’re having a more relaxed ceremony and want guests to mix and mingle, this sign invites them to sit wherever they like.
Seat Reserved Cards: These can be used to reserve spots for immediate family or bridal party members.
Order of Service Card: For less formal ceremonies, a simple card outlining the bridal party and a thank-you message is a great alternative.
Wedding Breakfast Stationery
Once the ceremony is over, your guests will move into the wedding breakfast—so let’s help them navigate their way through the meal.
Essential:
Seating Plan: A seating plan is key to helping guests find their assigned spots quickly and easily.
Table Numbers or Name Cards: Table numbers (or named tables) help guests identify their seats.
Place Name Cards: These are essential for making sure your guests sit where you’ve planned. You can even add food choices/allergies on the back if you’re offering menu options.
Consider the Following:
Menus: Provide a menu for each table or individual guests so they know what’s being served. You can also add names to the menus to personalise the experience.
Favour Tags: If you’re offering favours, a tag is a lovely way to thank guests for attending.
Favours Cards: If you're making a donation to charity on behalf of your guests instead of giving physical favours, a card explaining the donation is a thoughtful touch.
Scavenger Cards: If you have children at your wedding, these cards can be a fun way to keep them entertained throughout the day.
Evening Reception Stationery
The celebration doesn’t stop after dinner. As your guests transition to the evening reception, you may want to provide some additional signage to enhance the experience.
Consider the Following:
Cake Menu: If you have multiple cake flavours or tiers, this menu will let guests know what’s on offer.
Help Yourself Signs: If you’re offering flip-flops, blankets, or umbrellas for guests, a sign encouraging them to help themselves can be a cute touch.
Guest Book Sign: Guide guests to your guest book with a charming sign asking them to leave a message or photo.
Card/Gift Table Sign: Guide guests as to where to put their cards or gifts so they can be freed up to get on the dance floor!
Bar/Drinks Signs: A menu or sign detailing the drink options available can help guests make their choice.
Cocktail Menus: If you’re offering signature cocktails, a menu will let your guests know the options.
Memory Signs: If you’re setting up a memory lane display or special photo section, a sign can help guests know what it’s all about.
Toiletries Sign: A sign in the restrooms listing available toiletries (like hairspray, mints, or perfume) is a nice, thoughtful touch.
Fireworks/Sparkler Signs: If you have a sparkler send-off or fireworks display, let your guests know the plan with clear signage.
Anything Not on the List?
If it’s made from paper, I can create it. Think napkin wraps, escort cards, hotel room cards & door signs, and more! If you can think it, I can make it.