Over the past 14 years I have had this question asked often… “What stationery pieces do I need for my wedding?” Of course the answer for everyone is different. Some just print up invites and have their rsvp on the invite. Some buy ALL pieces possible including fan programs. Read the descriptions below to help you decide what you TRULY need.
SAVE THE DATE CARD
The save the card announces you wil be married! Giving your guests a heads up is GREAT especially if you are having an out of town / destination wedding! You can mail these out 8-12 months in advance. View samples of our save the date cards.
WEDDING INVITATION
Sets the stage for your SPECTACULAR wedding day! This card INVITES your guests to your wedding! If your invite is truly unique, your guests may hang your invite on their frig for months. Our customers have bought the invitations with the vellum overlay and art on the 2nd layer card. We are told their guests take off the vellum and frame the card art! How fun! Be unique! REMEMBER, order ONE per household and NOT one per person. This will save you money. Order invitations 4 months before your wedding and mail them 2 months before your special day. View samples of our wedding invitations.
RESPONSE CARD
Your guest will reply to you using this card! Normally the reply by date is 1 month before your big day. We found a reply by date at least 1 month before your wedding day allows you to prepare your last minute wedding stationery pieces with less stress.
SMALL CARD / INFORMATION CARD
The small card can be used for a reception, direction card, registry card, or hotel and additional information you guests will need. Many times, people will list events and times for guests also. Remember, NEVER write “No gifts” on your invitation or small card.
OUTER ENVELOPE
Your invite and other cards go in the inner envelope then the OUTER ENVELOPE. You address it to mail to your guests. We print your return addy on the back flap! These are normally nonlined.
INNER ENVELOPE
Your invite and other cards go in the INNER ENVELOPE then into your outer envelope. You write or have us print your guest names on this envelope. This helps your guests know WHO is invited. They say the inner envelope originated when the mail was delivered on horse back. To keep the invitation neat and free of mud and debris, the invitation was inserted into the inner envelope. The outer envelope kept the inner envelope clean and neat in appearance, as your guest opened their invite.
The inner envelope is sometimes used for decorative purposes, by lining with beautiful colors.
You can write the guests names on this envelope also. This allows you to invite exactly who you want to your wedding. For instance you write “The Miller Family” on the outer envelope front along with their address. Inside on the inner envelope you would write “John, Kathy and Liz”. This way they know their daughter Liz, age 15, is invited but their other 2 younger (ages 1 month to 3 years), children are not. if everyone is invites you would write everyone invited on the inner envelope. Unfortunately some people will bring the younger children invited or not. be prepared.
THANK YOU CARD
Thank you cards rock! they are the BEST! They thank your guest! Try to mail these out ASAP! Guests get super sad when they receive their thank yous 2 months later! Before you marry … address your thank you card envelopes all you will have to do when you RECEIVE a gift is write the thoughtful thank you…throw in the envelope and mail that day!
INFORMAL CARD
See thank you card above. The informal card has your names on the front instead of the word “thank you.”
WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT
Announces your wedding day! A document that announces a special occasion has occurred or will occur. Contains a date and description. For wedding, it is said, you should not announce the time your wedding occurred. This card is often used to announce and invite guests to a reception at home after a destination wedding couple has already been married away from home then will return to parteeee! You should mail your announcements ON your wedding day.
MENU
Shows your guests what you will be eating at the reception.
TABLE CARD
Shows your guests what table number or name of the table is. Some of our creative brides name their tables after islands, beaches or countries you have visited together! On the place card or escort card you would list “You are seated at table number ___.”
PLACE CARD / SEATING CARD / ESCORT CARD
Shows your guest’s name and what table they will sit at the reception. Again, on the place card or escort card you would list “You are seated at table number ___.”
WEDDING FAN
Cools your guests and also doubles as a cool favor and/or program!
WEDDING PROGRAM
Helps your guests follow your ceremony and introduces them to your wedding party. this also helps them understand some traditions you choose to incorporate in your ceremony. View samples of our wedding programs.
Questions? Feel free to ask me!
