Wedding Stationery: Your Checklist for Everything You Need

Seeing your special day come to life in writing is so exciting. But before your wedding invitations are sealed and sent, there are a few things to bear in mind. Our wedding stationery checklist is a rough guide to all the stationery you may need for (and after) your big day. You might not need it all, but armed with all the choices, you can decide which stationery is best for you - and your guests.

What Is Wedding Stationery?

Wedding stationery is an essential part of wedding planning. All your paper goods combined make your wedding stationery suite, which should all share the same design style. Wedding Invitations, RSVP Cards, your Wedding Program and Thank You Cards are all essential stationery items. You can also choose to add additional paper goods, such as accommodation cards, which will make your stationery package unique and extra special.

Engagement Party Invitations

An engagement party is a fun way to share your special news with those closest to you. If you're planning a formal engagement party, an invitation is a must-have and should be sent at least two months in advance. For a casual celebration, six to eight weeks is fine. Information to include: full names, location, date, time, dress code

Hen/Bachelor Party Invitation

We're not going to give too much information for this one, as it's customary for the bridesmaid to throw the hen party - and therefore send the invitations! Send your invitations two months in advance to ensure all your best pals can attend. Information to include: full names, location, date, time, theme

Save-The-Date Card

Save the Date cards let your guests reserve your wedding date in advance. They also allow you more time to finalise the details of your wedding without added stress. We recommend sending your save the dates a year in advance. Information to include: full names, city, wedding date, formal invitation to follow

Wedding Invitation Suite

The Wedding invitation is the star of the show when it comes to wedding stationery. Designed with your wedding styling in mind, it hints toward the overall tone of your special day. Your wedding invitation also includes all the crucial information about your wedding day. A traditional wedding invitation suite is made up of five different cards:

1. The Invitation Card

The invitation card is the most important part of your wedding invitation suite. It's the largest card, designed to be read first. It should include your names and the date, time and location of your wedding along with dress code information. If your wedding reception and ceremony are at the same location, this should be made clear here. If your wedding reception is at a different location, a reception card will provide your guests with further details (see below).

2. Reception Card

A reception card includes all the information about (you guessed it!) the wedding reception. It should clearly state the name, address, location and time of the reception. It should also include information about the dress code, plus-ones and whether children are welcome.

3. RSVP Card

RSVP Cards are an easy way for guests to let you know if they can attend your wedding. These are typically smaller cards with a yes or no tick box to indicate whether or not your guest can attend. You should include a reply by date on your RSVP card, as well as options for guests to RSVP online or via text. It is also a good idea to request information on any dietary requirements here.

4. Directions/Map Card

With modern-day weddings, direction/map cards are becoming less and less essential. After all, your guests will most likely use google maps (or an equivalent) to get to your wedding venue. However, if your wedding location is particularly hard to find, an illustrated map card can be a helpful (and fun) addition.

5. Accommodation Card

Providing your guests with details of local accommodation is always helpful. Your accommodation card can include recommended places to stay or if you've paid for guest accommodation, details of their stay. (Such as the location, check-in time, facilities and any relevant booking information or codes.)

Order of Service

The order of service is an overview of the main ceremony. It will differ between religions and ceremony styles but mainly includes the names of everyone involved, date, location, a brief welcome and an overview of the structure of the proceedings.

Additional information, such as poems, quotes, thank yous and speeches can be added to make the order of service more personal.

The Wedding (Reception) Program

The Wedding program guides guests through the evening reception, from the meal to speeches and the first dance. It can also inform guests of different reception rooms (if you have a large venue) and any additional activities or games. 

Seating Plan & Table Number

The seating plan is typically displayed at the entrance of your reception area to help your guests find their seats. Once your guests have viewed the seating plan, they will look out for their table name or number, so these should be clearly displayed on your tables.

Place Cards & Menu

Place cards are placed around each table to help guests find their seats. The menu card informs guests of the reception meal. It can include food options, the set menu, ingredients, and options for those with dietary restrictions.

Gift Tags

If you're adding a little gift for your guests on each table, such as homemade gin or a snack box to take home after the celebration, it's a nice touch to include a gift tag. This can include your names (the bride and groom), your guest's name and the wedding date. It can also be a lovely keepsake, reminding your guest of all the fun they had at your wedding!

Guest Book

A guest book is a great thing to include in your evening reception. It allows your guests to write a personal message to you - whether that's to congratulate you on your big day or offer words of wisdom for your future together. Either way, it makes a wonderful keepsake for you.

Top tip: leave a polaroid camera & some sticky tape next to your guest book so guests can snap a quick selfie to include with their message!

Thank You Cards

After your wedding day, it's important to thank your guests for all their wonderful gifts! If you have a Wedding Shop gift list, your guest details (including who purchased your gifts) are saved automatically on your account. Head to your Thank You Manager to find these details. 

It's a lovely idea to coordinate your thank you cards with the rest of your stationery. For a personal touch, you can even include photographs from your wedding day. We recommend sending your thank you cards within three weeks after receiving your gifts.

If you'd like to have your stationery professionally made, a wedding stationery designer should be your go-to. However, ensure you factor in printing lead times and organise your wedding stationery in advance. Rock My Wedding's curated list of designers is a great place to start.

We also recommend Papier, who have a beautiful range of customisable stationery. Plus, all couples with a Wedding Shop gift list get a 15% discount.

Top tip: list all your wedding paper favourites before you order your stationery. Doing this will help you decide what stationery is essential and help you to stay on budget.