Your wedding stationary should reflect
your personality. The printing should
follow the same theme, style and color
as the wedding to maintain unity and
consistency. All stationary should be
ordered at the same time and from the
same location to be more cost and time
efficient.
SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS
These cards should be ordered and sent to guests as
soon as you have finalized the location
and guest list for the wedding. This is
usually six or more months before the
wedding. If your wedding date is during
a busy travel season and/or you will
have many out-of-town guests, you may
want to mail these cards even sooner.
You may also want to include flight
itineraries and hotel recommendations.
If your wedding is near a holiday, the
cards can be themed. During Christmas
the cards can be shaped like a Christmas
tree or heart shaped for Valentine's
Day, etc. |
North
Productions |
THE INVITATIONS
Invitations should be ordered four to six months before
the wedding to allow time for proofing. Mail
the invitations at least six to eight weeks
before the event, even sooner if no
save-the-date cards are sent prior. Invitations
are usually printed on white or ecru 100% cotton
or linen paper, printed with a black or charcoal
ink, and has a protective tissue layer on top.
The reply cards and reception/invite cards are
usually included with the invitation.
Invitations are also available in several colors
and design styles. Printing types include
raised print, calligraphy, four-color printing
with full color images, or hand-written in
script style. It is best to order hand-written
invitations several months in advance.
REPLY CARDS
These cards are sent with your invitation and should
include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Reply
cards are ordered with your invitations and
often have a check box for the guests, to let
the couple know how many people will attend the
wedding. These cards should have a “reply-by”
date so guests know when to return the card.
You may also want to include a special request
line for guests who have special dietary needs,
such as vegetarians and diabetics.
RECEPTION & ADMIT CARDS
These cards are sent with the wedding invitation to
inform your guests of the reception location.
Admit cards are recommended when you are paying
per person for your reception. Only guests with
admit cards are allowed into the reception. You
may also specify on each card how many people
will be admitted for that card.
WEDDING PROGRAMS
Programs are small booklets which include information
about the bride and groom, the names of the
entire wedding party and a detailed timeline of
the entire event. Programs also include the
lists of all songs, readings, special thanks,
and remembrances of deceased loved ones. The
program's cover usually features an embossed
floral design, decorative pattern, or an
engagement picture of the bride and groom. Your
programs should also include the name of your
wedding planner, coordinator, florist,
photographer, videographer, limousine company,
stationary printer, musicians and the location
of the ceremony and reception. Programs should
be ordered six to eight weeks in advance.
MENU & PLACE CARDS
Set on the tables at the reception, menu cards are
strongly recommended when you are having a
sit-down or formal dinner. Guests prefer to
know what foods will be served ahead of time at
the reception. Place cards are usually small,
tent- folded cards with the specific guest's
name on them. These cards inform the guests
where they will be seated. For a more unique
style, these cards can be cut into various
shapes including bells, flowers and stars.
THANK-YOU CARDS
Thank-you cards are handwritten notes from both the
bride and groom, thanking the guests who
attended the wedding. They should be sent as
soon after the wedding as possible. Most
photographers can provide you with custom
thank-you cards with your picture and a custom
message printed on the card. For your wedding
party, especially bridesmaids and groomsmen, a
special thank-you card is recommended. This
should include a picture of them from the
wedding and a personal note from you. |
