Depending on the size of your wedding and the number of guests to expect, creating DIY wedding stationery can either be a fun experience or a race against time, especially if you’re not sure how to get started.
Don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as you think. This checklist has all the essential stationery items you need for your wedding, with a few optional extras if the occasion calls for it.
Stationery for before the Wedding
Most people will know that it’s customary to send invitations before the wedding. But there are other types of stationery that may also come into play ahead of the big day.
- Engagement Party Invites (Optional)
These parties are usually small affairs where the couple invite their closest friends and family to announce their engagement. You can keep your engagement a secret in your invites, revealing the big news when everyone is present.
- Save-the-Dates (Optional)
Save-the-date cards are another way to announce your engagement and wedding. These cards are usually sent months before the wedding and before the couple has decided on a date and venue.
- Wedding Invitations and Related Stationery (Essential)
For many couples, their wedding invitations are the only DIY stationery they need to prepare for. Traditionally, the wedding invites will provide all the information guests need to know about your wedding, including:
- The couple’s names
- The date and time of the wedding
- The venue for the wedding and reception
- RSVP date
- Dietary restrictions
- Couple’s wedding registry.
Stationery for the Day of the Wedding
You’ll also need to prepare stationery for the day of the wedding. It will essentially consist of two things, that is, a welcome wedding bag and a leaflet or booklet having details of the events in order of their occurrence. While the first item will be an amazing welcome gesture, the second will help the guests to navigate their way throughout the day. In case you are unsure what should be included in a welcome bag, you can learn more here or can also check out some wedding blogs and videos for some inspiration. For the latter, however, you can check out the next point in the list.
- Ceremony Booklet (Essential)
Also known as the order of service card, this paper item provides an overview of the wedding service, containing information such as the hosts’ names (typically the bride’s parents), the couples’ names, the members of the wedding entourage and the wedding officiant’s name among others. This card might also provide details about the wedding venue and the directions on how to reach there. So, it might be essential that you decide on a venue before getting these printed.
- Reception Programme (Essential)
This card provides an overview of the reception’s proceedings, such as the order of speeches, the names of the people making speeches, the father-daughter dance and the ceremonial first dance.
- Table Stationery (Optional for Small Weddings)
Receptions with designated seating typically have table plans and table place cards to help guests locate their assigned tables and seats. Table place cards can be crafted to blend with the wedding theme, adding accents to the table setting.
Stationery for after the Wedding
Sending cards after the wedding is a nice touch that makes your guests feel appreciated.
- Thank-You Cards (Optional)
Thank-you cards provide a way to put your thoughts to paper and thank the special people who made your wedding possible, whether it’s the maid of honour or best man or the officiant for taking the time to lead the wedding ceremony. Consider personalising each thank-you card by highlighting why the recipient matters and including a heartfelt message.
Plan Your Crafting Project
With a bit of planning and preparation of all your materials, your DIY wedding stationery project should be a treasured and memorable experience. Consider looking for a stationery provider that can help you plan your cards and invitations according to your theme and other needs.