Are you wondering what kind of wedding reception stationery you actually need to have? We’ll share the top essentials with you! Be sure to subscribe for the latest to your inbox.
Which wedding paper goods do you absolutely have to order for your wedding reception? We’ll tell you so you don’t forget a thing!
In this list, we’ll identify the essential wedding reception stationery pieces to order ahead of your celebration. We’ll also explain what these wedding paper goods are so you know exactly why they are considered essential.
Wedding Reception Stationery
1. The Table Number
Take note! Table numbers are one of the most essential wedding paper goods you will order.
HOW MANY YOU TO ORDER: 1 table number per table.
WHY YOU NEED THEM: Table numbers label your tables; without one, guests won’t know where to be seated for dinner once they take their escort card with their seating assignment.
There is only one rule when ordering table numbers: the numeral must be clearly labeled and easy to see, even from a distance.
Other than that, feel free to get creative with table numbers! In addition to the digit itself, you can incorporate places you’ve visited together, favorite bands, books, flowers, etc.
Here’s an example of a perfect table number card featuring a clearly labeled numeral and a creative table name featuring favorite flowers (this one has Wisteria).
Here’s an example of table cards named after favorite authors, perfect for a book-themed wedding.
You can also pull in an element from your theme (i.e. naming table cards with astrological signs for a starry night wedding, famous castles for a fairytale themed wedding, etc.)
2. The Menu
Are menus considered one of the reception paper goods you must have? I say — yes! A table menu is sometimes overlooked, yet is an important part of wedding reception stationery.
HOW MANY TO ORDER: It depends! You can either order one menu per table and place it in the center; however, we think one menu per guest adds an element of decor to the place setting as you place one menu on each guest’s plate.
WHY YOU NEED THEM: A menu reveals the meal being prepared for guests so guests know what to expect. By the time guests are sitting at their seats, they are probably hungry and ready for dinner, so knowing what is on the menu is a practical resource to have. Guests are also able to determine if the meal will be family-style dining or buffet. It’s nice to know!
TIP: Make sure your menu stands upright by placing it in one of these.
Menus can coordinate with your color palette, your invitation suite, or other wedding paper goods you’ve already ordered for the big day. You can also try mix-and-match, a fun trend we’re seeing more than ever. (Here’s how to do it flawlessly.)
Here’s a visual of mix-and-match wedding reception paper goods:
• Need menus? You can shop here.
3. The Escort Card
If you’re confused at first about the difference between escort cards vs. place cards, you’re not alone. Many couples wonder: do I really need both? Yes. Let’s discuss it.
HOW MANY TO ORDER: 1 per guest.
WHY YOU NEED THEM: Escort cards are wedding reception stationery pieces that you absolutely need because they tell guests EXACTLY where to be seated. NOTE: If you prefer one main table chart, that is fine! You can choose a seating chart instead of escort cards if that’s more your style.
Escort cards are folded tent cards, which means they are made to stand up on their own. They are placed in alphabetical order on a table at the entryway of your reception.
Guests arrive, look for their name, take their card, and find their seats. Nice and easy! (Now you see why the table number was so important!)
4. The Place Card
The place card is very similar to the escort card. The difference between the two is where it is placed. The escort card is placed at the entryway, whereas the place card is put at the guest’s seat.
If you skip over place cards, guests will simply take their escort card, find their table, and then choose a seat where they wish to sit.
HOW MANY TO ORDER: 1 per guest.
WHY YOU NEED THEM: A place card labels the guest’s seat at his or her assigned table.
This is one of the wedding reception stationery pieces you may decide you do not need, and that’s OK. We recommend place cards because they provide a more polished look, but if you do not wish to assign specific seats at each table, you may omit the place card.
5. The Custom Signs
Lastly, you’ll need small custom signs, one of the reception paper goods you’ll be glad to order all at once. Instead of trying to figure out how to coordinate each individual sign you need, you can order these coordinating wedding reception stationery pieces that match flawlessly.
HOW MANY TO ORDER: 1 per space, depending on what you need.
WHY YOU NEED THEM: Custom signs will label areas of your reception where you’d like to draw attention.
Four signs you’ll need for your wedding include the following:
Cards and Gifts
This will be placed on a table where guests can place a wrapped gift or cards inside your wedding card box.
Guest Book
If guests don’t know where the guest book is located, they may forget to sign it! A sign will draw attention to the book to ensure it captures as many signatures from guests as possible.
Favors
If you’re placing favors on a central table vs. one at each place setting, place a wedding favors sign to make sure guests don’t miss it.
Bar or Cocktails Sign
If you want to showcase your dessert table, bar, or offer a special cocktails menu, do it with a custom sign like the examples shown below. You can display it by hanging with a ribbon, frame it, or placing it on a tabletop easel.
• Need signs? You can browse designs here.
Essential Wedding Reception Paper Goods
The items listed above are the most commonly needed paper goods for weddings. However, you don’t have to stop there: there are other stationery items you can add such as the seating chart, welcome sign, direction sign, and favor tag. See them all here.
Now that you know the wedding reception stationery you need, get inspired: click here to see the beautiful collection at Minted!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
This is a sponsored post with Minted.
