You already know that you need wedding stationery, but things like wedding invitations, save the date cards, and RSVP cards occur before the big day. So what is this day-of wedding stationery all about? What day-of stationery things do I really need to order?
Great question! That is what bride-to-be Lisa wants to know in her Ask Emmaline question:
“Hi Emmaline, I’m prepping for my July wedding and I was curious, what is day of wedding stationery? I don’t want to forget anything. Thanks in advance.”
Hi Lisa! Okay, here is a great tip: get all of your wedding day stationery out of the way as soon as possible and order them all together to save time and shipping costs. Plus, you won’t be worried at the last minute that you forget one of these essential day-of stationery needs (and that just means less stress, always a good thing leading up to your wedding!)
I was worried before my wedding that I would forget something. I swear you will go through that list in your head over and over again, crossing your fingers that you have exactly what you need, especially for the day-of wedding stationery things that no one really ever talks about.
Here is a helpful checklist to ensure you don’t forget a thing! These are the five wedding stationery things you need on the day of your wedding — plus a few optional ones, just in case.
Hope it helps!
Day-Of Wedding Stationery Needs
When I mentioned buying wedding day stationery in one order (when possible), simply purchase from a place that offers the styles you need for all of the following essentials. Here are a few places that offer day-of wedding stationery options:
• Zazzle
Zazzle offers a special section dedicated to day-of wedding stationery. This is helpful to coordinate pieces like programs and place cards for a cohesive look. Browse here.
• Minted
Minted also offers a unique wedding ceremony and reception day of collection here. Similiarly to the above, you can pick-and-choose day-of stationery pieces to coordiante a one-of-a-kind look for your wedding day. Check it out here.
• Etsy
And last but not least, you can browse wedding day stationery pieces at Etsy. I recommend finding one style you like, and then digging deeper into that artist’s shop to find coordinating pieces for the best result. Shop here.
Now that you know where to buy wedding day stationery, let’s start with what exactly you need, beginning with the ceremony. Programs, here we come!
1. Wedding Programs
Guests will want to know what the order of events is at your ceremony, or perhaps who is standing up in your wedding. Read: How many programs do you need for more tips on ordering them.
It is a hot, humid wedding? Run — don’t walk — to get ceremony program fans instead. You’ll thank me later!
This one is by CreativeUnionDesign. Isn’t it lovely?
2. Escort Cards OR Seating Chart
You will need escort cards as day of wedding stationery, particularly to help guests find their table. The escort cards or a seating chart — either one, totally up to you! — is placed near the entryway of your reception and includes the guest’s name and his or her table number. Tie it into your theme in design and style — or opt for wood slices for rustic weddings.
Escort cards don’t have to be cards: see these creative alternatives that will get guests talking!
3. Place Cards
Once guests find their tables, they’ll need to find… their seats! Print our wedding place cards or order them from here. They can be simple, or more complex like these unique place card alternatives. We also love wedding place card favors: two birds, one stone. Great idea!
Place cards CAN be optional wedding day stationery IF you don’t wish to have assigned table seats. Guests can use escort cards to find their table number, and then choose any seat at that particular table.
Do you need both? Read: Do I Need Escort Cards AND Place Cards? for helpful tips.
4. Table Numbers
Guests need a clearly labeled table number (or fun, creative table name!) to find their seats.
You know what else is fun? Wine bottle table numbers. You’re welcome! :)
5. Menus
At tables, guests can find menus to see what is being served for dinner. And dessert! You can choose to place one menu at each guest’s seat, or opt for one menu for the table, placed in the center by the table number. We recommend this to be double-sided, if possible, so guests can view it from any place setting.
READ: Wedding Menus: 1 Per Person vs. 1 Per Table?
6. Cards: Parents, In-Laws, Groom / Bride
Ah, yes, you don’t want to forget this one and have to run out to the store at the last minute, especially because you can’t really find cards like these in-store!
Pick up a card (or cards) to give to your parents (like this one, shown below, by The White Invite. Handwrite a sweet, heartfelt message inside. Then put it in an envelope, write their name on the front, and have it ready to give with their gifts. (See: 15 Most Thoughtful Mother of the Bride Gifts and Father of the Bride Gift Ideas for suggestions.
You can also give a card to your future in-laws. They’ll adore it. Pair it with a nice gift like 15 Gift Ideas for Future In-Laws. They will really appreciate it!
And ah, don’t forget a card for your future spouse! This is a must. I wish I did this for Andrew on our wedding day, but these cards weren’t around yet (and that wasn’t even that long ago, you guys). For him, give a groom card like this or a groom watch and pair it with these amazing groom gifts for the morning of the wedding.
You’ll need a few signs and these are three things many couples forget as wedding day of stationery. These signs include:
7. Gifts + Cards Sign
Guests will want to know where to put cards and gifts, so a sign is necessary here.
8. Guest Book Sign
Paper or acrylic, you choose! A sign will direct guests to sign your guest book or alternative.
9. Favors Sign
These will be placed at an entryway table of your reception and will direct guests where to place his or her gift or card, where to sign the guest book, and where to take a favor (if favors are not being placed at each setting).
Here’s a rustic option by JustForKeeps:
OPTIONAL: Welcome Sign
A welcome sign is not mandatory, nor does every couple even decide to add one. But if you wish to get a sign as day of wedding stationery, be sure to order it with your other stationery needs to save the cost of shipping. :)
OPTIONAL: Favor Tags
If you need to add tags to your favors, now is the time to buy that with your other wedding day stationery.
And there you have it! That covers everything you need for wedding day-of stationery. If you have any additional questions or comments, let us know in the comments below. Thanks so much, Lisa, for writing!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
Now that you know what you need on the wedding day for ceremony and reception, it’s time to pack that wedding bag! Here are 7 Things You MUST Pack in Your Wedding Bag.
