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photo courtesy of jennifer driscoll photography
Most people know the essential elements included in wedding stationery. However, there are several components that often get forgotten or left out. Below are all of the elements that make up your wedding stationery package. Of course, you do not have to incorporate all of these elements into your wedding. It just depends on you and what you are comfortable spending.
Before the wedding:
~ Engagement announcement
~ Engagement party invitation
~ Save the date - Announces the date and location of a wedding.
~ Wedding shower invitation
Announcing the wedding:
~ Invitation - The focal point of your entire stationery package. Aside from the
physical invitation, this ensemble should include some, if not all, of the following:
~ Reception card - Necessary if the reception is being held at a location that is
different from the ceremony.
~ Response set* - Card and stamped envelope that guests fill out and mail
back to RSVP.
~ Directions/map card - Detailed directions to all wedding-related venues.
~ Hotel card - Notes the address, price range, and phone number for
hotels with rooms for guests.
~ Activity/itinerary card - Typically send out if most of your guests will be
visiting from out of town.
~ Parking arrangement card - Informs guests that parking has been arranged
in a nearby garage. Can also serve as an admission pass if parking fees have
been prepaid.
~ Special transportation card - Informs guests of shuttle service to faraway
or off-the-beaten-path sites.
~ Rain card - Notes an alternate venue in case of inclement weather.
Appropriate for outdoor ceremonies.
~ Within-the-ribbon card - Identifies VIP guests such as grandparents
to ushers.
~ Outer envelope - An addressed and stamped envelope.
~ Inner envelope* - An unsealed envelope that holds the invitation.
~ Calligraphy, printed addresses and reply address or address label
~ Custom postage
~ B-list invitation
~ Wedding party itinerary
~ Rehearsal dinner invitation
~ Post wedding brunch invitation
*Traditional etiquette calls for two large envelopes and a smaller envelope for the reply card. Although, a more modern approach has been taken with this formality. Most couples that I've worked with opt out of the inner envelope and, instead of a reply envelope, response postcards are sent out (eliminating the cost of the envelope and reducing the cost of postage).
For the big day:
~ Welcome basket card/tag
~ Program - Notes the names of your wedding party and any readings, songs
or prayers in the ceremony.
~ Menu - Lists the various courses and dishes served at a reception.
~ Favor card/tag
~ Escort card - Notes the table assignment for each guest. This is typically
located near the entrance of the reception in alphabetical order.
~ Place card - Indicates the name of each guest. This is located at their
assigned seat.
~ Seating chart - Used in place of escort cards.
~ Table number
~ At-home card - Announces the newlyweds' new address.
~ Thank you note
wedding stationery checklist