Wedding Stationery Checklist

Wedding stationery serves one of the most important purposes: to outline what guests can expect at your affair, from the invitation right down to the table numbers. It's a polite way of providing guidance along the way for guests. While all stationery is not necessary, keep in mind that it is a great way to make guests feel informed and included.

This wedding stationery checklist will outline everything you need (and don't need) for your wedding. From the necessary invitations to the all the coordinating extras, here is a complete wedding stationery list.

Engagement Party Invitations

Throwing an engagement party is the perfect way to announce your recent engagement. Engagement parties are optional, but for those who opt in, sending an invitation is a must. Your engagement party invitations don't have to be an exact match to your wedding invitations, but it's a good rule of thumb for the stationery to be reflective of your general wedding concept.

Bridesmaid Proposal Cards

This fun trend is certainly catching on! In addition to asking your BFFs to be your bridesmaid in person, some brides choose to make the event even more memorable with bridesmaid proposal cards or personalized gifts.

Save the Date Cards

Once you've set a date, it's time to send out save the date cards. All you'll really need to list are the bride and groom's names, the date and the city where the wedding will take place. Additional information such as the venue and the time of the wedding are omitted, even for destination weddings. Matching save the dates and invitations will help to create a look of cohesiveness. For those having a wedding near a holiday or with several out of town guests, it is a nice gesture to send save the date cards.

Bridal Shower Invitations

These do not have to coordinate with your wedding, and are typically less formal, so mix it up and have fun!

Bridal Shower Thank You Cards

After your bridal shower, it is customary to send a Thank You note to each guest for their generous gift. Be sure to collect addresses ahead of time from the bridal shower host. You may also want to designate someone to write down who each gift came from so you can properly express gratitude in your card.

Wedding Invitations

Whether they're fun or formal, wedding invitations are the single most important aspect of your wedding stationery. Every couple is unique. In fact, it is this coming together of two distinct personalities that makes marriage so special. Find invites for your theme and taste: rustic, retro, elegant and more.

Response Card (or RSVP)

Always include a separate response card with your invitation, even if you are requesting guests reply online. The information included on a response card should be the reply by date, a line for their name, a response (accepts/regrets) and a space for recipients to write in the number of guests attending. You may also want to include a meal option when needed and/or a line to list dietary restrictions.

Enclosure Cards

These cards are reserved for additional information guests may need to know, such as room blocks, reception information or a wedding website. Keep in mind that sending a full page of information to guests can be exasperating and recipients may not read it all the way through. Keep your enclosure cards brief by only including the basics. An easy way to break down a lot of information for guests is by including separate enclosure cards for each detail, such as accommodations, reception, etc.

ACCOMMODATION CARD

You may list room blocks on a separate accommodations card if you have a few options for guests to choose from or if you need more room than what is on the enclosure card.

RECEPTION CARD

Very formal wedding invitations will include reception information on a separate card. If your wedding and reception are at the same venue, this is typically not needed. However, if you are hosting a reception later in the day or at a different venue than the ceremony, it is a nice gesture to include a reception information on a separate card in order to outline all of the details.

REGISTRY

If you would like to indicate your registry information in a nice way to guests, you may include it on a separate registry card. A registry card is usually small, around business card size, and can easily be tucked into your invitation suite.

WEBSITE CARD

While a web address can easily be added to any enclosure card, some guests prefer to list it on a separate card.

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

Though not a requirement, rehearsal dinner invitations make a lovely addition to your wedding paper suite. It is also the most effective way to spread the word about your rehearsal and gives guests a heads up on what to expect.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Invitations

It's likely that you won't be planning this one, but it is customary for the host to send out invitations. An invitation will be especially helpful for larger bridal parties and for any participant who lives out of town. These event cards can list the festivities surrounding your weekend, such as welcome cocktails, parties, and morning brunches. If you’re planning a destination birthday or bachelorette party, event cards are a great way to provide information to your guests about local hot spots and area attractions to help them make the most of their travel plans.

Ceremony Programs

A lovely way to include guests in the wedding festivities, ceremony programs not only outline what guests can expect (i.e. the order of the ceremony) but they also recognize bridal party members and other notable people in your wedding. Programs are not required, but they make beautiful keepsakes of your big day. Customarily, these will coordinate with your invitation suite.

Guest Book

A beautiful keepsake to commemorate the big day, guest books are a fun yet sentimental part of your wedding. It's a formal way for guests to write sweet notes or simply sign their name in support of your nuptials.

Seating Charts

If you have seating assignments, a seating chart is a must. These will list each table number, along with names of guests sitting at that table. An seating chart is usually one large sign with all table numbers and names of guests. It can have names grouped by table number (all names under each table) or alphabetically by last name.

Place Cards

Place cards are (as the name implies) placed on the table setting of each person. Generally, place cards only include the person's first name, but if you have guests with the same first name you may add a last initial to omit any confusion.

Table Numbers

For those who opt in to assigned seating, table numbers are a must to indicate where guests should go. You can get creative with these, but it is recommend for them to coordinate with your overall wedding concept.

Menus

Menus are a great way to really pull your tablescape together, and they're very purposeful in letting guests know what to expect. Whether you're hosting a sit down dinner or a buffet style affair, this is a great way to indicate to guests what's on the menu.

Wedding Table Thank You Notes to Guests

This is a somewhat new wedding trend! Instead of a menu (or in addition to), many couples are placing a sweet thank you note to wedding guests at each place setting. These are typically printed with the same message on each card and include the couples' new married name.

Wedding Welcome Bag Notes

It is considered a nice gesture to include a welcome gift bag for those who have traveled a long way to celebrate with you. You can leave them at the front desk of the hotel or offer them at your wedding rehearsal dinner. It is common to include a thank you note for guests traveling to celebrate with you, a timeline of wedding weekend events, things to do in the area and any other necessary details.

Wedding Welcome Bag Tags or Labels

As the name implies, these tags or labels adorn your welcome bag. You may choose a small hang tag or apply an adhesive label to each gift.

Wedding Signs

Wedding signs are a fun and informative element to add to your ceremony and reception décor. Ranging from small to large, these come in all shapes, sizes and styles.

Thank You Cards

The final piece of the wedding paper puzzle, thank you cards are most certainly a bridal "do". Have your new husband help out. You may choose to thank all guests who attended (whether they bring a gift or not), but it is definitely required to thank guests who brought a gift. Designate a person to help you remember who gave what so you can properly thank them in your note.

I hope this checklist has helped to relive some of the overwhelming stress that comes with wedding planning! While this list may seem like quite a bit of paper needs, it’s important to at least consider all of these items as you plan your big day! You might not need it all, but armed with all the choices, you can decide which stationery is best for you - and your guests.