On The Day Wedding Stationery – What do I need?
Once you've set a date and chosen a venue, wedding stationery is usually next on the to-do list. While save the dates and invitations are the first paper goods to send out so guests can mark their calendars with your big day, there are a whole host of other stationery items to request from your stationery designer and factor into your wedding budget.
We asked luxury wedding stationer, Asha Annauth from Babooche Calligraphy in London to guide us through what on-the-day wedding stationery should be considered for your special day.
1. Wedding ceremony program or order of service booklet
A wedding program is great to inform your guests of what to expect from the ceremony. As well as detailing the order of the service, some couples choose to include readings by friends or family members and a section with ‘special thanks’ to key members of their friends and family.
To help tie in with the design of your stationery, it's nice to include details on the cover such as a monogram, venue illustration or calligraphy script names. These booklets can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes but it’s best to seek the advice of your wedding stationery designer as the size and shape usually depend on the quantity of wording.
2. Wedding vow books
Writing your own vows is the perfect way to ensure your words come from the heart, and beautiful vow books can be kept as a forever keepsake.
3. Seating plan or escort card display
Couples have the choice of either an escort card display or table plan at their reception. Escort cards will have a guests’ names and table number on it so essentially will direct them to a table, whereas a seating plan will have all your guests’ names and table numbers detailed in a larger format such as a board or wall display. Many designers are choosing unique and show-stopping displays for table plans that tie in other decorative elements.
4. Wedding table numbers or names
Traditionally the tables at a reception are numbered but they can also consist of names such as countries or places that are significant to the couple, or other fun ideas such as favourite films.
5. Place cards
Once guests arrive at their table having collected their escort card or viewed the table plan, they will need to know where exactly on a table they will sit. Place cards are always a useful stationery item, whatever the size of your guest list as they add a special touch to any table setting.
Place cards can be a simple rectangular shaped card or your stationer can get creative, using different materials such as agate slices or paper scrolls, to make something really unique. Details of guest’s dietary requirements can be printed on place cards with symbols for the caterer to see.
6. Wedding menus
Having a menu for each of your guests will enhance the table setting. Very simply, the menu will provide an overview of what will be served during the wedding lunch or dinner. It’s important to consider guests that have dietary requirements like pescatarians, vegetarians or vegans. Most couples opt to have different versions of the menu produced.
8. Wedding favor tags
Thinking of miniature bottles of local olive oil as wedding favours at your Italian wedding? Or perhaps some prettily packaged sweet treats, like macarons or truffles? Personalising favors with guests' names are a beautiful touch and act as a little wedding keepsake.
9. Bar menu
Signature cocktails are becoming more popular at weddings and menus detailing the ingredients plus any other drinks on offer is a handy way to let guests know what’s available to order at the bar.
