{"id":677,"date":"2018-01-12T14:09:35","date_gmt":"2018-01-12T21:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oneprettyprint.com\/?p=677"},"modified":"2024-06-09T20:18:24","modified_gmt":"2024-06-09T20:18:24","slug":"ultimate-wedding-stationery-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wondermentpaper.com\/blog\/ultimate-wedding-stationery-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Wedding Stationery Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Ordering Your Wedding Invitations"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This helpful guide will break down all the components that you\u2019ll need to consider when planning your wedding stationery suite.<\/span><\/i><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


<\/span>Congratulations, you\u2019re engaged! Now what? There are so many things to think about when planning your wedding, it can be overwhelming at times. As a professional wedding stationery designer, I have heard many of the same questions repeated from brides and couples regarding their wedding invitation suites. When should I send the Save the Dates and Invitations? What items are included in a wedding stationery suite? How many sets should I order? And more…<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a lot of details and components to a full wedding invitation suite that you\u2019ll want to consider, especially since these small details can make all the difference in pulling together a really beautiful wedding paper set.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I created this guide as a resource for any couple that is beginning the wedding planning process in order to help clarify and explain every detail related to wedding stationery. So, before you begin thinking about wedding invitations, read through this guide to make sure you don\u2019t overlook any important detail!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jump to Section:
Mailing List<\/a>  |  Save the Dates<\/a>  |  Invitation Suite Components<\/a>  |  Envelope Options<\/a>  |  Envelope Addressing<\/a>  |  Assembly & Embellishments<\/a>  |  Postage<\/a>  |  Day-Of Stationery<\/a>  |  Thank You Cards<\/a><\/span><\/i><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

1. Mailing List<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First things first, you\u2019ll need to determine your mailing list. And no, this is not the same thing as your guest list! Some people make the mistake of ordering the same number of invitations as the total number of guests, but remember that many of your guests are couples and families that live under the same household. Start determining your guest list and gathering mailing addresses early!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I highly recommend using Excel or a similar spreadsheet program to keep track of your guests\u2019 names and mailing addresses, using a separate column for each name, address, city, state, and zip code. This will make it so much easier when you are ready to address your envelopes!<\/span> Many printers require this format if you choose to create mailing labels or use printed envelope addressing.
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Also, don\u2019t forget to order some extra sets of envelopes and invitations beyond the total number of addresses in your mailing list. You may need them later, and it\u2019s much cheaper to order them at the same time as your main order, rather than trying to add a few more later! I\u2019d recommend getting 10-25 more than you think you might need.
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2. When to Order Save the Dates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve determined the number of mailing addresses you have, you can order Save the Date cards. These are typically mailed out 6 to 8 months ahead of your wedding date, or even longer for destination weddings.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of this, remember that it can take some time for the design, processing, and printing of your Save the Date cards, so be sure to place your order 1 to 3 months before you plan to get them in the mail!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of a save the date card is to give your guests plenty of notice to plan ahead and ensure they can attend your wedding, and sometimes to give them a few other details about the wedding itself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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What is Included on a Save the Date?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Typically Save the Date cards include the names of the bride and groom to-be, the wedding date (obviously!), and the general location of the wedding. Some Save the Date cards also include a website address that leads to a custom wedding website with more information for the guests.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many couples choose to feature one or more engagement photos on their Save the Date card, but photos are not required. There are plenty of creative Save the Date ideas out there!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Save the Date cards can be mailed as a postcard, or with an envelope. More on that in the Postage section below!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Wedding Invitation Suite Components<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After you\u2019ve successfully mailed your Save the Dates, you can prepare to send your wedding invitation suite. This is typically mailed 8-12 weeks out. These can take even longer than the Save the Date cards to design, process, and assemble, so be sure to get them ordered several months before you need to mail them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve been using the term \u201cwedding invitation suite\u201d so far throughout this guide, but what does that really mean? Well, there\u2019s a lot more to an invitation suite than just simply invitations. It\u2019s extremely common to use a separate RSVP card that guests can return. But on top of that, many people include additional enclosure cards. Here’s a full rundown of possible components:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n