When you think “wedding stationery”, do you automatically think “invitations and RSVP cards”? Well, there’s actually a lot more to wedding stationery than you might think. Items such as signage, programs, escort cards, place cards, menus, and favor tags are also considered wedding stationery. Sometimes these pieces can be purchased as part of your invitation suite, but other times they’re not included – or maybe you didn’t know you needed them. If they’re not included, there’s no need to fret – you do have some other options, including hiring a calligrapher or designer to create pieces for you, or you can DIY them using templates or your own creativity. These DIY Chinoiserie Place Cards can be created by simply using this free printable template. DIY wedding projects can also save you money and leave more room in your budget for other things such as the venue or DJ.
But do you really have to have all of that? Not necessarily. It really depends on what type of event you’re having. Here’s the lowdown:
Escort Cards If you have made seating arrangements and have a seating chart, you will need escort cards to let guests know where they’ll be seated.
- Escort cards can be incorporated into the wedding favor or attached to the wedding favor. If you are going the DIY route or just want to get creative with these cards, you can create your own like these DIY Forest Themed Calligraphy Cards.
- Set up an escort table near the reception entrance.
- Alphabetize the escort cards so they will be easier for guests to locate.
- Create a unique look by creatively arranging the escort cards on a table or wall – especially if you’re using non-traditional escort cards. Check out this fun DIY Framed Wedding Seating Chart.
Signage Is your reception at a large or non-traditional venue? If so, directional signage like arrows and maps will be very helpful for your guests like the ones included in this Wedding Road Sign Kit.
ProgramsPrograms indicate the flow of the wedding, and many guests really like them. Programs can include the order of the wedding ceremony, explain rituals and traditions, list names and brief introductions of the wedding party, feature tributes to deceased loved ones and thank guests for attending. Programs can be left on chairs, placed in a basket or container near the entrance to ceremony for guests to take, or handed out by ushers.
Menus Menus can be used in several ways:
- For a sit-down dinner, set individual menu cards at each place setting (shown below) or create one for the table.
- The menu can be one poster-sized design for entire room.
- For a buffet, make small place card-sized signs to put near each dish. It’s also helpful to include ingredients and/or potential allergens.
Place Cards Like escort cards, if you have assigned seating arrangements, you will need place cards so that guests will know where to sit once they arrive at their assigned table. Still looking for seating chart ideas? Check out this DIY Pampas Grass Seating Chart for inspiration.
- They can be part of the wedding favor or attached to it.
- Place cards can be as simple as folded pieces of paper set atop napkins or can be small objects/greenery that double as table décor. This Elegant Plant Terrarium Place Card is an example of a greenery/object place card. This type of place card may work better for weddings with a medium to small guest list. Check out some of our wedding place card DIY's like these DIY Wax Seal Stamp Wedding Place Cards or these Botanical Hoop Place Cards. These DIY's are timeless and can save you some money as well!
Favor Tags These are small tags or stickers with a message of thanks that are attached to favors. The tags can include such things as the couple’s name and wedding date, a monogram or a symbol. These Personalized Hear-Shaped Initial Stickers can be put on favors or even on place cards. Remember, what you’ll need for wedding stationery (beyond the invitations) depends largely on what type of event you’re having. Use all of the components or have just a few – the choice is really up to you. And don’t be afraid to use your DIY talents to create something that’s uniquely you. These Wedding Favor Sparklers are a super fun favor and they also come with free printable favor tags. They are a great idea to end your celebration.
Keep going, bride; just three months until the wedding! Do you have a bridal shower coming up? If the hostess has never thrown a bridal shower, share this guide with her. And what’s up with wedding party gifts? Who all gets one? We have some answers for you here. And don’t forget to choose a guest book – or even a guest book alternative!
See more tips for every phase of your planning process in our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide.
Article written by: Heather Clark