FAQs from couples planning their wedding invitations and on the day stationery
Drowning in pinterest boards but still feeling overwhelmed with where to start with your wedding stationery? Obsessed with all the pretty paper but no idea how to word your wedding invitations or when to send your save the dates? I have been designing wedding stationery for three years, and I have learnt a lot along the way. You’re planning a wedding, and you definitely don’t have three years to learn the same lessons, so let me take you on a shortcut. Here are my top FAQs from couples planning their wedding stationery.
How many wedding invitations do I need?
Most of your wedding invitations will be sent to families and couples, so remember you will only need one invitation per household. If a group of friends live together, you’ll need one invitation per person. As a ballpark figure, it’s usually around 60-70% of your total guest headcount. Then, order five extras: one for you to keep, one to give to your photographer to take some photos on the day, and the rest so you have some spares in case any get lost in the mail or you want to invite a last minute extra guest.
When should I send my invitations or save the date cards? When should I set my RSVP deadline?
If you’re sending save the dates, I recommend posting them around one year before the big day. If you have sent save the dates, then send your full invitations out 3-4 months before your wedding. If you haven't sent save the dates, then send the full invitations 6 months before your wedding. You can download my handy wedding stationery timeline and simply add your wedding date and it will automatically generate a timeline from placing your order, finalising your wording, sending save the dates/invitations, setting your RSVP deadline, choosing your on the day stationery and planning your table plan.
What does my wedding invitation / details card / rsvp card need to say? Do you have any sample wording?
I’ve given the headlines below, but for all your wording worries, I recommend downloading my wedding stationery wording guides which set out what to include on every card from save the dates to map insert cards, with plenty of example wording for you to follow.
Your main invitation card will usually follow the following format:
Introductory line
Couples' names
Date, time and location
Your details card will add more information for guests, for example:
Addresses and postcodes
Logistics on the day: parking, transport, specific directions
Accommodation: local recommendations or reserved rooms
Dress code
Gifts
Are children invited?
On the day contacts with phone numbers
Local taxi number
RSVPs
Traditional invites will include a separate postcard or card with a small envelope for guests to return by post. Some couples are opting for digital replies to save time and cost. A good way to do this is to create a new email address for your wedding (like joneswedding@gmail.com) and ask your guests to reply directly by email. You can read lots of RSVP example wording here.
What should a wedding map include?
Wedding map cards are pretty, but make sure they are functional too… Typically map inserts will include your venue(s) and any important directions or points of interest, like entrances, car parks or train stations. Make your map obvious – if your venue is tricky to find and you need to say ‘turn left at the big red post box’ – then say exactly that! Consider adding personal touches to the map design – if you’re getting married in your local area, you could mark on your favourite landmarks, or places that are important to you - for example, your favourite café, pub, or hike, or any local accommodation recommendations.
When should I order my on the day stationery?
Generally I recommend 6 to 10 weeks before your wedding, depending on how much your are ordering and how much design work is required (for example, stationery for the collection will be much quicker than creating a bespoke illustrated table plan). Sorry to sound like a broken record here, but you can download my handy wedding stationery timeline here, input your wedding date, and it will automatically generate recommended dates for you - right through from placing your order, finalising your wording and table plan to receiving your printed stationery.
I can’t decide between a pre-made design (the collection) or getting a bespoke design created.
In all honesty: if you are an indecisive person, go for something pre-designed. You can shop around, order a sample, and you know what it’s going to look like. You can still personalise it and make it completely your own – but ultimately there will be no surprises.
Bespoke is best if you have a vision, and you aren’t afraid to put your trust in someone else to bring it to life. Find a designer whose work you connect with, be as detailed as you can in your brief, and then wait for them to work their magic.
I want to go bespoke. How do I brief my wedding stationery designer?
Awesome. Your brief should include: 1) details about your wedding – what’s the venue, is it rustic, modern, country, city, boho, elegant? Spring, summer, autumn, winter? 2) colour inspiration 3) moodboard (inspiration can come from anywhere, so don’t feel like you need to limit your moodboard to stationery inspiration, or even wedding photos. I once designed an entire wedding invitation suite inspired by a cushion. 4) anything you definitely don’t like.
Where do I buy frames and stands for my wedding signs?
Stay tuned, there’s a blog post in the works all about this exact topic. Alternatively, you can sign up to my mailing list here and you will get an email on this exact topic, including direct links to my favourite frames, stands and props to show off your gorgeous stationery.
Will I see a mockup of my wedding invitations / on the day stationery?
Yes, you will receive a digital mockup of all your stationery and have the chance to make any changes before the designs are finalised and printed.
Can wedding stationery designers copy an invitation I found on Instagram or Pinterest?
We can’t copy another designers work. We can use the designs as inspiration for your own bespoke stationery, but we cannot directly copy or replicate work.
Can I make change to a design in the collection?
Yes, changes to the colour and wording are included. You can also add custom illustrations (like of your venue, your menus, or table plan theme). You can also mix and match finishing touches (like wraps, bands and wax seals) across the collection, and you can read more about that here.
