Congratulations on your engagement! As you dive into wedding planning, one element that touches nearly every aspect of your celebration is stationery. From announcing your engagement to thanking guests after the big day, paper goods create the first impression of your wedding style and help guide your loved ones through the entire experience.

Let's be honest—wedding stationery can feel overwhelming. With so many pieces to consider and etiquette rules to navigate, it's easy to miss something important. That's why we’ve created this comprehensive checklist to guide you through everything you'll need from "yes" to "I do" and beyond.

Understanding Wedding Stationery Basics

Wedding stationery isn't just about invitations. It encompasses all the paper elements that communicate important information to your guests throughout your wedding journey. Typically, couples spend between 2-7% of their total wedding budget on stationery, depending on design choices, printing methods, and quantity.

Before diving into specific items, consider your overall wedding aesthetic. Your stationery should reflect the style and formality of your celebration—whether that's classic and elegant, rustic and relaxed, or modern and minimalist. This consistent visual identity helps set expectations and creates a cohesive experience for your guests.

When it comes to timeline, start thinking about your stationery needs early. Custom invitation suites often require 3-6 months lead time from initial design to mailing. Digital options can be faster, but still require careful planning to ensure everything arrives on schedule.

Pre-Wedding Stationery Essentials

Engagement Party Invitations

If you're having an engagement celebration, these invitations should be sent 6-8 weeks before the event (2-3 months for formal affairs). Include the hosts' names, the couple's names, date, time, location, and any dress code information. These don't need to match your wedding stationery, so feel free to have fun with the design!

Save-the-Date Cards

These pre-invitation announcements are especially important if you're planning a destination wedding or a wedding that lands on a holiday or during a busy season. Send save-the-dates 6-8 months before your wedding (10-12 months for destination weddings). Include your names, wedding date, city/state, and a note that formal invitations will follow.

Pro tip: Only send save-the-dates to people you're definitely inviting—there's no going back once they're in the mail!

Bridal Shower Invitations

Traditionally sent by the shower host (not the bride), these should go out 2-3 months before the event. Make sure to include registry information and any special themes or activities guests should know about. While these don't need to match your wedding suite exactly, a complementary style creates a nice connection between events.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Invitations

For smaller gatherings, digital invites work perfectly. For larger or destination celebrations, consider sending paper invitations 2-3 months in advance with detailed itineraries and cost expectations. The style can (and often should) be more playful than your formal wedding stationery.

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

Typically sent by whoever is hosting the dinner (traditionally the groom's family), these should go out after the wedding invitations but at least 4-6 weeks before the event. Include all the essential details and make it clear who is invited, especially if not all wedding guests are included.

The Wedding Invitation Suite

Your invitation suite is the centerpiece of your wedding stationery collection. Traditionally mailed 6-8 weeks before the wedding (add 2-4 weeks for international guests), this package contains everything guests need to attend and enjoy your celebration.

A complete wedding invitation suite typically includes:

• Main invitation card: The largest and most substantial piece, containing the who, what, when, and where of your ceremony. The wording varies based on who's hosting, but always include the couple's names, date, time, and venue.
  
• Response card and envelope: Make it easy for guests to RSVP by including a pre-addressed, stamped envelope. Set the RSVP deadline 3-4 weeks before your wedding to finalize numbers with vendors.
  
• Reception card: This is only needed If your reception is held at a different location than your ceremony. If so, include this card with venue details and timing.
  
• Details card: This catch-all piece can include your wedding website, accommodation information, transportation details, and other helpful notes.

When it comes to addressing your invitations, decide whether you're going formal (using titles and full names) or casual (first names only). For inner envelopes, list the specific individuals invited, which helps clarify who is included in the invitation.

Remember that postage costs vary based on weight and size—have a complete suite weighed at the post office before buying stamps. Consider hand-canceling (asking the post office to manually stamp rather than machine-process) to keep your beautiful envelopes pristine.

Day-of Wedding Stationery

These items create a seamless experience for guests on your wedding day while reinforcing your design theme:

Ceremony Programs

Programs typically include the order of service, wedding party names, tribute to loved ones, and sometimes a thank you note from the couple. They're especially helpful for religious ceremonies where guests might need guidance on traditions or responses. For summer weddings, consider program fans that serve a practical purpose!

Seating Guidance

You have two main options here:

• Escort cards: Individual cards telling guests which table they're seated at, displayed near the entrance

• Seating chart: A large display listing all guests alphabetically with their table assignments

For formal weddings with plated meals, you'll also need place cards at each table setting, which can indicate meal choices for servers.

Table Numbers/Names

Make these visible enough for guests to spot from a distance. Creative alternatives to numbers include naming tables after places you've traveled together or important dates in your relationship.

Menu Cards

Whether individual or shared, menu cards are both practical and decorative. They're especially important for plated meals but add a nice touch to any dining setup. Don't forget to note any allergens or dietary options.

Signage

Welcome signs, bar menus, guestbook instructions, and directional signage help guests navigate your venue while adding decorative elements. These pieces can often be DIY projects that save money while adding personal touches.

Post-Wedding Stationery

Thank You Cards

The final piece of your wedding stationery journey! Order these along with your invitation suite to ensure design consistency. Send thank you cards within three months of receiving gifts (ideally sooner). Each note should specifically mention the gift received and how you plan to use or enjoy it.

If you're using photo thank you cards, you'll need to wait for your professional images—but don't let this delay sending thanks for pre-wedding gifts like shower presents (aim to send those within 2-3 weeks).

Finding the Right Balance: Digital vs. Physical

In today's world, you have more options than ever for handling your wedding communications. Consider a hybrid approach that maximizes impact while minimizing waste:

• Paper invitations with digital RSVPs

• Printed ceremony programs but digital menus (via QR code)

• Email save-the-dates with printed formal invitations

For eco-conscious couples, look into recycled papers and soy-based inks.

Budget-Friendly Tips That Don't Sacrifice Style

Wedding stationery costs can add up quickly, but there are smart ways to save:

1. Prioritize your spending: Invest in your main invitation suite while going digital for save-the-dates or shower invites.

2. Watch the weight: Keep your invitation suite under 1 ounce to save on postage.

3. Consider semi-custom designs: These offer personalization at a lower price point than fully custom suites.

4. DIY strategically: Handle assembly yourself, but leave printing to professionals for a polished look.

5. Order extras: It's more cost-effective to order extra invitations initially than to place a second, smaller order.

Preserving Your Wedding Stationery

Your wedding stationery becomes an instant keepsake. Save one complete, unmarked set of everything from your save-the-dates to your thank you cards. Consider framing key pieces or creating a shadow box with your invitation alongside other mementos like dried flowers from your bouquet.

For digital preservation, scan important pieces and store them with your wedding photos. Some couples even include images of their invitation suite in their wedding album!

Final Thoughts

Remember that while there are traditions and etiquette guidelines, your wedding stationery should ultimately reflect you as a couple. Don't be afraid to skip elements that don't make sense for your celebration or add pieces that feel meaningful to you.

Start early, proactively organize, and enjoy the process of creating these tangible representations of your love story. Years from now, when you look back at your invitation or program, you'll be transported right back to the joy and excitement of your wedding day.

Happy planning!