WEDDING STATIONERY CHECKLIST
Every piece couples normally prepare, grouped by stage, with what goes on it and whether it is optional. Nothing here is required — plenty of weddings use half this list.
BEFORE THE WEDDING
Anything sent while guests are still deciding and booking.
Save the date
Names, date, town or venue, and a note that an invitation follows.
Engagement or announcement cardOPTIONAL
Only if you want one — a photo card sent or posted online.
Wedding website cardOPTIONAL
A small card or a line on the details card pointing to your website.
THE INVITATION STAGE
The set that does the most work. Keep the invitation itself short.
Invitation
Who is hosting, the date, ceremony time and venue.
Details card
Travel, parking, accommodation, arrival time, dress code and RSVP deadline.
RSVP cardOPTIONAL
Only needed if you want replies by post rather than online.
Envelopes and addressing
Guest names written or printed; allow an evening for this.
CEREMONY
Read once, kept forever by some guests.
Order of serviceOPTIONAL
Running order, readings, hymns and the people involved.
Welcome sign
Names, date and a short line so guests know they are in the right place.
Reserved seating cardsOPTIONAL
For the front rows at a church or civil ceremony.
In loving memory cardOPTIONAL
A quiet line remembering someone who cannot be there.
RECEPTION
The largest group of pieces, and the one couples most often leave late.
Seating chart
One board listing tables and names, placed at the entrance.
Table numbers or names
One per table, readable from standing height.
Place cards
One per guest; add meal choices if the venue asks.
Menu
One per two guests is usually enough.
Bar or drinks menuOPTIONAL
Useful if you have signature drinks.
Timeline or order of the day signOPTIONAL
Speeches, food, cake, first dance, last bus.
Guest book signOPTIONAL
A short instruction so the book actually gets used.
AFTER THE WEDDING
Short, and much easier if you order it with everything else.
Thank-you cards
Sent within about two months, ideally with a photo.
Change of name cardsOPTIONAL
Only if you are changing a name and want to tell people once.
GET THE WHOLE LIST IN ONE DESIGN
Choose one collection, add your details once, and download the matching invitation, details card, menus, signs and place cards together.
SEE THE MATCHING SUITES