As you prepare for your wedding, it’s crucial to understand that wedding stationery involves more than just invitations. Day-of stationery ensures your wedding day flows smoothly and maintains an elegant atmosphere. But what exactly does day-of wedding stationery entail? Simply put, it includes all the paper items used during your event, such as ceremony programs, dinner menu cards, seating escort cards, table numbers, signs, bar menus, and more.
Despite its apparent straightforwardness, many couples question day-of wedding stationery, such as “Which pieces are necessary?” and “How many should we order?” To clarify, we’ve compiled a guide covering what constitutes day-of stationery, why it’s crucial, where to place these items strategically, and how to determine the optimal quantities. This guide aims to ensure a seamless guest experience and achieve a cohesive, stylish look throughout your wedding day, enhancing the overall ambiance and making it a memorable occasion.
Ceremony/Wedding Programs
Programs are indispensable for outlining the sequence of events during your ceremony. They introduce your bridal party, provide details about readings and musical selections, and help guests follow the proceedings. Wedding programs are informative and make guests feel included and informed about what to expect, enhancing their overall experience. Typically, they are placed on seats or handed out at the entrance of your ceremony venue, with one program per guest or couple, ensuring everyone has access to the necessary information.
Place Cards & Escort Cards
Place Cards and Escort Cards are essential for smoothly organizing seating arrangements at your reception. Escort cards indicate the table where guests will be seated, featuring the guest’s name and table number. In contrast, place cards specify the seat at the assigned table, including the guest’s name and meal choice, facilitating efficient meal service by servers. Place cards become necessary only when assigned table seating is planned.
In recent trends, seating charts are increasingly substituting escort cards. Escort cards and seating charts are typically located at the entrance of the reception area, providing guests with a clear overview of the seating arrangements.
Each guest requires one place card, while each couple or family needs one escort card if seated at the same table.
Table Numbers/Naming Signs
Table Numbers or Naming Signs are essential for guiding guests to their specific tables. Whether you opt for traditional numbers or personalized names for each table, these signs help guests locate their assigned seating quickly and efficiently. Placing these signs prominently at the entrance to the reception area and on each table ensures that guests can find their way without difficulty, enabling the catering staff to serve meals promptly and accurately.
Menu Card
Menu Cards provides guests with detailed information about the food and drink options during the reception. Beyond listing menu items, they can also accommodate dietary restrictions or special requests, ensuring everyone can enjoy their meal. Whether placed at each table setting or displayed prominently at the entrance to the dining area, having one menu card per guest or couple ensures clarity and satisfaction throughout the dining experience.
Signage
Signage encompasses directional signs, welcome signs, and decorative elements that guide and inform guests throughout your venue. These signs direct guests to critical locations such as the ceremony site, reception area, and restrooms and add decorative flair to your wedding décor. Depending on the size and layout of your venue, multiple signs may be necessary to ensure clear guidance and a cohesive aesthetic.
When to Order Day of Stationery
To ensure your day-of stationery is ready with plenty of time to spare, it’s recommended to begin the ordering process approximately four to six months before your wedding day. This timeframe allows for designing, revising, and finalizing your stationery pieces, as well as accommodating any necessary adjustments based on your final guest count. It’s advisable to send your designs to print at least three to four weeks before your wedding date to allow for production and shipping, minimizing any last-minute stress.
How Much to Budget for Day of Stationery
Budgeting for day-of wedding stationery can vary widely depending on several factors, including the quantity needed, the size and complexity of the pieces, the printing techniques used, and any decorative elements like wax seals or ribbons. Since costs can fluctuate significantly, starting with a consultation with your stationery designer or supplier is advisable. Many offer complimentary consultations to discuss your vision, provide cost estimates, and help you make informed decisions. This early discussion helps in budgeting effectively and ensures that the stationery aligns perfectly with the overall aesthetic and theme of your wedding day. Taking these steps early can help you achieve the day-of stationery that enhances your celebration without unexpected financial surprises.
On-the-day wedding stationery plays a vital role in ensuring your wedding day unfolds smoothly while adding personal touches and elegance to every aspect. By carefully considering what stationery items you need, understanding why each is important, determining where to place them for maximum effectiveness, and calculating how many of each are required based on your guest list and venue layout, you can create a cohesive and organized celebration that reflects your style and attention to detail. Each piece serves a purpose in making your special day memorable for both you and your guests, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
