The A-Z of Wedding Stationery!

So, come along as we explore the A-Z of wedding stationery from Hawthorne and Ivory- my UK wedding stationery design studio, where I design colourful, fun-loving save the dates, invitations, on the day pieces (menus, place cards, signage), guest books and thank you cards for couples, both through The Design Shop's ready-to-customise collections and fully bespoke. Together, we'll learn more, and discover how to sprinkle your distinctive style and personality across every piece!

Venturing into the magical journey of wedding planning? You've probably noticed that picking your stationery is more than just choosing a gorgeous wedding invite. Your save the dates and invitations are like the opening chapter of your love story, setting the scene for the amazing celebration ahead...

So, come along as we explore the A-Z of wedding stationery from Hawthorne and Ivory. Together, we'll learn more, and discover how to sprinkle your distinctive style and personality across every piece!

A - Authenticity

Your stationery should be a true reflection of you as a couple. Whether you're drawn to timeless elegance or have a soft spot for something a bit quirky, your invites, save the dates, thank you notes, and every little piece in between should sing your story. After all, this is about sharing a piece of your hearts with the world, in the most creatively and authentically 'you' way possible.

B - Bespoke Design

For those looking to truly stand out, bespoke design is your gateway to creating wedding stationery that's as unique as you. It's like opening a door to a place where everything is as wonderfully unique as you are. Imagine adding those special little bits that make your heart sing, like adorable hand-drawn illustrations of your furry friends or little hints of your favourite things.

Bespoke design is an investment, and it's also your chance to make sure that the very first glimpse of your wedding is oh-so-undeniably you.

C - Cohesion

From your initial save the dates and invitations to your day-of essentials and all the follow-up materials, aim for a cohesive design that flows seamlessly across your entire stationery suite. It's all about crafting those wow moments for your guests, enveloping them in love and excitement from the very first clatter at their letterbox.

Opting for a matching stationery suite not only ensures a polished and cohesive look from start to finish but also adds that sprinkle of magic, transforming your celebration into an unforgettable experience, beautifully reflected in every piece of your stationery.

D - Details

Details cards provide extra information like venue directions, accommodation, and dress codes. They're particularly useful when you need to communicate additional information to your guests that doesn't fit on the invitation itself.

E - Envelope Addressing

Don't underestimate the power of a beautifully addressed envelope! Your envelopes are the first impression your guests will have of your big day and with a beautifully printed address, we get things off to a truly wonderful start.

Plus, opting for printed envelopes saves you from the endless task of handwriting each address, not to mention sparing you the heartache of wasted envelopes due to pesky writing errors and smudges. It's a true win-win, blending convenience with elegance, ensuring that delightful first impression is as stress-free as it is beautiful.

F - Finishing Touches

Adding those final, loving touches to your wedding stationery can truly sprinkle a bit of magic on the whole affair. Why not consider charming elements like wax seals, delicate ribbons, or even bespoke illustrations to infuse your invitations with that extra sprinkle of uniqueness?

It's these heartfelt details that not only boost the beauty of your invites but also make the moment of receiving them feel extra special for your guests. Picture it as the cherry on top that lovingly ties your stationery collection together, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

G - Guest List

Before you order your invites, finalise that guest list! You don't want to end up with a surplus of stationery (or worse, a shortage!). And don't forget... your headcount is NOT how many invitations you need! Most guests will be invited as couples or family groups- you'll need one per household rather than one per person!

H - Hire a Professional

If design isn't your forte, or if you're pressed for time, hiring a professional stationer can be a life-saver. They bring expertise in design, print, and logistics, ensuring your invitations look fabulous, are printed perfectly, and arrive in plenty of time. A professional can also offer advice on wording and other wedding etiquette, an area where many couples feel unsure. This expertise not only saves you time and stress but can also help avoid any social faux pas, making your wedding invitation process as smooth and refined as the event itself.

If design isn't exactly your jam, or you're just swamped with wedding and general life to-do lists... getting a pro stationer on board can be a total game-changer. I'm a wizard when it comes to making sure your invites aren't just stunning to look at but also tick all of the logistical boxes. Feeling a tad unsure about the right words to use or the nitty-gritty of wedding etiquette? I've got your back there too, offering pearls of wisdom to ensure everything is just perfect.

This kind of help doesn't just take a load off your shoulders, it paves the way for those oh-so-important invites to reflect your unique vibe and charm, avoiding any social missteps along the way. Imagine your wedding invite process being as breezy and delightful as your big day is set to be.

Moody navy maximalist floral wedding invitation inspired by Dutch masters paintings

I - Invitation Suite

Your invitation suite is not just the invite itself... a complete invitation suite typically includes the main invite, an RSVP card, and any additional details cards. It's important to consider all of these elements and determine which ones are necessary for your guests.

For guests invited solely to the evening portion of your wedding, consider creating a separate, simpler invitation. Evening guests often don't require the full array of information needed for those attending the entire day. Tailor these invites to include just the essential details like the reception venue and start time.

Find out more on what to include in your wedding invitation suite here!

J - Joy

Your stationery is more than just paper; it's the whisper of the incredible celebration awaiting. If every glance at your invites sends butterflies of happiness fluttering in your belly, then you've nailed it! It's all about sparking that personal joy and excitement for the magical moments ahead.

K - Keepsakes

Your stationery doesn't have to be a one-day wonder! Consider creating keepsake pieces like custom artwork, a guestbook, or vow books that you'll cherish long after the big day.

A quick tip! It's a heartwarming touch to get a few extra copies of your invitations- just think of your photographers snapping them up with all the other lovely little details on the morning of your wedding. These photos won't just capture your beautifully chosen stationery; they'll weave together the full story of your magical day, piece by piece.

L - Luxury Materials

Choosing luxury cardstock, envelopes, and print finishes for your wedding invitations adds a touch of elegance and sophistication that guests will notice the moment they hold your invite. High-quality materials not only look lavish but also feel memorable.

M - Minimalism

As much as I'm a maximalist at heart... I know that, in the realm of wedding stationery, less can sometimes be more. Opting for a minimalist design can lend an air of modernity and elegance to your invites. This approach focuses on clean lines, simple color schemes, and a clutter-free layout, ensuring that the essential details of your day are communicated beautifully and effectively. A minimalist design also pairs well with high-quality materials, making it a stylish choice for couples seeking sophistication and simplicity.

N - Name Tags

The place cards at your wedding aren't only super practical for guiding your lovely guests to their spots for the meal... They're also a charming little touch that really brings the whole vibe of your celebration together. Gorgeously designed place cards not only say, "Hey, you're in the right spot," but also give that warm, personal welcome as everyone settles in for a delicious meal.

And let's not forget about those special reserved tags. They're like giving a welcoming hug to your VIPs, your immediate family and those dear friends, making sure they get the best seats in the house right at the front of your ceremony. It's all about those little gestures that make everyone feel super special and taken care of, ensuring your big day runs as smooth as silk and is filled with smiles all around.

O - Ordering

Be sure to order your stationery well in advance, especially if you're opting for a bespoke design or extra special print finishes and fancy touches. A good rule of thumb is to send your save the dates 12-18 months in advance, and your invitations 4-6 months before the big day.

My timescales for collections from The Design Shop are 3-4 weeks, and for bespoke design you're looking at 6-8 weeks. Book in advance to ensure I have space in my diary to get stuck in!

Seat reservation tags for a wedding with a sage green theme

P - Postage

Before you drop those beautiful invitations in the postbox, make sure you've got the right postage! Collections from The Design Shop are purposefully designed to be letterbox and postage stamp friendly.

Unless you've added in extra fancy finishes like wax seals and ribbon, you should be fine with a standard stamp. With luxury extras, you may need to consider Large Letter stamps and factor that into your budget.

Q - QR Codes

Incorporating QR Codes into your wedding invitations is a modern and efficient way to seamlessly share information with your guests. A simple scan can lead them directly to your wedding website, where they can find all the details about your big day, RSVP, and even explore your gift list.

It can also be a fantastic way to create an interactive photo gallery; guests can upload the pictures they take, sharing their captured moments with everyone and contributing to your treasure trove of memories.

R - RSVP

Make it easy for your guests to RSVP by including a pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope or card. For a more eco-friendly (and budget-friendly) option, consider online RSVPs.

More tips on getting your guests to RSVP here!

S - Save the Dates

Give your guests plenty of time to mark their calendars by sending your save the dates 12-18 months before your wedding. This is especially important if you're planning a destination wedding or a peak holiday weekend celebration.

More information on save the dates here, and also here!

T - Thank You Cards

Show your guests just how much you appreciate their presence (and presents!) with heartfelt thank you cards. We can personalise these even more with a photo from your wedding day and remind guests of the special day you shared together. Try to send them within 3 months of the big day, but late is always better than never!

U - Unconventional Shapes

Think outside the rectangle!! Beyond the typical rectangle format for your save the dates and invitations, there are so many options to give your stationery an eye-catchingly trendy touch. Think about arch cuts, wavy edges, circles, and way beyond... with bespoke design, anything is possible!

V - Vellum

Think of this as tracing paper's super classy and kind of sexy cousin. This translucent paper adds a dreamy, ethereal touch to any stationery suite. Use it as an overlay, wrap, or accent for a romantic, whimsical look.

W - Wedding Website

Your wedding website can become the digital hub of your celebration. Include the URL on your invitations or details cards so guests can easily access all the important details and keep themselves in the loop.

X - X marks the spot

Incorporating an illustrated map into your wedding invitation suite is like embedding a treasure map that leads to the heart of your love story- guiding your guests not just to the venue but on a mini adventure of its own. A charming addition which builds anticipation and excitement for the big day.

Y - Your Love Story

At the end of the day, your stationery is a celebration of your incredible love story. Infuse every piece with personal touches that speak to your unique bond, and you can't go wrong!

Z - Zodiac Signs

(Ok I admit I was struggling with this one...) Choosing table names instead of numbers for your wedding reception is a delightful way to add a deeply personal touch to your special day. Imagine turning your wedding reception tables into little chapters of your love story instead of just sticking numbers on them. It's a super simple way to sprinkle bits of your journey together all around, making every corner of your celebration ooze with personality.

Each table could be a little nod to your adventures, your all-time favourite books, those songs that get you both in the feels, or those dates that mean the world to you. It's like inviting your guests to get cozy and dive into what makes you both tick, sparking conversations and letting everyone feel a tad closer to the magic that is uniquely you.

And there you have it, a whimsical stroll from A to Z, weaving through the many ways you can sprinkle your own magic into your wedding stationery alongside an introduction to some of the basics. Wedding stationery is so much more than paper- it's the prologue to one of the most beautiful chapters of your life. As you plan, dream, and design, cherish each moment. After all, this is not just about crafting the perfect day- it's about celebrating a love that's uniquely yours.

Here's to making your wedding everything you've dreamed of and more, filled with love, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime!

If you're ready to start planning your budget, the quote builder will give you an instant, personalised price for everything from save the dates to thank you cards.