HELPFUL WEDDING GUIDE
🤎 THE ULTIMATE WEDDING STATIONERY GUIDE 🤎
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the wonderful world of wedding stationery, you’re definitely not alone.
One of the questions we hear most often is: “What is it all for, and do I really need it?”
To make things simpler, we’ve put together a clear and easy-to-follow guide covering the what, why, how many, and when for each piece of stationery.
You’ll also find plenty of helpful information on our FAQ page — and if you still have questions, just get in touch.
Your Complete Guide to Wedding Stationery
Planning your wedding stationery can feel a little overwhelming at first — especially when you realise there’s far more to it than just invitations!
From Save the Dates to Thank You Cards, each piece of stationery has its own purpose and timeline. To make things easier, we’ve created this simple guide explaining what each item is for, when you should order it, and when it should be sent out.
Save the Dates
What are they for?
Save the Dates give your guests advance notice of your wedding date so they can keep the day free and make travel or accommodation arrangements if needed.
They’re especially useful for:
- Summer weddings
- Destination weddings
- Weddings during school holidays or peak seasons
- Guests travelling from abroad
When should I order them?
Ideally 9–12 months before your wedding.
When should I send them?
Usually 6–12 months before the wedding.
Wedding Invitations
What are they for?
Your invitations officially invite guests to your wedding and include all the key details such as:
- Date and time
- Ceremony and reception location
- RSVP information
- Dress code
- Accommodation or travel details
When should I order them?
Around 4–6 months before your wedding.
When should I send them?
Typically:
- 3–4 months before the wedding for UK weddings
- 4–6 months before for destination weddings
RSVP Cards
What are they for?
RSVP cards allow guests to confirm whether they can attend your wedding. Many couples also use them to collect:
- Meal choices
- Dietary requirements
- Song requests
When should I order them?
At the same time as your invitations.
When should I send them?
Included with your wedding invitations.
RSVP deadline
Aim for around 6–8 weeks before the wedding.
Details Cards / Information Cards
What are they for?
These cards provide additional information that won’t fit neatly on the main invitation, such as:
- Accommodation recommendations
- Transport details
- Gift list information
- Wedding website details
- Directions or parking information
When should I order them?
Alongside your invitations.
When should I send them?
Included with your invitations.
Order of Service
What are they for?
An Order of Service guides guests through the ceremony and often includes:
- The order of events
- Hymns or readings
- Names of the wedding party
- Thank you messages
When should I order them?
Around 6–8 weeks before the wedding once your ceremony details are confirmed.
When should I send them?
These are not sent in advance — they are handed out on the wedding day.
Welcome Signs
What are they for?
Welcome signs greet guests as they arrive and help set the tone and style for your wedding day.
When should I order them?
Usually 4–8 weeks before the wedding.
When should I use them?
Displayed at the entrance to your venue on the wedding day.
Seating Plans
What are they for?
A seating plan helps guests quickly find their table at the reception.
When should I order them?
About 3–4 weeks before the wedding, once RSVPs are finalised.
When should I use them?
Displayed at your reception venue on the wedding day.
Place Cards
What are they for?
Place cards show guests exactly where they are seated during the wedding breakfast.
When should I order them?
Around 2–4 weeks before the wedding.
When should I use them?
Placed on tables before guests arrive.
Table Names or Numbers
What are they for?
These help guests identify their assigned table and complement your wedding styling.
When should I order them?
Usually 2–4 weeks before the wedding.
When should I use them?
Displayed on each reception table.
Menus
What are they for?
Menus let guests know what food and drinks will be served during the wedding breakfast.
When should I order them?
Around 2–4 weeks before the wedding after your menu is confirmed.
When should I use them?
Placed on reception tables or at individual place settings.
Wedding Signage
What is it for?
Wedding signage can include:
- Unplugged ceremony signs
- Guest book signs
- Bar menus
- Timeline signs
- Dance floor signs
These details help guide guests throughout the day while adding personality to your wedding styling.
When should I order it?
Usually 4–6 weeks before the wedding.
When should I use it?
Displayed throughout your venue on the wedding day.
Thank You Cards
What are they for?
Thank You Cards are sent after the wedding to thank guests for attending and for any gifts received.
When should I order them?
You can order them before or shortly after the wedding.
When should I send them?
Ideally within 6–12 weeks after the wedding.
Wedding Stationery Timeline at a Glance
| Stationery Item | Order | Send / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Save the Dates | 9–12 months before | 6–12 months before |
| Invitations | 4–6 months before | 3–4 months before |
| RSVP Cards | With invitations | With invitations |
| Details Cards | With invitations | With invitations |
| Order of Service | 6–8 weeks before | Wedding day |
| Welcome Sign | 4–8 weeks before | Wedding day |
| Seating Plan | 3–4 weeks before | Wedding day |
| Place Cards | 2–4 weeks before | Wedding day |
| Menus | 2–4 weeks before | Wedding day |
| Wedding Signage | 4–6 weeks before | Wedding day |
| Thank You Cards | Before or after wedding | 6–12 weeks after |
If you’re still unsure which pieces of stationery you need for your wedding, we’re always happy to help guide you through it all.
ON THE DAY WEDDING SATIONERY
Once the invitations have been sent and the RSVPs are in, it’s time to think about your on-the-day wedding stationery.
These are the finishing touches that help your day run smoothly, guide your guests, and bring your wedding styling together beautifully. From welcome signs to place cards, each piece has its own purpose — and not everything is essential, so don’t worry if you choose to keep things simple.
Here’s our guide to the most popular on-the-day wedding stationery, what each item is for, and when you should order it.
Welcome Sign
What is it for?
Your welcome sign is usually the first thing guests see when they arrive. It sets the tone for the day and ties together your wedding style and theme.
Welcome signs can include:
- Your names
- Wedding date
- A simple welcome message
When should I order it?
Ideally 4–8 weeks before the wedding.
When is it used?
Displayed at the entrance to your ceremony or reception venue.
Order of Service
What is it for?
An Order of Service guides guests through your ceremony and helps everyone follow along.
It can include:
- The order of events
- Hymns or songs
- Readings
- Names of the wedding party
- Thank you messages
When should I order it?
Around 6–8 weeks before the wedding, once your ceremony details are finalised.
When is it used?
Handed out before the ceremony begins.
Seating Plan
What is it for?
A seating plan helps guests quickly find their table for the wedding breakfast.
It’s often displayed as a large sign or board and can become a real statement piece within your venue styling.
When should I order it?
Usually 3–4 weeks before the wedding, once all RSVPs are confirmed.
When is it used?
Displayed at the entrance to your reception space.
Place Cards
What are they for?
Place cards show guests exactly where they are seated at their table.
They can be simple and elegant or personalised to match your wedding theme.
When should I order them?
Around 2–4 weeks before the wedding.
When are they used?
Placed at each guest’s seat before the reception begins.
Table Names or Numbers
What are they for?
These help guests identify their assigned table and make the seating plan easier to follow.
Couples often personalise them with:
- Favourite places
- Travel destinations
- Flowers
- Films or songs
- Simple numbered tables
When should I order them?
Usually 2–4 weeks before the wedding.
When are they used?
Displayed on each reception table.
Menus
What are they for?
Menus let guests know what food and drinks will be served during the wedding breakfast.
They can be individual menus at each place setting or shared menus placed in the centre of tables.
When should I order them?
Around 2–4 weeks before the wedding, once your final menu is confirmed.
When are they used?
Placed on reception tables before guests are seated.
Wedding Signage
What is it for?
Wedding signage helps guide guests throughout the day while adding extra personality and style to your venue.
Popular options include:
- Unplugged ceremony signs
- Guest book signs
- Bar menus
- Signature cocktail signs
- Photo booth signs
- Timeline signs
- Cards and gifts signs
When should I order it?
Usually 4–6 weeks before the wedding.
When is it used?
Displayed around your venue on the wedding day.
Reserved Seat Signs
What are they for?
Reserved signs are used to save seats during the ceremony for close family members or special guests.
When should I order them?
Around 2–4 weeks before the wedding.
When are they used?
Placed on ceremony chairs or pews before guests arrive.
Favour Tags
What are they for?
Favour tags add a personalised finishing touch to your wedding favours and often include guest names or thank you messages.
When should I order them?
Usually 2–4 weeks before the wedding.
When are they used?
Attached to favours before the wedding day.
Guest Book Sign
What is it for?
A guest book sign encourages guests to leave messages, advice, or well wishes for you to look back on after the wedding.
When should I order it?
Around 3–4 weeks before the wedding.
When is it used?
Displayed beside your guest book or audio guest book station.
Timeline or Order of the Day Sign
What is it for?
These signs help guests know what’s happening throughout the day, especially useful if your wedding includes multiple locations or events.
When should I order it?
Usually 3–4 weeks before the wedding.
When is it used?
Displayed at the venue entrance or reception area.
On-the-Day Wedding Stationery Timeline at a Glance
| Stationery Item | Recommended Order Time |
|---|---|
| Order of Service | 6–8 weeks before |
| Welcome Sign | 4–8 weeks before |
| Wedding Signage | 4–6 weeks before |
| Seating Plan | 3–4 weeks before |
| Guest Book Sign | 3–4 weeks before |
| Timeline Sign | 3–4 weeks before |
| Place Cards | 2–4 weeks before |
| Table Names / Numbers | 2–4 weeks before |
| Menus | 2–4 weeks before |
| Reserved Signs | 2–4 weeks before |
| Favour Tags | 2–4 weeks before |
Remember — there are no strict rules when it comes to wedding stationery. Some couples choose every detail, while others keep things beautifully simple. The most important thing is choosing the pieces that work for your day, your style, and your guests.