What is Included in Wedding Stationery: A Complete Checklist

Planning a wedding means you will have to make a number of crucial decisions, especially when you are having a destination wedding in Bali, and one of those crucial decisions is your wedding stationery. Save-the-dates, thank-you cards, and many paper goods can add a personal touch to your big day.

But before we explore how you can use wedding stationery to add a personal touch to your wedding, it is important to understand what wedding stationery actually is. In this comprehensive guide, we are going to answer all of your questions regarding the wedding stationery checklist and cover everything you’ll need before, during, and after the wedding.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Quick Summary

• Wedding stationery includes all the paper items, sometimes digital as well, that you will need before, during, and after your wedding, starting with your engagement announcement and ending with your thank-you notes after the big day.
• Wedding stationery is usually small and has a lot of text. Wedding stationery is also super practical. It tells guests where to go, when to be there, and what’s happening next, keeping your big day flowing smoothly.
• It is not necessary for wedding stationery to match, but it should at least feel cohesive so that each piece would complement the other.

What is a Wedding Stationery?

So, what is wedding stationery, and what items of the wedding are included in it? Wedding stationery includes all the paper items, sometimes digital as well, that you will need before, during, and after your wedding, starting with your engagement announcement and ending with your thank-you notes after the big day.

Wedding stationery is usually small and has a lot of text. Wedding stationery is also super practical. It tells guests where to go, when to be there, and what’s happening next, keeping your big day flowing smoothly.

Moreover, it can reflect your style as well. Are you planning to have an outdoor wedding? Consider incorporating terracotta-colored menus. Going for a laid-back beach vibe for your destination wedding in Bali? Maybe you’ll opt for simple, minimalist designs in soft ocean hues.

What we are basically trying to say is that your wedding stationery can tie your whole wedding together, so don’t underestimate its power.

Planning a wedding in Bali? Let Your Bali Wedding take care of every detail, including beautiful stationery that matches your vision. Get in touch with our expert wedding planners today!

A Complete Wedding Stationery List

We have compiled a complete list of wedding stationery you might need, from the engagement party to the post-wedding thank-yous.

Pre-Wedding Stationery

• Engagement Party Invitations

An engagement party is the best way to celebrate or announce your recent engagement. Not everyone would opt for an engagement party, but if you do, it’s a great chance to look at a few invites. Think of it as your first chance to explore some new designs and see what you like.

Since you have just started planning your wedding, your engagement party invites are not going to look like your wedding invites, but it is a good idea for the invitation to reflect the general concept of your wedding.

Pro Tip: Send out invitations 2-3 months in advance to give guests enough time to plan.

• Save-the-Date Cards

Date set? Let people know! Save-the-dates are a must, especially for destination weddings. There isn’t supposed to be much information on these cards, just the name of the bride and the groom, the date of the wedding, and the location where it would take place. The rest of the information, such as the time, venue, etc., is not included. It is also common to add a line saying “formal invitation to follow” at the bottom of this card.

Though save-the-dates are optional, they are growing increasingly popular and come across as a generous gesture, especially if you are planning to have a wedding near a holiday, if you will be having out-of-town guests at your wedding, or simply if you are planning a destination wedding.

You can use this card to give your guests a taste of your wedding’s vibe, whether it’s tropical, elegant, or a mix of both.

Why They Matter: Sending save-the-dates increases the chances of guests attending, especially those who need to plan for travel.

• Bridesmaid Proposals

Rather than just asking your best friends in person, some brides use a bridesmaid proposal card to make the event even more memorable. Ask your besties to stand by your side on your big day and make it special with a cute and personalized proposal card. It is a thoughtful way to set the tone for all the wedding fun to come.

• Bridal Shower Invitations & Thank You Cards

Whether you are choosing to have a laid-back brunch or are thinking of having a glamorous evening filled with fun and enjoyment, a bridal shower is one of the best ways to gather all of your closest friends before the big day. Remember to send out thank you cards afterward to show your appreciation! The bridal shower invitations and thank you cards don’t have to match your wedding, so you have the freedom to mix them up and have some fun.

• Bachelorette Party Invitations

Even if your best man or maid of honor is handling the planning, a fun, personalized invite is a nice touch. Moreover, it’s a great keepsake to remember all the pre-wedding festivities.

• Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

The rehearsal dinner is typically a more intimate gathering the night before the wedding. Invitations can be sent out separately or included in your main wedding invitation suite.

• Welcome Dinner Invitation

If you are thinking of holding a more formal dinner before the wedding, i.e., a welcome party dinner, You can create a separate invitation card for it. You can even send this invitation with the wedding invitation suite; however, if you plan to do so, remember to give credit to the host and add any specific information your guest needs to know, such as attire expectations.

The Wedding Invitation Suite

The wedding invitation suite is the main piece of your wedding stationery list, containing all essential details about your ceremony and reception. Here’s everything you should consider:

• Outer & Inner Envelopes

Traditionally, wedding invitations come with both an outer and an inner envelope. The outer envelope holds the complete address and postage stamps in the upper right-hand corner. At the same time, the inner envelope should carry the invitation suite and should address guests more personally.

Pro Tip: Make sure to double-check addresses and consider requesting hand-canceling at the post office for a pristine look.

• Invitation Card

This is the heart of your wedding stationery. Your invitation card should clearly state who is getting married, who is hosting, and the date, time, and location. You may also include a line about the reception, such as “dinner and dancing to follow.”

• RSVP Cards

The RSVP card is one of the most important elements of your wedding stationery list. This card lets you track who will be attending your destination wedding. Also, remember to include a “reply by” date and options for guests to accept or decline.

Tip: Including a self-addressed, stamped envelope can make it easy for guests to reply. Nowadays, many modern couples can direct guests to RSVP online.

• Directions / Map Cards

Even though digital maps are really common nowadays, using a printed map can add a beautiful touch and make sure that your guests will find your venue easily. Printed maps can come in handy for remote or hard-to-find locations.

• Reception Cards

If your ceremony and reception are going to be held at different locations, you should consider including a separate reception card with all necessary details, such as the address of the venue, and if your reception is being held immediately after the ceremony, consider adding the timing as well.

• Belly Bands

Belly Bands are optional but stylish add-ons that wrap around the suite and hold everything together. You can add a touch of elegance to your wedding invitation suite by using paper, fabric, or ribbon as your belly bands.

• Envelope Liners

Envelope liners are another minor detail of wedding stationery. It is a decorative piece inside the envelope that adds a pop of color or design that complements the rest of your stationery.

• Hotel Recommendation Card

If you don’t have a wedding website, you should consider including a hotel recommendation card with a list of all the hotels your guests can consider staying at for your destination wedding in Bali. Be sure to include all the relevant codes and information you think might be helpful for your guests.

Explore Bali’s most stunning venues and turn your wedding dreams into reality with Your Bali Wedding.

• Wedding Website Information

Include a small card with the link to your wedding website, where guests can find everything they need, from the schedule to your gift registry.

Wedding Day Stationery

On your big day, the little details make a big difference. Wedding day stationery plays a significant role in guiding guests, sharing information, and adding personal touches. Here’s what you should consider:

• Ceremony Programs

Ceremony programs are a beautiful way to will outline the wedding festivities and the order of events for your guests. It will not only make them feel included but will also help them recognize the bridal party members and other notable people in your wedding. Although ceremony programs are optional, they make a beautiful keepsake. Traditionally, these are supposed to coordinate with the rest of the wedding suite.

Design Tip: Match the style of your program to your invitation suite for a cohesive look.

• Welcome Signs

Another significant detail in your wedding stationery list is the welcome signs, which greet your guests as they arrive at the venue. These can be as simple or elaborate as you like and may include a warm message or your name and wedding date.

• Escort Cards and Place Cards

Escort cards and place cards are also an important part of your wedding stationery list. Escort cards will direct your guests toward their assigned seats, while the place cards will indicate the specific seat for your guests at each table.

These cards are particularly useful for formal receptions and are great for managing meal choices.

• Table Number Cards

If you are opting for assigned seating, table numbers can help your guests find their tables easily. Make sure the font is large enough to read from a distance. Get creative with the table number cards, and have them coordinate with your overall wedding theme.

• Menu Cards

Menu cards are a good way to pull everything together; they are practical and give your guests an overview of the meal that will be served. They can be placed at each setting or displayed on the tables.

Why They Matter: Menu cards help you keep your guests aware of their choices if you are planning to have multiple meal options.

• Favor Tags

Add a personal touch to your wedding favors with small tags that include your name, wedding date, or a thank-you message.

Post-Wedding Stationery

The wedding might be over, but there’s still one last piece of stationery to send out.

• Thank-You Cards

Thank-you cards are a must-have for expressing gratitude to your guests. Mention the gift and include a personalized note to show your appreciation. Ideally, they should be sent out within three weeks of receiving the gift. But if you want to include photos from your wedding, You can always send the thank-you cards a little later.

Unique Wedding Stationery Ideas For Your Bali Wedding

Want to make your wedding stationery stand out? Here are some unique wedding stationery ideas that will make your wedding in Bali unforgettable:

• Consider using traditional patterns like Batik or Ikat for a touch of local culture.
• Add floral designs
• Go green by choosing eco-friendly paper, bamboo, or recycled materials. It’s a great way to show you care about the island’s natural beauty.
• Decorate with pressed flowers, wooden beads, or natural fibers for a rustic, earthy touch.
• Move away from the traditional rectangle and experiment with circular, oval, or even cut-out designs.

Ready to say “I do” in Bali? Your Bali Wedding can make your dream come true! From breathtaking venues to custom stationery, our expert planners have you covered.

Wedding Stationery Checklist

Here’s a complete wedding stationery checklist. This checklist will help youmake sure you don’t miss any important stationery items:

Pre-Wedding Stationery

• Engagement Party Invitations
• Save-the-Date Cards
• Bridesmaid Proposals
• Bridal Shower Invitations & Thank You Cards
• Bachelorette Party Invitations
• Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
• Welcome Dinner Invitation

The Wedding Invitation Suite

• Outer & Inner Envelopes
• Invitation Card
• RSVP Cards
• Directions / Map Cards
• Reception Cards
• Belly Bands
• Envelope Liners
• Hotel Recommendation Card
• Wedding Website Information

Wedding Day Stationery

• Ceremony Programs
• Welcome Signs
• Escort Cards and Place Cards
• Table Number Cards
• Menu Cards
• Favor Tags

Post-Wedding Stationery

• Thank-You Cards

Does Wedding Stationery Have to Match?

Not necessarily, but your wedding stationery should at least feel cohesive. Your wedding stationery is like a team, where each piece complements the other. If you’re planning a beachside ceremony followed by a garden reception, your stationery can bring these elements together. If you stick to a consistent color palette, style, or motif, you will be able to create a visual experience no one will forget.

Start Planning Your Bali Wedding Today

Your wedding stationery is more than just paper; it is a necessary part of your wedding. Following this wedding stationery checklist will make sure you have everything covered from the very beginning to the very end.

Here at Your Bali Wedding, we’re all about making your destination wedding dreams come true. Whether you are just starting out or putting the final touches on your big day, we are here to help.

If you need inspiration and guidance or just want to chat about your wedding in Bali, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make it a day everyone will remember!

FAQs

Q: What is wedding stationery? 

A: Wedding stationery includes all the paper items, sometimes digital as well, that you will need before, during, and after your wedding, starting with your engagement announcement and ending with your thank-you notes after the big day.

Q: When should I send out wedding invitations? 

A: Wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. But if you are planning to have a destination wedding, consider sending them out 3-4 months in advance.

Q: What’s the difference between escort cards and place cards? 

A: Escort cards will direct your guests toward their assigned seats, while the place cards will indicate the specific seat for your guests at each table.

Q: Can I skip any items on the wedding stationery list? 

A: Yes, every couple can personalize their stationery needs based on their preferences, style, and budget.