It’s the fifth and final chapter in this introductory series!

Chapter 5 : Other Awesome Stationery Things

There are many stationery options available to you beyond the pieces mentioned in Chapters 1-4.  Probably the most important item you will want to order is thank-you notes.  It is proper etiquette to send a hand-written note of thanks within two months for each gift you receive at your wedding or shower(s).  These cards are typically styled to coordinate with your invitation, and may or may not include your names or the words “thank you”.  (Personally, I like blank cards because I can use the extras for any occasion.)

Designs by Quad Deuce Design, available on Etsy.

If you are giving favors to your guests, your stationer can also create matching tags to tie on each one.  These tags can come in any shape or color, and also in a variety of materials.  Favor tags typically include a simple message of appreciation, such as “Thank you for sharing our special day with us!”

Candy or sweets bars have gained popularity in recent years.  Often times brides will incorporate signs to identify the flavors and varieties.  Whether it’s a die-cut print wrapped with ribbon around a jelly bean jar or a patterned tent card set next to the strawberry-flavored cupcakes, your guests will never wonder what they’re about to eat.  Sometimes the flavor names are printed on small flags and placed directly into the dessert!  Or sometimes the flags are simply for decoration, such as with these cupcakes.  (I’m talking too much about sweets.  I want a cupcake now!)

Cupcake flags by Quad Deuce Design, Photo by McCoy Made.

There are a world of other pieces that your stationer can design for you, depending on your needs and your décor.  Signs to direct your guests where to go, “Mr. & Mrs.” signs for your reception chairs, custom drink bottle labels, “reserved” signs for you head table(s), bags or labels for out of town guest welcome bags… the list goes on.  Your stationer specializes in creating a cohesive look for all of your stationery needs.  It’s what she loves to do!

I hope this series has given you the big picture of all the options available.  It is, of course, up to you to decide what to include and not include.  Many of your decisions will be based on budget and number of guests.  But whether you’re hosting a small, intimate event or the shindig of a lifetime, selecting your stationery (and planning your wedding) should be an enjoyable experience!

Welcome back for the fourth installment of the INV 101 series!  This chapter’s all about the celebration party.

Chapter 4 : The Reception

Depending on the formality of your reception, you may or may not need any stationery pieces for this part of your celebration.  A backyard BBQ dinner reception (yummmm…) probably won’t require menus or assigned seating.  However a seated, plated ballroom reception will, and you’ll need some stationery assistance to keep things moving smoothly.

A seated dinner usually necessitates that guests sit at an assigned table or seat, so each table will need a number or name assigned to it.  Using numbers is perfectly fine, particularly for large receptions, but for an added personal touch you can name each table with something of significance to you and your honey.  This is a great way to continue with a theme, if you have one.  Numbers or names are often printed onto a card and displayed prominently on the appropriate tabletop, though sometimes the titles are worked directly into the centerpieces.

Photography by Nathan Mantor Photography; Designs by Quad Deuce Design

If you are assigning each guest a seat, you will need place cards at each setting.  Place cards are small cards – usually about half the size of a business card, though shape, color and size can be whatever you desire – with space to write or print the guest’s name.  This lets the guest know which seat is theirs once they find their table.

Photography by Nathan Mantor Photography; Designs by Quad Deuce Design

But how does the guest find his or her table?  There are a couple different methods for this.  In one method, escort cards are displayed at the entrance to the reception area (and the display options are endless! Get creative!).  As the guests enter, they find the card with their name (or names, in the case of couples).  The card will also have their assigned table number or name printed on it.  There are lots of creative options to carry out your style when designing your escort cards.  I’ve seen names printed on narrow strips of paper wrapped around votive candles.  I’m personally waiting to attend a wedding where my escort card is printed on a mini paper flag and displayed in my own, personal mini cupcake.  I have no problem with eating dessert first!

Another method to direct your guests to their seat is to have your stationer design a seating chart.  The seating chart is a large piece of paper (or other fun material) with a list of each table number or name and each guest assigned to that table.  Again, the creativity options are endless.  The chart can be professionally printed, framed and displayed at the entrance to your venue.  It can be printed on fabric and hung like a tapestry.  Each table could have its own chart with all the charts displayed as a group.  Let your imagination run wild!

One more common piece of stationery used at wedding receptions is the menu.  This piece outlines the cuisine, beverage and/or dessert options available to your guests.  Some couples choose to have one large menu to display near the start of the serving line.  Others choose to print smaller menus and set one at each seat, though this option is most often seen at more formal, plated dinners.  The choice is totally yours.

Only one more session to go!  Check back soon for Chapter 5 : Other Awesome Stationery Things.  Here’s your preview (taken at my own wedding):

Photography by McCoy Made; Designs by Quad Deuce Design

Welcome back for the third installment in the Foundations of Wedding Stationery series!

Chapter 3 : The Ceremony

The most common stationery item used at wedding ceremonies is the program.  Though it is an optional piece, the program is an ideal way to tell your guests about your ceremony.  Traditionally it includes an outline of the ceremony, the names of your wedding party and the names of your families.  Many couples choose to include a note of thanks to the guests, showing appreciation for their attendance. 

Photo by Nathan Mantor Photography; Program by Quad Deuce Design

The program is also a great place to tell your guests about special parts of your ceremony.  Perhaps your venue is of significance to you or your family.  Maybe your wedding date is the same as your parents’.  Perhaps part of your ceremony itself is traditional of your faith, which some of your guests may not be familiar with.  Include this information in your program.

Photo by Nathan Mantor Photography; Program by Quad Deuce Design

Most often programs are a single sheet or a small booklet, but more and more couples are getting creative with their program presentation.  For example, paper fan programs for outdoor summer weddings!  (Being from the south where the summers get particularly steamy, this is a much-appreciated option.)

Check back for Chapter 4 : The Reception!