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Are you knee-deep in wedding planning and feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of details to consider? Don’t fret; we’ve got you covered! Today, we’re delving into the world of wedding paper essentials, from pre-wedding invitations to post-wedding thank-you cards. Let’s explore all the options to ensure your paper goods are as memorable as your special day.
Before the Wedding
Engagement Party Invitation: Kick off the celebrations with an invitation to your engagement party, where loved ones gather to toast your impending nuptials.
Save-the-Date Card: Give guests a heads-up about your wedding date, especially if it’s during a busy season or held at a destination location.
Bridal Shower Invitation: Invite friends and family to shower the bride with love and gifts before the big day.
Bridal Shower Thank-You Cards: Show your gratitude for the thoughtful gifts received at your bridal shower with personalized thank-you cards.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Invitation: Send out invitations to your pre-wedding festivities, whether it’s a night out on the town or a weekend getaway with friends.
Rehearsal Dinner Invitation: Extend an invitation to your wedding party and close family members to join you for a pre-wedding meal and celebration.
Welcome Dinner Invitation: For destination weddings or multi-day celebrations, welcome guests with a dinner invitation to kick off the festivities.
The Wedding Invitation
Outer Envelope: The first impression of your wedding invitation, featuring the recipient’s address and postage.
Inner Envelope: A traditional addition for formal invitations, used to protect the contents and list specific invitees.
Belly Band or Ribbon: Add an elegant touch to your invitation suite with a decorative band or ribbon to hold the components together.
Invitation Card: The main event, featuring the who, what, when, and where of your wedding day.
Reception Card: Provide details about the reception venue, especially if it differs from the ceremony location.
Directions/Map Card: Help guests navigate to your wedding venues with a handy map or written directions.
Response Card and Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope: Make it easy for guests to RSVP by including a response card and pre-addressed stamped envelope.
Hotel Accommodations Card: Offer lodging options for out-of-town guests with a card detailing hotel accommodations and booking information.
At the Wedding
Welcome Basket Tag: Personalize welcome baskets or bags for guests with a thoughtful tag expressing your gratitude for their attendance.
Ceremony Program: Guide guests through your wedding ceremony with a beautifully designed program outlining the order of events and participants.
Pew Cards or “Reserved” Seating Cards: Reserve seats for special guests or family members with designated pew cards or “reserved” signs.
Escort Cards: Direct guests to their assigned tables or seating areas with individual escort cards, often displayed near the entrance to the reception venue.
Place Cards: Assign specific seats to guests at each table with elegant place cards featuring their names.
Table Number Cards: Clearly mark each table with numbered cards to help guests locate their assigned seating.
Menu Cards: Showcase the evening’s culinary offerings with printed menu cards displayed at each place setting or on tables.
Favor Tags: Attach personalized tags to wedding favors, expressing your appreciation to guests for sharing in your special day.
After the Wedding:
Thank-You Cards: Show your appreciation to friends and family for their presence and thoughtful gifts with handwritten thank-you cards sent promptly after the wedding.
From the first announcement of your engagement to the final expression of gratitude after the wedding, wedding paper plays a crucial role in every stage of the celebration. By carefully considering all the options and personalizing your paper goods to reflect your unique style and vision, you’ll create lasting memories for you and your guests to cherish.
photographs by Nicole Weeks Photography; invitations by Louelle Design Studio