What stationery do I need for my wedding?

We often get asked by our couples about Wedding Stationery. Stationery is a really key part of your wedding day and it is something which is incredibly personal.  I am a huge advocate of investing in areas which bring you joy and are important to you.  Immersing yourself in the world of stationery is certainly something we recommend to find your perfect style.

Ink & Paper Stationery captured by Kernwell Photo

But we thought we would ask one of our favourite stationery designers, Grania at Ink & Paper, for her expert advice on getting your stationery just right…

Your stationery is the thread that ties your day together

When you’re planning your wedding, after you’ve made decisions about your date, venue and photographer, the next item to consider is your wedding stationery. Stationery can sometimes get overlooked, but when planning an event, it is the thread that ties the whole day together.

Start with your Wedding Invitations

Your wedding invitations are the first thing people see and touch when it comes to your wedding: the colours, patterns, design and messaging are all clues and cues for your guests as to what to expect on the day. And when couples choose to continue the designs, themes and motifs into the ‘day of’ stationery, that’s where the magic starts to happen as it brings a sophistication and cohesiveness to the proceedings.

One way to think of it is that in designing your wedding day, you are creating both a brand and an experiential, immersive event:  the invitations are the key that unlocks the door to the event and go some way to communicate the look and feel of your day. It builds excitement, and builds anticipation over what to expect: sophisticated, or modern, traditional and romantic… all conveyed through the invitations. It’s not just colour and style, but the materials used – tactile, luxurious letterpress, shimmery hot foil, sumptuous velvet ribbons or ethereal vellum wraps, they all tell you what awaits. And then there’s the language used: formal and refined, or playful and friendly; months before the wedding day has arrived, you have an inkling of what might be in store.

Ink & Paper Stationery captured by Laura Williams

How do I work out what stationery I need?

When you work with a planner, they will have an eye on both the logistics and cohesiveness of your event. From selecting beautiful tableware and linens that reflect your dining style, to ensuring your day runs perfectly to schedule, your stationery also plays a big part in your ‘day of’ styling. Your planner will be able to advise on what pieces will be essential to the smooth running of your day, and what can be used to enhance the experience.  There are certain things you will more than likely need on the day such as place cards and table plans.  Your wedding planner should not only be able to advise you what the key elements to invest in are, but also those things that aren’t strictly necessary but are lovely to have if your budget allows.

What other stationery should I be thinking about?

A welcome sign not just builds excitement for the day ahead, but also gives an indication of the style of day you will be having and, crucially, lets you know that you’re in the right place! Your order of service helps your ceremony run smoothly, and, if you’re having a church wedding, ensures there’s no awkward scrabbling in the hymn book. Reserved signs guide your VIP guests to their seats, and an unplugged ceremony sign politely reminds all guests to live in the moment.

Signage can be used to guide your guests around the venue too, especially if your wedding is on a larger or more spacious scale. Never underestimate the power of a beautifully constructed sign saying “cocktails this way”, or, less exciting but perhaps more importantly, “toilets over here”. You know only one of those will find its way onto Instagram though!

Ink & Paper Stationery captured by Kernwell Photo

What about menus and place cards?

And if you’re having a sit-down meal, your table plan and place cards are arguably the two most important pieces of stationery: there’s nothing like a marquee full of people, all trying to find their seat! A table plan doesn’t just tell your guests what table they’re on, but if well designed, where in the room they will be seated – vitally important I think you’ll agree! People also love to know what they will be eating, and having menus, whether it is one per person or a couple per table, serve not just as a useful reminder of what’s for dinner (or breakfast, if you’re being pedantic!), but also act as a conversation starter where two guests are sat together but don’t know each other.

On a smaller scale, next time you eat out at a restaurant or stay at a hotel, think about how the experience ties together. If you booked online, the website acts as your invitation and sets the tone as to what to expect. When you check into a hotel, chances are your room key is presented in a little branded wallet, and there’s stationery & signs in the room and throughout the venue to guide you and help you make decisions. A well-presented menu tantalises and excites. The same goes for your wedding day.

Ink & Paper Stationery captured by Sally Masson

While your stationery shouldn’t be the standout thing your guests remember about your day (that should be YOU!), it quietly works hard to add both wow factor and cohesiveness to your wedding.

Grania O’Brien, Ink & Paper  

https://www.inkandpaperdesign.co.uk/

Photo Credits: Kernwell Photo, Laura Williams, Sally Masson