Planning Your Wedding Stationery: From Start to Finish

Planning your wedding stationery can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure where to begin or what you even need. This guide breaks it down into simple steps so you can approach your order with confidence, and actually enjoy the process. 

Step 1: Start with a rough guest list

Before you think about designs or colours, you need a number. Your guest count drives almost every decision, from how many invitations you order to what suite items you need.

• Order for households, not individuals. A couple or family shares one invitation.
• Add 5 extras to your count. You'll want spares for last-minute additions or additional keepsakes.
• Don't wait for a perfect, final list. A close estimate is enough to get started. 

Step 2: Decide what pieces you actually need

Not every wedding needs every stationery item. Think about your day and what will genuinely be useful for your guests.

BEFORE THE WEDDING

• Save the dates, sent 6-12 months out for destination weddings, or 3-6 months for local
• Invitation suite, including your invitation card, details card, and RSVP card, paired with coloured envelopes.

ON THE DAY

• Welcome sign
• Seating chart
• Table numbers
• Menus, either per place setting or per table
• Place cards with guest names
• Order of service for ceremonies
• Vow Booklets
• Bar or dessert signs
  

Step 3: Set your timeline

Stationery takes time, so working backwards from your wedding date is essential.

• Save the dates: send 9-12 months before your wedding
• Invitations: aim to have them posted 3-4 months before the day
• RSVP deadline: 6-8 weeks before your wedding date
• On-the-day items: order 2 months before your wedding and finalise details with your stationer 4-6 weeks out, once RSVPs are confirmed
• Thank you cards: order before the wedding so they're ready to go, and try to send within 2 months post-wedding 

If you're getting married in and around Christmas and the New Year (January-February) add extra time for the on-the-day stationery items as business holiday closures can cause delays.

Step 4: Choose your design style

Your stationery sets the tone for the whole day. It's one of the first things guests receive, so it's worth thinking about.

• Look at your venue. Is it rustic, modern, classic, garden? Your stationery should feel like it belongs there.
• Consider your wedding colours. You don't have to match exactly, but they should complement each other.
• Think about shape. A die-cut arch or rounded corner suite already tells a story before guests even read a word.
• Don't overthink it. Most couples land on something they love quickly once they start browsing options.

At White Cherry Invitations, every suite is semi-custom, so you choose the design, shape from our range of 7-15 die-cut options, and one of 40+ card stock colours and 60+ paper stock colours. It's a lot of choice without the stress of starting from scratch. 

Step 5: Sort your wording

This is the part most couples leave too late. Getting your wording right takes a few rounds of back and forth, so start earlier than you think you need to.

• Decide who is hosting. Traditional wording lists parents, modern wording lists the couple.
• Confirm all venue details, including ceremony and reception addresses and times.
• Decide on your RSVP deadline. We recommend 6-8 weeks before your wedding.
• Proofread everything more than once, then get someone else to check it too. Spell check won't catch a wrong date.

At White Cherry Invitations, we take care of the wording for you. Simply complete our wording form with your details and we'll put it all together, no need to google "how to word a wedding invitation." We also include unlimited artwork changes, so you can take the time to get it exactly right without worrying about extra charges. 

Step 6: Review your proof carefully

Once you receive your digital proof, go through it properly before approving.

• Check all dates, times, and addresses first.
• Read every word out loud. It sounds slow, but it catches errors your eye skips over.
• Check spelling of all names, including the venue.
• Confirm the RSVP email, mobile number or return postal address is correct.
• Look at the layout and spacing. Does anything feel off?

Don't approve until you're completely happy. Once it goes to print, changes aren't possible. 

Step 7: Plan your postage

All of our invitation designs are standard 12x18cm in size, using a 13x19cm envelope, which requires standard postage. That said, there are a few things to be aware of.

• Large or square envelopes often need extra postage.
• If you're sending overseas, factor in international postage rates.
• Hand-cancelling is worth asking about at your local post office. It reduces the risk of your envelopes going through the sorting machines and arriving damaged.  

One last thing

Good stationery doesn't have to be complicated, but it does need a plan. If you start early, get your numbers sorted, and work through each piece one step at a time, you'll have a suite you love without any last-minute panic.

If you're ready to start browsing designs or have questions about what you need, head to the White Cherry Invitations online store or get in touch. We're happy to help you figure it all out.

Happy planning and until next time!

Bel 🤍

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