You are here: Home » Stationery » Wedding Stationery: A complete guide I
Wedding Stationery: A complete guide I

Clients ask me all the time for a checlist of wedding stationery items, so I thought I would compile a list which also contains the etiquette for each item. In this edition I will be looking at pre-wedding stationery.
Save the Date Cards
The save the date card is the first official announcement of your wedding date.
Save the date cards should include:
- Your names and the wedding date
- The location, if you know it, so that out-of-town guests can begin making travel arrangements
- The words “formal invitation to follow,” or a similar phrase
- The URL of your wedding website
Accommodations Cards
These are optional, but it’s smart for destination weddings or if you’re expecting a lot of out-of-town guests. It’s enclosed with save the date cards to assist your guests with booking travel and lodging.
What you may include:
- Hotels near the ceremony and reception sites
- Airfare or other transportation information
- Maps of the area
If you’re limiting invitation costs, include this information on your wedding website and direct guests there on the save the date.
Wedding invitations
The wedding invitation is the most important item of stationery you will purchase for your wedding, and to that effect should be the most elaborate.
Key information to have:
- The names of the hosts (often the parents)
- The names of the bride and groom
- The day of the week the ceremony occurs, as well as the date, time, and address.
The invitation doesn’t travel alone. It’s accompanied by the following, all enclosed within the outer envelope:
- A reception card-especially if the party will be at a different location than the ceremony
- The response or RSVP card, with a self-addressed, stamped envelope
- A map or directions to where the ceremony and reception will take place
Events or Itinerary Card
If you’re planning a destination 0r weekend-long celebration, consider an events card. It can detail planned activities, such as golfing or an afternoon tea, so that guests can pack accordingly.
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Within many families, the groom’s parents issue this invitation. Because they likely won’t be your responsibility, it’s not necessary for rehearsal dinner invitations to match your wedding invitations. However, it’s a nice touch. Talk it through with your future-in-laws and let them determine how to proceed.
In the next edition I will discuss all the stationery you will require to make your big day FABULOUS.
Related Posts
The Aleit Blog
Today most couples send out a save-the-date about six to eight months before their wedding, officially announcing their big day and making sure that the date is in everyone’s calendar. It’s also a great way to allow guests to start planning their travel arrangements early, if necessary.
Save-the-dates don’t usually have much information, just the date, venue and perhaps an RSVP request. More and more couples are sending electronic save-the-dates, which is not only convenient but also cuts costs. Whichever way you decide to send a save-the-date, make sure it looks good – it is, after...
Read More »
The Aleit Blog
The summer months are undoubtedly the most popular time to celebrate a wedding. However, the weather can be scorchingly hot and it’s always a good idea to the strength of the African sun into account! Here are a couple of indispensable tips on how to keep things cool at a summer wedding:
• Choose a venue that has plenty of shade. If your ceremony or reception is indoors, be sure to check if there is air conditioning.
• Consider the time of your wedding. A late afternoon or early morning wedding might be a better option during the hot summer months.
• Offer guests plenty of refreshments at pre-ceremony...
Read More »
The Aleit Blog
Last month we featured some fun ways to cut down wedding costs. With the wedding season almost in full swing, here are some more ideas for a fabulous day that doesn’t blow the bank!
Choose a venue that is so striking or beautiful that it doesn’t need much décor. The setting will say enough and you’ll save on decor costs!
Have a lunch or brunch wedding to reduce lighting costs. Furthermore, the bill for the bar will be less pricey in the absence of a crazy late night after party.
Use indigenous flowers to create unfussy but stylish flower decor. Also select flowers that are in season, so that...
Read More »
The Aleit Blog
When couples draw up their guest lists, the question often arises as to whether children should be included. For some couples it’s not even an issue; they can’t imagine them not being part of the experience. But although children are adorable, they can be unpredictable! That’s why other couples prefer to keep the guest list limited to adults, either because they don’t want to risk the sounds of a tantrum during the ceremony or because their wedding is going to continue into the early hours of the morning.
If you don’t want to have children at your wedding, simply state it on your...
Read More »
The Aleit Blog
Choosing your colour palette is the most important part of creating your wedding’s decor scheme. A good colour palette not only reflects your own tastes and personality, but also sets the ambience that captures the overall style of your wedding. It’s no wonder that finding the perfect colour scheme can seem like a very daunting process, but with some of our tips, you’ll find your look in no time!
Whether you already have a particular style in mind or if you have no ideas at all, it really helps to visualise a colour palette to decide if it really works for you. One of the best ways to do so...
Read More »
16-10-2009 · Publications
The Spring issue of MY DAY wedding magazine has hit the shelves. MY DAY magazine is a real gem, well laid out, modern and stylish. It is aimed at the bride getting married in the Western Cape and is packed with articles, tips and information that will inspire! Pick up the latest issue from all leading book retailers in the Western Cape.
Some of the features in this issue:
11 x Real Weddings for inspiration!
Decor Trends
Travel Insurance
Bridal Fashion
Honeymoon Destinations: Thailand
Budgeting tips
The MY DAY magazine is Published by Elna Coetzer and has contributions by The Aleit Group, Wedding Concepts...
Read More »