“It’s not what you say but how you say it matters”, the phrase highlights the importance of effective communication. When it comes to announcing the big news of your wedding, a wedding invitation is not just a piece of cardboard, rather a way to express your personal feelings.
Personalising your wedding stationery in Australia tells a unique story that truly makes your wedding memorable. From bespoke designs in save-the-date cards and wedding invites to free-standing welcome signs, seating charts, and table stationery, a professional designer is a must to get custom wedding invites and signs.
In this blog, we’ll tell you how to get started with all of these stationary to plan for a big event in your life. Let’s start.
Understanding Wedding Stationery
To begin with, a wedding invitation and all the other pieces of cards and notes that you see on a wedding day constitute wedding stationery. Primarily, this includes save-the-date invites, wedding invitations, welcome signs, seating charts, menu cards, place cards, table numbers, favour tags, wishing wells, bar menus, guest books, wedding stands, and other small signage.
Personalising a wedding invite and stationary to match your preferences, wedding theme, colours, and decor is not only about styling a wedding. Instead, it truly makes your wedding memorable and enjoyable for your guests and family members.
Starting With Save-the-Dates
Save-the-dates are often overlooked but are extremely important for others to plan ahead for your wedding. It provides guests and family members enough time to book flights, request off-work, and plan extra time for your big day.
When to Design Save-the-Dates?
The ideal time to send out your requirements for customising the save-the-dates is 6 weeks before your wedding date. This allows designers ample time to ask for more details, make changes, and revise the final view.
Creative Ideas for Save-the-Date Designs:
- Magnet Save-the-Dates is highly popular and draws attention to a wedding invitation. Guests can put them on their fridge, keeping your wedding date in sight.
- Personalise your save-the-dates with a photo shoot. Use your engagement photos or pre-wedding photos to spread smiles.
- Match the theme of your wedding or the location. For example, consider a tropical design if you’re having a beach wedding.
- Think about creating a puzzle or a scratch-off card revealing the date. It’s a fun way for guests to engage with your announcement.
- For a modern approach, consider digital save-the-dates. They can be more cost-effective and are great for quick delivery. Plus, you can incorporate animations or video messages.
- Tailor your design to include something you both love, like illustrations of your favourite activities or places.
Designing Your Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations are not just a formal announcement of your wedding details. They are a reflection of your personal style and the tone of your wedding. Invitations are one way to show the formality and emphasise the big event.
Beyond just informing guests of the where and when, invitations provide critical details about the occasion. Personalised invitations while keeping every detail right is essential, even when you are someone who loves to keep your wedding invite.
Elements to Include in Your Invitation Design
- Date and Time:
Clearly state the date and time of the wedding.
- Location:
Include the venue address and any necessary details about the location (e.g., parking info, venue specifics).
- RSVP Details:
Instructions for RSVPing, including the RSVP deadline and either a return envelope or online RSVP option.
- Dress Code:
If you have a specific dress code, mention it on the invitation.
- Additional Events:
If you’re hosting additional events (rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, day-after brunch), either include these on the main invitation or a separate card.
Choosing the Right Style and Theme
- Your invitations should be a reflection of both of you. Let your personality shine through, whether you’re traditional, modern, or somewhere in between.
- Align your invitations with the theme of your wedding. For instance, a beach-themed wedding might have invitations with light blues, sandy tones, and seashell motifs.
- The material and texture of your invitation add a lot to the overall feel. Thick cardstock, linen paper, or even unconventional materials like wood or acrylic can make a statement.
- Choose fonts and colours that match your wedding’s vibe and decor. Elegant scripts for a formal affair or bold, modern typefaces for a modern family celebration.
- Consider hiring a designer for custom invitations that are truly unique to you as a couple. This could include illustrations, custom monograms, or motifs that have personal significance.
Day-of-Stationary Essentials
Day-of-Stationery wedding stationery serves guests well while also providing essential details. Here’s an overview of some common day-of-stationery items and their roles:
- Menu Cards:
Menu cards describe the menu lists in order and are a great way to make the guest experience memorable. You can include descriptions of each dish, including any dietary restrictions or allergens. You can customise the menu cards with a wedding theme, add a personal favourite colour, or even include the designs you like.
- Place Cards/Seating Charts:
Place cards or seating charts guide guests to the assigned seats or tables during the reception. To minimise the confusion, you can ask your wedding planner or designer to label the card with the name of each person.
- Table Numbers:
Table numbers or names are essential for guests who want to locate their table easily without repeatedly looking over seating lists. This sort of personalisation adds value and brings everyone together. You can ask your wedding planner to put them either on individual table stands or as part of the centrepiece.
- Signage:
Signage is used throughout the venue to provide directions, highlight important areas such as the bar or restroom, and convey other pertinent information to guests. This can include welcome signs, directional signs, and signs for guestbook instructions or hashtag information.
- Favours Tags:
If the couple is providing favours for guests, favour tags can be attached to these items to convey a personalised message or thank you to guests. Adding a personal touch to your wedding stationery with a couple of names, monograms, or wedding colours strengthens your efforts.
Importance of Sending Thank You Cards:
Expressing gratitude to your guests for their presence, gifts or gestures of support they’ve given you is a thoughtful gesture. Thank you cards are one way to strengthen relationships and leave a positive impression on your guests, reflecting well on you and your partner.
Suggestions for Personalising Your Thank You Notes:
- Personalised Greetings:
Address each recipient by name and include a warm greeting to make the note feel more personal.
- Specific Mention of Gifts:
Reference the recipient’s specific gift or gesture, expressing your gratitude for their thoughtfulness. Mentioning the gift by name adds a personal touch and shows that you took notice of their contribution.
- Share Memories or Moments:
Reflect on special moments or memories you shared with the recipient from the wedding day. This helps to create a connection and makes the thank you note more meaningful.
- Customise the Design:
Choose thank you cards that reflect your style or incorporate elements from your wedding theme or colours. Customising the design adds a special touch and makes the note more visually appealing.
Final Words
We have walked you over why personalising the wedding stationaries before the big day is crucial. Alongside this, we have suggested making the most of the designs and styles for each wedding essential.
Save-the-date wedding invitation gives guests a glimpse into what to expect and allows them to mark their calendars. At the same time, Day-of-Stationery items guide guests through the various events and activities, ensuring they have all the necessary information at their fingertips.
Thank you cards are a heartfelt way to express gratitude to guests for their attendance, support, and generosity. Whether opting for custom designs or pre-designed templates that align with your vision, remember to involve your guests in your decision.
We encourage you to head to the M&H Events for personalised wedding invitations and stationery. Contact us today!
