The Complete Checklist for Destination Wedding Stationery

When it comes to ordering stationery for your wedding there are often two categories: the items you absolutely should send your guests so they have the details required to attend your celebration (the “needs"), and then there are the extras that simply add to the overall wedding experience (the “wants”). 

Let’s discuss the “needs” first, since these are the items that you know you’ll want to order (maybe even create a custom design with me 😉) and provide to everyone you hope will attend your special day. 

Save the Date Cards

This piece sets the tone for your wedding. What vibe are you going for — trendy, classic, neutral, vibrant or something entirely different? Is your event ultra-formal or does it fall more along the line of being casual? Are you planning on having a local wedding or are you looking at a destination location? No matter what your big day looks like, save the date cards help get your guests excited and it gives them a taste of what to expect at the actual wedding! Want more info on save the dates and when the best time is to send them? I have a guide just for you!

Official Wedding Invitations + Envelope

This is the big ticket stationery item! Formally inviting your loved ones and covering the most important wedding details is a crucial step to the event planning process. Having a well-designed and easy to understand invitation is key to getting everyone excited. The invitation envelope is another aspect you want to consider so it coordinates with the rest of the stationery suite but it also has to provide the space needed for the recipient’s delivery information. Elevate your envelope with a handmade wax seal, available in the color and design of your choice. 

RSVPs

It’s likely that you want to have a clear idea of how many people to expect at your ceremony and reception so you can plan things such as venue size, dinner menu, desserts, favors, and have a somewhat accurate idea of the costs that are impacted by your guest count. You can opt for a traditional RSVP response method and ask your friends and family to mail their answer back to you, or you can use a wedding website to collect the responses for you! Either way you can’t go wrong, and I have tons of inspo on my blog to help you pick the perfect RSVP for your wedding; take a look here! 

I can help with all 3 of the items we just talked about! All you have to do is send me a message and we can create the wedding stationery suite of your dreams. Whether you’re travelling abroad or you’re having a rustic barn wedding in your hometown, I can come up with a design that encapsulates your unique love story and wedding theme.

The wants

Now we’ll move on to the “wants”. You can design or order a piece of stationery to cover literally any aspect of your event; the options are truly endless. However, there are some “wants” that are more common than others so for the sake of not making this blog post novel-length, we’ll discuss a handful of the items that are becoming increasingly popular. 

Don’t see an event invite or card type you’ve had in mind, listed here? Don’t worry! A full checklist of all stationery items, even ones we haven’t discussed in-detail, is included below! Just keep reading and you’ll find all the info you need.

Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Party Invitations

These invites can easily be sent casually via text or even a Facebook event group, but if you want these to be just as official (and *extra*) as your wedding day invites, you can most definitely order or design your own detailed stationery. Send these invites at least a few months in advance, especially if there’s any travel required!

Menus 

Give your guests an overview of the options they’ll have available at meal time. Even if you have a set menu, this piece adds an extra touch of detail to the table settings and once again, helps tie your wedding style together across all aspects.They also make beautiful shots for your photographer or videographer!

Guess what? I offer beautiful, matte menus with a mad-lib style advice card on the back for your guests to fill out. Check them out! 

Day-Of Programs

These are totally optional, and can be short and sweet or highlight all aspects of your wedding ceremony and reception. Keeping the programs simple? Just include a welcome note, the names of everyone in the bridal party, and the times that each section of your wedding is due to begin (ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, first dance, etc.). 

Thank You Cards

Although not absolutely required, especially if you’re having an intimate wedding where you’ll have the opportunity to talk directly to each guest, thank you cards are a simple way to show your appreciation to your loved ones for attending your celebration and any gifts they may have given. It’s good etiquette and the perfect way to close out your stationery suite! 

If you’re looking to cover all aspects of your big day from bridal shower and bachelorette, all the way to thank you cards, here’s a complete checklist of the paper goods you should keep in mind when wedding planning (save it for later!):

Before the Wedding

• Engagement Party Invitations
• Bridal Shower Invitations
• Bachelorette Party Invitations
• Bachelor Party Invitations
• Save the Date Cards
• RSVPs
• Official Wedding Invitations + Envelope
• Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

Wedding Day

• Day-Of Programs
• Used to outline the schedule for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
• Directions or Map 
• This may come in handy if your ceremony and reception are at different locations, or if you have a number of guests who aren’t familiar with the area.
• Place Cards
• Table Numbers
• Menus
• Advice Cards
• Labels for Favors

Post-Wedding

• Thank You Cards

Extras for Destination Weddings

• Welcome Party Invitations
• Resort or Hotel Accommodations/Map 
• Planned Excursion Details