Your invitations are in the mail and now it’s time to start thinking about wedding day of stationery. What exactly is wedding day of stationery? In short, it’s all of the paper goods that you’ll be using on the big day. Think ceremony programs, dinner menu cards, seating escort cards, table numbers, signs, bar menus, and more. But despite how self explanatory day of wedding stationery might seem, couples often have a lot of questions about this subject, such as “What pieces do I actually need?” and “How many pieces should I order?”. That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of an expert. Jen of Blush Paper Co. designs wedding stationery, including both invitations and day of pieces, to create a cohesive, consistent look from start to finish. She’s dishing everything you need to know about the most important wedding day paper pieces!

From Jen…

Ceremony Programs

Programs are a must-have if you’re having a Catholic or mixed-faith ceremony. They serve multiple uses for your guests by providing information about the wedding party and your families and the order of ceremony. They can even be a space for you to thank guests for coming to your wedding and supporting you on your big day.

One program per couple is recommended. Not everyone will pick one up, but it’s always nice to have a few extras for keepsakes. Be sure to give one to your photographer for photos!

The typical size of ceremony programs is 5×7″, 4.25×9″, 4.25×11″, or a booklet style.

Dinner Menus

I absolutely love getting creative with dinner menus at each place setting. There are so many ways to design and place a menu that make them personal and unique. Even with a buffet style meal, I encourage couples to consider a dinner menu card. They add color and dimension to the table, and guests love to know what they’ll be eating.

One menu card per adult guest is recommended.

The typical size is 3.75×9.25″, 5×7″, or a custom size or shape.

Escort Cards/Place Cards

Escort cards tell guests which table they’re sitting at and include the guest’s name and table number. Meanwhile, place cards tell guests which seat they’re sitting at at that table and include the guests’ name and meal indicator. This is so servers can quickly identify which meal goes to which guest. Place cards are only necessary if you’re having assigned table seating.

More often these days, escort cards are replaced with a seating chart. Otherwise, I always recommend a flat or tented card. Flat cards can be tucked into floral arrangements or hung, while tented cards can be displayed elaborately on a table.

One place card per guest is needed, while one escort card per couple or family is needed, assuming the entire party will be seated at the same table.

The typical size of flat or folded cards is 2×3.5″ or a custom size.

Signage

Depending on the specific details of your wedding, each couple will require different signage. Signage can tie the invitations and day of stationery together and some of the most popular signage ideas for your wedding can include, but are certainly not limited to:

• Hashtag Sign
• Large Scale Signage – like a Welcome Sign, Ceremony Sign, Unplugged Ceremony Sign
• Signature Drink Sign
• Guestbook Sign
• Cookie Table Sign
• Bar Menu Sign

Typically, one of each is sufficient but you may want to consider two hashtag signs and bar menu signs.

Signs can be different sizes, but if they’re going to be placed in a photo frame, they are usually 5×7″ or 8×10″.

Table Numbers

Table numbers are a must have at your wedding reception as they let guests know at which table they are to be seated. I commonly see table numbers displayed in photo frames, but you can get really creative on how you display or print them, including die cutting them into a specific shape or making them double sided.

One per table is needed.

When To Order Day Of Stationery

I recommend starting the process about four to six months in advance of the wedding. This allows time to design and revise the pieces, with plenty of time to print them. Quantities can be finalized after your final guest count is determined. I recommend sending these pieces to print three weeks prior to your wedding date, but definitely no less than two weeks before in order to give ample time for printing and shipping.

How Much To Budget for Day Of Stationery

Costs for day of wedding stationery pieces will vary greatly depending on the quantity ordered and finished size. It is hard to predict how much wedding day of stationery is going to cost because there are so many factors to consider. How many are needed? How will they be printed and cut? Will any embellishments, like wax seals or ribbon be added? Most designers, including myself, provide free consultations to give you a better idea of what to expect. It’s all that stands between you and the wedding stationery of your dreams.