Important Wedding Stationary Items
♫ Wednesday, December 7th, 20111. Save the date cards: These cards are a great way to announce your engagement and alert your guests to your upcoming nuptials. Because save the date cards are sent a few months before the invitations, it gives your guests time to make travel plans and clear their schedule so that they will be available to celebrate your special day. This is especially important for those guests who live out of town. Some couples will attach a magnet to these cards so that they can be placed on a refrigerator as a reminder of the event. Depending on your preference, these cards can match your invitations and RSVP cards.
2. Invitations: The invitation that you choose should reflect the style of the ceremony and reception. For example, if you are planning a very formal affair, your invitation should look formal as well. If your wedding will be a casual event with a western theme, your invitation should reflect that style. The invitation lets your guests know what type of attire is appropriate as well as the location and time of the wedding. Depending on your budget, you can have your invitations professionally engraved or save money by printing them yourself at home.
3. RSVP cards: The purpose of RSVP cards is to give the couple a count of how many people they should expect at their wedding ceremony and reception. Caterers will often require a headcount a week or two before the event. It also helps to know how much seating is needed. Include a stamped envelope to encourage a speedy response.
4. Wedding programs: A wedding program gives your guests an outline of events for your ceremony, including information about the readings, songs, wedding party members, and directions to the reception location. A program makes a unique keepsake of your special day. It too should reflect the theme or style of the day.
5. Thank you cards: One of the most important things you can do once the wedding is complete and you are enjoying married life is to write thank you notes to all of your guests. You will not only want to thank them for their gifts but also for taking time to celebrate your special day. Often, the married couple will choose thank you notes that feature the bride and groom’s new married initials or name. It is considered good manners to send out your thank you notes within a few weeks of the ceremony.
