The creative part of a wedding starts with the wedding stationery or wedding suite. But what is wedding stationery? This term refers to all the paper elements used before, during, and after a wedding: save the date, invitations, ceremony booklets, personalized items, menus, up to the thank you cards.
Let's start with them... the wedding invitations! They are the first element of the wedding stationery, the "business card" of the wedding and a clue as to what the style of the event will be. Their precise task is to speak about you, tell something unique, and also to create anticipation. A logo, an illustration, a color palette that combine together to create what will be a fully coordinated image, made exclusively for the couple. The keyword is coordination! Which elements can we include? Invitation: contains all the information regarding the ceremony Invitation to the reception: contains the information regarding the party RSVP: "répondez s'il vous plaît" or confirmation of attendance Wedding list: can be a link or the address of a physical store Possible dress code
Five details that will make them unique! 1 - An exclusive design For a custom-made project, you can start from colors, shapes, fonts, all the way to the couple's logo. To create it, you will need an expert graphic designer (or your wedding planner). It is the symbol of your day, designed for you by a professional, to decorate invitations, menus, and all the components of the stationery (and any other element you desire). The logo provides that extra touch, always in line with the style of the event, that is essential for a perfect wedding! It should tell something about the couple, their story transformed into lines, illustrations, and fonts. So, for example, their initials become the seal of the wedding stationery. 2 - Fine materials, papers, and finishes To be chosen based on the mood of the event, good quality papers and refined prints; it's useful to think right away about the matching envelope or to design a custom one. Also check that the materials are suitable for making the entire paper set. 3 - Stamps and seals The wax seal continues to be among the most chosen: it can be made in different shapes and, with the right color, gives your invitation a truly chic touch. Equally interesting, however, are custom stamps.
4 - Ribbons, bows and decorations Fundamental rule: the decoration must be refined and of high quality (fine satin or silk), not overdone; the chosen applications must enhance the final product. 5 - Fonts and Calligraphy This is a fundamental step: they must be decorative but easily readable and the information must always be clear. Attention: if you plan to carve, print or engrave something, the choice of font could influence you. The envelopes should definitely be filled out by hand, perhaps with the help of a professional calligrapher. Bonus detail You can give a final touch to your invitation, unleash your creativity! A spray of perfume, a tasting of sugared almonds, a hand-drawn illustration... remember, always put yourself in the shoes of those who will receive your invitation!
Let's now move on to the practical aspects! Here are the questions that every bride has asked herself at least once. What to write on the envelopes? If you send them, you must include the addresses and names of the recipients, on the right under the stamp; if you deliver them in person, only the names of the recipients. The writing on the envelopes must be strictly handwritten in beautiful handwriting in the same color as the print. The names must be preceded only by “Gentilissimo/a/i” without titles or anything else. Who are we inviting: single person: first and last name; married couple: both first names, his last name; unmarried couple: both first and last names; an entire family: family surname or first and last name of the head of the family followed by “and family”; only some family members: name of each guest separated by a comma and at the end the surname of all; a single woman with children: her first and last name, name of each child separated by a comma and children's surname.
How do I calculate the number of invitations to print? The invitations should be counted by family units; it is advisable to print 10% more than the expected number. When is the right time to deliver the invitations? And if I want to send a save the date? The save the date is delivered or sent before invitations and announcements to let friends and family know the wedding date. It is good practice to deliver them 6/8 months before the wedding date. Here is a handy table to make life easier for future brides!
The delivery of invitations by hand should take place at least two months before while mailing should be done at least three months before.
Pay attention to exceptions if:
- the wedding takes place in a location very far from the rest of the family
- you have chosen a date that falls between holidays or on a holiday
In these cases you need to anticipate delivery times or make sure to send the save the date (you'll also find it in the table).
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