A Complete List of Wedding Stationery
The Ultimate Wedding Stationery Checklist: Because Paper Still Matters.
psst… I only opened this for the printable list. Okay, there’s the download button at the bottom!
Let’s be real—wedding planning is a rollercoaster. One minute, you’re excited about color themes, and the next, you’re crying in Hobby Lobby because you literally cannot find a shade of blush pink. But what one thing brings your wedding vision to life? The stationery.
From the first “Save the Date” to the final “Thank You” card, your wedding stationery does a lot of the talking for you. And if you’re wondering," “Do I really need all these paper things?” The answer is a resounding yes (mostly). Let’s break it all down so you can send out all the right things without sobbing in your local home goods.
Before the Big Day: Setting the Stage
1. Save the Dates
These are your wedding’s first impression—no pressure, right? Whether you go for a cute couple pic, a magnet, or something minimalist, make sure it has the essentials: your names, date, location (or “location coming soon”), and a subtle reminder that people should clear their calendars.
Save the Dates have one primary goal - to inform your desired guests of your wedding day. These announcements are sent around 6-12 months in advance so that friends and family have ample time to make reservations and take time off. These get sent out so far ahead because many (especially those in corporate America) need a long time to plan trips and take time off.
2. Wedding Invitations
The main event! A proper wedding invitation suite typically includes:
The Wedding Card – The star of the show, with all the big details.
A Gorgeous Couple Photo – Because your guests obviously need to see how stunning you two are.
RSVP & Meal Card – Give guests a deadline and a food choice (because no one wants to get stuck with the wrong entrée).
Directions Card – Because Aunt Linda still doesn’t trust GPS.
Your invitation suite size will vary depending on the formality of your wedding and your budget. If you’re having a well-to-do party, you’ll opt for the entire suite. If it’s a backyard DIY bash, you’ll probably just have the wedding card/photo.
Invitations get sent out around 6-8 weeks prior to the big day. If you opted for no Save the Dates, I would recommend sending your invitations up to 3 months in advance. Don’t delay on these, since guests will be greatly annoyed at a tardy invitation.
3. Bridal Shower Invitations
Your bridal shower is your chance to be celebrated before the chaos of the wedding. Keep it light, fun, and full of love (and maybe a cutsie reminder for guests to bring gifts!).
4. Bachelorette/Bachelor Party Invites
Whether it’s a wild weekend in Vegas or a cozy retreat, formal invitations make the event feel special. Plus, they serve as a reminder that yes, your friends did agree to this level of shenanigans. If you’re on a smaller budget, or just saving to splurge on who knows what, a cute text invite serves its purpose.
5. Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
This is for the VIP crowd—family, the bridal party, and anyone else you want to celebrate with before the big day. Keep it simple and to the point: Come eat, relax, and let’s pretend three huge family fights didn’t just happen. But seriously, the rehearsal dinner is supposed to be a great time with your closest family and friends.
Rehearsal dinner info ought to be sent out at least a week before the wedding. No day-of invites!
Wedding Day Must-haves: Because No One Likes Confusion
6. Welcome Sign
Because nothing says “We planned this event like pros” like a beautifully designed welcome sign greeting guests at the venue. This sign can also have helpful information like “Ceremony in yard behind barn.”
7. Wedding Programs
A guide to the ceremony so guests aren’t whispering, Who’s that standing next to the groom? Bonus: Add fun tidbits about the wedding party to keep things interesting. Programs not only serve as a precious keepsake for your mother-in-law who had a lot of opinions, but guests enjoy knowing who’s who and what’s what. It also can be a place for helpful information, like where to go for the reception.
8. Reserved Seating Signs
For VIP guests (parents, grandparents, or anyone you don’t want fighting over a chair).
9. Seating Chart/List
So your guests know exactly where to sit and don’t have to hover around tables awkwardly like they’re picking a lunch spot in high school.
10. Place Cards
For that extra touch of elegance (and to avoid any accidental seating swaps).
11. Table Numbers
Because telling Uncle Joe, “Look, you’re at table 11” is a lot more convenient than aimlessly wandering, looking for your name.
12. Menu Cards
Nothing gets people excited like knowing what’s for dinner. Keep it classy and informative—people with food allergies will thank you.
13. Bar Menu
Let people know their drink options! Whether it’s an open bar (cheers to you!) or a signature cocktail menu, this keeps the drinks (and line) flowing smoothly.
14. Guest Book
A keepsake that lets guests leave sweet messages, inside jokes, or questionable marriage advice.
The Final Touches: Sending Guests Off Right
15. Favor Labels
A little “thank you” tag for those adorable wedding favors (whether it’s mini honey jars, candles, or a succulent) goes a long way in making a memorable night.
16. Thank You Cards
Arguably the most important piece of stationery. These are for after the wedding when the dust settles, and you realize you have gifts (and love) to acknowledge. Make it heartfelt—people feel very seen with a good thank-you!
Wrapping It Up: Why Stationery Matters
Sure, you could skip some of these (maybe your crowd does trust Google Maps). But having the right stationery pieces keeps things organized, makes your wedding feel polished, and lets your personality shine.
So, whether you’re going classic and elegant or quirky and fun, pick the designs that shows the vibe. And above all, don’t stress—have a plan (and stock up on stamps).
Okay, but let’s be real—wedding planning is basically a full-time job, and between picking the perfect dress, locking down a venue, and keeping Aunt Karen’s unsolicited advice in check, who has time to write down all these stationery pieces? Not you, my friend!
That’s why I’ve created a FREE wedding stationery checklist, so you don’t have to keep looking this up or write it all down. This freebie is a printable PDF, so you can save it on your phone or keep it in your wedding binder.
But wait, there’s more! 😉 Your freebie also includes:
💍 Two different wedding timelines—one for the early planners, one for the last-minute queens
📋 A complete vendor checklist—because the last thing you need is to forget to book a DJ
💰 A 50% off code for my Complete Wedding Guide, packed with expert advice to make planning smoother, easier, and way less stressful
No more second-guessing, no more panic-Googling—just a simple, clear plan to help you get things done. Download your free guide now and start checking things off with confidence! ⬇️