Wedding stationery is more than just paper and ink, it sets the tone for your entire wedding celebration. From the moment your guests receive their invitations, they begin to form an expectation of what your big day will be like. It’s a reflection of your style, personality, and the overall theme of your wedding. That’s why it’s crucial to get your stationery right.
Unfortunately, even the most organised and detail-oriented couples can make mistakes when it comes to wedding stationery. Whether it’s a simple oversight or a more costly error, these mistakes can cause unnecessary stress and impact the overall planning process.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the most common wedding stationery mistakes I have come across, and provide practical tips on how to avoid them. From guest list miscalculations to dietary disasters, I’ve got you covered. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to create flawless wedding stationery that impresses your guests and complements your special day.
It’s easy to get carried away and order too many invitations. It is so easily done when you are counting the number of guests, then give this number to your wedding stationery designer and realise that actually, you have got this number wrong!
Remember, you generally only need one invite per household. Of course, if you have friends sharing an address and want to send individual invites, that’s fine, but remember, the more you order the more expensive it is, so try and get this number correct to save you time and money.
Also, don’t forget to order a few extras for keepsake purposes, for your photographer to take photos of for your wedding album, maybe some got lost in the post, or unexpected changes such as people you accidentally missed off of your guest list. It is always sensible to order a few more than what you need. I usually say order between 5-10 extras.
Timing is everything when it comes to wedding stationery. Sending out your invitations too early or too late can cause unnecessary stress and confusion for your guests. I often get asked as a wedding stationery designer when to send out certain stationery, so I came up with a little freebie for you all.
Below is a link to my free timeline checklist for when I think you should send out your wedding stationery:
To avoid any dietary disasters, ask your wedding stationery designer to include a question about dietary requirements on your RSVP cards, or ensure that you include an option on your menu to cater for all. This thoughtful touch will ensure your caterers are well-prepared and your guests feel accommodated. Your caterer will thank you, and your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
By proactively addressing dietary preferences, you’ll create a more inclusive and enjoyable dining experience for everyone. Remember, a well-informed caterer can often offer delicious alternatives that cater to specific requirements without compromising on taste.
Don’t let the excitement cloud your judgment. Many couples forget to include their return address on the RSVP card. To avoid this hassle, make sure you remember to tell your wedding stationery designer to include your RSVP details somewhere prominent on the invitation suite. This could be on the invitation itself, the RSVP card, or a separate enclosure.
Setting an RSVP deadline is essential for effective planning. Clearly state the date by which guests should respond on your invitation or RSVP card. This will help you finalise numbers for catering, venue arrangements, and other important details. A gentle reminder can also be included on save-the-dates or pre-wedding communications if you wish to do so.
A glaring typo can ruin the elegance of your stationery. Always proofread carefully, and consider getting a fresh pair of eyes to check for any mistakes.
When designing wedding stationery, I make sure my spell check is turned on, I doubled check everything, and I have my clients proof read everything before I get the printing process started.
People move house all the time, and it can be tricky to keep up. To avoid this, double-check addresses with your guests, especially those you don’t see often. A top tip is to create a spreadsheet when sending out save-the-dates and invitations.
Update your guest list regularly, and consider sending out address confirmation requests a few weeks before sending out invitations. This can help ensure that you have the correct addresses for everyone. If you’re using a wedding planning tool or website, take advantage of its address management features to streamline the process.
Now this is a mistake I hear about all the time. I did it myself! To prevent this embarrassing (and hungry) situation, always double-check your numbers.
It might seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook when you’re caught up in the excitement of planning. Create a dedicated spreadsheet or checklist to keep track of all your guests, including yourselves. Review this list multiple times throughout the planning process, and double-check it with your venue or caterer before the big day.
A little extra attention to detail in this area will save you from any awkward surprises on your wedding day. Trust me, you don’t want to be the bride or groom who forgot to include yourselves in the meal plan!
Avoiding unnecessary stress and ensuring your wedding stationery is perfect starts with being aware of common pitfalls. Remember, your wedding stationery is often the first impression guests have of your big day, so it’s crucial to get it right.
Planning and organising your stationery well in advance will save you from last-minute panic. Consider enlisting the help of a wedding stationery designer to take the pressure off and ensure everything is executed flawlessly. While not essential, hiring a wedding planner can also provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the process.
With careful attention to detail, a touch of creativity, and a bit of planning, you can create wedding stationery that reflects your unique love story and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
To view my wedding stationery work, take a look at my website links below, Instagram or Facebook pages, or my Pinterest page:
If you’re interested in having wedding stationery designed for your wedding day, whether this be an invitation, a save the date, a seating plan, a timeline sign, an RSVP, or whatever you may need for your special day, please get in touch with me today.
A little bit about me: I'm Gabrielle. I'm a mother to my wonderful son, a wife to my incredible husband, and a cat mom to my two Bengal boys.
Recently, I embarked on my dream of starting my own graphic design business, where I offer a range of services, including branding, website design, and wedding stationery.
I've decided to start a blog to share my thoughts and opinions on these topics, with the hope that my insights will be helpful to others.
Hi, I’m Gabrielle
A little bit about me: I’m Gabrielle. I’m a mother to my wonderful son, a wife to my incredible husband, and a cat mum to my two Bengal boys.
Recently, I embarked on my dream of starting my own graphic design business, where I offer a range of services, including wedding stationery, greeting cards, invitations, website design, branding and other design services.
I’ve decided to start a blog to share my thoughts and opinions on these topics, with the hope that my insights will be helpful to others. I hope you all enjoy.
gaby x
Inkspiration by Gabrielle is a dream that I have had for a long time, and I have finally had the opportunity to make it a reality, by being able to design wonderful logos, websites, wedding stationery and so much more for my truly amazing clients, all through the medium of graphic design.
Contact Inkspiration by Gabrielle today to find out how I can help you bring your ideas to life through Graphic Design.
© All Rights Reserved – Inkspiration by Gabrielle
Website and Branding Design by Inkspiration by Gabrielle
© All Rights Reserved – Inkspiration by Gabrielle
Website and Branding Design by Inkspiration by Gabrielle
