Your Scottish Wedding’s complete guide to wedding stationery

For many of us, it’s not until we’re engaged we fully appreciate every small decision that goes into wedding stationery.

You might think the pretty envelope landing on the doormat is as simple as adding names to invitations but trust us, there’s a lot more work goes into it.

Invitations are the first peek your guests will get at your colour scheme and general wedding theme so it’s important to set out as you mean to go on.

And it’s not just invitations. We speak to three wedding stationers for the all the insider advice you need to consider…

The complete set

“There are a number of things to think about when it comes to stationery,” explains Fiona at Ruby and Bloom Paper Co.

“It can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t need to be!

“Save the Dates are sent first to allow your guests to keep their availability for you wedding.

“They are also a great way to get your guests excited for your wedding day.

“You then need to think about your invitations – the ‘main event’ in your wedding stationery, which can be sent with additional RSVP and details inserts.”

Remember to include separate evening guest invitations in your stationery suite if you need.

Then there is also ‘on the day’ stationery to consider which can include the order of service, menus, table plans, place cards and even a welcome sign.

Not all of these are essential however, and Fiona says it’s worth checking with your venue as they may provide menus and place cards.

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Perfect timing

How far in advance of the big day you send your Save the Dates will depend on a few different circumstances.

Flo at Cards 4ever says you can send them as soon as you have confirmed your date and venue, ideally around a year before. But remember not too far in advance she says, “in case your guests forget!”

The timing can differ depending on what day of the week you say “I do”.

“If you are having a weekday wedding, I recommend sending out Save the Dates eight months before to allow guests to take holidays from work,” advises Claire at Eden Rose.

“If it’s a weekend, eight to 10 months before and for destination weddings I recommend 10-12 months before to allow guests to book flights and accommodation.”

If, however, you’re planning a short engagement, don’t assume your guests will be free and give them plenty of notice.

It used to be tradition to send your wedding invitations only six weeks in advance of the big day but our three experts advise allowing more time.

“If you have sent out Save the Dates, I recommend sending your invitations out around three months before with a ‘reply by’ date of no longer than three to four weeks,” says Claire.

“This will differ if it’s a destination wedding where invitations could be sent out around four months before, allowing all guests to reply and numbers to be finalised.”

If you’re getting married at a busy time of year like the summer or over Christmas Flo also says aim to give your guests additional time.

It’s only words

But is it though?

The wording of a wedding invitation can be a minefield, remembering all the important details and trying not to offend anyone.

As with most things wedding there is a tried and tested format to keep you right.

“Traditionally, it would be the invitation comes from the bride’s parents, who would pay for the wedding and who would ‘request the pleasure of the company of…’ or ‘the honour of the presence of..’,” says Flo.

“These days it is often the case that the invitation comes from the couple themselves and wording can be much less formal.”

Then get any of the details wrong at your peril! The last thing you want is your guests turning up too late.

“Remember to include the starting time of your ceremony and what time the celebrations will draw to a close,” says Fiona.

“Some couples choose to finish the wording of their invitations with a note on the reception such as ‘dinner and dancing to follow’.”

Remember to provide RSVP information.

You could include an insert detailing how to respond and the date to get their reply in by.

“If you prefer to receive RSVPs by post, make sure you don’t forget to provide a return address and it is also a good idea to discreetly number your RSVPs on the back so that you don’t have difficulties if a guest replies without noting down their name!” Fiona recommends.

Additional information including your wedding website, gift registry and directions can also be included on a separate insert.

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Awkward!

Of course, not all family circumstances make it easy to simply invite guests on behalf of your parents, particularly when they’re divorced, separated or remarried.

“In this particular situation, I always recommend the invitations are sent from the couple,” advises Claire.

“For example, ‘Lucia and Mike are delighted to invite you…’

“If the couple wish to include their family in the invitation wording, I recommend saying ‘Together with their families…’

“That way everyone is included without specific family names.”

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On the day

Gathering in your RSVPs can feel like a mammoth task but in many ways that’s when the real work begins.

Claire says, “Your stationer will be available to help design your table plan in terms of themes but the venue will keep you right with table numbers and layouts.

“For the order of service, if this is a religious ceremony the celebrant will provide an outline of the service which will then be designed to tie in with the stationery suite.

“For non-religious ceremonies, the venue will provide details of how the day will flow and timings.”

Couples who favour a traditional top table should again be aware that there is a formal seating plan says Flo but, “this is dependent on the make-up of the bridal party and family situation, so it is not so strictly adhered to today.”

All on trend

While your stationery doesn’t have to match exactly, (after all, your Save the Dates could have been sent out long before you settled on your final theme), it does look better if there’s a loose look.

Fiona says, “It is always a great idea to discuss your order of service and table plans with your stationer as they will be able to create something that ties in beautifully with the rest of your stationery.

“Orders of service, table plans and place cards are one of the last things to be printed as they are dependent on the finalised timings and your final guest list, so make sure you leave enough time for these to be ordered.”

Remember to always share your wedding ideas with your stationer.

Many will have set designs to choose from or, like all three of our experts, offer bespoke services to either customise and personalise your chosen design or create something just for you.

Have you chosen your wedding stationer yet?

Head to our suppliers pages for inspiration