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Wedding Stationery: Everything You Need to Know to Make Every Detail Match Your Style

28/05/2025

Wedding Stationery: Everything You Need to Know to Make Every Detail Match Your Style

Wedding stationery is much more than just invitations—it's the first glimpse your guests will get of the essence of your big day. From Save the Dates and invitations to the seating plan and menus, every piece should reflect the style and personality of your wedding.

In this post, I'll walk you through everything you need to know: what stationery is essential, how much it costs, whether it's worth accepting what the venue provides or investing in custom stationery, how to coordinate colors and styles, when to send each item, and tips for managing guests in different countries. I'll also share some lesser-known tricks and fun facts to help you plan without stress.

What Wedding Stationery Do We Need?

  • Save the Date: An early heads-up so your guests can mark their calendars.

  • Invitations: The formal detail with all the key information.

  • Seating Plan: Indicates where each guest will sit at the reception.

  • Menus: So guests know what they'll be enjoying.

  • Thank You Cards: A special touch to send after the wedding.

How Much Does Wedding Stationery Cost?

The price can vary greatly depending on design, materials, and quantity.

  • Custom invitations: Usually range between €3 and €10 ($3.50–$11) each.

  • Seating plans and menus: Can cost between €100 and €400 ($115–$460) in total.

  • Special papers, finishes like embossing, foil, custom cuts, or gold accents will increase the cost.

That's why it's important to define your budget and prioritize which elements you want to personalize.

Is It Worth Accepting the Venue's Offer or Investing in Custom Stationery?

Many venues offer generic seating plans and menus, which often have a more corporate or standard look. If your budget is tight, this can be a decent option. But if you want every detail of your wedding to have your personal touch and match the overall style you've envisioned, investing in custom stationery will make the experience feel far more thoughtful and special.

Is Paper Stationery Worth It Based on Guest Count?

If you have a small guest list (fewer than 50), paper invitations can be more cost-effective and special since you can afford high-quality finishes without the price skyrocketing. However, keep in mind that many designers and printers have a minimum order requirement, which might mean paying for more than you need for a small wedding.

For weddings with over 100 guests, the total cost can climb quickly. In that case, combining printed and digital invitations can be a smart way to manage your budget.

Tips on Invitation Printing and Design

Even if you hire a designer to create your invitations, it's best to let them handle the printing too. Printing is often the most complex and costly part—especially if you're using special papers, custom cuts, or intricate finishes.

Trying to print them yourself or through various providers can become a headache: you'll likely need several test runs to get the right color and texture, and the results might not meet your expectations. Trusting a professional with both design and printing will save you stress and ensure a polished outcome.

Digital or Paper Stationery—What's Best?

  • Paper Invitations: More traditional, elegant, and can be a cherished keepsake for guests.

  • Digital Invitations: More affordable, eco-friendly, and practical—especially with international guests or small weddings.

Often, a hybrid of both works really well.

When to Send Everything? Timeline

  • Save the Date: 8 to 12 months before the wedding.

  • Invitations: 3 to 6 months before.

  • RSVP deadline: 4 to 6 weeks before.

  • Seating plan and menus: On the day of the wedding, freshly prepared to match the setup.

Inspiration and Style Coordination

Your stationery should align with the overall look of your wedding: colors, fonts, decorative details... Seek inspiration on social media, blogs, and bridal magazines—but always add your personal touch to make it unique and reflective of who you are as a couple.

Guests in Multiple Countries—How to Handle It?

If you have guests in different countries, consider bilingual invitations or send printed versions to those nearby and digital versions to international guests. This saves both money and time.

Hiring a Professional or Using Etsy-Type Platforms?

Platforms like Etsy offer beautiful and affordable templates, ideal if you're on a tight schedule or budget. However, if you want a unique, personalized design with attention to detail, hiring a local or specialized professional can help create stationery that truly fits your wedding and avoids potential issues with printing or coordination.

Conclusion

Stationery is one of those wedding details that's often underestimated, but it makes a lasting first impression and accompanies your big day from start to finish. Investing time and care into your stationery ensures your wedding feels cohesive, memorable, and stress-free. And remember—leaving printing in the hands of professionals will help you avoid unnecessary complications and achieve a result worthy of your big day.

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