Your Top Wedding Stationery Questions!

At Your RSVP, we're delighted to help you with your wedding stationery questions (encourage them even!). It can be quite a daunting task putting together the guest list, let alone choosing what wedding stationery you'll need and with what etiquette. With this in mind, we have put together your top questions for wedding guest stationery. With years of experience, we hope this overcomes your most common queries.

What wedding stationery choices do I have?
There are a few options to consider when sending your wedding guest stationery. It mainly depends on budget - but as a basic you'll need wedding invitations. At Your RSVP, your options are between blank, personalised or bespoke wedding stationery and from there whether you'll want a postcard style or folded invitation. Then, you can consider RSVP cards (day, evening or both) and guest information cards which aren't essential, but do make replies faster and the day run smoother!

When should I send out my wedding invitations?
Normally couples send out their wedding invitations 6 weeks before the big day but with the couples we've had the pleasure of working with, the average is closer to 3-6 months. Of course, there are many things to consider when you think about timings such as: Is your wedding abroad, in peak wedding season (May-Sept), around Bank Holidays / Easter / Christmas? If the answer is yes, then we would suggest not only sending out your invitations early, but consider save the date cards up to a year in advance.

How many wedding invitations do I need?
The most common mistake when ordering wedding invitations is counting the whole wedding party! Remember it's per household, which may include two, three or even four guests that you'd like to attend. So for example, a typical wedding of 80 guests would probably need around 50 wedding invitations. Do order a few extra invites (around 10-20) just in case a few RSVP's are declined.

How should I word my wedding invitations?
In our experience, the wording of wedding invitations are unique to every couple. Some will want to invite their guests themselves, some from the brides parents, some from both sets or even from the children! We have suggested a few examples on our website (click here to view), but like most wedding suppliers, we're flexible and can use any wording you wish on our personalised and bespoke wedding stationery.

How should I address my wedding invitations?
Think of how your wedding will be, very formal or relaxed. Many couples choose to address the wedding invitations with first names only - for the more formal they'll use full titles and surnames. There's no right or wrong answer - but you'll need to keep it consistent. For example/ If you decide on first names only then remember to use first names on the place cards too.

Do we send wedding invitations to the wedding party?
Here we refer to the parents, bridesmaids or best man! It's personal choice but I'd say YES every time. Even when I've designed wedding stationery for my close friends, they have always sent me an invitation (which does make me smile).

We are not inviting children to the day, how do we word this without upsetting anyone?
We have had many couples who have decided that the marriage and wedding breakfast should be just an adult affair, to those that couldn't imagine their day without the little ones. Our suggestion would be to add a polite note on your wedding invitation that works along these lines:

Due to guest number restrictions at our venue, we are unable to extend this invitation to children during the marriage and wedding breakfast. We hope that you will see this as an opportunity to enjoy an adult day, let your hair down and enjoy the party with us!

We have lived together for years and have decided not to opt for a traditional gift list - how do we ask for cash donations without offending?
Since many couples live together first, then marry this is a popular request. In the past we have added a sentence on the wedding invitation or guest information card which says: "Although your presence, is the only present needed. If you would like to wish us well on our path to married life, cash gifts would be greatly appreciated".

Do we need RSVP cards and how long should I allow for replies?
No, it is not essential to send RSVP cards but we can tell you that you will get a 60% better response (meaning you'll have more time to do other important wedding planning, than chasing replies). We recommend leaving 4 weeks for replies, by which time you may need to send out a few of your spare invitations to your reserve list.

What should I include on my guest information cards?
It's surprising how much information you'll need to tell all your wedding party and these cards are a fantastic place to put it all. Most popular headings include the directions, the gift list (you'll need to get a list number before you get scanning those gifts!), nearby accommodation, taxis and any special requests.

When should I order my wedding stationery?
Most suppliers, including Your RSVP will need around 3-4 weeks to prepare your wedding stationery from design to delivery. Handmade suppliers will need longer and it will of course depend on their committed workload. We can express orders too - we've been known to turn wedding invitations around in 7 working days in the past!

We will be posting a new blog soon to address the most common wedding day stationery questions. If you have any queries yourself, just call 0870 777 7289 or email amanda@your-rsvp.co.uk.

Written by Amanda Powell, Creative Director of Your RSVP
Shop online at www.your-rsvp.co.uk for more ideas and advice.