What type of wedding stationery do I need?

The most common types of wedding stationery are:

• Save the Dates (highly recommended, especially for destination weddings and popular dates, like a summer weekend)
• Wedding invitations and RSVP cards (nothing sets the tone better than a lovely wedding invite)
• On-the-day stationery (orders of service, menus, seating cards, wedding signs…)
• Thank You Cards

Other less common wedding stationery include Engagement Party invites, Bridal Shower/Hen & Stag do invites, and Change-Of Names cards.

How do we add names for our wedding invitations?

Choose a style that fits your wedding day — formal, relaxed, or somewhere in between. Think about how your guests would like to be referred, remember you can also choose depending on the guests. Find below some options to guide you:

Formal & Traditional:

• Married couple: “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith”
• Unmarried couple but living together will be over two lines, including both titles
• For families: “The Smith Family” (or list parents + “and Family”)

Modern & Gender-inclusive:

• Use first & last names, no titles: “Avery Jones and Taylor Morgan”
• Non-binary title: “Mx.” where preferred: “Mx. Alex Reed and Ms. Jamie Clark”
• Same-sex couples: use names alphabetically or your preferred order

Plus-ones & children:

• Specify invited adults by name to signal no +1s
• Add “and Guest” only when you’re extending a +1
• Children invited? Use “The Patel Family” or list names

How do we politely state our dress code?

You can include a short line on the main invitation or on the details card. Keep it short, clear, and friendly.

Classic options: “Black Tie”, “Formal/Black Tie Optional”, “Cocktail Attire”, “Smart Casual”.

Variants with more information:

• “Black Tie (think tuxes & floor-length glam)”
• “Garden Party Chic (light suits, florals, wedges welcome)”
• “Cultural/Traditional Attire Welcome”

Placement examples:

• Main invite footer: “Dress code: Cocktail Attire.”
• Details card: “Dress: Black Tie Optional—dark suit or tux; long dresses encouraged.”
• Wedding Website: You can add the Dress Code and more details like seasonal notes: “Ceremony on grass—block heels/wedges suggested.”

Guests will appreciate the clarity (and you’ll receive fewer “what should I wear?” texts).

When should we send our Save the Dates?

Usually, Save the Dates are sent 9 to 12 months before your wedding. Once you’ve confirmed your venue and have settled on a date, the quicker you send them, the more likely your guests are to be free!

If you're having a destination wedding or marrying on a bank holiday weekend, aim for 12–15 months. This gives guests, especially those who need to travel, plenty of notice to make arrangements.

When should we send our wedding invitations?

Wedding invitations should be sent 4 to 6 months before the wedding day. This provides enough time for your guests to receive them and for you to get RSVPs back without feeling rushed. Bridebook tip: make sure you double-check your caterer’s deadline for headcount when adding your RSVP deadline to your invitation.

When should we set our RSVP deadline?

Set your RSVP deadline for 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to give final headcounts to your caterer and venue, finalise your seating plan, and order your on-the-day stationery without stress. Make sure to ask your wedding suppliers for a headcount deadline, as some may require up to 4 weeks notice.

When should we send Thank You cards?

You should usually send your thank-you cards within three months of your wedding day. But don’t feel pressured to follow this custom if you’re too busy enjoying the newly married life, your guests will understand!

Whenever you’re ready, try to make each of them personal, mentioning the specific gift and thanking them for celebrating with you. A handwritten note is also always appreciated.

How many invitations should we order?

Count the number of households, not the number of guests. One invitation is sent per household. Once you have that number, always order 10-15% extra. Spares are essential for any last-minute additions, keepsakes, photos for your photographer, and in case of any addressing mistakes or postal errors.

What is "On-the-Day" wedding stationery?

This refers to all the printed items used on your actual wedding day to guide and inform guests. This typically includes the Order of Service or Ceremony Programmes, Menus, a Table Plan, Table Numbers, and Place Cards. You might also have a Welcome Sign, signs for a guest book or gift table, and favour tags.

Do we need a wedding Order of Service?

For a religious ceremony, the Order of Service is traditional and highly recommended. It effectively guides your guests through hymns, readings, and the structure of the service, ensuring everyone can follow along and participate fully.

For a civil ceremony, while not strictly essential, including an Order of Service is a valuable addition. It acts as the first piece of documentation detailing the ceremony's flow, acknowledging key members of your wedding party, and providing a moment to thank your loved ones. Ultimately, it serves as a wonderful, lasting keepsake of the ceremony itself, the moment you officially become married.