From Save the Dates to Thank You Cards—What to Send, When to Send It, and How to Make It Truly Yours
Planning a wedding is a journey filled with beauty, emotion, and joyful chaos. And at the heart of it all lies your wedding stationery—those first impressions, tender moments, and lasting keepsakes that tie your celebration together with intentional elegance.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the essential (and optional) pieces of wedding stationery, along with ideal timelines to help you stay inspired and organized.
Before the Day
Save the Dates Purpose: Give guests a heads-up, especially for destination weddings or peak seasons. When to Send: 6–12 months before the wedding Design Tip: Reflect your theme subtly; minimalist foil embossing or seasonal Pagan motifs offer a hint of what’s to come.
Engagement Party Invitations (optional) Purpose: Announce and celebrate your engagement When to Send: 2–3 months before the event Design Tip: Playful or celebratory tones work well—use bold type or romantic script.
Bridal Shower / Hen Party Invitations Purpose: Invite guests to pre-wedding celebrations When to Send: 1–2 months before the party Design Tip: Use whimsical designs or astrological details to echo your spiritual style.
For the Ceremony
Wedding Invitations Purpose: Share the key event details: date, time, location, and tone of celebration When to Send: 8–12 weeks before the wedding Design Tip: This is your centerpiece—consider textured white linen, hand-pressed foil, or bespoke calligraphy that reflects your union and aesthetic.
RSVP Cards Purpose: Gather guest responses and menu choices When to Send: Include with the invitation; request returns 4–6 weeks before the wedding Design Tip: Match paper style or envelope to the main invitation for consistency. Add soft Pagan accents if aligning with a seasonal date.
Information Cards (optional but helpful) Purpose: Offer travel details, accommodation options, gift registry info, or dress codes When to Send: With the invitation or made available online Design Tip: Keep clean and readable—pair typography with symbolic motifs such as the sun for solstice or knotwork for handfasting.
On the Day
Order of Service / Ceremony Programs Purpose: Guide guests through the ritual or ceremony When to Prepare: Finalize 2–3 weeks before the wedding Design Tip: Integrate sacred symbols or seasonal illustrations if celebrating a spiritual union.
Place Cards & Escort Cards Purpose: Indicate seating arrangements When to Prepare: Once guest list is confirmed—1–2 weeks before Design Tip: Personalised touches like hand-written names, wax seals, or pressed floral details elevate the experience.
Table Numbers or Names Purpose: Organize dining tables Design Tip: Let your theme shine—name tables after deities, seasonal festivals, or shared memories.
Menus Purpose: Share what’s being served Design Tip: Layered paper or belly bands with symbolic accents can add elegance to each place setting.
Signage (Welcome signs, bar menus, guest book prompts, etc.) Design Tip: Use consistent visual language—fonts, color palette, and subtle Pagan elements unify the look.
After the Wedding
Thank You Cards Purpose: Express gratitude to guests and vendors When to Send: Within 6–8 weeks after the wedding Design Tip: Personal notes on high-quality cardstock feel heartfelt—consider a photo or quote reflecting your ceremony.
Let Intention Lead the Way
Whether minimalist or mythic, traditional or deeply spiritual, your wedding stationery tells a story. At Taylor & Hardy, we help couples craft every piece with care—honouring love, heritage, and the beauty of shared celebration.
