When it comes to curating a truly elegant wedding, it’s the details that matter — and few details are more memorable than your wedding stationery. From the very first save the date to the final handwritten thank you, your paper goods tell the story of your day with beauty, thoughtfulness, and a touch of timeless romance.
Whether you’re just starting to plan or knee-deep in timelines and to-do lists, this guide walks you through everything you’ll need, when to order, when to send, and how to elevate each stage of your celebration with luxury wedding stationery designed in the UK.
Pre-Wedding Stationery
Your stationery journey starts long before the wedding day itself. This first phase sets the tone, builds anticipation, and offers an elegant glimpse into what’s to come.
Save the Dates
These are the first piece of wedding mail your guests will receive — and they’re often displayed on fridges or notice boards for months, making them a key part of your visual story. Save the dates are especially helpful for weddings involving travel, bank holidays, or multi-day events.
What to include:
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Your names
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Wedding date
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General location (venue optional)
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“Formal invitation to follow”
When to order: 12–14 months before your wedding
When to send: 12+ months before
Wedding Party Proposal Cards
Asking your favourite people to stand by your side is a special moment — and a personalised card is a heartfelt way to make it official. Whether you're gifting them with a keepsake box or tucking it inside a little token, these proposal cards make a meaningful impression.
Ideas include:
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Bridesmaid, Maid of Honour or Flower Girl cards
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Groomsman or Best Man cards
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“Will you walk me down the aisle?” or family roles
When to order: As soon as you’ve chosen your wedding party
Wedding Invitations
This is where the magic begins. Your invitation suite not only delivers the key details, but sets the tone for your wedding style — formal, romantic, modern, rustic, or something entirely your own.
At The Ivy Collection, you can choose from Flat Invitations, our best-selling Pocketfold Suites, or opt for a Bespoke Invitation Suite tailored just for you.
A standard suite may include:
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Main invitation
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RSVP card
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Details card (accommodation, dress code, gifts, etc.)
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Menu choice card
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Matching envelopes, envelope liners, and wax seals
When to order: 8–6 months before your wedding
When to send: 6–8 months before the big day
Top tip: Check with your venue when they need final guest numbers and dietary preferences, then set your RSVP date accordingly.
Hen Party / Bridal Shower Invitations
Hosting a bridal shower or hen party? Personalised paper invitations add a sense of occasion, whether you’re gathering for afternoon tea, a countryside retreat, or a stylish night out.
What to include:
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Who it's for
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Date, time, and location
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RSVP info and gift registry (if relevant)
When to order: 3–4 months ahead of the event
Signage & Itineraries for Bridal Events
Add cohesion and charm to your pre-wedding events with custom welcome signs, printed itineraries, and personalised decor pieces.
These are ideal for:
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Weekend bridal getaways
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Spa days or wellness retreats
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Showers hosted by multiple friends or family
When to order: 2–3 months before the event
On-the-Day Wedding Stationery
Once the big day arrives, your stationery becomes part of the experience. From welcoming your guests to seating them at tables, every printed detail helps guide the day, reflect your style, and add visual harmony across your venue.
Welcome Signs
A signature piece at the entrance of your ceremony or reception. Choose from timeless printed boards, romantic fabric banners, or sleek acrylic signs — all designed to complement your overall look.
Ideas:
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"Welcome to the wedding of..."
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Add your date or wedding hashtag
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Match your wedding colours or floral style
Seating Plans
Elegant and functional, your seating plan is the anchor of your reception. It can be displayed on an easel, mirror, fabric scroll or in frames — fully coordinated with the rest of your stationery.
Options:
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Alphabetical list or table-by-table
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Add illustrations or floral embellishments
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Include table names for a personal touch
Order of Events & Ceremony Signage
These signs provide structure for the day and help guests feel relaxed and informed. Popular choices include:
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Timeline signs (“Welcome drinks – 3pm, Dinner – 6pm…”)
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Unplugged ceremony signs
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“Pick a seat, not a side” messages
Order of Service / Wedding Newspaper
This is your chance to tell your love story or introduce your wedding party. Whether you opt for a classic order of service booklet or a full wedding day newspaper, it’s a beautiful keepsake your guests will love.
Include:
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The ceremony running order
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Readings or hymns
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A note from the couple
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Fun facts, stories, crossword, or QR codes
Vow Books
Swap out crumpled notes or phone screens for elegant vow booklets. Customised with your names and wedding date, they’re both functional and heirloom-worthy.
Place Cards & Table Details
Guide your guests to their seats in style with coordinated place cards, personalised silk ribbons, and matching table numbers or names.
Menus
Printed menus at each place setting elevate the dining experience and give your tablescape a polished, thoughtful finish.
You can personalise:
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Guest names at the top
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Allergens or vegetarian icons
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Layered menu cards or die-cut shapes
Thank You Tags & Favour Details
Tied to wedding favours or napkins, thank you tags and mini signs show your appreciation with charm and grace.
Smaller Signage
Add personality to every corner of your venue with curated signs for:
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Flip flops
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Sweet carts & snack bars
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Guestbooks & memory tables
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Glow sticks or sunglasses
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Toiletry baskets
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Cake & drinks menus
After the Wedding
Thank You Cards
The final piece in your stationery journey — and perhaps the most heartfelt. A handwritten thank you note speaks volumes and leaves a lasting impression.
Top tip: Order your thank you cards alongside your invitations or on-the-day stationery to keep everything beautifully cohesive.
When to order: Right after the wedding
When to send: Within 1–2 months
Shop Thank You Cards →
Quick-Glance Timeline: What to Order and When
| Stationery Item | Order | Send/Use |
|---|---|---|
| Save the Dates | 12–14 months ahead | 12+ months before wedding |
| Invitations | 8–6 months ahead | 6–8 months before |
| Hen Party Invitations | 3–4 months ahead | 2–3 months before event |
| On-the-Day Stationery | 3 months ahead | Wedding day |
| Bespoke Designs | Add 3–4 weeks extra time | Varies based on item |
| Thank You Cards | Post-wedding or earlier | 1–2 months after |
Your Stationery, Your Story
At The Ivy Collection, we believe every couple deserves beautifully crafted stationery that reflects their story. Whether you’re shopping our Ready-to-Order collections or dreaming up something entirely bespoke, we’re here to guide you with care, creativity, and timeless design.