Decoding The Wedding Paper Trail

From the time you say "yes" to the proposal, the paper trail begins. It’s amazing how much paper one wedding can create. From the save-the-date cards and invitations to table signs and thank you notes, it’s a wonder brides don’t suffer from a myriad of paper cuts getting through the process. Because there are so many stationery elements that play a part in your special day, deciphering what is necessary and what’s not can be a challenge for many brides. Following the flow of papers leading to your wedding, let’s take a look at the purpose for each item as well as some alternatives to help you determine what you truly need.

Save-the-Date Cards

These cards are particularly helpful for destination weddings, like Las Vegas or the beach, where guests would have to make travel arrangements well in advance of the wedding or for holiday weddings to be sure they don’t make other plans over that holiday weekend. Otherwise, it is not necessary to provide them.
Tip: Send a save-the-date magnet that can be placed on the fridge as a reminder. If you’re looking to save on postage and printing, send a save-the-date email instead.

Invitations

These are absolutely necessary, even for informal weddings. Since there are so many elements to the invitation, a closer look at each one is warranted:

• Inner Envelope: The inner envelope is usually addressed with a less formal greeting than on the outer envelope. For example, the outer envelope may read "Mr. & Mrs. Joe Johnson," while the inner envelope would read "Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary." It can also include "Bob Sims and guest."
  Tip: Inner envelopes are only customary for formal weddings, so it can be easily omitted.
• R.S.V.P. Cards: They are still an excellent way to get responses for an estimate of your head count.
  Tip: To improve the number of responses, include an email address so it doesn’t have to be mailed back.
• Ceremony Cards/Reception Cards: If the wedding is open to anyone, but you need to limit the number of guests attending the reception (or vice versa), these cards make sure everyone is in the right place.
  Tip: Neither card is necessary is everyone is invited to both the wedding and the reception.
• Pew Cards: Given to the ushers upon arrival, these cards indicate that a particular guest is to be seated in a reserved area at the wedding ceremony.
  Tip: Avoid the cost of printing by instructing the ushers to sit guests appropriately.
• Tissue: In earlier times when ink was less stable, a tissue square was used to decrease bleeding onto the envelope.
  Tip: While some invitations still include them, they are not necessary.
• Directional Cards: As one would expect, maps, directions and travel information are particularly helpful for guests whether they live in or out of town.
  Tip: You can save money on printing this information by having crisp photo copies made or including it on your wedding website instead.
• Schedule of Activities: If you are planning a destination wedding, a schedule will help keep everyone on track.
  Tip: Many wait to provide it in the welcome bags when guests arrive, but it really should be included in the invitation so guests know what to expect and what to pack.

Wedding Programs

Whether you use them to provide the order of service, acknowledge participants or thank guests, programs are definitely a must-have.
Tip: Consider non-traditional invitations like fans than can also serve as a wedding favor.

Seating Place Cards

Whether displayed in a place card holder or used as a tent card, place cards are suggested for formal receptions with 20 or more guests.
Tip: Using place card holders that are also wedding favors is a great way to save money.

Table Signs

If you’re planning for more than a few tables, the use of table signs can be helpful.
Tip: Table assignments are a great way to make sure that family and friends are mixed or together without the formality of assigned seats.

Menu Cards

Typically provided at formal weddings or if an exotic gourmet fair will be served. Cards can be omitted for more casual foods and buffets.
Tip: Place the menu in a frame on each table for an elegant touch rather than at each place setting.

Favor Tags

Personalized favor tags are a great way to thank guests.
Tip: Including the guest’s name on the favor tag allows the wedding favor to also be used as a place card.

Thank-You Card

Thank-you cards are always used to express your gratitude for a gift, a guest’s attendance or the participation of the wedding party and vendors.

Tip: Because thank-you cards don’t need to match the wedding invitation, choose a nice blank paper that can be personalized with an embosser or stamp.