Your Special Day
Planning for a wedding can seem like a daunting task. It starts with thinking about venues, guests to invite, time of year, all the way up to the actual wedding day with catering, place-setting, music, and more. All along the way, partnering with the right people can help make your special day unforgettable down to the last detail. A great print shop can you help you right from the start, with stationery for your invites, reception, and ceremony and elevate your big day. Unique Print is here to help you walk through all of the things you might need to consider when planning for your wedding.
1. Pre-Planning and Inspiration
Define Your Wedding Vision:
- Choose your wedding theme (classic, modern, vintage, rustic, etc.).
- Select your color palette and overall style.
Gather Inspiration:
- Create mood boards using Pinterest, wedding magazines, or online galleries.
- Save examples of designs, textures, and layouts you love.
2. Create Your Stationery Inventory
Essential Invitations & Announcements
Wedding Invitations:
- Choose high-quality paper stock (luxurious cardstock, textured, recycled options).
- Consider special finishes like foil stamping, embossing, or letterpress.
- Select matching envelopes and addressing options.
Save the Date Cards:
- Coordinate the design with your invitations.
- Choose a format (traditional card, postcard, or even a magnet).
- Add personal touches such as engagement photos or custom illustrations.
RSVP Cards & Additional Inserts:
- Include RSVP cards with options for meal selection or special requests.
- Add additional detail cards (directions, dress code, wedding website URL).
3. Ceremony and Reception Stationery
For Your Ceremony
- Wedding Programs:
- Outline the order of the ceremony and any special readings or music.
- Decide on a layout (bi-fold, single-page, booklet) and include custom artwork.
- Custom Signage:
- Order welcome signs to greet guests.
- Include directional or seating signs to guide attendees.
For Your Reception
- Menus:
- Design menus that match your wedding’s theme and color scheme.
- Choose formats that can double as keepsakes.
- Place Cards & Seating Charts:
- Create personalized place cards and table numbers.
- Design seating charts that are both functional and stylish.
- Additional Reception Extras:
- Consider printing custom banners or backdrops for photo booths or the head table.
- Add unique touches like table tents or napkin holders with your design
4. Bridal Shower Stationery
A bridal shower is a special celebration before the wedding, and the right print materials can set the tone for a fun and memorable event.
- Bridal Shower Invitations:
- Create invitations that reflect the personality of the bride and the theme of the shower.
- Consider playful or elegant designs that complement your overall wedding stationery.
- Choose paper and finishes that make your invitation stand out.
- Save the Date Cards (Optional):
- For larger bridal shower events, a save the date can help guests plan ahead.
- Coordinate these with your bridal shower invitation design.
- Bridal Shower Programs or Itinerary Cards:
- Provide guests with an overview of the event’s schedule.
- Include details for games, activities, or any special surprises planned.
- Additional Shower Extras:
- Custom signage to welcome guests and direct them to different activity areas.
- Personalized thank-you cards to send after the event, matching the bridal shower theme.
- Fun elements like favor tags or small printed game instructions to engage guests.
5. Keepsakes and Extras
- Guest Books & Memory Keepsakes:
- Choose between traditional guest books or creative alternatives (scrapbooks, puzzles).
- Consider custom keepsake boxes for storing mementos and photos.
- Thank-You Cards:
- Design thank-you cards that coordinate with your wedding stationery.
- Personalize messages to express gratitude to your guests.
- Additional Extras:
- Order custom stickers, seals, or envelope liners for added detail.
- Explore printing options for accessories like favor tags or coasters
6. Design and Customization Process
- Consultation:
- Schedule a design consultation with your printing shop.
- Discuss themes, paper options, fonts, and any custom artwork.
- Proofing:
- Request digital or physical proofs for each item.
- Review all details for accuracy (spelling, dates, venue addresses).
- Revisions:
- Gather feedback from your partner, family, or wedding planner.
- Finalize adjustments before confirming your order.
7. Planning and Timeline
- Set Your Timeline:
- Begin planning and ordering your stationery 8–12 months before the wedding.
- Allocate time for design consultations, revisions, and final approvals.
- Finalize Orders:
- Confirm production deadlines and delivery dates.
- Factor in extra time for potential rush orders or unforeseen delays.
8. Budgeting and Vendor Coordination
- Budget:
- Establish a budget for your stationery and printing needs.
- Compare vendors and ask for samples to ensure quality and value.
- Communication:
- Maintain regular contact with your printing shop.
- Confirm order details, delivery timelines, and any special requests.
9. Post-Order Checks
- Final Review:
- Inspect the delivered products for quality and accuracy.
- Keep extra copies for last-minute guest additions or emergencies.
- Celebrate:
- Enjoy the process of seeing your wedding vision come to life in print!
- Share your beautiful stationery with friends and family.
By following this comprehensive checklist, you’ll ensure that every piece of your wedding and bridal shower print products—from invitations to thank-you cards—is thoughtfully designed and perfectly executed, making your special day even more memorable. Happy planning!
Adam Greenberg
