Everything you need to know about wedding invitations & Stationery!

I have teamed up with Becky from Hawthorne & Ivory to give you a definitive guide of everything you need to know about wedding invites.

I passed on some FAQ's I tend to get from couples about their wedding invites to someone who knows stationery inside and out. Becky has been creating wedding stationery since 2017 so it's safe to say she knows a thing or two about what's involved in the process, how to get the most out of your wedding stationery and why we're not just talking about invites!

1. How do I start the process of making my invites and when?

Becky says "The best time to start thinking about invitations is around 6-9 months before your wedding, and if you’ve got your heart set on a bespoke design, or something more intricate even sooner.

Start by thinking about your wedding style, colours, and any themes you particularly love. Think about the practical details too- who you’re inviting, how you want guests to RSVP, and what information they’ll need. Once you have a rough idea, you can explore designs that fit your vision or work with a bespoke wedding stationery designer to create something completely unique!"

(Becky's written a separate blog on timelines you can view by clicking here!)

Molly adds "To figure the best timeline for you make sure to work backwards... when do the caterers need numbers? Add a month for latecomers... etc!"

2. Do I have to choose a pre-made design or can I make something unique?

Becky says "You absolutely do not have to stick to a pre-made design! If you fall in love with something that’s already designed, fantastic- but if you want something bespoke and personal, you can work with a stationer to create invitations that are completely unique to you.

Many stationers (myself included!) offer a full bespoke design service, where we’ll explore your ideas, wedding aesthetic, and any special details you’d love to include. Whether it’s a venue drawing, meaningful floral elements, or an illustration that reflects your personalities- bespoke invites can really tell your story!"

(Visit Becky's blog on Bespoke vs semi-custom here!)

3. Can we make my invites match the rest of my stationery?

Becky says "Absolutely! And please do, it’s such a simple way to elevate your whole wedding.

Think of your wedding stationery as your own personal wedding brand. Cohesion throughout creates a seamless, beautifully curated experience for your guests. Many couples love having their menus, place cards, table plans, and even signage match their invitations for a really chic and polished feel.

Most wedding stationers can carry elements from your invites, like fonts, colours, floral motifs, or illustrations, into your on-the-day stationery. That way, everything looks like it belongs together and enhances your overall wedding aesthetic."

(Becky's Matching stationery blog can be found here)

Molly says "Yes, it's a little weird at first to think of your wedding as a brand but the more you get into wedding planning the more you will find it super helpful to have this 'branding' to refer back to and ensure you are sticking to the brief! It will stop you from buying unnecessary things or giving into people's not-always-welcome opinions."

4. Do you send the invites for me?

Becky says "Some stationers offer a full postal service, where they print, assemble, and send out your invitations on your behalf- this tends to be more of a standard in America than here in the UK. Others will ship them to you so you can send them out yourself.

I usually offer a service where I print, package, and send your invitations directly to you, ready for you to post. That way, you can add any personal touches before popping them in the post!

Assembly, guest address printing, and postal services are available as optional upgrades.

If having your invitations posted for you is something you’re interested in, it’s always worth asking your stationer what options they have. Expect to pay postage/stamp costs and a surcharge for this service."

5. What is one thing people never seem to know about invitations?

Becky says "Most couples don’t realize how important it is to order extra invitations!

It’s always a good idea to have at least 5 or so spare invites for a few key reasons:

• Guest list changes- you might decide to invite additional guests later on, need to resend an invite that got lost in the post, or upgrade someone from evening to day guest.

• Keepsakes- many couples love keeping a pristine copy as a memento, and family members often want one too- us humans are surprisingly sentimental!

• Details photography- if your photographer is a fan of a details flat lay, they will usually want a copy to include in those gorgeous shots on the morning of your wedding. Having an extra set make sure that it looks perfect!

• Mistakes happen- whether it’s a smudged envelope, a miswritten name, or an address mix-up, having spares means so much less stress.

A few extras can make all the difference, and you’ll be so glad you have them! Most stationers have minimum orders for print, so ordering a handful of extras in the first place can save you pennies in the long run."

Molly says "This is absolutely solid advice! As with most things in weddings, having back-ups or contingency plans will end up saving you money and stress in the long run!"

6. Why should I choose to have paper invites over digital ones?

Becky says "I really think that there’s something so special about receiving a beautiful paper invitation in the post. A physical invite feels more personal, memorable, and exciting- it makes your guests feel part of something meaningful.

Practicality-wise, paper invites won’t get lost in spam folders or forgotten about in a sea of emails! They also allow for more creativity- textures, foiling, wax seals, vellum overlays… all the little tactile details that make stationery truly special.

Paper invitations bring an elegance and excitement that digital just can’t replicate!"

Molly says "Working with a stationer to create paper invites also means you also get the benefit of knowing that they know what they're doing, you don't have to worry about what different papers look/feel like, what fonts go well together or how to get things printed because they're on it! Even if you are having paper invites that simply guide people to a wedding website, there is still something super special about how well they can put your vision on paper!

So there you have it! Everything you should need to know about wedding stationery and invites and if we have missed something you were desperate to know here then you can always find Becky on Instagram under @hawthorneandivory or you can contact her via her website.

Photo Credit - Ampersand Memories