Envision this: Your wedding planning is in full swing, and you’re crafting a day of sheer perfection. The venue is a masterpiece of architectural splendor, the bridal gown is a work of art, and every element exudes opulence. Yet, what about those finer touches? Wedding stationery, often underappreciated in the grand tapestry of preparations, serves as the initial gateway to the style and luxury your day promises. Stationery suits encompass everything, starting from save-the-dates, which help guests get a sneak peek of your special celebration and the overall ambiance they can expect.
If you’ve ever dreamt of invitations and stationery that are not just expertly crafted but are also infused with artistic brilliance, sophistication, impeccable taste, and the essence of your unique personality, then prepare to be inspired. We’re absolutely delighted to introduce you to the crème de la crème of luxury wedding stationery designers around the world.
MEET THE EXPERT
Axelle Compte created Papier June when she relocated to Canada from France, with the idea that invitations should inspire excitement and be unique and sophisticated. Driven by nature, high fashion, editorial photography, and modern architecture, she tells each couple’s story through creative concepts and minimalist designs.
“I believe that white space allows your eyes to focus on what’s most important. The paper also plays an essential part in my daily process. Whether I curate the perfect paper for my client’s project or craft my own handmade paper from cotton, I create each piece of stationery with contrast and texture in mind.”
She specializes in using centuries-old printing methods, such as letterpress and embossing, for the most tactile experience.
Photo: Ryanne Hollies
All this sophisticated work below is made by Papier June.
When to send out save-the-dates?
Save-the-dates serve the purpose of giving your guests a sneak peak of your upcoming wedding. For destination weddings, it is recommended to send save-the-dates 8 to 12 months in advance. It allows guests to have ample time to make travel arrangements, book accommodations, and plan their schedules accordingly. In the case of local weddings, it is generally advised to send save-the-dates 4 to 6 months before the wedding date. This timeline allows guests enough time to plan their attendance without it being too far in advance, where it might be challenging to keep track of the event. It’s important to note that there is some flexibility to these timelines. Some couples may send save-the-dates even earlier, especially if they have a destination wedding. However, it’s crucial to find a balance so guests have sufficient time to plan, but the event stays close to the date when details may change.
When reaching out to a stationery designer?
It’s typically recommended to contact a stationery designer between 14 and 10 months before your wedding date. By reaching out to your designer well in advance, you’ll have ample time to create beautifully customized save-the-dates that perfectly reflect your wedding style. This timeline allows enough time for the design process, revisions, printing, and mailing. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your designer as their availability and lead times may vary.
Photo: 1 – James x Schulze, 2 – Ryanne Hollies
Who should receive save-the-dates?
Save-the-dates should be sent to anyone you intend to invite to your wedding. It typically includes immediate family members, close friends, and other loved ones you want to ensure can attend your special day. Ensure you have a finalized guest list before sending them. And remember that anyone who receives a save-the-date should also receive a formal invitation when the time comes.
What to include in your save-the-dates?
When creating your save-the-dates, you must include critical information to help your guests plan and prepare for your wedding. Here are the essential details to include: names of the couple, a precise wedding date, the location of your wedding, your wedding website URL if you have one, where guests can find additional details, accommodations, travel information…and “Formal Invitation to Follow” to ensure that guests understand that the save the date is not the formal invitation itself.
How many to order?
Each household typically receives one save-the-date, regardless of the number of people in the household. If you invite couples or families, you can send one save-the-date per couple or family rather than one per individual. Remember to include extra save-the-dates, usually around 10-15% more than your estimated guest list. These extras or backups can serve various purposes, such as last-minute guest additions. You may find the need to invite additional guests to your wedding after you have ordered your save-the-dates. Having extra copies available allows you to include these guests without having to call a different small amount of save-the-dates and save on printing costs.
What should they look like?
Consider incorporating design elements and colors that resonate with your wedding aesthetic and show your personality. It helps set the tone and gives guests a glimpse into the overall feel of your upcoming celebration. Remember, save-the-dates; they are meant to be concise. Keep them simple and clean, focusing on the essential details guests need to know to reserve the date.
Photo: 1 – James x Schulze, 4 – Laura Gordon
How to safely mail your save-the-dates?
If you have any questions about the appropriate postage required, bring a finalized save-the-date to the post office and have it weighed by a clerk to get the exact price per envelope. Once your save-the-dates are ready to mail, kindly ask the clerk to hand cancel your envelopes. Hand canceling helps protect your save-the-date envelopes from going through automated sorting machines, which can sometimes lead to damage or smudging. Always hand over your save-the-dates to a postal worker to ensure their safe delivery.
Photo: 1 – Manda Razaf
Save-the-dates hold great significance in the wedding planning process. Their purpose extends beyond simply informing guests about the upcoming celebration; they set the stage, generate excitement, and enable guests to plan and prioritize your special day. By carefully considering the design, content, and timing of your wedding save the dates, you can ensure that your wedding day becomes an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.
