Pre-wedding stationery

It's not just about the wedding invitations... what about hen and stag night invites, "save the date" cards, and invitations to your bridal shower or rehearsal dinner?

Save the date cards

Save the date cards are a great way of announcing your wedding date in advance of sending out invitations to make sure guests keep the date free. This is particularly useful if you're getting married in during busy holiday periods, and if you’re inviting overseas guests who will need to plan a trip to your wedding.

These cards are generally sent out around three to six months before the wedding, although you could send them out as early as a year before. Ideally, they should be small, in an envelope and match the style of the invitations that will follow. Depending on who is hosting the wedding, they can be sent either by the couple or by the parents.

Bear in mind that you don’t necessarily need to send one to every guest -- but make sure that those who receive one are also on your final guest list.

Hen and stag invitations

Inviting friends and family to a hen or stag do can be less formal -- in fact, this really is a case where anything goes. It's always fun to send invitations by post, although most post-invite correspondence tends to be by email.

Hen and stag parties are usually organised by the chief bridesmaid or the best man, which means themes and invitations are often out of the bride and groom’s hands. Whether you’re organising your own party or doing it for a friend, make sure that those invited get all the information they need, including maps, addresses, dress codes and information on how much money each person will be paying, as the cost of hen and stag dos is generally split by everyone invited.

Examples

Last night of freedom! Send (Bride's name) off in style

at

the (Venue)

in

(Full address)

on (day and date)

from (time) til late...

Entry to the club has been pre-paid. Please make cheques payable to Pauline Murray for £15. Thanks

or

For an evening of eating, drinking

and ritual humiliation...

(Groom's name)

requests the pleasure of your company

at his stag night

at (time)

on...

at...

RSVP