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 styleat 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, drinkingand ritual humiliation… (Groom’s name) requests the pleasure of your company at his stag night at (time) on… at… RSVP

Rehearsal dinner invitations

Invitations to rehearsal dinners tend to be formal, and while the style of the invitations can compliment the wedding invitations, they shouldn’t match them. Traditionally, the bridal party is invited, but feel free to invite whoever you want. Just be sure to send out the invitations at least two weeks before the wedding.

Examples

Mr. and Mrs. (Groom’s parent’s names)request the pleasure of your company at a rehearsal dinner in honour of Miss (Bride’s Christian name and surname) and Mr. (Groom’s Christian name and surname) on (Day and date) at (Time) (Full address)

or

(Groom’s parent’s Christian names)request the pleasure of your company at a rehearsal dinner in honour of (Bride’s Christian name) and (Groom’s Christian name) on (Day and date) at (Time) (Full address)

Bridal shower invitations

Bridal showers are usually hosted by the bride’s friends, and the invitations can be informal. They often have gift themes, such as linens or garden and kitchenware. The theme should be mentioned in the invitation, preferably in the lower right‐hand corner. Bear in mind that it’s deemed inappropriate for the bride’s family to invite people to a bridal shower ‐‐ it can come across as soliciting for gifts on her behalf!

Examples

(Host friend’s Christian name and surname)requests the pleasure of your company at the Bridal Shower in honour of (Bride’s Christian name and surname) on (Day and date) at (Time) (Full address) RSVP (Phone no.) Garden and kitchenware

or

(Friend’s Christian name and surname)(Friend’s Christian name and surname) (Friend’s Christian name and surname) (Friend’s Christian name and surname) (Friend’s Christian name and surname) (Friend’s Christian name and surname) invite you to a surprise Bridal Shower In honour of (Bride’s Christian name and surname) on (Day and date) at (Time) (Full address) Please respond to Lines (Friend’s Christian name and surname) on (Phone no.)

Hen and stag examples ‐ continued

See me on my way to extreme wedded bliss!(Groom’s name) is having a stag night at (time) on… at… RSVP

or

No ‘L’ plates, please……but I wouldn’t say no to a drink! (Bride’s name) is having her hen night at Velvet Dungeon on… at… RSVP

or

See me on my way to wedded bliss!(Bride’s name) is having a hen night at (time) on… at… RSVP

You can find out  helpful inspiration and advice from our stationery and invitations articles

Find more wedding stationery collections and ideas in the Confetti Shop.