The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Day Stationery: What You Need, What You

Planning a wedding can sometimes feel like a full-time job, and trust me, stationery is one of those details that can easily send you into a spiral of indecision. Do you really need a custom wax seal for your seating cards? (Probably not, but it's cute, right?) In this guide, we’ll break down everything you truly need for your wedding day stationery, what’s nice to have if the budget allows, and what you can absolutely skip without any guilt.

1. Welcome Signs: Roll Out the (Paper) Red Carpet

Picture this: your guests arrive, looking fabulous, and are instantly greeted by a stunning welcome sign that makes them feel like they’ve just stepped into the chicest event of the year. A well-placed welcome sign does more than just say “Hi!”—it sets the tone for the whole day. Personalized with your names, date, or even a witty quote (we love a good quote), it’s one of those items that make the entrance pop.

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍💍
Necessary? Maybe not. But does it give your wedding that extra ‘wow’ factor? Absolutely.

2. Programs: The Blueprint of Your Big Day

Think of your wedding program as the playbill of your wedding day. It tells guests who’s who, what’s happening, and when to expect that emotional first dance or the kiss. If you have a lot going on during the ceremony—readings, musical performances, Uncle Dave’s surprise poem—then a program can help guide guests through all the beautiful chaos.

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍💍💍💍
Necessary? Yes, especially if your ceremony has multiple parts or traditions. If you’re keeping it simple with “I do’s” and a kiss, you can consider skipping this one.

3. Seating Charts: Because Table Tetris Is Not a Wedding Activity

Let’s be real: nobody likes the awkward shuffle of finding a seat. A beautifully designed seating chart (paired with place cards) not only saves time but also keeps things organized and, frankly, much less chaotic. Make sure it's clear, legible, and placed somewhere everyone can see it, because trust me, Aunt Karen is going to need to find her seat before she launches into a family gossip session.

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍💍💍
Necessary? Yes, unless you want a free-for-all. A seating chart keeps the peace, and peace is priceless on your wedding day.

4. Place Cards: Making Guests Feel Like VIPs

If you want your guests to feel extra special, place cards are the way to go. They add a personal, thoughtful touch and show that each guest was truly considered in the celebration. Plus, they can double as a mini keepsake! I once attended a wedding where the couple took it a step further by writing a short, heartfelt note to each guest inside the place card—whether it was a shared memory or a simple “thank you for being here.” It was such a meaningful gesture, especially since we all know how hectic it can be for the couple to personally thank everyone on the big day.

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍💍
Necessary? Not strictly, but if you’re doing assigned seating, it’s a nice touch to make everyone feel extra loved.

5. Menus: Dinner, but Make It Fancy

Your guests have likely been thinking about the food since they RSVPed (no shame). Menus not only get them excited about what’s coming but also prevent the “What are we eating?” whispers mid-ceremony. A personalized menu at each place setting is a small but mighty detail that elevates your tablescape and gets people talking about your culinary choices.

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍
Necessary? If you’re serving multiple courses or have fancy names for your signature cocktails, go for it! But for a buffet or family-style meal, you can easily skip this one.

6. Guest Books: Because You’ll Want to Relive This Day Forever

The guest book is the classic wedding keepsake. Whether it’s filled with heartfelt messages, cheeky doodles, or some Polaroid snaps, it’s something you’ll look back on and treasure. Plus, it’s a great way for guests to leave a personal touch that’ll make you smile (or laugh out loud) long after the last dance.

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍💍💍💍
Necessary? Yes, a thousand times yes! A wedding guest book is a treasure trove of memories that you’ll flip through for years.

7. Table Numbers: A Simple Necessity

A beautifully designed table number is like the GPS for your reception. It’s a small, simple item but without it, your guests will be playing a game of musical chairs. Make them clear and chic, and you’re golden.

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍💍💍💍
Necessary? Yes! Unless your wedding is so intimate that tables are a mere suggestion, don’t skip these.

8. Vow Books: A Keepsake for Your Most Meaningful Words

While your wedding ceremony may fly by in a blur of excitement and happy tears, vow books ensure that the words you and your partner exchange are remembered forever. These little beauties are more than just practical—they’re a keepsake that holds the heart of your wedding day.

Instead of scrambling with a crumpled piece of paper (or, let’s be real, a phone screen), writing your vows in a personalized vow book not only looks elegant but also gives those precious words the attention they deserve. And the best part? Long after the day is done, you’ll have a lovely memento to revisit when you need a reminder of your promises—whether it’s on an anniversary, after a disagreement about where to go for dinner, or just because.

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍💍💍
Necessary? That's up to you, but if you want to keep your vows as a cherished memory, they’re a definite win!

9. Signage: Skip or Splurge?

Love a good pun? Fancy a cute sign for your photo booth or a reminder that the bar is this way? Custom signs can be fun, but if you’re trying to cut costs, they’re definitely not a must-have. If you’re going for a minimalist vibe, you can skip the extra signage and let the setting speak for itself.

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍
Necessary? Nah, unless your venue is a maze or you’re in love with Pinterest-worthy signs.

10. Officiant Book: Keep the Ceremony on Track and Stress-Free

Your officiant may be a pro or a close friend who’s never led a wedding before, but no matter who’s marrying you, an officiant book can be a lifesaver. It’s the ultimate tool to keep the ceremony running smoothly and ensure those all-important vows and “I do’s” go off without a hitch.

An officiant book is where your officiant can organize their notes, script, and any special readings or traditions you’ve included in the ceremony. And let’s face it—on a day filled with high emotions, having everything neatly laid out in one place helps them (and you!) stay calm and focused. Plus, it makes for a great keepsake afterward, especially if your officiant is a close friend or family member. Imagine looking back years from now and flipping through the very words that sealed your marriage!

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍💍💍
Necessary? If you want to avoid awkward pauses and forgotten lines, it’s a strong yes!

11. Thank You Cards: The After-Party Paperwork

You can’t forget about the thank you cards! After the confetti settles and you’ve jetted off to your honeymoon, it’s time to say a proper thank you to everyone who made your day special. Personalized thank you cards are a thoughtful way to wrap up the festivities and leave a lasting impression.

Must-Have Rating: 💍💍💍💍💍
Necessary? 100%. Sending a thank you card is the final bow on your wedding day, so don’t skip this!

Final Thoughts: Wedding Day Stationery Made Simple

There you have it—everything you need to know about wedding day stationery, from the essentials to the “maybe skip it” items. Remember, your stationery should reflect the vibe of your day. Focus on the pieces that truly matter to you and your guests, and don’t feel pressured to overdo it. It’s your day—make it as simple or as extra as you want!

Ready to create your perfect wedding day stationery? Browse our custom guest book and vow book designs to find everything from welcome signs to guest books, menus, and more. Let’s make your day unforgettable!