Wedding Stationery. Colour, Size, Presentation, Wax Seals

Many couples don’t know where to begin when it comes to wedding stationery. With endless options, suppliers and sizes, it’s understandable that this aspect of wedding planning can be a bit overwhelming!

 

This guide highlights the various elements you need to consider when selecting wedding stationery to make the process that much easier.

 

Colour

Colour is a great way to personalise your wedding stationery and create a stylish design. Couples typically begin by selecting their wedding colour palette and then create stationery using these shades. That way, it will tie in seamlessly with your event’s overall aesthetic.

 

It’s really up to you, but there are some general tips we can give as a guide. For formal weddings, darker colours like black, grey and navy are popular as they ooze sophistication. Vintage themes are presented well with colours like beige and mint, beach weddings always work well with blues or bold colours, and garden weddings can be complemented by greens and blush pinks.

 

When it comes to designing your wedding stationery, you will need to decide how you want to use colour. Do you want to use all shades in your colour palette, a single colour and an accent colour, or keep things monochrome?

 

A graphic designer can assist with creating a design that matches your style and the way you want to incorporate colour. Alternatively, you can use programs like Canva to experiment with your own design.

 

If you are getting formal wedding invitations printed, take note that colour may impact the budget. Foil stamping and letterpress are likely to be expensive with multiple colours, so it might be better to choose one or two if you need to keep costs down.

 

Sizing

The size of a printed item is dependent on what it is and its purpose. We’ve put together a list of common wedding stationery items and their size, although remember there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to weddings – choose the things you like!

 

• Save The Dates: A7 (5” x 7”) or A2 (4.25” x 5.5”)
• Invitations: A9 (5.5” x 8.5”) or A7 (5” x 7”)
• Programs (Flat): #10 (4” x 9”) or A9 (5.5” x 8.5”)
• Programs (Folded): A7 (5” x 7”)
• Menus: #10 (4” x 9”)
• Escort Cards: Mini (2.5 “ x 3”)
• Thank You Cards: A2 (4.25” x 5.5”)
• Place Cards: Mini (2.5 “ x 3”)
• Guest Book: 11” x 8.5”
• Coaster (square): 4” x 4”
• Coaster (round): 3”
• Stickers (round): 1.3″ x 1.3″
• Tote Bags: 15” x 16”
• Table Numbers: 4” x 6”
• Welcome Sign: 18” x 24”
• Wedding Cake Table Sign: 5” x 7”
• Wedding Hashtag Sign: 8” x 10”

Presentation

There are a range of ways signs can be presented at a wedding.

 

• Easel

An easel is a popular and effective way to present welcome signs and other large printed items. These come in various designs so you can choose the colour, size and style that suits your wedding!

 

• Picture Frame

For smaller items like “dessert table” or wedding hashtag signs, a picture frame can be a good option. It makes it easy to present stationery on a table or other flat surface, and can also be chosen to suit your wedding aesthetic.

 

• Table Sign Holder

Table sign holders come in many varieties and can be used for table numbers or other signs, such as a gift table. From minimalist wire designs to elaborate glass pieces, there is no end to options.

 

• Post

If you’re choosing to have signs for directions, an old-school post can be a great option. Add a sign pointing to reception, one to the ceremony, and whatever else you feel is relevant!

Wax Seals

Wax seals are an effective way to enhance wedding stationery. For a small addition, they sure can be impactful!

 

Types of wax seals

 

There are two main types of wax seals:

• Traditional wax seals
• Self-adhesive seals

 

Traditional wax seals are created using melted wax and metal tools. This is the old-school approach that has been used for decades and will certainly create a sense of refinement for your guests. For this type of wax seal, you will need to work with professionals to help create the metal stamp with your seal. You might also choose to get them to do your seals for you, or you can practise melting wax and doing the stamps yourself.

 

A more modern (and significantly easier) approach is the self-adhesive seals. These are added to your envelopes and stationery like stickers, meaning you won’t have to deal with any hot wax yourself. There are a number of companies that can help you design and create adhesive wax seals that look like traditional seals, or simply just sticker seals to use in place of wax seals.

 

Designing wax seals

The actual wax seal can consist of whatever you choose. Common wedding choices include the initials of the couple, an image or symbol that matches the aesthetic, or the official wedding monogram.

 

If you choose to engage a company to create your wax seals, they can help you with the design. Alternatively, if you go the DIY route, you can use online software to help you create the seals you desire.

 

Where to put wax seals

Most commonly, wax seals are used on the back of envelopes to create an elegant and sophisticated statement. However, they can also be used on a range of wedding stationery, including:

• Invitations
• Escort cards
• Place cards
• Table numbers
• Favour boxes
• Dessert boxes
• Wine bottles
• Champagne flutes

 

Wedding stationery is a fun way to personalise your wedding. While there are no hard and fast rules, we hope this guide helps you with the process of choosing the items that will help your wedding vision become a reality!