What You Need for Your Wedding Day-of Paper + Checklist!

Today I am sharing what you need for your wedding day-of paper, including tips + trends, PLUS a freebie checklist! I’ve been wanting to write this post for a long time because I know this stage of wedding stationery can be overwhelming, and as I always tell my brides, there’s a very clear deadline of when you need everything!This is the part of the wedding stationery process that requires the most support for my brides, and why shouldn’t it? Even figuring out what to call it in the industry is complicated! Day-of paper? Wedding Stationery? Wedding Day-of Goods? Whatever you name it, it means the same: the paper goods you have on your actual wedding day.What elements you need we’ll talk about a little later, but I first want to go over some current trends + insider tips.

Going Beyond Paper. I know this sounds odd coming from a stationer, but brides increasingly are opting for day-of pieces that are not made of paper. The days of a simple color palette are gone, as many of my couples are now incorporating brass tones, textures + materials into their design. For example, a rustic wedding may have wood slabs with their table numbers etched into them. Conversely, a luxe modern wedding at a downtown rooftop venue may have a clear lucite ceremony welcome sign at the entrance. Additionally, custom cocktail napkins, stirrers + coasters are growing in popularity again! The bonus of these items? You can order extra and use them in your house after the wedding.

Thinking Outside The Traditional Formats. As an example, though one menu card at each place setting is classic, there are alternatives that enhance the vibe of your wedding and make for a great conversation piece! I once designed a wedding menu that projected onto a brick wall at a venue. I’ve also seen oversized wedding menus with custom calligraphy displayed at the reception entrance. Escort card displays and fun signage are great ways to enhance your wedding space, too. These elements can be an added design element in your reception space to really add that wow factor.TIP: Hire a wedding planner to help you execute these ideas. This is one of the MANY benefits of having a planner, but that post is for another day!

Consider Your Place Setting + Tablescape. Are your centerpieces tall or low? How will the napkin be folded + placed? Think of the rentals and decor pieces that will be at the table, and determine how your wedding paper goods can enhance those elements. For example, simple white charger would pair beautifully with a menu card that has a splash of color. I always ask my brides to send over a photo of their table mock-up so I can make sure everything I design works into it seamlessly.TIP: Let your florist know about any display pieces so she can add florals or greenery to them for an extra special touch!Now to the best part: your freebie!Click below for your free wedding day-of paper guide. This is a handy checklist of all the possible items you may need on the day of your wedding.

I even included a notes section where you can add in any special items you may need for your one-of-a-kind wedding!

Photo Cred: Shaina Lee Photography / Gabriel Harber Photography / Kelsey Combe Photo / Vicki + Erik Photographers / Ashley Therese Photography / Jessica Jaccarino Photography / Athena Blude Photography / Hudson River Photographers / Brian Hatton Photography / Eileen Meny Photography / Hannah Suh Photography

Looking for some wedding paper inspiration? Check out these real weddings on the blog! And follow us on Instagram for wedding prettiness throughout the week!