What the heck is Day-Of Stationery?

On the surface, I like to describe day-of stationery as anything at your celebration that incorporates typography in some way. This usually involves the welcome sign, the menus, escort cards, table numbers, and programs. But it can also involve photobooth signs, custom cocktail napkins, and favor tags.

Day-of stationery is the best way to guide your guests through the space, and to curate their experience in a thoughtful, cohesive and branded way.

Before they arrive at your celebration, the only visuals they have been exposed to are your save the dates and invitations, and your wedding website. Ideally, these pieces set the tone for your celebration and got them super excited about attending.

Welcoming Your Guests

Once they step foot on site, greeting them with something that reiterates the design of your invitations can be a great way for them to know they’re in the right place, and it can begin to set the tone for your ceremony and the more serious portion of the event.

As nice as it would be for you to greet each and every guest personally, the reality is you will definitely be occupied elsewhere. So, having a personalized sign with your monogram, names and date can be a really welcoming touch to make them feel comfortable. Sometimes, the welcome sign will also spell out the order of events.

Setting the Tone for the Ceremony

Left: Photo by Nicole Lev | Right: Photo by Jeanni Dunagan

Many modern ceremonies are simple and don’t require a lot of stationery. But, if you do have more complex nuptials a program can be a great way to explain the significance of certain traditions. Quote signage can also be a great way to set a romantic and elegant tone as your guests are seated, and can be a great keepsake for you after the celebration.

Keeping Guests Entertained at Cocktail Hour

Once your ceremony is over, you and your love will most likely escape to be alone, or to snap some portraits. Guests will be looking for some libations, and a custom bar sign is a great way to showcase any special beverages.

It can also be a fun place to incorporate pets if they aren’t able to be there with you, by naming your drinks after them!

Finding Your Seat

Once cocktail hour winds down, guests will need to be escorted to the correct dining tables, and that’s where an escort display comes in handy.

Left: Photo by Nicole Lev | Right: Photo by Diana Rothery

This can either come in the form of a single sign with names alphabetically or by table, or as individual cards that are displayed in some way for guests to take with them.

At the Table

Table numbers are essential for guests to find their seats, and numbers are the most common. But, since these are often also competing with floral arrangements I love to find ways to make the tablescape cohesive by bringing in interesting materials and textures.

If you are having a plated dinner, menus at each setting can guide guests through what they are eating, and can also double as place cards if you want to assign each person a specific seat. I also love to give each menu a different design element or color if they require a meal indicator for the caterers.

Left: Photo by Photoflood Studio | Right: Photo by Nicole Lev

Extra Touches Can Add to the Experience

If you have an idea for another way to incorporate stationery into your guest’s experience, don’t be afraid to explore it! I’ve also made custom cocktail napkins, lawn game instruction signage, and lasercut photobooth signs. There is no limit to how creative you can get with day-of stationery!

Escort Cards, Place Cards, Table Cards...Oh my!