Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming — and when it comes to wedding stationery, many couples don’t know where to start. At ShadiCards.com, we’ve helped thousands of couples from diverse cultures craft the perfect suite of invitations and stationery for their big day.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need, including optional extras and how wedding traditions differ for Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Pakistani, Indian, and English weddings. Whether you're planning a grand multi-day celebration or an intimate ceremony, this is your go-to stationery checklist.
📝 What Is Wedding Stationery?
Wedding stationery includes all printed or digital materials you use before, during, and after your wedding. Think of it as your wedding’s visual voice — from the moment you announce the date to the final thank-you card.
📌 Core Wedding Stationery Essentials
1. Save the Date Cards
These are sent well before formal invitations — typically 6–12 months in advance.
Best for: Destination weddings, peak season weddings, or multi-day Asian weddings.
Optional but highly recommended.
2. Wedding Invitations
The most essential piece. Includes:
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Couple’s names
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Date and time
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Venue(s)
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RSVP details
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Dress code (optional)
You may choose separate designs for:
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Nikah, Mehndi, Walima (Muslim)
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Anand Karaj, Reception (Sikh)
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Mandap Ceremony, Sangeet (Hindu)
ShadiCards.com offers customisable, luxury, and cultural wedding invitations that reflect your heritage and personality.
3. RSVP Cards (or QR Codes)
Traditionally included with a return envelope.
Today, many couples use a QR code or wedding website for easier management.
We offer RSVP printing with QR codes that can link directly to your wedding site or guest list form.
💍 Pre-Wedding Event Stationery
4. Mehndi / Dholki / Haldi Invitations
Popular in Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi weddings, these events have their own flair and may include:
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Colourful floral or paisley designs
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Illustrations of traditional instruments
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Fun, light-hearted wording
5. Sangeet or Ladies' Sangeet Cards
Often more vibrant and musical-themed, with gold foil or mirror printing.
6. Bridal Shower / Couples Shower Invites
A western tradition now embraced by many British-Asian couples.
Soft, floral and contemporary themes work well.
💒 Day-of Wedding Stationery
These are pieces guests interact with on your big day:
7. Welcome Signs / Entrance Boards
Printed on foam board or acrylic, welcoming guests with names, date, and a warm message.
8. Order of Service / Nikah Nama / Program Cards
Used in Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Hindu ceremonies.
Explain the sequence of events and rituals, ideal for mixed-faith or English-speaking guests.
9. Place Cards / Escort Cards
Direct guests to their assigned seats or tables.
Calligraphy-style fonts or foil finishes add a touch of elegance.
10. Table Numbers / Menus
Custom-designed to match your invitation suite.
Include vegetarian/non-vegetarian options or Halal/Non-Halal tags.
🎁 Post-Wedding Stationery
11. Thank You Cards
Sent 1–3 months after the wedding. Personalise with a photo from the day or a heartfelt message.
Pro Tip: Order your thank-you cards alongside your invitations to save time later.
💡 Optional Extras to Elevate Your Wedding
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Envelope Liners – Adds a luxurious interior design inside the envelope
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Wax Seals & Ribbons – Elegant and popular for European or vintage themes
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Laser-Cut Sleeves – Often used in Sikh and Hindu wedding invites
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Acrylic Invitations – Sleek, modern, and ideal for minimalist weddings
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Foil Printing – In gold, rose gold, or silver for a premium finish
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Vellum Overlays – Translucent elegance, often paired with floral designs
🌍 Cultural Stationery Tips
Muslim Weddings
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Invitations often include Quranic verses, event segmentation (Nikah, Mehndi, Walima)
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Choose Arabic-inspired patterns, calligraphy, or mosque silhouettes
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Gender-separate event invitations can be printed
Hindu Weddings
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May include Ganeshji or Om symbols, mandap illustrations, and bright marigold tones
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Multi-event stationery is common (Sangeet, Pooja, Mandap, Reception)
Sikh Weddings
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Include Ek Onkar or Khanda symbols
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Anand Karaj and Reception usually printed as separate cards
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Vibrant, traditional designs are often preferred with red, gold, or blue
English / European Weddings
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Simplistic, floral, or minimalist styles
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Use of ribbons, lace, or watercolour florals
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Full invitation suites include save-the-date, RSVP, info cards, and envelopes
💷 How Much Does Wedding Stationery Cost?
Prices vary by style, quantity, and finish. Here’s a general guide (UK-based):
| Type | Avg. Cost (per item) |
|---|---|
| Standard Invitation Cards | £1 – £2.50 |
| Foiled or Laser Cut Cards | £2 – £5 |
| Acrylic Invitations | £4 – £7+ |
| Save the Dates | £1 – £1.50 |
| RSVP or Info Cards | £0.50 – £1 |
| Welcome Signs (A1 Foam Board) | £20 – £45 |
| Thank You Cards | £0.75 – £1.50 |
Bundle discounts are available when ordering multiple items at once from ShadiCards.com.
📦 Timeline: When to Order Your Stationery
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9–12 months: Save-the-date cards
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5–6 months: Main invitations
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2–3 months: RSVP deadline
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1–2 months: Day-of stationery (signs, menus, etc.)
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1 month post-wedding: Thank you cards
✅ Final Tips from ShadiCards.com
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Order 10% extra invitations for last-minute guests or errors
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Use our proofing service to check wording, layout, and colours
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Always check names, dates, and addresses twice!
🛒 Ready to Design Your Wedding Invitations?
At ShadiCards.com, we offer:
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Hundreds of designs across cultures
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Custom printing on vellum, acrylic, and foam board
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QR code RSVP options
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Fast turnaround and UK-wide delivery
