Wedding Stationery Vocabulary: A Comprehensive Guide

From understanding the different printing techniques to knowing which day-of details you want to include, our comprehensive stationery vocabulary guide will ensure you know what you're talking about.

There is more to wedding stationery than just the save-the-date and invitations. As you decide what elements you want, you may be hit with unknown verbiage (wth is a belly band?!).

That's why we're here. To help you navigate the world of wedding stationery, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the essential vocabulary you need to know as you work with your stationer or order from your favorite stationery site.

Invitation Suite: An invitation suite refers to the complete package of wedding invitations and accompanying cards, such as RSVP cards, information cards, and map cards.
RSVP Card: A RSVP (pulled from the French “Répondez s'il vous plaît”) card is included with the wedding invitation, allowing guests to confirm their attendance or decline the invitation. It typically includes a space for the guest's name and response.
Information Card: Information cards provide additional details about the wedding, such as directions to the venue, accommodations, and wedding website information.
Map Card: A map card provides a visual representation of the wedding venue's location and nearby landmarks to help guests find their way.
Save-the-Date Cards: Save-the-date cards are sent well in advance of the wedding to inform guests of the date, allowing them to plan accordingly before receiving the formal invitation.
Envelope Liners: Envelope liners are decorative inserts placed inside the envelope to add a pop of color or design when the envelope is opened.
Belly Bands: Belly bands are decorative paper bands that wrap around the invitation suite, holding all the cards together and adding an elegant touch.
Embossing: Embossing is a technique that raises a design or text on the paper's surface by applying heat and pressure to a metal die.
Letterpress: Letterpress is a traditional printing method that involves pressing ink into paper using raised metal type or plates, creating a tactile and elegant effect.
Foil Stamping: Foil stamping adds a metallic or colored foil to paper, creating a luxurious and shiny finish often used for monograms or decorative elements.
Calligraphy: Calligraphy is the art of decorative handwriting, often used for addressing envelopes, creating elegant place cards, and adding a personal touch to wedding stationery.
Wax Seals: Wax seals are decorative elements that can be used to seal the wedding invitation envelope. They often feature intricate designs or monograms.
Deckled Edges: Deckled edges are the rough, uneven edges of handmade paper, creating a natural and rustic look for wedding invitations.
Vellum: Vellum is a translucent paper often used for overlays or inserts in wedding invitations to create a layered and ethereal effect.
Blind Embossing: Blind embossing is a technique that raises a design or text on paper without adding color or foil, creating a subtle and elegant texture.
Monogram: A monogram is a personalized design consisting of the couple's initials or names, often used as a prominent element in wedding stationery.
Watercolor Illustration: Watercolor illustrations are hand-painted designs that add a unique and artistic element to wedding invitations and other stationery.
Envelope Addressing: Envelope addressing includes the recipient's name and address on the outer envelope. It can be done with calligraphy, custom labels, or printed directly on the envelope.
Thank-You Cards: Thank-you cards are sent to guests after the wedding to express gratitude for their attendance and any gifts they may have given.
Escort Cards: Escort cards are used to guide guests to their assigned tables at the reception. They often include the guest's name and table number.
Place Cards: Place cards are similar to escort cards but are placed at each guest's seat to indicate their specific place at the table.
Menu Cards: Menu cards are placed on dining tables to inform guests of the meal options and courses for the reception.
Ceremony Programs: Ceremony programs are handed out to guests attending the wedding ceremony. They outline the order of events, introduce the wedding party, and may include personal touches.
Order of Service: The order of service is a booklet or card that outlines the entire wedding ceremony, from the processional to the recessional.
Color Palette: The color palette refers to the chosen colors that unify the wedding stationery, from the invitations to the place cards, creating a cohesive look.
Typography: Typography refers to the style and arrangement of fonts used in wedding stationery, influencing the overall aesthetic.
Z-Fold Invitations: Z-fold invitations feature a unique folded design, creating an interesting and dynamic presentation for wedding invitations.