Don't Forget to Prepare! A Comprehensive Guide to the 11 Essential Paper Items for Your Wedding.
2018.05.26 published
How many types of paper items are there in total?
Essential paper items for weddings.
There are truly many types of paper items, from standard ones that everyone prepares to rare ones that originated overseas.
Since you started preparing for your wedding, you might have been surprised and thought, "Are there so many?"
Searching for paper items with designs you like or making them by hand is part of the fun of wedding preparation, but…
☑ "What do we actually need?"
☑ "Will we be able to prepare everything in time for the big day?"
Many future brides must be feeling anxious about these questions.
In this article, we will introduce all the paper items that appear in wedding scenes, from classic items to the newer ones that we often see recently.
You don't have to prepare all of them; just pick the items that are necessary for you.
Knowing what you need will make it easier to plan your schedule.
Let's take a look at a total of 11 types, one by one♩
Wedding Paper Item ① Family Meeting Pamphlet
The first paper item that many people start preparing for is the pamphlet used for the family meeting.
It is a booklet that includes profiles of the couple and family members, plans for the new home, and wedding details.
This item is great because it can serve as a conversation starter and provide a sense of reassurance; brides are increasingly preparing them lately♡
What to include in the pamphlet is up to the couple. For brides who want to prepare this, please refer to this article♩
➡ Items to Include in a Family Meeting Pamphlet for Better Family Relations 【Summary】
Wedding Paper Item ② Save the Date
The next item we introduce is the "Save the Date," a standard paper item overseas. It’s a casual way to inform guests, "Please save this date for our wedding!"
Generally, invitations are sent out about three months prior to the event, but the wedding date is usually set six months to a year in advance.
For those who want to ensure guests don't plan other trips, we recommend sending this out in advance♡
A simple postcard with the wedding date and location is standard, but recently, more people have been sending images directly via social media*
➡ Check out the list of Save the Date articles on marry♡
Wedding Paper Item ③ Invitations
An essential paper item that every bride must prepare is the invitation.
While the family meeting pamphlet and Save the Date are prepared by a minority of brides, invitations are a must regardless of the scale or location of the wedding*
This important paper item is how you formally invite your guests.
Even though we call it an "invitation," there are various types of items to prepare, such as:
☑ Main invitation
☑ Reply postcard
☑ Venue map
☑ Sticky notes
☑ Guest card
These are just some of the paper items required.
When ordering from a venue or paper item shop, you can usually purchase them as a complete set, but if you are making them by hand, be careful*
Recently, some brides have also included notifications for after parties or illustrated wedding day timelines in their invitations♡
You want to prepare an invitation that makes guests excited when they receive it.
➡ Check out the list of invitation articles on marry♡
Wedding Paper Item ④ Escort Cards
Next, let's introduce paper items that appear on the wedding day.
Originating overseas, escort cards have been gaining attention among couples holding original weddings♡
These cards display the guest's name and table number, serving a similar function to seating charts found abroad.
In Japan, where seating charts are common, many people incorporate escort cards as a way to entertain guests.
If you want to treat your guests well even before the ceremony starts, consider getting creative with escort cards♩
➡ Check out the list of escort card articles on marry♡
Wedding Paper Item ⑤ Guest Book
A guest book, where guests write their names in the reception area, is also an indispensable paper item.
There are various styles, such as bound book formats or binder formats.
Often, venues can provide them, so it is recommended to check with your planner first.
There are also many affordable products available online, so feel free to search for a design you like◎
➡ Check out guest books available for purchase online*
Wedding Paper Item ⑥ Seating Chart
Another essential item is the seating chart, which indicates where guests will be seated.
While some small weddings with only family might not prepare one, seating charts are a must for receptions with more than 20 guests.
It also allows each guest to know who else will be attending.
DIY brides often opt for A4 paper printed with the seating arrangements, rolled up as a seating chart, which has become popular♡
However, since this item must be accurate regarding titles and honorifics, those who are worried may want to outsource it to the venue or a vendor.
➡ Check out the list of seating chart articles on marry♡
Wedding Paper Item ⑦ Place Cards
Place cards, which are set on the guest tables, must be prepared along with the seating chart♩. Designs that add an accent to the table decor are popular.
Recently, there are also unique creations like mini-gift place cards or fruit place cards that go beyond just being paper items.
Handwritten messages on card-type place cards will delight your guests.
➡ Check out the list of place card articles on marry♡
Wedding Paper Item ⑧ Menu
One of the things that guests look forward to at a wedding reception is the food♡ Many may have splurged on catering, considering the satisfaction of their guests.
Make sure to inform guests about the courses through a menu, enhancing their anticipation for the meal*
While it is often included with the seating chart, those who want to focus on design may choose to prepare it separately◎
Wedding Paper Item ⑨ Drink Menu
The drinks at the reception are generally served as an all-you-can-drink option. Guests can order whatever they want at their own pace.
Since the types available vary depending on the drink's quality, having a drink menu that lists the options is considerate.
It is enough to have around two menus per table◎
Like the table numbers, many people like to add unique touches to this item for table decoration♡
➡ Check out the list of drink menu articles on marry♡
Wedding Paper Item ⑩ Profile Book
The profile book includes:
☑ Seating Chart
☑ Menu
☑ Drink Menu
It is a booklet that combines the necessary paper items with a page introducing the couple's profiles.
Since all the necessary information is consolidated, guests appreciate it.
The contents can include your backgrounds, your love story, pre-wedding photos, and introductions of guests—what you choose to include is entirely up to you♡
➡ Check out the list of profile book articles on marry♡