From Proposal to Wedding: A Comprehensive Guide to 11 Essential Paper Items Every Bride-to-Be Should Create

2019.09.06 published

There Are Many Types of Paper Items♡

Paper items are essential for a wedding. There are various types, including invitations, seating charts, place cards, and thank you tags. Many brides-to-be are probably wondering how many types there actually are.

In this article, we will summarize all the paper items you would want to prepare for your wedding.

@yuih_wd

Of course, not all of them are necessary, so please take a look while thinking, "Which ones should I prepare for my wedding?"♡

Wedding Paper Item ① Family Meeting Pamphlet

The family meeting takes place before the wedding. It is the first formal gathering of both families after the engagement has been decided.

The "Family Meeting Pamphlet" is a booklet distributed to everyone during this meeting. It includes greetings from the couple, the flow of the event, and profiles of each family.

Many have expressed that it was worth preparing, saying things like "It provided conversation topics during the meal" and "My family appreciated it!"♡

➡You’ll definitely regret not making it...! A summary of what to include in the 'Family Meeting Pamphlet'♡

@non.ayam

Wedding Paper Item ② Save the Date

Once the wedding date is set, there is a paper item to hand out to guests before the invitations. That is the [Save the Date]♡

Typically, invitations are sent out 2 to 3 months before the wedding, but some guests may already have plans by then.

Therefore, when the wedding date is decided, it's a good idea to send a Save the Date immediately to let them know, "Please keep this date open for our wedding!"

Whether a year or half a year before the wedding, once you have a contract with the venue, you should send it out＊

Many brides also seem to send an edited image via LINE to inform the date instead of using paper♡

➡ A list of articles on marry's [Save the Date]＊

@kanako__wedding

Wedding Paper Item ③ Invitation

Next, we have the invitation, a representative of paper items! Among wedding-related items, this is a must-prepare item＊

The invitation package generally includes the following items:

☐ Envelope

☐ Main invitation

☐ RSVP postcard

☐ Venue guide map

☐ Ceremony information

☐ Sticky notes and requests

Since each varies in size and material, this item is one of the more challenging ones to create. If you want to focus on an original design and DIY it, be sure to start early.

➡ A list of articles on marry's [Invitations]＊

@_yurie07_wedding

Wedding Paper Item ④ Reception Sign

The [Reception Sign] placed at the venue's reception area serves as a sign for separating the guests of the groom and bride.

While many venues provide paper with "Groom" and "Bride" written on it, an increasing number of brides are opting to prepare their own reception decor.

It's common to print paper labeled "Groom" and "Bride" and insert it into a photo frame♡

➡ A list of articles on marry's [Reception Sign]＊

@___kt_wd____

Wedding Paper Item ⑤ Escort Card

The escort card is a paper item that has been increasingly prepared by brides lately, originating from overseas. It indicates the table number where guests will be seated.

While it is not a necessary item for Japanese weddings that have seating charts, many couples prepare it for the enjoyment of their guests.

Adding a welcome gift like candy or a mini bouquet to the card is a delightful touch♡

➡ A list of articles on marry's [Escort Cards]＊

@yuih_wd

Wedding Paper Item ⑥ Place Card

Place cards are set on each guest's seat. It's popular to match the design with the seating chart for a sense of unity♩

Writing a handwritten message on the back of the place card is a classic hospitality gesture.

Recently, ideas for [gift place cards] that double as mini gifts like drinks or wreaths have been increasing♡

➡ A list of articles on marry's [Place Cards]＊

@yuih_wd

Wedding Paper Item ⑦ Seating Chart

The seating chart detailing the tables at the reception is also an essential item.

There are three methods to prepare it:

① Order from the wedding venue

② Find a vendor and customize an order

③ Make it yourself

Some venues may prohibit outside items or charge for bringing them in, so if you have a specific design in mind, it's wise to check before selecting a venue.

For smaller, family weddings, some opt to prepare a “seating board” with the seating plan written on a large board instead of a chart.

➡ A list of articles on marry's [Seating Charts]＊

@wedding__irk

Wedding Paper Item ⑧ Profile Book

The profile book is an upgraded version of the seating chart, a booklet filled with enjoyable content. In recent years, more couples have been preparing this.

It includes not just the seating information, but also greetings from the couple, profiles, pre-wedding photographs, introductions of guests, and guidance to their new home—anything they like can be included.

Guests can read it during any wait time before the ceremony or reception to keep them engaged♡

➡ A list of articles on marry's [Profile Books]＊

@yurinco.0807

Wedding Paper Item ⑨ Table Number

The table number acts as a sign indicating the guest tables. Just like the reception sign, you may use the venue's version, but many are increasingly opting to make their own to match the table decorations.

There are many unique table numbers made from materials other than paper＊

While not an absolute necessity, many enjoy the process of designing it as part of their decor♡

➡ A list of articles on marry's [Table Numbers]＊

@yuih_wd

Wedding Paper Item ⑩ Drink Menu

Drinks at receptions are typically free-flowing. The drink menu is a list showing what beverages are available for easy ordering by guests＊

While it's not essential, many are opting to create a menu because they feel awkward refusing if a guest requests a drink that isn't available.

There are three ways to present this: include it in the profile book, provide one for each guest table, or write it on the back of the menu.

➡ A list of articles on marry's [Drink Menus]＊

@hamamiwedding2019

Wedding Paper Item ⑪ Thank You Tag

Lastly, we introduce the thank you tags attached to mini gifts. Custom designs featuring the couple’s initials and wedding date are popular. Well-known drinks or snacks, when adorned with thank you tags, instantly gain a wedding feel and a sense of specialness♡

You can either make it yourself or order from a paper item vendor or handmade creator.

➡ A list of articles on marry's [Thank You Tags]＊

@chercher_ay

After the Wedding… Wedding Announcement Postcard

After the wedding, you send wedding announcement postcards to those who attended, those who couldn't attend, distant relatives and superiors who weren't invited, and those who gifted you for the wedding＊

You can easily make this at home with your printer, or use an app for convenience♩

➡ Here’s an app for creating wedding announcement postcards＊

@yuih_wd

Let’s Enjoy Collecting Paper Items♡

We've introduced 11 types of paper items that are good to know if you're having a wedding.

You may be surprised by how many types are necessary, but rest assured that not all of them are mandatory♡

Paper items add charm to your wedding. Please collect wonderful paper items that you can prepare while enjoying the process♩

@mochan_40