Frequently Asked Questions and their answers:

1. What is Wedding Stationery, and what does it include?

It includes your invitations, ceremony sheets, menus, thank you cards, seating plan etc. - basically everything that needs to be produced from paper. We also offer table gifts, guest books and photo albums.

2. When should I start getting quotes and place the order for my stationery?

Please don't wait until 8 weeks prior to the wedding! We are mostly booked months in advance and therefore you need to contact us approximately 5-6 months prior to the wedding, in order to place and confirm your order at least 5 months prior to the wedding to avoid any disappointment. It is never to early to start!

3. When should the invitations be sent out?

6-8 weeks prior to the wedding. If posting overseas they need to go out even earlier.

4. What is the cost of wedding stationery and how much should I budget?

The cost varies substantially and is strictly dependent on factors such as your design selection, the amount of handwork and your quantity. Our Invitations on average vary between R35 - R65 per invitation, excluding the cost of your other stationery items. A general rule of thumb is to take approximately 7-10% of your total wedding budget for your wedding stationery (excluding table gifts).

5. How much deposit is payable?

There is a 50% non-refundable deposit payable when placing your order to enable us to order your materials and plan for your production. Please ensure that you have ordered the correct quantities, as you may not reduce the quantities or cancel any items after placing your order.

6. How many invitations should we order?

You normally require one invitation per couple, making the number of invitations half that of the number of guests. You may have a secondary list should some guests decline, and you may want to keep one as a keepsake, so order a few extra invitations - Get the number of invitations required according to your guest list and add 10%. This should be the minimum number of invitations you order.

7. Where can I get wording options?

Nowadays invitations are not always worded in the traditional manner. Your guests can be invited in just about any way that reflects your personality, although the traditional wording will be the most elegant. We will provide you with wording options once your order is placed and most bridal magazines also have a section advising on the correct wording & ethics. Always ensure that you include the basic information i.e. what, where & when.

8. Why does the bride's name always appear first on the wedding stationery?

Traditionally, the bride's parents host and pay for the wedding. It is the bride's parents inviting the guests, so the wording will read: "Mr & Mrs Ferguson invite you to the wedding of their daughter, Susan to Peter, son of Mr & Mrs Williams". The wedding is also the last occasion where the bride's name will appear first. After the wedding it will be Peter & Susan Williams.

9. Can we ask for money or mention a gift registry?

Generally not, as this is ethically incorrect. The contact person, to whom your guests will RSVP, has the opportunity to give this information to them verbally. However, should you really want this included, have it printed along with the map and accommodation details, so that it does not form part of your formal invitation section.

10. Should the envelopes be printed or handwritten?

This is a personal preference. We do offer the option of printing your envelopes with the names and addresses in the same style and colours as used in your invitations. However, if your handwriting is neat and legible, it will also give a personal touch.

11. We want to hand-deliver all our invitations. Is this advisable?

If you have a small guest list, yes. However, should you have a large number of invitations please make use of the postal service. Even with the best of intensions you may not get to everybody in time. If you are concerned about the invitations getting lost in the mail, make use of the speed service options or place your invitations in "bubble-envelopes".

12. What about inviting children?

Children 18 years and older should receive their own invitations. If you are inviting children younger than 18, add their names to those of their parents. If you do not wish to have any children at your wedding, once again, do not put this in the invitation, but rather provide this information to the guests when they RSVP. If you do want to state this on the invitation then do so discreetly.

13. By what date should guests RSVP?

The RSVP date is approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the function date, but can be influenced by the requirements of your Venue. If possible, use only one contact person as it is easier to work from one list than to reconcile two or more lists.

14. Should a map be included?

This is always advisable as a clear, legible map or directions will assist your guests in making their travel- and accommodation arrangements. The map can be printed on the back of your invitation or on a separate insert. Should the design of your invitation not allow for a map, then the venue contact details can be included for easy reference.

15. What if there is a spelling mistake?

An electronic proof will be sent to you of your invitation and other stationery layouts for you to check before going into production. It is your responsibility to check everything thoroughly before giving your signed approval. Thereafter we will not take responsibility for any mistakes.

16. Should we have individual name cards printed for each guest?

If you have a seating plan allocating a group of people to a table, they normally don't have any problem seating themselves at their allocated table and individual name cards are then not necessary, although it does give a personal touch and make your guests feel more welcome.

17. Should we send Thank You Notes after the wedding?

These are always warmly received. The fact that your family and friends celebrated this day with you is in itself a gift worthy of thanks, not to mention the gift that they meticulously selected for you, or the distance they traveled in order to share this day with you. These should preferably be handwritten, but even a printed card is better than none at all.

We offer Thank You Postcards - please enquire about them during your consultation.