Hi, thanks for your interest in Sixpence Creative! I am currently on maternity leave and will update here when I am available again.
Help & advice
Here you'll find general advice on ordering wedding stationery and decorations, as well as posts on different aspects of weddings and wedding planning. If you've got questions specific to ordering from Sixpence Creative then head over to the FAQ page.
What can be included in a save the date, wedding invitation or on the day decor?
Many couples choose to send a Save the Date to announce the date of their wedding. Save the Dates allow guests to mark their calendars - plus they let your intended guests know they are officially invited! They also make great keepsakes for your friends and family. You can send to day and evening guests - just let me know if you would like separate "save the day" and "save the evening" cards.
Next up is your invitation. It's up to you how much information you want to send; an invitation set can include the invitation, an RSVP card (and return envelope) and information card(s). It may be presented in a wallet or held together by a band, and can include special touches such as ribbons and wax seals.
For on the day decor, again you set the rules! At the least it's helpful to have a table plan and name cards to show guests where to sit, and if you're serving food then menus are handy. You may also like to have an order of service. Lots of couples get creative with table names, and wedding favours are a lovely way to thank your guests for coming and to give them something personalised to take away.
When should I order?
You can order your Save the Dates as soon as the main details (date and ideally location) have been decided - most couples send Save the Dates around six to twelve months before the wedding. You don't need to put much information on Save the Dates, so you can get on with detailed planning knowing your guests have a heads-up.
Ideally invitations should be mailed out at least two months before the wedding, so guests can arrange transport and accommodation if needed. If it's a destination wedding, around a holiday or you're not sending Save the Dates, then allow extra time. Order your invitations at least a month before you want to send them out, to be on the safe side, and if you're looking for a bespoke design be sure to get in touch earlier.
Ask for RSVPs to be returned about five weeks before the wedding - a couple of weeks before you need to confirm final numbers to vendors, to give you time to chase any late returns!
Once you have your final guest list you can order any on the day decorations personalised with guests' names such as table plans and place cards. I recommend you order personalised items at least one month before the wedding; as with all these things, the sooner the better! - you can order on the day decorations that don't feature guest details (such as menus or signs) sooner if you like.
How many of each item do I need?
Save the Dates and Invitations - You need one per household/family/couple, not one per individual guest. You may also like to order invitations for your suppliers (your photographer may want to take a picture on the day) and make sure you've got enough for keepsakes!
In general, I recommend you order a few more (about 15%) than you think you need, just in case of any additions or changes, or if any get lost in the post. It's always cheaper to order a few extra copies upfront than reprint later down the line! I can leave extra copies blank, just let me know.
On the day decorations - For individual items that are personalised with names, such as name cards and favours, again I recommend you order a few extra in case of last minute changes - I can leave the name space blank. If ordering menus/table plans then to some extent it's up to you, your budget and the venue space! E.g. you might like menus on everyone's plates or just a few per table, and just one table plan or a few to to put in different places. I recommend you think about the space and look on Pinterest for ideas!.
What's foiling? Which method do you use?
Foiling means adding foil to your stationery so the words or images have a metallic shine. I use a process called toner foiling - this means I print in black laser ink, lay foil on the paper and run it through a specialised machine; the heat fuses the foil to the printed areas. This also means I can print on dark paper and display text in light colours.
Another method commonly used in wedding stationery is foil stamping/blocking, where a metal plate of your design is heated and a machine stamps the foil onto the paper.
Both methods have their pros and cons. Foil blocking is a higher quality process and can be used on textured or thick card, whereas toner foiling is only suitable for smoother and thinner card. Foil blocking is much more costly than toner foiling and is not really suitable for items with different names or designs.
Toner foiling helps me to offer personalisation and foiling at an affordable price, however there are lots of wonderful stationers out there offering foil stamping, if you decide you prefer this!
How do I word my invitations?
You can set the tone on your wedding invitations, from simple and modern to a more traditional feel - which works well on vintage stationery! You can find lots of examples of wording online, such as:
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[Name] and [Name] invite you to join them / request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of their marriage
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[Parents] request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their [daughter/son] to [bride/groom]
No matter the style, there are a few things that should be included: the names of the couple, the request for your guests to attend, the location(s), the date and the time(s). The invitation can come from parents if they are hosting (paying).
Additional details you can give on a information card include a dress code, gifting information, details of travel and accommodation, and a link to your wedding website if you have one. You can personalise invitations with guests' names or just include them on the envelopes. Your RSVP is a good place to ask guests to let you know of any dietary requirements.
You may need different wording for those invited to the ceremony and reception, and those invited to just the reception - see my FAQ page for how to incorporate this into your invitation order.