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Event Planning

Wedding Invitations

What Time Do You Put on a Wedding Invite?

Whose name should be placed first on the wedding invitation? Here is the answer you are looking for!

UPDATED ON December 08, 2023
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UPDATED ON December 08, 2023

When Should You Send Your Save the Date Cards?

Wedding Save the Date card

When you first begin planning your wedding, it’s easy to feel like you've got all the major tasks under control—finding the cake maker, booking the venue, choosing the photographer, and, of course, picking out your dream dress. But as any bride will tell you, there’s always more to think about. The wedding planning process is full of small yet important details, and one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is when to send out your save the date cards.


At first glance, sending your save the date cards may seem like a simple task, but timing is absolutely crucial. These cards are often the first official announcement of your wedding, and getting them out at the right time can set the tone for the rest of your wedding planning. It’s essential to give your guests enough notice so they can plan accordingly, especially if your wedding involves travel or other significant commitments.


While the exact timing can vary depending on your circumstances, there is one rule of thumb that most wedding planners agree on: the sooner, the better. But why is this so important? Let’s explore the reasons why sending your save the date cards early is beneficial for both you and your guests, and exactly how far in advance you should aim to send them.

Why Send Save the Date Cards?

Save the date cards are more than just a formal notice of your wedding; they’re your guests' first real clue about the big day. They give your loved ones the opportunity to mark their calendars and start planning, especially if your wedding requires travel or accommodations.

Here are just a few reasons why sending your save the date cards early can benefit both you and your guests:

  • Allows Guests to Make Travel Arrangements: If your wedding is in another city, country, or is a destination wedding, your guests will need time to book flights and accommodation. The more notice they have, the easier it will be for them to make plans to attend.

  • Helps Guests Plan Time Off: Weddings often require guests to take time off work, particularly if they need to travel long distances. Sending save the dates well in advance gives them ample time to ask for time off or make any necessary adjustments to their schedules.

  • Childcare Considerations: If your wedding is an adult-only affair, sending save the dates early gives guests time to find childcare for their little ones. This will reduce the stress on both you and your guests when it comes to wedding day arrangements.

  • Gives Your Guests Peace of Mind: Especially for out-of-town or overseas guests, receiving a save the date card helps them secure travel plans and accommodation sooner rather than later. It also shows that you value their presence and want them to be part of your celebration.

When Should You Send Save the Date Cards?

So, when exactly should you send these cards out? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we recommend sending them out at least a year in advance. This gives your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements, especially if they’re coming from abroad or need to book accommodation.

Here are a few guidelines to consider when deciding the timing for your save the date cards:


1. Destination Weddings or Out-of-Town Guests

For weddings that involve travel—whether it's a destination wedding or your guests simply have to fly in from different locations—you’ll want to give them as much notice as possible. Sending save the dates 12-18 months in advance ensures your guests have plenty of time to book flights and accommodations, especially if they need to make arrangements for vacation time or childcare.


2. Local Weddings with Guests Traveling

Even if your wedding is closer to home, you may still have family or friends who need to travel. It’s a good idea to send save the dates 8-12 months before the wedding in this case. The more time your guests have, the more likely they’ll be able to attend, and it gives them enough time to make travel arrangements if needed.


3. Weddings Close to Holiday Seasons

If your wedding is scheduled around a busy season, like during the holidays or summer, it’s even more important to send out your save the date cards early. People often have other commitments during these times, so getting your save the dates out 10-12 months in advance will help avoid any scheduling conflicts.

What Should Be Included in Your Save the Date?

Your save the date card is a simple way to notify your guests of your wedding date and location. However, it should still be informative enough for guests to start making their plans. Here’s what should be included:

  • The date of your wedding: Clearly state the exact date.
  • Location of the wedding: This doesn’t have to be super detailed, but a general idea of where the wedding will be held (e.g. city or venue name) will help guests begin thinking about travel.
  • Your names: Your save the date is the first announcement of your union, so don’t forget to include your full names!
  • Optional details: Depending on your wedding style and needs, you can include information like the wedding website (if you have one), hotel recommendations, or a note saying more details are to come.

Make It Memorable with Save the Date Magnets

If you want to take your save the date to the next level, consider sending save the date magnets instead of traditional cards. Magnets serve as a functional and memorable keepsake that your guests can stick to their fridge as a constant reminder of your special day.


Not only will it stand out from the usual save the dates, but it will also keep your wedding date visible in your guests' homes, making it hard for them to forget!

Don't Wait—Send Your Save the Dates Early

Sending your save the date cards well in advance helps your guests make the necessary arrangements to attend your wedding. Whether you’re hosting a destination wedding or a local celebration, giving your guests plenty of time to plan ahead shows that you care about their presence and want them to be there for your special day. So, don’t wait until the last minute, start planning your save the dates now, and get them out early for the best results.

If you’re looking for stylish, customised save the date cards or magnets, we offer a wide selection to suit your wedding theme. Let us help you take the first step in wedding planning and get your save the dates sent out with ease!

Wedding reception table decoration

The Ultimate Checklist for Your Wedding Reception Stationery

When planning your wedding, it's easy to get caught up in the big-ticket items like the venue, dress, and catering. However, the finer details, like your wedding reception stationery, play a crucial role in creating a cohesive and memorable experience for you and your guests. To help you stay organised, we've put together this ultimate checklist to ensure you’ve covered all the essentials.

1. Menus for Your Wedding Reception

A beautifully designed wedding menu adds a touch of elegance to your table settings and lets guests know what delicious food awaits them. Whether you're serving a formal sit-down dinner, a casual buffet, or sharing platters, menus can be tailored to match your wedding theme with coordinated fonts, colours, and designs. At Dotty About Paper, we offer a range of beautifully crafted menus to suit every style and setting.

2. Lottery Ticket Holders

Add an element of fun to your reception with lottery ticket holders. This quirky detail gives your guests a chance to win big on your big day—plus, it’s a great conversation starter at the tables. Our collection includes stylish holders that can be customised to match your wedding décor.

3. Place Cards

Place cards are essential for guiding your guests to their assigned seats. They help avoid confusion and ensure a smooth flow during the reception. You can get creative with unique materials, handwritten calligraphy, or even mini keepsakes that double as a favour. Dotty About Paper offers a variety of personalised place cards that add a polished touch to your tables.

4. Table Names or Numbers

Instead of traditional table numbers, consider using table names that reflect your personality as a couple. Think of names inspired by your favourite places, songs, films, or shared interests. It’s a fun way to add a personal touch and spark conversations among your guests. We have plenty of design options to help you bring these personal touches to life.

5. Wedding Guest Books

A wedding guest book is a timeless keepsake where your loved ones can leave heartfelt messages, advice, and well-wishes. There are plenty of creative alternatives, too, like guest book puzzles, polaroid photo albums, or even a signed globe if you’re travel enthusiasts. Explore our beautiful range of guest books designed to capture memories you’ll treasure forever.

6. Table Plans

A well-organised table plan is key to helping guests find their seats without any hassle. Display it prominently at the entrance of your reception space so guests can easily locate their table. Our customisable table plans are designed to fit seamlessly with your wedding theme, making it easy to coordinate with the rest of your stationery.

7. Disposable Cameras

Scatter disposable cameras around your reception tables to capture candid moments from your guests' perspectives. This nostalgic touch encourages spontaneous photos you might otherwise miss—perfect for flipping through after the big day for some unexpected memories.

8. Table Accessories

Add flair to your reception tables with table accessories like elegant centrepieces, candle holders, and personalised napkin rings. For an extra touch, sprinkle confetti that matches your stationery, creating a cohesive and beautifully coordinated look. At Dotty About Paper, we offer matching confetti to complement your wedding stationery and enhance your tablescape.

9. Wedding Sweets & Favours

Show your appreciation with thoughtful wedding favours or sweet treats. Whether it’s personalised chocolates, mini bottles of your favourite drink, or locally sourced goodies, your guests will love the thoughtful gesture. You can even tie these into your table décor for an added touch of charm.

Have You Ticked Everything Off?

Planning your reception details can be overwhelming, but having a checklist makes it easier to stay on top of things. If you’ve missed anything (or if you’re looking for beautifully designed stationery to complete your reception) check out our full range at Dotty About Paper. We’ve got everything you need to create a personalised, picture-perfect celebration that reflects your unique style.

Football birthday party invitation

Why Make Your Own Football Birthday Party Invitations

Planning a football-themed birthday party? One of the first things you’ll need is invitations, and more families are now choosing to make their own football birthday invitations rather than buying them. Thanks to home printers and basic design software, creating custom invites is easier than ever, but if you want a professional touch without the hassle, our football birthday party invitations are the perfect solution.

If you’re considering DIY invitations for your next birthday celebration, here are some key reasons why making them yourself is a great choice.

1. Save Money on Invitations

One of the biggest benefits of making your own football birthday invitations is the cost savings. Store-bought invitations or custom-printed designs can be expensive, especially if you have a long guest list. By making your own, you’ll only need a few supplies:

  • Coloured paper or card – Choose a shade that matches your party theme.
  • A home printer – Any basic inkjet or laser printer will do the job.
  • Ink cartridges – These may need a top-up if you’re printing in bulk.
  • Envelopes – If you’re mailing the invites, you’ll need the right size.

If you'd rather skip the printing process but still want an affordable and customisable option, our football birthday invitations offer a cost-effective alternative. Designed with a professional finish, they allow you to save time while still getting a standout design.

2. Create Personalised Football Birthday Invitations

Another major advantage of b is the ability to personalise them. Unlike store-bought invitations, which are generic, DIY invites let you customise each one. This means you can:

  • Add each guest’s name individually for a more special touch.
  • Include personalised messages or inside jokes that will make the invite stand out.
  • Use a favourite football team’s colours to reflect the birthday child’s favourite team.

3. Match the Invitations to Any Theme

Just because you’re planning a football-themed birthday party doesn’t mean you have to stick to traditional designs. Many football invitations available in stores tend to be aimed at boys, but there are plenty of girls who love football just as much. When designing your own invitations, you have full creative control over:

  • Colours – Choose any colour scheme, from classic team colours to fun, bold shades.
  • Images – Add pictures of footballs, stadiums, or even your child in their favourite football kit.
  • Fonts and Layouts – Use playful fonts or bold typography to make the design unique.

4. Print Extra Invitations Anytime

Another huge advantage of making your own football birthday invitations is the convenience of printing extra copies if needed. It’s easy to overlook someone when planning a party, and with store-bought invitations, you might run out or have to buy another pack. However, with DIY invitations, you can simply print more at any time without extra hassle or expense.

This is particularly helpful if:

  • A new guest is added to the party list at the last minute.
  • You make a mistake while writing out the invitations.
  • You need to send reminders closer to the party date.

Making your own football birthday invitations is an easy, budget-friendly, and creative way to kick off a fantastic party. Not only do you save money, but you also get to create unique, personalised invites that make your guests feel special. If you prefer a ready-made option that still offers customisation, our football birthday invitations provide the perfect blend of convenience, quality, and personal touch—ensuring your invites are just as exciting as the big day itself!

Personalised Christening Invitation

How to Plan the Perfect Christening: Invitations & More

A Christening is a truly special occasion, bringing together family and friends to celebrate your baby’s milestone. But with all the planning involved, from choosing the venue to organising catering, it can feel as overwhelming as planning a wedding! One of the first and most important steps is sending out Christening invitations to ensure your loved ones can join in the celebration.

Choosing the Perfect Christening Invitations

Your baby’s Christening invitations set the tone for the day and are the first glimpse your guests will have of the celebration. There are plenty of options available, from classic designs to more modern, personalised Christening invitations featuring your baby’s photo. Choosing an invite that reflects your theme or personal style adds a thoughtful touch and makes a lovely keepsake for family and friends.

When selecting your invitations, consider:

  • Theme & Style – Do you want something traditional, elegant, or playful?
  • Personalisation – Adding your baby’s name and photo makes the invite even more special.
  • Wording & Details – Ensure you include the date, time, venue, and RSVP information.

Other Christening Essentials to Plan

Once your invitations are sent, there are still plenty of details to take care of. Some key elements to keep in mind include:

1. Your Baby’s Christening Outfit

Whether you opt for a traditional Christening gown or a modern outfit, choosing something comfortable for your baby is essential. Consider the time of year and whether layers will be needed for warmth.

2. Christening Cake & Catering

A Christening celebration often involves a gathering after the ceremony, where guests can enjoy food and drinks. Many families choose a Christening cake as a centrepiece, similar to a wedding cake, with personalised decorations.

3. Keepsakes & Memory-Making

Since a Christening is such a significant event, many parents like to preserve the memories with keepsakes such as:

  • Guest books for attendees to leave messages.
  • Photo albums to store pictures from the day.
  • Personalised Christening gifts, such as engraved jewellery or a special book for your child.

A Christening photo album also makes a great gift suggestion for guests who ask what they should bring—it’s a beautiful way to capture and cherish the special moments of the day.

With so many details to consider, planning a Christening can feel like a big task, but starting with the invitations and working through each element step by step will make the process much easier. Whether you opt for personalised Christening invitations or a classic design, ensuring your guests receive all the key details in advance will help set the stage for a beautiful and memorable day.

Save the Date card

Wedding Save the Date Cards: Connect with Long-Lost Friends

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose touch with people who once played a significant role in your life — old work colleagues, childhood friends, or even distant family members. Life moves quickly, and sometimes we only realise how much we miss certain people when we have a major life event, such as a wedding, to bring everyone together. A wedding day is a special occasion where the important people in your life gather to celebrate your union, and reconnecting with those you may have lost touch with can make the experience even more meaningful.

Why Use Save the Date Cards and Magnets?

To reach out to these long-lost friends and family members, save the date cards and magnets offer a thoughtful and less invasive way to announce your wedding. Rather than cold-calling them or putting them on the spot, sending a save the date provides them with the opportunity to check their schedules and decide if they can attend your special day. This gives them time to prepare and ensures they aren’t rushed into making a decision.

Crafting the Perfect Save the Date

When creating your save the date cards or magnets, be sure to include all essential details, such as the date, time, and location, along with any other relevant information like a theme or dress code. The design itself should reflect the personality of your wedding — whether it’s elegant, rustic, or fun and playful. Including a personal touch, such as a memory or a small, relevant photo, will make your save the date cards even more memorable.

Reaching Out to Lost Friends

While reconnecting with old friends and family can sometimes feel like a long shot, it’s worth the effort. For example, if you’re trying to reach that backpacking friend from your year-long adventure across Australia, who you’ve only got a last-known address in Borneo, sending a thoughtful save the date can reignite the connection. Even if it takes some digging to find their current contact information, the joy of receiving an RSVP with a heartfelt ‘Yes please!’ makes it all worthwhile.

Why Timing Matters

Save the date cards should be sent out well in advance, ideally 6-8 months before your wedding day, to give recipients ample time to plan their attendance. Whether they need to book travel arrangements, arrange childcare, or take time off work, allowing them enough lead time ensures they can attend without stress.

Benefits of Save the Date Cards and Magnets

Keeps Everyone Informed:

Save the date cards provide a simple yet effective way to inform guests of your wedding date early.

Personal Connection:

By adding personal touches, such as photos or custom designs, your save the dates stand out and resonate with recipients.

Allows for Flexibility:

Guests have time to organise their schedules, making it easier for them to confirm their attendance.

Whether you’re reaching out to childhood friends, distant family, or former colleagues, sending a save the date is a thoughtful way to reconnect. Even if some are hard to reach, the effort will pay off when they RSVP enthusiastically to share in your special day.

Wedding invitation with RSVP

Planning Your Wedding Guest List: Matching Venues & Tables

Planning your wedding guest list can feel overwhelming, as it impacts every other aspect of your special day — from table arrangements and place cards to determining the exact amount of stationery you’ll need. One moment you think you've nailed it, and then your mum kindly points out you've forgotten your great aunt twice removed. Suddenly, it’s back to the drawing board!

Step 1: Determine Your Guest Count

The first thing to consider when creating your guest list is to decide on the approximate number of people you wish to invite. This number will depend largely on the size and type of venue you’ve chosen. For example, you won’t be able to fill a grand stately home with just the two of you and a couple of witnesses, nor would a tiny chapel comfortably accommodate 300 guests. Matching your guest list to the venue size is key because it will guide the overall logistics — like table sizes, seating arrangements, and even the room layout.

Step 2: Room and Table Layout

Once you’ve determined your ideal guest count, you’ll want to visualise how the space will be laid out. Tables spaced too far apart can make guests feel distant and isolated, while tables too close together might make the room feel cramped and uncomfortable. Pay close attention to the room’s dimensions, table configurations, and seating arrangements. A well-thought-out layout ensures that your guests are comfortable and can mingle easily.

Step 3: Invitations & RSVP Timing

After finalising your guest list, you can move on to creating your wedding invitations. Keep in mind that you only need to send one invitation per couple or family, so having 200 guests doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need to send out 200 individual invites. When mailing your wedding invitations, it’s important to allow plenty of time for guests to receive them and respond. Giving guests at least 6-8 weeks to RSVP helps ensure they can coordinate travel and other commitments.

Step 4: Plan for RSVP Responses

While it’s essential to allow plenty of time for responses, it’s also a good idea to have a list of backup guests in case some of your initial invites aren’t able to attend. Be discreet about this, as it’s often helpful to keep reserve names private to avoid any potential awkwardness. Having a solid backup list ensures that your plans remain flexible and you’re not left scrambling at the last minute to fill seats.

Final Tips

Organisation is Key:

Keep a master guest list, broken down into categories such as couples, families, and individuals. This will help streamline your invitation process and make it easier to manage RSVP responses.

Communicate Clearly:

Be clear in your invitation details, specifying if children are invited, dress codes, or any other important information to help your guests prepare accordingly.

Flexibility:

Wedding plans can sometimes change, so it’s always good to have some flexibility built into your guest list and seating arrangements.

By carefully planning your wedding guest list, you’ll set the foundation for a joyful and stress-free celebration, ensuring every detail, from seating to stationery, is covered with ease.

Modern-Sprig-Iridescent-Wedding-Invitation

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