Day of Accessories

April 16, 2014

Greetings paper connoisseurs, calligraphy fans and the betrothed! Sorry for the long spell between posts, but we've been busy bees in the shop helping our summer brides and grooms select truly stunning wedding invitations and accessory pieces; we're talking vibrant yellow painted edges, violet foil accommodation cards and gold wax seals!

What are "day of" accessories (you know, besides the ring)? At On Paper, we mean programs, menus, place cards, seating charts, table numbers, coasters and any other personalized information you'd like to provide guests (signage near the guestbook or tabletop instructions for guests to post to your online album).

While there is some wiggle room when it comes to selecting and mailing your invitations (our recommendation is placing the order 6 months before your wedding and sending them off 6-8 weeks before the big day), your "day of" accessories are just that. To make sure you have all your parts and pieces in time, we recommend you order these 4-6 weeks ahead. This is an excellent time to order your thank you notes, too. It guarantees your guests receive a timely expression of gratitude.

Accessories reflect the style and palette of your invitations. If you've chosen an elegant letterpress invitation, it's possible to letterpress a number of your accessories as well (flat printing in the same color family and type style will create a cohesive look that's less expensive).

The cover of this program is letterpress, while the interior details of the ceremony are flat printed.

Script initials and the motif near the center create a romantic program.

After the ceremony, it's time to celebrate with toasting and a delicious meal! Reception accessories are a great way to debut your new monogram. Let's start with coasters, since many of your celebrations include a cocktail hour.

Whether you choose foil or letterpress, personalized coasters can suggest merriment, sophistication and a second round of good cheer!

Similarly, the typically utilitarian napkin can be gussied up with a monogram and/or your wedding date.

Once the cocktail hour concludes, guests will be ready to find their seats. This can be accomplished via a seating chart, escort cards or place cards. A seating chart or escort card informs your guest of his or her table number (or name). It's up to your guests to arrange themselves, whereas a place card assigns a specific seat.

For a formal event, escort cards in a sophisticated script can surround a gorgeous centerpiece.

For more casual events, have fun with the cards and your display.

A garland of escort cards in Kraft brown emphasizes a beachy bashy do(above), while guests below are encouraged to "feast and frolic." Can do!

For both escort cards and seating chart, you simply need to place table numbers so your guests can find their way.

These examples show numbers, but you can also name your tables after meaningful events in your relationship.

Last but not least, the feast. Even if you are not a foodie, menus are a wonderful, elegant accessory that also make great souvenirs.

Congratulations, you love birds!

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