January 26, 2024

A Pre-Wedding Print & Ship Checklist for Organized Brides

Planning your dream wedding is an exciting journey filled with creativity, love, and – let’s face it – a touch of stress. At PostNet, we understand the intricate details involved in orchestrating the celebration of a lifetime. Amidst the challenges of venue coordination, dress fittings, and guest list management, the complexities can lead even the most composed bride to feel the weight of stress. 

We are here to assist you in navigating the pre-wedding preparations with a potent tool – your wedding print and ship arsenal. Think of PostNet as your go-to resource, ready to arm you with all the tools you need to inform, invite, and impress your guests in a style unique to you. So, grab your planner, a cup of coffee (because let’s face it, caffeine is the unsung hero of wedding planning), and let’s dive into the must-have wedding print materials:

The Prelude: Save-the-Dates, Invitations, and Bridesmaid Gifts

PostNet can handle your wedding print materials like save-the-dates and invitations from design to sending them out. We’ll collaborate with you to ensure the design reflects your unique style, and we work with all shipping carriers so you can rest assured you’re being presented with the best options.

Save-the-Dates

The journey of wedding planning begins with the announcement of your big day through Save-the-Dates. These little gems give your guests an early glimpse of the celebration to come. PostNet offers a diverse range of sizes, shapes, and finishes, from classic postcards to elegant magnets, allowing you to get creative and choose a design that resonates with your wedding theme and personality.

When crafting your Save-the-Dates, less is often more. Include the basics like the date, location, and a website (if you have one) to pique your guests’ interest. If you are including a photo, ensure it is high-resolution (at least 300 pixel per inch (PPI)). Pro tip: order a few extras for any last-minute additions to the guest list.

Deadline: Your Save-the-Dates have a flexible send date. We recommend sending them about 6 months before the wedding date.

Invitations

The pièce de résistance of your wedding paper trail is undoubtedly the wedding invitation. This is your opportunity to unleash your inner stationery connoisseur. Our local teams of designers simplify the process, helping you to personalize your invitations with photos, fonts, and colors that match your wedding aesthetic.

Opt for high-quality paper and printing to make a lasting impression. Your invitation should not only convey essential information like date, time, and location but also serve as a reflection of your love story. Don’t forget to include RSVP information and a deadline, with a recommendation of at three or four weeks before the wedding.

Deadline: Make sure your invitations are prepared and plan to ship them six to eight weeks prior to your wedding date. Have a destination wedding? Those should be sent three months in advance so your guests can plan for international travel.

Bridesmaid Proposal Gifts

When you ask your friends to join you on the altar, provide them with a small token of appreciation to kick off the engagement season together. If you have bridesmaids who live far away, surprising them with a box on their doorstep asking them to be a part of your big day will show your gratitude for their time, effort, and support for your wedding.

You can even personalize the packaging of your gift to add specific touches that reflect your wedding style.  Whatever gift you choose, don’t forget to add a personal note!

Deadline: If you are giving bridesmaid proposal gifts, those should be sent out as soon as you finalize your bridal party (usually eight months to one year prior to your wedding). It is also common for brides and grooms to give a gift to their wedding party at the rehearsal dinner or the day of the wedding. Think jewelry or fun socks that your bridal party or groomsmen can wear on the big day!

Wedding Day Essentials: Programs, Menus, Place Cards, and Signage

As the big day approaches, your focus shifts to the essentials that will guide your guests through the celebration. These elements not only add a touch of sophistication but also contribute to the seamless flow of events.

Programs

Programs play a crucial role in guiding your guests through the ceremony. Folding programs as a space-saving option, while flat programs allow for more elaborate designs.

Include the order of events, wedding party introductions, and a special thank-you message. Our variety of options ensures that your programs complement the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Menus

Food is an integral part of any celebration, and your wedding is no exception. Let your guests know what culinary delights await them with beautifully printed menus. PostNet provides a range of sizes and styles to complement your table settings.

Include options for dietary restrictions and a brief description of each dish. Your menu not only informs but adds to the overall sensory experience of your wedding.

Place Cards

Help your guests find their seats with personalized place cards. Get creative! Use calligraphy, photos, or even include a personalized thank you note to each guest to add a personal touch. PostNet’s die-cut shapes and unique card stocks can elevate your place cards from simple to show stopping.

Signage

Thoughtfully crafted signs or posters weave your theme throughout the venue and provide practical purpose. Guide your guests throughout the celebration and enhance the flow with welcoming signs, wayfinding signage, thank you signs near the exit, or seating charts.

The Post-Wedding Flourish: Thank You Cards and Timeless Keepsakes

As the celebration winds down, it’s time to express your gratitude to your guests and gather photos to memorialize the day.

Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are a heartfelt way to appreciate their presence on your special day. PostNet offers a variety of pre-printed designs or the option to upload your own message or photo.

Get personal by mentioning a specific detail about their presence at the wedding. Bonus points for handwritten signatures! Your thank you cards leave a lasting impression on those who shared in your joy.

Wedding Photos

Preserve the memories of your wedding day with a stunning photo book or canvas wraps displaying photos in a way ordinary frames can’t. PostNet’s professional printing services ensure that your photos are printed in vibrant detail. Choose from a variety of layouts and finishing options to create a timeless keepsake that you can revisit for years to come.

Behind the Scenes: Pro Tips for Packing & Shipping

As you navigate wedding print and shipping, there are a few pro tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process.

1. Order in Bulk

Save time and money by ordering all your wedding print materials at once. Many shipping carriers offer bulk discounts, making it even more budget-friendly. This not only streamlines the process but also ensures consistency in design across all your materials.

2. Proofread Everything

Typos in wedding prints are distracting. Double-check everything before placing your order, and ask a friend or family member to proofread as well. A fresh set of eyes can catch things you might have missed.

3. Plan Ahead for Shipping

Consider how quickly you need your materials and choose the appropriate shipping option. PostNet offers a variety of services to fit your timeline and budget. Planning ahead allows for any unforeseen delays and ensures your materials arrive in pristine condition.

4. Pack with Care

Protect your printed materials from damage during shipping. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to prevent bending or tearing. Your materials are a reflection of the meticulous planning that went into your wedding, so ensuring they arrive in perfect condition is essential.

Throughout your wedding planning journey, PostNet is your one-stop shop for all your wedding print and shipping needs. From design and printing to packing and shipping, we are here to make your wedding planning a breeze so you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love story with the people who mean the most. 

Bonus Resources

As you embark on this exciting journey, we’ve curated some bonus resources to enhance your wedding planning experience:

Wedding Planning Checklist

Wedding Etiquette Tips

We hope this comprehensive guide has been helpful in shaping your wedding paper trail. Feel free to reach out to your local PostNet with any questions. We’re always here to help.

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