Wedding Stationery & Signage: DIY, Templates, or Custom?

As an experienced wedding planner, I’ve seen couples navigate all kinds of wedding stationery and signage choices. From save-the-dates to invitations, place cards, menus, and welcome signs, your stationery sets the tone for your big day. But when it comes to making those decisions, couples often find themselves asking: Should we DIY, use pre-made templates, or invest in custom stationery? Each approach has its own advantages, price points, and time commitments, so let’s break it down.

 
 

Wedding Stationery Checklist & Timeline

Save-the-Date Suite (Send 9-15 Months Before Wedding)

  • Save-the-Date Card

  • Envelope (optional custom addressing)

  • Digital Save-the-Date (for email or wedding website)

Wedding Invitation Suite (Send 8-12 Weeks Before Wedding)

  • Main Invitation

  • RSVP Card (and return envelope if applicable)

  • Details Card (accommodations, travel, etc.)

  • Reception Card (if separate from ceremony)

  • Envelope (with or without custom addressing)

Day-of Wedding Stationery (Prepare 1-2 Months Before Wedding)

  • Ceremony Programs

  • Place Cards or Escort Cards

  • Table Numbers

  • Menus

  • Welcome Sign

  • Seating Chart

  • Bar Signage & Cocktail Menus

  • Favor Tags

  • Guestbook Sign

  • Directional or Venue Signage

 
 

DIY Wedding Stationery & Signage

Price Point: $-$$ (Budget-Friendly, But Can Add Up)

Time Investment: High

Responsibilities: Design, printing, cutting, assembly

If you’re a creative couple who enjoys hands-on projects, DIYing your wedding stationery can be a rewarding and cost-effective option. With software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator, you can design your invitations, signage, and place cards from scratch. Then, you’ll need to print them at home or through a local print shop.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly, especially if you already have design software and a quality printer

  • Complete control over the design and materials

  • A personal, handmade touch

Cons:

  • High time investment: designing, printing, cutting, and assembling can take hours (if not days!)

  • Printing quality and paper options may be limited

  • Can end up costing more if mistakes occur (ink, reprints, wasted materials)

Costs to Consider: Paper, ink, printer maintenance, specialty tools (paper cutters, embossers), and envelopes.

Timeline Considerations: Begin designing at least 6-8 months before the wedding to allow time for printing, cutting, and assembly.

 
 

Pre-Designed Templates from Etsy, Minted, or Zola

Price Point: $$-$$$ (Affordable to Mid-Range)

Time Investment: Moderate

Responsibilities: Selecting a design, customizing text, choosing printing options

For couples who want a professional look without the custom price tag, purchasing a pre-made template is a great middle ground. Websites like Etsy, Minted, and Zola offer thousands of designs that you can personalize with your details. Some offer instant downloads that you can print yourself, while others provide full-service printing.

Pros:

  • More affordable than custom design, with professional-looking results

  • Faster than DIY, as you simply input your details into an existing template

  • Some platforms offer printing services, saving you time and hassle

Cons:

  • Limited customization—colors, fonts, and layouts may be locked

  • Printing costs can vary, depending on paper quality and quantity

  • If printing yourself, you still need to source quality paper and ink

Costs to Consider: Template purchase ($10-$100+), printing fees (either through the template provider or a local print shop), envelopes, and postage.

Timeline Considerations: Order digital templates at least 4-6 months before the wedding to allow time for personalization and printing. If ordering printed stationery, allow 6-8 weeks for production and shipping.

 
 

Custom Wedding Stationery & Signage

Price Point: $$$-$$$$ (Luxury Investment)

Time Investment: Low to Moderate (For the Couple)

Responsibilities: Providing design preferences, reviewing proofs, approving final prints

For couples who want truly bespoke stationery that reflects their unique style and wedding theme, working with a custom stationer and print shop is the best route. A professional designer will create a one-of-a-kind suite for you, and a high-end print shop will ensure flawless production. This is the most stress-free option, as the design and printing are handled by experts.

Pros:

  • Unique, one-of-a-kind designs tailored to your vision

  • Access to luxury printing techniques like letterpress, foil stamping, and embossing

  • No DIY stress—professionals handle everything

Cons:

  • Most expensive option due to design fees and high-quality materials

  • Longer lead times (custom design and production take weeks, sometimes months)

  • Requires collaboration and multiple approval steps

Costs to Consider: Design fees ($200-$2,000+), printing costs ($3-$10+ per invite suite), envelopes, addressing services, and postage.

Timeline Considerations: Begin working with a stationer at least 6-9 months before the wedding to ensure enough time for design, revisions, printing, and delivery.

 
 

Choosing the Right Option for You

Your choice ultimately depends on your budget, timeline, and level of involvement. If you love crafting and have the time, DIY can be rewarding. If you want something beautiful but affordable, templates offer a great balance. And if you want the luxury of a fully custom suite without the stress, hiring a stationer is worth the investment.

No matter which option you choose, remember that your wedding stationery is one of the first glimpses your guests will get into your big day. Make it count!

Planning ResourcesKatherine Faoro