Which items of stationery are which and what do I actually need?

The Elements	Do I Need It?	Tips
Save-The-Date Card	Particularly important if you are marrying at a busy time of the year (like a public holiday) or if you have guests travelling.	Consider making the card a magnet so your guests can stick it on the refrigerator. Or you could do an e-mail version.
Invitation	Yes – Even for an informal wedding.	Ensure your invitation can fit a standard sized envelope if it doesn’t come with one.
Reply Card	Although not traditional including a reply card means you are more likely to receive responses. Otherwise include an email address at the bottom with your RSVP details	Pencil a small number on the back so that if guests forget to write their names you can keep track of attendees.
Reception Card	If your reception is at a different location and you are inviting a smaller group to celebrate with you.	Another option is to have two different invitations printed. One with Reception details, one without.
Pew Card/ Reserved seating	These are given to those for whom special seating is reserved. For a smaller wedding your usher might perform this task.	This is a gracious way of ensuring your family members get the best seat in the house. Mark cards with “Pew Number ___” or “Within the Ribbon”.
Information Card	Only if you need to convey additional information. A necessity for an out of town wedding or a weekend long affair.	Consider including a map, directions, accommodation options, transportation info, baby-sitting arrangements, local attractions and even a schedule of activities.
Program	A nice keepsake but not necessary. However, if you expect guests to sing it is essential that you provide them with lyrics.	A useful place to explain traditions and to thank or remember loved ones.
Escort Cards	Use either these or seating cards. Escort cards are used to let guests know there table but allows them to seat themselves.	Consider using something different for your escort cards. Seashells, stones, silk flowers and votives all work well.
Seating Plan & Place Cards	Use either these or escort cards. A seating plan and seating cards let your guests know exactly where you would like them to sit. For smaller receptions you can forgo the cards and just use the seating plan in combination with table numbers.	Typesetting and calligraphy can be time consuming and therefore expensive. Ensure you provide your designer with guest’s details in the required format to cut down your costs.
Table Number	Required for receptions with more than a handful of tables.	Consider using a symbol or word for each table instead of a number.
Menu Card	Not Essential. The bride on a budget can forgo these or double up with place cards.	Frame a few for each serving station or table rather than one per guest.
Favour Tags	No, but pretty tags add a nice finishing touch and can also serve as place cards.	This is a great place to use stickers or a custom-made rubber stamp.
Thank-you Card	Absolutely essential, but doesn’t necessarily have to match the rest of your stationery.	If you are organised enough, having these printed with your other stationery will probably save you money.