Choosing a wedding stationer is one of those decisions that feels small until you realize your invitations set the tone for the entire celebration. Your stationery is the first “wow” guests experience, and the right stationer can make the process feel calm, creative, and surprisingly fun.

If you’re engaged and comparing stationers right now, this guide will help you choose confidently, without drowning in paper terms or pricing confusion.

What does a wedding stationer do?

A wedding stationer designs and produces the paper goods for your wedding, which can include:

• Save the dates
• Invitation suite (invite, RSVP card, details card, envelopes)
  Day-of paper (menus, programs, place cards, escort cards, table numbers, signage)
• Thank-you cards
• Optional upgrades like envelope liners, wax seals, custom monograms, custom illustrations, and calligraphy

Not every couple needs every piece. A great stationer will help you pick what matters most for your wedding, your style, and your budget.

How to choose a wedding stationer: The 8 things that matter most

1) Make sure you genuinely love their work (not just one design)

Start with portfolio fit. Scroll their site and Instagram and ask:

• Do I love most of their suites, not just one post?
• Can I picture their work matching our venue and vibe?
• Do they have a consistent style you’re drawn to?

🟢 Green flag: You bookmark multiple designs of theirs.
🟡 Yellow flag: You only like one viral invitation and nothing else.

2) Pick someone who seems organized (it matters more than you think)

The number one thing couples underestimate is how much process affects stress. A strong stationer will guide you through approvals, deadlines, production, and mailing with clarity.

Look for signs of organization:

• They explain steps clearly (timeline, proofs, printing, delivery).
• They set expectations for response times.
• They outline next steps in writing after your call.

🟢 Green flags: A clear timeline, clear deliverables, and calm confidence.

3) Choose the stationer who will be a great experience to work with

You’ll collaborate for weeks or months, and communication style makes a huge difference.

Ask yourself:

• Do they listen and reflect your priorities back to you?
• Do they make decisions feel easier, not harder?
  Do you feel comfortable asking “basic” questions?

🟢 Green flag: You leave the call feeling excited and taken care of.

4) Know what level of customization you actually want

Stationery typically falls on a spectrum:

• Template: fastest and budget-friendly
• Semi-custom: a curated design customized with your details
• Custom: fully bespoke design from scratch (often with custom illustration)

A great stationer will recommend what fits your wedding while not automatically pushing the most expensive option.

🟢 Green flag: They offer options and explain trade-offs clearly.

5) Look for flexibility in the ways that matter

“Flexible” doesn’t mean “anything goes.” It means adaptable within a professional process.

Important flexibility includes:

• Destination or international guest considerations
• Bilingual wording
  Accessibility needs (readability, contrast, layout clarity)
• Combining print + digital (QR RSVP, wedding website, weekend itinerary)

🟢 Green flag: They can accommodate your needs and still keep you on timeline.

6) Compare pricing like a pro (so you’re not surprised later)

Wedding stationery can vary widely in price depending on printing method and details. What matters most is transparency.

Make sure you understand:

• What’s included vs. optional upgrades
• What changes cost the most (letterpress, foil, envelope liners, custom illustration, assembly)
• Whether printing is in-house or through a print partner
  Shipping and taxes

🟢 Green flag: You can see the full scope of costs before you commit.

7) Read reviews for clues about reliability 

Pretty is important, but reliability is everything.

When reading testimonials, look for:

• “On time,” “responsive,” “easy to work with”
• “Handled changes calmly”
• “Even better in person”
• Vendor recommendations (planners often know who’s dependable)

🟢 Green flag: Reviews mention communication and timelines, not only aesthetics.

8) Ask about production, delivery, and mailing (the unglamorous stuff)

This is where stress happens if it’s not planned well.

Ask:

• Who prints and what are typical production times?
• Do they offer assembly (stuffing, sealing, stamping)?
• Do they advise on postage and mailing rules?
• What happens if something arrives damaged or late?

🟢 Green flag: They’ve planned for real-life scenarios and have solutions ready.

Quick checklist: Is this stationer a good fit for my wedding?

Score each 1–5:

• I love their style overall.
• They seem organized and clear.
• Communication feels easy.
• They understood our vibe and priorities.
• Pricing is transparent.
• The timeline fits our wedding date.
• Reviews mention reliability and experience.
• I trust them to handle details calmly.
• If you’re stuck between two, the best tie-breaker is usually: Who will make the process feel easier?

8 questions to ask a wedding stationer before booking

These questions help you compare stationers without sounding intense:

1. What’s your process from booking to delivery?
2. What’s your typical timeline for design + printing?
3. How many proof/revision rounds are included?
4. Do you handle printing and assembly, or do we?
5. What do couples usually underestimate (time, postage, addressing, etc.)?
6. What are 2–3 ways to stay on budget without sacrificing the look?
7. If we need to make a change late, how do you handle it?
8. What do you need from us and by when to keep everything on track?
   

Final tip: choose calm expertise over endless options

The best stationer isn’t just the one with the prettiest portfolio; it’s the one who combines style with a clear process, thoughtful guidance, and a steady hand when plans change.

Ready to get started?

HappiHello Paper Studio is a modern paper & decor shop creating wedding invitations, day-of stationery, event signage, and everyday paper goods. We blend fine papers, clean typography, and custom artwork for keepsakes that feel personal, polished, and photo-ready.

Contact us here to get started!