When it comes to first impressions, custom event stationery can help you bring your event visions to life. From weddings and corporate galas to private events and more, custom stationery can help elevate any event into a truly memorable one. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is event stationery?” then you’ve come to the right place.
Event stationery is any printed material used at an event for branding, guest seating, signage, décor, or other design needs. By incorporating event stationery, any event can feel cohesive, more professional, and on-brand. Bryant Graphics’ custom printing services will have you on your way to making your next event one that will be remembered. Let’s dive into what event stationery is and how to use it to make your events the best they can be!
What Is Event Stationery and Why It Matters
Printing for events covers a wide range of materials and usage, from invitations to signage, to table tents and escort cards. All contribute to a well-rounded and professional event presentation that is an important piece of your overall event aesthetic. Branded event stationery communicates important event details and reflects your brand, style, and personality.
One of the key reasons to invest in custom event stationery is to establish a cohesive event theme. Custom event stationery can help to bring all the visual elements of your event together under one umbrella. This could include your invitations, event menus and place cards, table settings, and even your promotional materials. Consistent and on-brand event stationery not only improves the aesthetic of your event, it also adds to the event’s overall professionalism and luxury, no matter the occasion.
Must-Have Event Stationery Items
Custom printing is a major part of adding value and enhancing the overall experience for your guests. With high-quality event stationery, you can be sure that it not only enhances the visual appeal of your event but also communicates a level of professionalism that guests will appreciate.
Below we cover must-have event stationery items for your event, as well as design and printing tips to keep in mind for each.
Table Tents
Branded table tents ensure your corporate or promotional event maintains a consistent look while highlighting important details, such as sponsors or messages. Table tent printing is a fun and functional addition to any event, from corporate dinners to weddings, and can be used for a variety of purposes, including displaying menus, reserved signs, or event special promotions.
- Use cases: At a wedding or corporate dinner, table tents can be used to display dinner menus or table assignments. At a trade show or conference, table tents could be used to list sponsor logos or special promotions.
- Design tips: Keep the layout of table tents vertical for readability, as the fonts you use should be large enough to read from a distance when showing important information such as table assignments or event specials. You can also integrate your event branding into table tents to help achieve a cohesive look across all your event materials.
- Material durability: Table tents should be sturdy enough to stand up throughout the event. You can choose coated stock or laminated paper for a longer-lasting and more resilient paper stock.
Escort Cards & Place Cards
Escort cards and place cards have very similar design, use, and material needs, but are used for different aspects of event seating. Custom escort cards are a stylish and functional way to direct guests to their assigned tables, adding a personal touch to your event. Place cards are used to indicate which seat a guest has at their assigned table. Custom place settings such as these make guests feel special and enhance the overall event experience.
- Design advice: Escort cards and place cards should be easily readable and aligned with your event’s theme. The colors, fonts, and finishes you choose should be complementary to your event theme and used consistently throughout all event materials.
- Creative display ideas: Escort cards can be displayed in unique ways, such as on a ribbon, fancy holders, or floral backdrops, for a more elegant look.
Table Numbers
Event table signage, like personalized table numbers, are a key detail that helps guide guests to their seats, but are also an opportunity to add some creativity and personality.
- Functionality: Make sure your table numbers are easy to read from a distance, but don’t be afraid to style your table numbers to match the tone of your event. Options could include flat cards, acrylics, tented, or more.
- Design: Consider coordinating your table numbers with your event menus or invitations to achieve a cohesive look. Weddings may want to consider calligraphy or using a font that matches the wedding invitations or other wedding stationery.
Event Menus
Personalized event menus are a special touch that allow guests to preview the dining experience before it even arrives. For instance, wedding menu cards offer a personal touch to your dining experience, allowing guests to preview each course in advance. With event menu printing, you can showcase the dining experience with style, providing personalized menus that reflect your event’s theme.
- Benefits: Event menus can be placed on each seat to provide wedding and gala dinner guests with the added benefit of making them feel that you’ve thought of them, especially when the menu includes course names, wine pairings, your event logo, or even a fun and unique event hashtag.
- Design tips: Consider using luxurious paper types, such as cotton or linen, to ensure your menus feel high-end. Color coordination and fonts used should be consistent with other stationery items for cohesion.
RSVP & Detail Cards
Before the event even begins, your RSVP and detail cards are important to provide guests with all the details. RSVP and detail cards are sometimes also called “admission” cards or used as wedding save-the-date cards. RSVP card design should reflect your event’s aesthetic, ensuring your guests are informed and excited to attend.
- Matching aesthetic: The RSVP card should match the invitation aesthetic to maintain the event theme and feel cohesive. Your guests will get a feel for the event before they even get there.
- Details: Details could include event address, attire, and any other information or deadlines for confirming attendance.
Check out the wide range of customizable programs available at Bryant Graphics to elevate your event’s experience with professional, high-quality printed materials.
Specialty Printing Techniques for Premium Event Stationery
If you’re looking to further elevate the sophistication and uniqueness of your event stationery, special printing techniques are the way to go. Gala invitation design should reflect the sophistication of the event, with luxurious materials and elegant details to excite guests. Luxury event materials, such as high-end paper stocks and metallic finishes, elevate the sophistication of your event stationery.
Here are a few printing options to make your event materials stand out:
Foil Printing for a Luxe Look
Foil printing adds shimmer and sparkle to your event materials. Perfect for special occasions such as galas and weddings, foil printing takes your event stationery to the next level. Foil event cards, with their shiny metallic finish, add a touch of luxury and elegance to your event invitations and menus.
- Why it’s popular: Foil printing is a common luxury finish, especially when it comes in gold, rose gold, and other metallic finishes. Foil can be used for nearly any element of event stationery to create a lasting impression on your guests.
- Event applications: Invitations, menus, and even table signage can be created using foil printing.
Letterpress for Timeless Texture
Letterpress printing is an old-school printing technique that adds tactile texture to your event stationery. This is a great choice for formal events such as weddings and upscale corporate events. Letterpress menus, for instance, bring a tactile elegance to your dining experience, leaving a lasting impression with their rich, raised texture.
- Why it’s unique: The distinct and raised impression gives a premium and timeless feel, making letterpress an ideal printing technique for invitations, thank-you cards, and save-the-date cards.
- Elegant touch: The tactile element of letterpress is what really sets this printing technique apart, adding a level of sophistication that other printing methods can’t compare to.
White Ink on Dark Stock
White ink on dark stock is an excellent choice for a modern, sleek design with a high contrast feel. This printing style is sure to stand out for events with a bold, contemporary look. For example, white ink table tents on dark stock create a stunning visual contrast, perfect for modern, sleek event designs.
- Visual impact: High contrast design like white ink on dark stock is the perfect option for evening or black-tie events. The white ink pops off the dark paper to create an eye-catching contrast that immediately draws the eye.
Design Tips to Keep Your Stationery Cohesive
To ensure that all of your event materials come together cohesively and effortlessly, consider the following design tips:
- Color palette: Try to use a cohesive color palette across all of your event stationery. This could be neutral tones or vibrant pops of color, but keeping a color theme throughout all materials will create a more consistent look.
- Fonts and graphic elements: Pick a set of fonts and graphic elements that complement each other and use these consistently across all printed materials.
- Paper types and finishes: Use the same paper types (ex. cotton, linen) and finishes (ex. coated, matte) across all materials for a cohesive feel.
Tip: Vellum wraps or belly bands can be an elegant way to package your invitations, menus, or other event stationery items.
Don’t Forget Event Signage & Branding Extras
In addition to event stationery, be sure to also consider branding extras that will complete your event experience. Signs, welcome banners, or even branded inserts or rack cards will further help to solidify your event’s brand and message. For corporate event signage, welcome boards and directional signs enhance your brand’s presence and ensure your event runs smoothly.
Welcome Signs
These are often the first thing guests see and can really set the tone for your wedding, corporate event, gala, or other special occasion.
Branded Rack Cards
Promotional rack cards are a great way to provide additional information about your event or company, keeping your audience informed while staying on-brand.
Conclusion
Custom event stationery is a must-have for creating a memorable event experience, no matter the event. It helps to improve branding, communications, and overall guest experience.
With specialty printing options such as foil printing, letterpress, and white ink on dark stock, luxury and unique designs can be brought to life. Be sure to start your event stationery planning well in advance, and don’t hesitate to work with your printer to bring your vision to life.
Visit Bryant Graphics’ wedding and event collection to see the many professional printing options available, and make your next event one that will be remembered for years to come.
