From escort cards to programs, we're breaking down all of the pieces of your bridal-paper essentials.

Before you order your wedding stationery, it's always a smart idea to put together a list of all the paper elements you'll need. This will help you and your spouse-to-be stay on budget and figure out which pieces are essential and which ones you may not need. To help, we've put together a wedding stationery checklist?a guide to all of the various paper elements you might need for your big day. Keep in mind, though, that this list is not meant to be all-inclusive?a vast majority of these elements are optional, can be done as a DIY project, or can be mailed electronically (besides the wedding invitation itself?we still think it's important to send guests a printed invitation).

Print out this checklist and bring it to your consultation meeting with your stationer or your Plan My Wedding Coordinator.

Before the Wedding 

• Engagement party invitation
• Save-the-date card
• Bridal shower invitation
• Bridal shower thank-you cards
• Bachelor/bachelorette party invitation
• Rehearsal dinner invitation
• Welcome dinner invitation

The Wedding Invitation 

• Outer envelope
• Inner envelope
• Belly band
• Invitation card
• Reception card (if held at a different location than the ceremony)
• Directions/map card
• Response card and self-addressed stamped envelope
• Hotel accommodations card

At the Wedding 

• Welcome basket tag
• Ceremony program
• Pew cards or "reserved" seating cards
• Escort cards
• Place cards
• Table number cards
• Menu cards
• Favor tags

After the Wedding 

• Thank-you cards