Stationery and invitations covers save-the-dates, invitations, RSVPs and on-the-day printed pieces, all of them running against a fixed wedding timeline rather than a flexible one.
Stationery and invitations covers save-the-dates, formal invitations, RSVP cards or digital RSVP tracking, and on-the-day pieces such as the programme, the menu and table plans. It is a design and print service that runs on a fixed schedule, since every piece is tied to a date that does not move once it is set.
Almost every wedding sends some form of invitation, whether a full printed suite or a simpler digital one, and most add at least a programme or a menu card on the day itself. A couple keeping the day very small and informal may choose to skip printed stationery beyond a basic invitation.
This guide treats stationery and invitations as its own professional category. Verified listings appear once their published information has been checked; where none is verified yet, the guidance below stands on its own.
Verified listings
Nothing listed here yet.
Where to go next
Gavin would rather leave a page empty than fill it with names he cannot stand behind, and checking a business properly takes time, so these pages fill slowly.
In the meantime, the guidance above is the part that helps: how to choose, what to ask, and what usually goes wrong. If you want a name, Gavin will tell you who he has worked alongside, and why.
Ask to see finished, printed pieces rather than only digital proofs on a screen. Paper stock, print finish and colour read differently in person, and a proof that looks right on a monitor can print noticeably darker, lighter or different in tone.
Work backwards from your RSVP date
Build the schedule from the wedding date backwards: when save-the-dates go out, when invitations follow, when RSVPs are due, and when final numbers need to reach the caterer and the venue. A stationer who asks for this timeline early, rather than only for a design brief, is treating the job as the logistics exercise it actually is.
Match the format and quantity to your guest list and budget before design begins. A large guest list with a tight budget may suit a simpler printed piece with digital RSVP tracking, while a smaller, more formal wedding can carry a fuller printed suite without the cost becoming disproportionate.
What to ask
How many rounds of proofs are included before final printing, and what does an extra round cost?
What is the full lead time from confirmed design to delivery, including printing?
Can quantities be adjusted after the initial order if the guest list changes?
Are envelopes, addressing and postage included, or arranged separately?
Is digital RSVP tracking available, and how does it integrate with a printed invitation?
What paper stocks and print finishes are available to see or feel in person before ordering?
Can the same design extend to on-the-day pieces such as the programme, menu and table plan?
Contracts and logistics
A deposit is standard to begin design work, with the balance due once final artwork is approved and before printing runs. Because printing cannot be reversed once a run is started, cancellation after final approval is usually not refundable for that portion of the order.
Lead times matter more here than in most categories, since a late proof cycle compresses everything that follows: printing, addressing, postage and the RSVP window itself. Build in extra time for at least one further proof round beyond what is quoted, and confirm in writing exactly what is included in the final approved price versus what counts as a late change.
Checklist
Confirm the full schedule from save-the-date to on-the-day pieces
Agree the number of proof rounds included before final printing
Build extra time into the schedule for at least one further revision
Confirm whether addressing and postage are included in the price
Decide between printed RSVPs and digital tracking before ordering
Check what paper stocks and finishes are available to see in person
Confirm the cancellation terms for work already in progress
How early should wedding invitations be sent out in South Africa?
Save-the-dates are commonly sent six to nine months ahead, particularly where guests are travelling from another city or country, with formal invitations following some months later and RSVPs requested well before final numbers are due to the caterer and venue. The exact timing depends on the guest list and how much travel is involved, so build the schedule around your own RSVP deadline rather than a fixed rule.
What is the difference between digital and printed RSVPs?
A printed RSVP card is returned by post or by hand and tracked manually, which some couples prefer for a formal wedding. A digital RSVP, tracked through a website or an app, is faster to manage and easier to follow up on, and many stationers now offer both. Neither is more correct than the other; the choice usually comes down to guest list size and how much manual tracking a couple wants to take on.
What happens if a printing error is found after the order has gone to print?
This depends on where the error originated. If it was in the couple's approved final proof, a reprint is usually charged in full; if it was introduced during printing itself, most stationers correct it at their own cost. Confirm this distinction, and who checks the final proof before it is sent to print, before signing off on any artwork.
“I decided to get engaged while my lovely girlfriend went to the UK for a short trip and I used the time to get a ring made while she was away. Gavin and his team gave me great advice and freedom. They helped me create and design my own ring, and taught me so much about the choices I have. They made the whole process a fantastic experience and I will totally send my friends back for the one on one experience.”
“Gavin and his firm were recommended to us by a mutual friend. From the very first contact, Gavin conducted himself in a very friendly but professional manner. Gavin clearly demonstrated the love and understanding of his business. His attention to detail and willingness to listen to our needs was very reassuring. We are extremely pleased with the design, quality of our jewellery and the superb service. It was certainly one of the best shopping experiences we have had. Our friends have found Gavin amazing and are very impressed with their purchases. On purchasing diamonds, we highly recommend others to contact Gavin. We certainly look forward to doing business with his company for years to come.”
“My experience with Gavin was nothing less than exceptional. He provided excellent customer service, quality diamonds, and competitive prices. He was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. I learned everything I needed to know before purchasing the right diamond. I would recommend him and his company to anyone considering the purchase of a precious stone.”
“Great experience dealing with Gavin. I have had many good experiences dealing with Gavin. The jewellery and stones are breathtaking and very reasonable in price. The service we received was so efficient and good advice was given to us when choosing specific stones. We look forward to many more dealings with Gavin.”
“My experience with Gavin goes back some years. Not only have I and my wife been advised and purchased from the company; we have, in addition, successfully referred a number of our friends to Gavin. His knowledge, service and flexibility have ensured that we consult them on any occasion where we are thinking of purchasing jewellery.”
“Gavin Ruschin has been my preferred supplier of diamonds and designer jewellery for the past five years. During this period of knowing Gavin, I feel extremely privileged to have a supplier of such character and integrity servicing me personally, my company The BLD Group and our clients. Gavin has through excellent service become one of the most credible suppliers on our books. His honesty, unconditional professional service, excellent pricing and pleasant manner have earned him the respect and reputation of the highest degree amongst my clients, which include professional sportsmen and sportswomen, leading business people and politicians.”
“I decided to get engaged while my lovely girlfriend went to the UK for a short trip and I used the time to get a ring made while she was away. Gavin and his team gave me great advice and freedom. They helped me create and design my own ring, and taught me so much about the choices I have. They made the whole process a fantastic experience and I will totally send my friends back for the one on one experience.”
“Gavin and his firm were recommended to us by a mutual friend. From the very first contact, Gavin conducted himself in a very friendly but professional manner. Gavin clearly demonstrated the love and understanding of his business. His attention to detail and willingness to listen to our needs was very reassuring. We are extremely pleased with the design, quality of our jewellery and the superb service. It was certainly one of the best shopping experiences we have had. Our friends have found Gavin amazing and are very impressed with their purchases. On purchasing diamonds, we highly recommend others to contact Gavin. We certainly look forward to doing business with his company for years to come.”
“My experience with Gavin was nothing less than exceptional. He provided excellent customer service, quality diamonds, and competitive prices. He was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. I learned everything I needed to know before purchasing the right diamond. I would recommend him and his company to anyone considering the purchase of a precious stone.”
“Great experience dealing with Gavin. I have had many good experiences dealing with Gavin. The jewellery and stones are breathtaking and very reasonable in price. The service we received was so efficient and good advice was given to us when choosing specific stones. We look forward to many more dealings with Gavin.”
“My experience with Gavin goes back some years. Not only have I and my wife been advised and purchased from the company; we have, in addition, successfully referred a number of our friends to Gavin. His knowledge, service and flexibility have ensured that we consult them on any occasion where we are thinking of purchasing jewellery.”
“Gavin Ruschin has been my preferred supplier of diamonds and designer jewellery for the past five years. During this period of knowing Gavin, I feel extremely privileged to have a supplier of such character and integrity servicing me personally, my company The BLD Group and our clients. Gavin has through excellent service become one of the most credible suppliers on our books. His honesty, unconditional professional service, excellent pricing and pleasant manner have earned him the respect and reputation of the highest degree amongst my clients, which include professional sportsmen and sportswomen, leading business people and politicians.”
