Etiquette: Having a Proper Stationery Wardrobe

Recently I find myself writing a great deal of correspondence. While I do love technology, and I do send a lot of emails, there is something very special about sending and receiving a handwritten note or something special someone saw in a magazine or newspaper that made them think of you. Of course all of this can be translated into the digital world by designing a theme template for your email, but I want to go over a stationery wardrobe.

Much like having a closet filled with clothes, a stationery wardrobe is an etiquette must. There are different types of notes, cards, papers, letters, etc that are used depending on the situation. There is even a different 'feel' between business and social wardrobes.

In order to assist with this explanation I am using crane.com and their outline of what each individual, couple or business should have in a stationery wardrobe. Crane is a leader in the stationery world and is a great source for papers.


So the basics: Personal Stationery Wardrobe.

Personal stationery usually has your name and address, monogram/coat of arms/design name and address or just your name or initials on it. Most sets are blind embossed (impression without ink), engraved, or thermographed. Flat printing is available but significantly less formal.

I usually come across cotton paper (more formal) but there are also wood paper options. Cotton paper is softer than traditional wood paper.

The most basic pieces of a stationery wardrobe are fold over notes or single card notes (quick notes or thank you cards) and single sheets (standard size for longer letters) with matching envelopes.

A complete stationery wardrobe for women:

1. Letter sheets - Used for replies to formal invitations or condolence letters. They are full sheets that fold along the left side, starting your letter on page 1 and going to page 3 (never write on the back of the paper). Usually they are white or a light creme and have your name/address/initials.

2. Correspondence Sheets: Single sheets that fold in half to fit in the envelope. 

3. Monarch Sheets: 'Executive' stationery, used for long personal letters or business letters. They are a unique size (7 1/4x10 1/2) and fold into thirds.

4. Fold Over Notes: Used to write thank you notes, short messages, extend invitations and usually just contain your name, initials or symbol.

5. Informals: These are not informal! These are small fold over notes, usually they have a paneled frame and are engraved with a woman's proper married name (Mrs. James B. Smith). These are ONLY used when issuing a formal invitation from a married couple. 

6. Correspondence Cards: The most common card in your wardrobe, it's usually one sided (with your name or small initial at the top) and comes with a matching envelope. Measuring about 4.5.x6.5 in you can use this for thank you, informal invitations and short notes. Write only on the front.

Stationery Wardrobe for Men:

1. Monarch sheets: Display name, address, or both at the top (usually just the name) and are the 7 /14x10 1/2 size

2. Correspondence Sheets: Single sheet with the name at the top, measuring 6 1/4x 8 1/2

3. Correspondence Cards: Single sided (not folded over) cards with your name at the top. Most men prefer these as they are quick notes.

Having a good stationery wardrobe is not just good etiquette but it is nice to have. It's very personal to who you are, whether married or single, and it shows that you take pride in who you are as an individual. 

I know that cost is always a factor (at least it is for me) so luckily we live in a world that has a multitude of options for purchase. You might even order the paper and use an embosser at your home and create your own stationery on an as-needed basis. 

If you choose to create your own avoid stickers and labels. Most home printers have options (if you take the time) to print directly on letters, notes and an envelope for return addresses.

For a complete explanation of stationery please visit Crane Co here