12 ways to use a coat of arms at a British wedding

A coat of arms gives a wedding a thread that runs from the first save-the-date to the thank-you cards. Here are the places it earns its keep.

• Save-the-date cards — the first time your guests see it.
• Invitations, with the arms printed at the top.
• Wax seals on envelopes — a stamp maker can turn a black-and-white version into a brass seal.
• Order of service covers.
• Table names and place cards.
• A printed or embroidered banner behind the top table.
• The cake — a sugar-paste version on the top tier.
• Cocktail napkins and coasters.
• Signage for the bar and the evening do.
• The guest book cover.
• Thank-you cards afterwards.
• A framed print as your first piece of art in your home together.

Sort these first

Get a high-resolution file and a simple one-colour version. Fine detail disappears on wax and embroidery, so ask your supplier what line weight they need. And settle on the motto spelling before anything goes to print.