Wedding Invitation Timeline

Planning a wedding involves a whirlwind of decisions, and one of the first challenges is timing your invitations and wedding stationery just right. With our Wedding Invitation Timeline guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, making it easy to understand when your wedding stationery should be ordered and sent. Let’s dive in together and simplify this important aspect of your wedding planning journey.

When to Send Save the Dates

Sending save the dates marks the official beginning of your wedding journey. Typically, save the dates should be sent out six to eight months before your wedding date for local weddings and eight to twelve months in advance for destination weddings. This gives your guests ample time to mark their calendars and make any necessary arrangements. Save the dates are a great way to set the tone for your wedding. They will be your guests’ first impression of your wedding brand. As custom wedding stationery designers, Heather and I are able to help you create a personal wedding brand that can carry through all your wedding stationery. Check out our Guide to Save the Dates!

When to Make the Wedding Website

Your wedding website serves as a hub of information for your guests, so it’s best to create it shortly after sending out your save the dates. Aim to have your wedding website up and running at least six months before your wedding date. This allows guests to access important details such as venue information, accommodations, and registry details.

Bridal Shower Events Invitation Timeline

Bridal shower invitations should typically be sent out four to six weeks before the event date. This ensures that your guests have enough time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements to attend.

When to Order Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are usually sent to print around four months before the wedding date. This allows ample time for printing, addressing, and mailing. Allowing extra time gives some buffer time in case any issues arise. Since printing, addressing, and mailing invitations can be very stressful and time consuming, consider hiring stationery designers to complete this for you. Not only will you receive custom invitations that will wow your guests and set the tone for your wedding, but the stress of ordering, printing, and other wedding invitations tasks will be completed for you. Wedding stationery designers are usually hired around eight-twelve months before the wedding, but possibly earlier if you are interested in custom save the dates.

How Long Guests Should Have to RSVP

Provide your guests with plenty of time to RSVP by setting the deadline for RSVPs approximately four to six weeks before your wedding date. This gives you enough time to finalize your guest count, seating arrangements, and any other logistical details. As stationery designers, Heather and I are able to assist with navigating this timeline, especially if you are ordering custom wedding day paper to match your wedding brand. Check out our Guide to Making a Wedding Guest List!

When to Order Your Wedding Day Paper

Finalize your day-of wedding paper, including ceremony programs, menu cards, and any other stationery items, approximately four to six weeks before your wedding date. This allows enough time for printing and ensures that everything is ready to go for the big day.

When to Order Wedding Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are another important part of your wedding stationery. Aim to have them ordered about four to six weeks before your wedding date so that you can promptly express your gratitude to your guests for their love and support. Custom thank you cards can make a statement as they can continue to carry out your wedding brand. Specially designed thank you notes can be ordered from us when you are adding on your wedding day paper. 

Planning the timing of your wedding invitations can feel like a daunting task, but with our Wedding Invitation Timeline guide, you can navigate the process with ease and confidence. Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. You can learn more about our custom wedding invitations here. If you have any questions or need assistance with your wedding stationery, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to get started on creating the perfect invitations for your special day. Let’s turn your wedding dreams into reality together!