The Wedding Invitation Timeline every bride should know
WHEN TO ORDER AND SEND YOUR WEDDING INVITATIONS
Your wedding stationery is more than paper—it is the first chapter of your celebration. From the moment your guests receive their save the date to the day they open your formal invitation suite, every piece sets the tone for the experience ahead. To help you plan with intention and ease, this guide outlines when to order, send, and finalize each part of your wedding stationery.
WHEN TO ORDER YOUR INVITATIONS
To keep the process smooth and stress–free, plan for design, proofing, and production with a comfortable timeline.
Semi-custom or template invitation designs: Order 3–4 months before your wedding.
Fully custom invitation suites: Order 6–8 months before, allowing time for creative development, revisions, specialty printing, and assembly.
Destination weddings: Add at least an extra month for safety.
Ordering early ensures that every detail is perfected without feeling rushed.
WHEN TO SEND YOUR SAVE THE DATES
Save the dates serve as your guests’ early glimpse into your wedding style while giving them the time they need to prepare.
Local Weddings: Send 6–8 months before the wedding.
Destination Weddings: Send 8–12 months before the wedding, especially if travel arrangements or passports are required.
This advance notice is an act of courtesy — it ensures your loved ones can reserve the date and start making plans.
WHEN TO MAIL YOUR WEDDING INVITATIONS
Formal invitations carry the essential details – event location, timing, attire, and RSVP information. Mailing them at the right time ensures guests have everything they need, without feeling rushed.
Local Weddings: Send invitations 6–8 weeks before your wedding date.
Destination Weddings: Send invitations 10–12 weeks before, or up to 4 months in advance if the destination requires significant travel planning.
Sending invitations thoughtfully and early gives your guests time to book accommodations, coordinate travel, and prepare for your celebration.
WHEN SHOULD RSVP CARDS BE RETURNED
Your RSVP deadline should reflect your venue and caterer’s timeline, giving you enough time to finalize seating arrangements, day–of stationery, and counts for meal selections.
Set your RSVP deadline for 3–4 weeks before the wedding.
This gives you a comfortable window to follow up with anyone who hasn’t responded and to ensure all details are perfectly in place.
WHY YOU SHOULD ORDER EXTRA INVITATIONS
Ordering a few more invitations than your exact count is a small detail that makes a big difference.
Why extras matter:
Unexpected Guests: Last-minute additions or changes may occur.
Keepsakes: A clean set is perfect for photography, albums, and mementos.
Cost-effective: Reprinting small quantities later is typically more expensive and time-consuming.
A thoughtful buffer of 15–20 additional invitations is ideal.
ADDITIONAL WEDDING STATIONERY DETAILS TO CONSIDER
PRINTING METHODS AND TIMELINE
Digital printing, letterpress, foil press, and emboss have different turnaround times. Specialty printing or finishes typically require longer production, so plan ahead if your suite includes these details.
SUITE COMPONENTS
Depending on your celebration, your stationery suite may include:
Details card
RSVP card
Ceremony and reception cards
Accommodation or travel information
Map or itinerary
Welcome event or post-wedding brunch details
Choose the pieces that best guide your guests and complement your celebration.
ADDRESS COLLECTION
Begin collecting mailing addresses early. Whether you prefer hand calligraphy or printed addressing, having your list ready will save valuable time and reduce last-minute stress.
DAY-OF STATIONERY TIMELINE
Menus, programs, signage, escort cards, table numbers, and welcome signs all play a role in elevating your guest experience. These items are typically finalized and ordered 4–6 weeks before the wedding, once guest counts and seating are confirmed.
POSTAGE AND MAILING TIPS
Before sending your invitations:
Weigh a fully assembled suite to confirm proper postage.
Note that square, oversized, or heavily layered invitations may require additional postage.
Request hand–canceling when possible to help keep envelopes pristine —your suite can be hand–canceled as long as it meets USPS letter–mail requirements, including the maximum thickness of 0.25 inches. Anything thicker will be classified as a flat or package and priced differently.
Set aside a dedicated day to stuff, seal, and stamp your invitations. It always takes longer than expected!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Your wedding stationery sets the tone for the celebration ahead — a prelude to one of the most meaningful days of your life. By planning ahead and following a thoughtful timeline, you’ll ensure every piece arrives perfectly and your guests feel informed, welcomed, and excited for your special day.
