Planning a wedding can be completely overwhelming since it is uncharted territory for most people. It can be stressful to know what all needs to be done, and when! That’s why I’m sharing the wedding invitation timeline. Read on to find out when to order your wedding invitations to stay right on track.
*This guide is for couples looking to work with us on invitations. Other stationers may require different lead times.
As Soon As Possible
Immediately after setting a date and booking a venue, it is time to order your save the dates. You may also wait until you book a photographer and take engagement photos if you would like these to be included in your save the date design.
6-12 Months Before
It is time to send out your save the dates! This is a pretty big range due to the various lengths of engagements. Honestly, the earlier the better to let your guests make arrangements. You don’t want any of the important people in your lives to miss out on your wedding day.
3-5 Months Before
Order those invitations! Why such a big range? The turnaround time for our wedding invitations depends on a few factors. Custom illustrations, wax seals, or other embellishments can add to your turnaround time. Also, production and shipping takes time. This is especially true if you order luxury printing methods such as letterpress or foil stamping. These can take four weeks on their own.
8 Weeks Before
Apply your postage, and send those beauties out via USPS! You finally get to share a glimpse of your wedding with all of your guests. This is also the time talk to your designer about your day-of pieces like programs, menus, cocktail napkins, etc. so that you’ll have plenty of time to get them completed before your wedding day.
Don’t forget thank you cards! They can be ordered at anytime throughout the process. You’ll need them from the time your save the dates and shower invitations start going out. People love to send gifts early, and it is always best to stay caught up on your thank you cards so you aren’t completely overwhelmed after the wedding.
If you’re within this wedding invitation timeline, I would love to chat! You can browse our collection of wedding invitation designs here. Or order a sample pack to get started!