One of the most common questions I get from couples is when they should send their save the dates or wedding invitations, so let’s clear up this question once and for all!
Get a FREE Printable wedding stationery timeline to guide you through the planning process. It has an example timeline and room for you to write down your personalized dates to keep you on track. It’s part of our complete Wedding Stationery Guide. Get your copy at the bottom of this post!
Save the Dates
Save the Date cards are typically sent out 6-9 months in advance of the wedding. The exception: if you are having your wedding on a holiday or if you have a destination wedding, you might want to send them earlier, around 9-12 months in advance. This gives your guests time to plan ahead to be there!
When should you order save the dates? Plan to order your save the dates about a month or two before you’d like to send them, so anytime in that 9-12 month range is a good time to get in touch for a standard wedding (read: not holiday or destination).
Invitations
Wedding invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Send much earlier than that and guests are likely to lose the invitation or forget to RSVP. Send much later than this and guests won’t have much time to accommodate the details of the day. This time frame is ideal for maximum response, and it keeps the excitement up!
If you’re having a destination wedding, feel free to send your invitations a couple weeks earlier as a courtesy to guests.
When should you order wedding invitations? You should contact your stationer 4-6 months out to begin the design process. Because stationers can book up quickly, you may want to reach out earlier to book your spot in their calendar.
Check out our Semi-Custom Invitations and Bespoke Wedding Stationery options.
Day-Of-Stationery
You’ll want any day-of stationery (think signs, menus, ceremony programs, etc.) in your hands 1-2 weeks before your wedding day. If you have something that depends on the final guest count like escort cards and table seating charts, those will likely be printed one week before the wedding.
You should talk to your stationer about day-of-stationery when ordering your invitations so they are aware of what you’d like. Order your day-of-stationery 4-6 weeks out, and finalize any details 2-3 weeks out once you have your final guest count.
Now that you have an idea of the general wedding invitation timeline, be sure to download your copy of The Complete Wedding Stationery Guide. You’ll be able to make your own personalized stationery timeline and easily stay ahead of planning!
If you’re looking for stationery for your wedding, send us a message and tell us what you’re looking for!
