Wedding Stationery Timeline
Wedding planning is well…a lot! Your wedding stationery is one of the things on your checklist that you’ll see months in advance all the way to your big day! I’ve broken down the timeline for you here on when you should get started on all your wedding stationery items! Feel free to scroll down to the bottom to snatch one the printable timeline and checklist to help you plan for your day!
9-12 Months Before Wedding
Order your Save-the-Date Cards and send them out as soon as possible. If you're having a destination wedding or if many of your guests will be traveling from out of town, you’ll want to send out 12 months before your wedding. Remember to confirm all wedding details before placing your Save the Date order (e.g., venue, location, wedding website).
*Remember to keep these factors in mind when planning on sending out your invitations that may require advance planning from guests:
Weekday weddings (ex. Friday)
Holiday weddings
Destination weddings
Weddings during “peak” wedding season
6-9 Months Before Wedding
Time to order your wedding invitations! Your wedding invitations set the tone of your day, so it’s important not to do this last minute! It’s recommended that you begin the wedding invitation process at least 6 months prior to your wedding date so you are able to send out 6-8 weeks before your wedding date. If you're having a destination wedding or if many of your guests will be traveling from out of town, you may want to send out your invitations earlier and begin 9 months before your wedding to give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements. Be sure to include an RSVP card with your wedding invitation, and ask your guests to RSVP at least 4 weeks before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to finalize your guest list, seating chart, and catering arrangements. *Stationer tip: skip the added cost of RSVP envelopes and additional postage and have your guests RSVP on your wedding website. This also allows you to use this card as a details card, where you can give your guests additional wedding information since they will not be returning their replies!
Tip: Hire a stationer!
Insufficient postage, spelling errors, etiquette blunders are all a pain to deal with on top of your wedding! Not to mention having to assemble and address your envelopes is a lot of work. Save unwanted stress by having a stationer take care of all of your needs so it’s one less thing you need to worry about!
2-4 Months Before Wedding
Time to mail those beautiful wedding invitations! It’s best to send out 6-8 weeks before your wedding. Now is also the time to purchase your rehearsal dinner invitations and day-of-stationery.
What items are included in day-of-stationery?
Programs, menu cards, napkins, cups, table signage, welcome signage, bar signage, koozies, thank you cards, rehearsal dinner place cards & escort cards
3-4 Weeks Before Wedding
You should start receiving your RSVP’s at this time and can begin creating your seating charts, escort and place cards, and table seating. This is also the time you’ll be mailing off your rehearsal dinner invitations!
YOUR WEDDING DAY IS HERE!
6 Weeks After Wedding
Now that you’ve enjoyed your day with your special people, the last thing on your stationery to-do list is to order and mail out your thank you cards. Be sure to include a personal message thanking your guests for attending and any gifts they may have given you.
Don’t forget about your first holiday and ordering holiday cards!
Remember, these are general guidelines, and you should adjust the timeline based on your specific wedding date and needs. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
GET THE FREE PRINTABLE WEDDING STATIONERY TIMELINE AND CHECKLIST!
