Are you in the process of planning your wedding, but not sure when to order and send out your stationery? To help you stay organised, I’ve pulled together a wedding stationery timeline to keep you on schedule.
SAVE THE DATES
12-18 months before the big day
Save the dates are optional, but we highly recommend sending these out, just to make sure your wedding date is in your guests’ diaries. They can be sent out as early as you like, especially if you’re getting married abroad or in peak holiday season. You don’t want your guests booking holidays or making other plans.
Allow at least 4 weeks for the design, proofing, production and delivery of any stationery order.
INVITATIONS
6-9 months before the big day if you didn’t send a save the date 4-6 months before the big day if you did send a save the date
Always add an ‘RSVP by’ date, this is usually 8-10 weeks before the wedding. Allow yourself time to chase guests who haven’t replied. Your venue and caterers will usually give you a deadline date for final numbers, so this is a good gauge for your RSVP date.
Always check the postage before sending your invitations. If you have multiple cards tied together with twine, this may require a large letter stamp.
ON THE DAY STATIONERY
6-8 weeks before the big day
On the day stationery really helps to style your venue and carry your chosen theme and colour palette through your big day.
You’ll need your guest list for the day finalised before some of these items can be started. Things like your table plan, menus from dietary requirements etc. You’ll usually have a final meeting at your venue where you’ll tie up all the loose ends, usually after this you’ll be ready to get your stationery finalised.
THANK YOU CARDS
0-3 months after the big day
Don’t forget to send thank you cards. Usually you’ll want to use a photo from the day, so see if your photographer will send you some preview snaps to use.
So that’s it. A run-down of when to order and send out your wedding stationery to keep you on track. There’s no right or wrong time to do any of the above, but I always advise to give your stationer plenty of time to complete the order to make the process as stress-free as possible.
I’d love to hear from you if you’re planning your wedding stationery, be sure to get in touch so we can talk all things about your big day!