When Should You Order Your Wedding Invitations?

Your Practical Wedding Stationery Timeline

One of the most common questions couples ask is “When should we order our wedding stationery?”

Here’s a realistic, stress‑free timeline to help you plan everything, from save the dates and invitations to on‑the‑day items like place names and order of service booklets.

9–12 Months Before: Book Your Stationer & Send Save the Dates

Ideally, book your stationer 9–12 months before the wedding. For destination weddings or peak season dates, it’s best to get started even earlier so you can send save the dates about 9–12 months in advance, giving guests plenty of time to plan travel and accommodation.

About 6 Months Before: Begin the Design Process

Allow around 6 months to work on your wedding invitation suite. This gives space to:

• Refine your design ideas

• Approve proofs

• Include any bespoke touches like custom venue sketches or illustrations

• Factor in special finishes such as letterpress, foil, wax seals or vellum wraps, which can all extend production time

8–12 Weeks Before: Send Invitations

Plan to send your wedding invitations 8–12 weeks before the wedding (around 2–3 months). For destination weddings, aim for around 6 months before to give guests plenty of notice to book flights and accommodation.

RSVP Deadlines & Guest List

Ask guests to RSVP by the deadline your venue or caterer requires, often about 4–6 weeks before the day. Once you’ve confirmed your final guest list, share it with your stationer so they can produce on‑the‑day stationery like:

• Place names

• Table plan

• Table numbers

• Menus

3–4 Weeks Before: Confirm Ceremony Details

If you’re having an order of service or mass booklet, aim to finalise ceremony details around 3–4 weeks before the wedding. This keeps everything accurate and allows enough time for printing and delivery.

Special Finishes & Bespoke Details

Remember:

• Custom illustrations, venue sketches and monograms add something truly personal, but may add to your timeline

• Special finishes like foil, letterpress or embossing often require longer production

Your stationer can guide you through timings, but it’s always best to start early to keep things relaxed and enjoyable!

Final Thoughts

Starting your stationery journey early gives you space to create designs that feel timeless and truly yours, with all the personal details that make your day unique.

Explore our Before the Day stationery or On the Day stationery, or get in touch to start planning your perfect suite!