Are you recently engaged and diving into wedding planning? One of the most essential yet overlooked parts of the process is sending out your wedding stationery. Knowing exactly when to send save the dates, invitations, and thank you cards can be tricky. With so many moving pieces, having a clear plan is essential to stay on track. That’s why I created a FREE Printable Wedding Stationery Timeline to help you organize everything stress-free!
In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps and timing for each piece of stationery, providing expert tips along the way. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp on when to send each item and how to ensure your stationery fits seamlessly into your wedding prep timeline. Plus, don’t forget to download the FREE printable wedding stationery timeline for an easy-to-follow guide!
Why You Need a Wedding Stationery Timeline
Wedding invitations and stationery play a crucial role in setting the tone for your big day. From the moment your save the dates hit mailboxes, to when thank you cards are sent after the wedding, each piece adds to the overall guest experience. However, figuring out when to send wedding invitations and other stationery can be confusing. Sending items too early or too late can cause unnecessary stress.
Having a clear wedding stationery timeline ensures you send each piece at the perfect time. It’ll also give you peace of mind knowing that nothing gets missed, leaving you more time to focus on the fun details of planning your dream wedding.
When to Send Wedding Invitations
One of the most frequently asked questions during wedding planning is, “When should you send wedding invitations?” The ideal time to mail your invitations is 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding day. This gives your guests plenty of time to RSVP and make travel arrangements, especially if you’re hosting a large number of out-of-town guests.
However, if you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s recommended to send your invitations even earlier—at least 12 to 16 weeks in advance. This allows your guests more time to book flights, arrange accommodations, and prepare for the trip.
Tip: If you’re working with a designer, keep in mind that additional time will be needed for the design and printing process. The timeline for this varies depending on the designer and the complexity of your design, so be sure to factor this in when planning your stationery.
When to Send Save the Dates
Next up: When are save the dates sent? Ideally, you’ll want to send these 8 to 10 months before your wedding date. If you’re planning a holiday weekend wedding or expecting a large number of out-of-town guests, you may want to send them as early as 12 months in advance to give your guests ample time to make travel and accommodation arrangements. In any case, it’s best not to send save the dates later than 6 months before your wedding.
Your save the dates offer the perfect opportunity to give your guests a taste of your wedding style without needing a full commitment to design just yet. It’s a fun and simple way to get everyone excited for your upcoming celebration!
Building Your Wedding Stationery Timeline
Your stationery timeline doesn’t stop at the invitations. There are other important pieces to consider, such as RSVP cards, menu cards, programs, and thank you cards. Here’s a simple breakdown to keep you organized:
- Save the Dates: 6-12 months before the wedding
- Wedding Invitations: 8-12 weeks before the wedding
- RSVP Deadline: 4-6 weeks before the wedding
- Day-of Stationery (Programs, Menus, Place Cards): Order 1-3 months before the wedding
- Thank You Cards: Send within 3 months after the wedding
By following this schedule, you’ll ensure that everything arrives at the right time and looks cohesive. Each piece of stationery is an important step in the overall wedding planning timeline and contributes to a smooth and stylish celebration.
Wedding Stationery: More than Just Timing
While timing is essential, it’s also important to consider the design and personalization of your stationery. At Amour Daydream Studio, I specialize in creating custom designs that reflect your unique love story. Whether you’re looking for coastal chic, rustic elegance, or something completely custom, your stationery will be designed to capture the essence of your wedding day.
Custom stationery also allows for added touches like envelope liners, wax seals, or illustrations of meaningful locations—small details that truly elevate your guests’ experience.
Download Your FREE Wedding Stationery Timeline
To make wedding planning easier, I’ve created a FREE Printable Wedding Stationery Timeline. This comprehensive guide will help you stay on track, ensuring you never miss a deadline. The timeline also includes a workbook section for jotting down dates, addresses, and other essential details. With everything organized in one place, you’ll feel confident and prepared as you move forward in planning your special day.
Simply enter your name and email below to receive your free wedding stationery timeline and workbook instantly!
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming at times, but having a clear timeline for your stationery makes the process more manageable. Whether you’re wondering when to send save the dates or when to mail wedding invitations, following a well-structured wedding prep timeline ensures everything flows smoothly. With my FREE printable wedding stationery timeline, you’ll have a roadmap to guide you through each step, helping you stay organized and stress-free.
Don’t let the details weigh you down—download your free timeline today and enjoy the process of creating beautiful, memorable stationery for your big day.