One of the most common questions I get from couples is: “When should we send everything?” From save the dates to invitations to thank you cards, your wedding stationery has its own rhythm — and timing is key.
Your paper goods don’t just share the logistics of your day. They set the tone, give your guests a first impression of your celebration, and carry your story through each milestone. Here’s a clear, stress-free stationery timeline to guide you through the process. If you’re interested in custom invitations, reach out to a stationer early to secure a spot on their calendar.
Wedding Stationery Timeline
12+ Months Before Your Wedding | Plan Your Stationery Style
The earlier you start thinking about stationery, the smoother the process will feel. Spend time gathering inspiration — colors, motifs, or styles that reflect your vision. This is also the perfect moment to book your stationer if you’d like a fully custom suite, since custom design often requires a longer lead time.
Pro tip: If you know you’d love to include specialty elements like watercolor illustrations or letterpress, reach out to your designer early so they can reserve time on their calendar.
6-8 Months Before Your Wedding | Send Save the Dates
Save the dates are the first peek your guests will have into your celebration. Mailing them 6–8 months before your wedding gives everyone plenty of time to plan, especially if your date falls on a holiday weekend or you’re hosting a destination event.
For local weddings with mostly nearby guests, closer to 6 months is usually fine. Either way, sending them on time helps ensure your guests mark their calendars early.
Pro tip: Save the dates are a wonderful place to introduce your aesthetic — whether it’s a favorite photo, your wedding crest, or a color palette that hints at the design to come.
4-6Months Before Your Wedding | Finalize Your Invitation Design
Around this time, your invitation suite should move from inspiration to reality. Confirm your design details, wording, and layout so your suite can head into production.
This step is especially important if you’re using a print method like letterpress, foil, or working with handmade paper, since these take longer to produce than digital printing. Building in this buffer ensures your invitations are ready on schedule.
💡 Pro tip: Review your wording carefully at this stage — it’s much easier to catch edits before production than after printing begins.
8-10 Weeks Before Your Wedding | Mail Invitations
This is the moment your guests have been waiting for — the official invitation to your celebration. Mailing your invitations 8–10 weeks before the wedding gives everyone plenty of time to RSVP and make travel arrangements.
If you’re hosting a destination wedding or expecting many out-of-town guests, consider mailing even earlier (closer to 12 weeks). This extra buffer is especially thoughtful for guests who may need to book flights or hotels.
💡 Pro tip: Before mailing, double-check addresses against your guest list to avoid returned mail. If you’ve chosen specialty printing methods, make sure you’ve built in time for production so you’re not rushed at the last step.
2-3 Weeks Before Your Wedding | Order Day-of Stationery
Menus, programs, escort cards, signage, and other day-of details should be ordered about 2–3 months before your wedding. By this point, you’ll have a clearer idea of your guest count and timeline.
Day-of stationery is what ties your invitation design seamlessly into your reception. Don’t underestimate the impact — these thoughtful touches help create a cohesive, elevated guest experience.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re unsure which pieces you’ll need, your stationer can guide you through the essentials vs. “nice-to-haves” based on your wedding style and flow.
1-3 Months After Your Wedding | Send Thank You Cards
Your celebration may be over, but your stationery journey isn’t complete until you’ve sent your thank you cards. Aim to mail them within three months of your wedding. This is the perfect way to express gratitude while the joy of your day is still fresh for both you and your guests.
Handwritten notes always leave the best impression. It doesn’t need to be long — a few heartfelt sentences acknowledging their gift and presence is more than enough.
💡 Pro tip: Order thank you cards along with your invitations so they’re ready to go after the wedding. That way, you’ll avoid any post-wedding delays.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Timeline
- Add a buffer: Printing and mailing often take longer than expected, especially with specialty papers.
- Factor in your print method: Digital printing is faster, while letterpress and foil can take extra weeks.
- International guests: Give additional time for mailing overseas.
By following this simple stationery timeline, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and ensure your wedding paper goods are delivered right on time. Whether you’re drawn to a semi-custom suite or dreaming of a fully bespoke design, I’ll guide you through each step so the process feels easy, thoughtful, and beautifully you.
Ready to begin your stationery journey? Explore the Semi-Custom Collection or inquire about a Custom Design to create timeless paper goods that tell your story!
