When to Send Wedding Invitations: Your Ultimate Stationery Timeline

If you’re newly engaged (congratulations!) and diving into the world of wedding stationery, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:
“When should we send our invitations?”

Timing is everything when it comes to wedding stationery. Sending too early might mean guests misplace your details, but sending too late can cause stress and last-minute RSVP scrambles. Don’t worry — this guide breaks it all down for you!

The Complete Wedding Stationery Timeline

Let’s walk through what to send — and when — so you can stay on track and stress-free.

12+ Months Before the Wedding: Dream & Design

• Begin gathering inspiration (Pinterest, magazines, or your venue’s aesthetic).

• Choose your color palette and paper style.

• Book your stationery designer (yes, this early!). Custom design takes time and creative collaboration.

Tip: Booking your stationer early ensures you get on their calendar — especially during peak wedding months.

8–10 Months Before: Save the Dates

• Mail Save the Dates if you’re having a destination wedding or expect many out-of-town guests.

• For local weddings, 6–8 months in advance is perfect.

• Include your names, wedding date, city/state, and a note that a formal invitation will follow.

Need a number? Order about 10–15% more Save the Dates than your guest count to have extras for keepsakes and last-minute additions.

6–8 Months Before: Design Your Invitations

• Start the custom design process with your stationer.

• Review proofs, choose printing methods (digital, foil, or letterpress), and select envelopes or embellishments (wax seals, ribbons, vellum wraps).

• Allow for 2–3 rounds of revisions and printing time.

Tip: Most stationers recommend allowing at least 6 weeks for production once your final proof is approved.

10–12 Weeks Before the Wedding: Mail Invitations

• Mail your invitations about 8–10 weeks before your wedding.

  -For destination weddings, mail 12 weeks ahead.

  -For local weddings, 8 weeks is ideal.

• This gives guests plenty of time to RSVP and make travel arrangements.

Bonus: If you’re using RSVP cards, set your RSVP deadline for 6-8 weeks before the wedding so you can finalize head counts with your venue.

6–8 Weeks Before: Send Invitations for Intimate or Local Weddings

If you’re having a smaller or hometown celebration, you can mail closer to the 6-week mark. The key is making sure your guests have clear RSVP instructions and enough time to reply.

4–6 Weeks Before: Wedding Day Paper Prep

This is when you’ll finalize all your day-of stationery items:

• Menus

• Programs

• Place cards & seating charts

• Welcome signs

• Favor tags

Having your designer handle these ensures your paper goods are cohesive and polished.

After the Wedding: Thank You Cards

• Mail thank you cards within 2–3 months after your wedding.

• Order them at the same time as your invitations for a seamless design that complements your suite.

Tip: Keep a spreadsheet of who gifted what — it makes personalizing your notes so much easier!

Your stationery sets the tone for your entire celebration — it’s the first tangible piece of your love story your guests will hold in their hands. By planning ahead, you’ll enjoy a smooth, joyful process from Save the Date to Thank You Card.

If you’re ready to start designing your custom suite, I’d love to help you create paper that feels uniquely yours.