Timing is one of the most important parts of wedding planning — and your stationery timeline matters more than most couples realize. Sending invitations too late makes it harder for guests to attend, especially those traveling from out of town. Here's a practical timeline that covers everything from save-the-dates through RSVPs.
When should you send save-the-date cards?
Send save-the-dates 6 to 12 months before the wedding. For destination weddings, aim for the 12-month mark.
A save-the-date is less formal than the invitation itself. The only essential information is the date and the couple's names. Its purpose is straightforward: give your guests enough notice to block the date on their calendar and begin making travel arrangements if needed. A formal invitation with full details follows later.
When should the actual wedding invitations go out?
Mail wedding invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. This is the standard recommended by Emily Post and Crane's Blue Book of Stationery.
Six to eight weeks gives your guests enough time to make plans and respond. If you're cutting it closer than six weeks, consider including a wedding website URL or email address where guests can RSVP digitally — it's faster and increasingly expected. That said, guests from an older generation often appreciate and expect a physical response card, so consider your guest list when deciding.
How far in advance should you start designing and ordering invitations?
Start the design process 10 to 16 weeks before the wedding — that's 4 to 6 weeks of design and production time, plus 6 to 8 weeks for mailing.
Wedding stationery timeline
- 12 months out — Send save-the-dates (destination weddings)
- 6–8 months out — Send save-the-dates (local weddings)
- 16 weeks out — Finalize guest list, begin invitation design
- 12 weeks out — Approve final proof, begin printing
- 10 weeks out — Invitations delivered; send to calligrapher if using one (allow 2 weeks)
- 8 weeks out — Mail invitations
- 3 weeks out — RSVP deadline
- 2 weeks out — Follow up with non-responders, finalize guest count
The 4-to-6-week production window covers compiling your guest list, creative design time, proofing rounds, and then printing and delivery. If you're using a calligrapher to address the envelopes, add another two weeks. Rush orders can sometimes be accommodated, but planning ahead avoids unnecessary stress and gives you time to get every detail right.
When should the RSVP deadline be?
Set the RSVP deadline 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding.
This gives you time to compile the final count and communicate it to your venue, caterer, and other vendors. Expect to follow up with a handful of guests who miss the deadline — it happens at every wedding.
What if you're running behind on the timeline?
Don't panic. Adjustments can be made at every stage.
If you're past the ideal start date, a few things can help: choose a simpler design that requires fewer proofing rounds, skip the calligrapher and address envelopes yourself (or use our digital addressing service), and include a digital RSVP option to speed up responses. We can also discuss rush production options — talk to us early so we can plan accordingly.
Ready to start your invitation timeline?
The earlier you start, the more options you'll have. Tell us your wedding date and we'll help you plan backward from there.
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