Planning your wedding stationery timeline can feel like a big task, but it’s essential to ensure everything arrives beautifully and on time. Creating custom stationery, from save-the-dates to wedding invitations and day-of details, requires time, careful attention, and collaboration between you and your designer. Here’s a guide to help you plan out the process, so each piece is ready to set the tone for your special day.
6–12 Months Before the Wedding: Save the Dates
- Start Date: 10–12 months before for destination weddings, 6–8 months before for local weddings
- Mail Date: 6–12 months before the wedding date
The first milestone in your stationery timeline is the Save the Date. This early announcement lets your guests mark their calendars, which is especially helpful for destination weddings where travel arrangements are needed. The design process for Save the Dates usually starts about 10 to 12 months before a destination wedding and 6 to 8 months before a local wedding.
Custom elements such as hand-drawn illustrations, monograms, or watercolor designs can take time to craft, so beginning early ensures every detail is perfected. Once approved, your Save the Dates should go to print and be mailed out 6 to 12 months before your wedding day.
4–6 Months Before the Wedding: Invitations
- Start Date: 6–8 months before
- Mail Date: 10–12 weeks before the wedding for local events, 3–4 months for destination weddings
Your wedding invitations are the centerpiece of your stationery and set the tone for your event. We recommend starting this process about 6 to 8 months before your wedding. This allows enough time for design, printing, and assembly without feeling rushed.
The invitation suite often includes several pieces, such as the invitation card, RSVP card, details card, and optional embellishments like envelope liners or wax seals. The design and production process typically takes 3 to 4 months, from initial concepts to final touches. For local weddings, we advise mailing invitations 10 to 12 weeks in advance; for destination weddings, 3 to 4 months is ideal.
2–3 Months Before the Wedding: Day-of Stationery
- Start Date: 3–4 months before
- Ready Date: 1 month before the wedding
Your day-of stationery includes items like programs, menus, escort cards, place cards, and signage. These pieces tie your wedding theme together and create a cohesive look throughout your celebration.
To ensure everything is ready for your big day, we start on day-of stationery around 3 to 4 months in advance. This timeline allows for custom design work, special materials, and printing methods such as letterpress or foil stamping. By the time your wedding day arrives, everything will be polished and ready to create a memorable experience for you and your guests.
Working with a Custom Stationery Designer: Why the Timeline Matters
Creating custom wedding stationery is an art and a process that takes time and collaboration. The key to a stress-free experience is to start early, giving you and your designer the time to refine each piece. By following this timeline, you’ll have everything you need to wow your guests and create a cohesive, memorable experience from the moment they open their mailbox.
If you’re ready to start planning your custom wedding stationery, reach out early! A well-organized timeline ensures that every detail aligns with your vision and helps bring your dream wedding to life.
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