It can be rather confusing, all the timelines and deadlines you have to keep up with for the wedding. Not to mention you have no idea when to send out all the important stuff (like your wedding invitations).
Here is a cheat sheet for you to help make your life just a little easier!
When To Order and Mail
- Save-the-dates: 6 months out (sooner is ok too)
- Website: up and ready, with hotel and venue info, by the time save-the-dates go out
- Invitations: begin the design/ordering process 4 months out
[Tip: Make sure registry info is on the website at this time (do NOT send registry info with printed invitations!)]
- Invitations go in the mail 6-8 weeks out
- Response date is 4 weeks or one month out
- Rehearsal dinner invitations: should go in the mail around the same time as the wedding invitations (especially for out-of-towners who may need to make travel plans), but no later than 4 weeks out
- Thank you cards: order in time for your first shower
[Tip: Use your maiden name on any thank you cards sent prior to the wedding]
Wedding Day Paper Goods
What does this mean? Any paper goods used on the actual wedding day. This includes programs, escort cards, place cards, table numbers, menu cards, signs, etc.
You can start the design process after the invitations are complete. Ideally, everything should be printed 2-4 weeks out (escort cards probably have to be done the week of the wedding)
So there you have it: your wedding stationery timeline! You’re welcome!
Photo courtesy of Carrie Joy Photography
