Get Your Wedding Invitations Ready In No Time

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the big day, offering guests a first glimpse of the style and theme, as well as providing essential information. The entire process, from design to delivery, can take as little as two weeks, but it's recommended to allow more time for peace of mind. The general rule of thumb is to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, allowing guests to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. However, for a destination wedding, it's advisable to give guests more notice, sending invitations six months in advance.

Timing: Send invites 6-8 weeks before, and save-the-dates 6-8 months before

The timing of your wedding invitations is crucial. It's important to give your guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements, but you also don't want to send them out too early and risk having them forgotten or misplaced. Here are some tips to help you time your wedding invitations perfectly:

Save-the-Dates:

It is recommended to send out your save-the-dates 6-8 months before your wedding, especially if you're having a destination wedding. This will allow your guests to make any necessary travel plans and accommodations. Sending save-the-dates also gives your guests a heads-up to mark their calendars and will increase the likelihood of them being able to attend. If you have your details finalized, you can even send them out up to a year in advance.

Invitations:

The general rule of thumb is to send out your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the big day. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary arrangements without being too far in advance. However, if you're mailing your invitations during the summer months, it's a good idea to add an extra two weeks, so 8-10 weeks in total. This is because some of your guests may be vacationing, and you want to ensure your invitation doesn't arrive when they're away.

Assembly and Ordering:

The process of assembling your invitations can take 2-4 weeks, so make sure to give yourself enough time. If you're using a calligrapher, you'll need to add an extra week or two, and most calligraphers will charge a rush fee for less than two weeks' notice. It's also important to consider the turnaround time for printing your invitations, which can vary depending on the printer and the complexity of your design. Some custom invitations can take up to 4-6 weeks to be printed and delivered. Therefore, it's recommended to start the process of ordering your invitations 4-6 months before your wedding date.

RSVP Deadline:

When it comes to setting an RSVP deadline, you'll want to give yourself enough time to finalize your headcount and create your seating plan. Generally, it's recommended to set the RSVP deadline for 3-4 weeks before the wedding. This will allow you to provide the final headcount to your venue and caterer and make any necessary adjustments.

Design: Customisable templates are available to suit your style

Designing your wedding invitations can be a fun and creative process, and it's a great opportunity to add a personal touch to your special day. Whether you're looking for a rustic, classic, elegant, or whimsical theme, there are customisable templates available to suit your style. Here are some tips and options to consider:

Finding the Right Template

Start by browsing the extensive collections of online template libraries, such as those offered by VistaPrint, Canva, or Basic Invite. These websites offer hundreds of editable designs suitable for any wedding theme. You can filter your search by colour, layout, or style to find the perfect match for your vision. From ultra-modern to vintage, chic to rustic, there is a template to suit every taste.

Customisation Options

Once you've selected a template, it's time to make it your own. Customisation options are endless, allowing you to create invitations that truly reflect your personality and style. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Colours: Choose from a wide range of colour options to match your wedding colour palette. Basic Invite, for example, offers over 150 different colour choices.
• Fonts: Experiment with different fonts to find the one that best suits your theme. Whether you're looking for something classic, modern, whimsical, or elegant, the right font can elevate your design.
• Text: Include all the essential information, such as a request for attendance, the names of the couple, the date, time, and location. You can also add additional details such as the wedding website address and gift list information.
• Photos: Consider adding a personal touch by including a photo of you and your partner on the invitation. This is a wonderful way to make your invitations unique and memorable.
• Illustrations: Explore the use of illustrations or graphics to enhance your design. Many websites offer millions of high-quality graphics and illustrations, with some priced as low as $1.
• Paper Type: Select a paper type that complements your design. Whether you prefer premium paper, fancy paper, or recycled brown paper for a rustic look, there are options to suit every style.
• Envelopes: Don't forget to choose envelopes that match your invitations. Some templates even offer custom envelope designs, allowing you to print addresses directly on high-quality paper stock.

DIY or Professional Printing

After customising your template, you have the option to print your invitations yourself or use a professional printing service. Canva, for example, allows you to print your invitations directly through their website, offering various paper and finish options. They can deliver your invitations and envelopes within days. Alternatively, you can opt for a service like Staples, which offers professionally designed invitations with customisable templates.

Timing

Remember to consider the timing when creating your wedding invitations. It is generally recommended to send out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding, so make sure to allow enough time for customisation, printing, and addressing envelopes. For destination weddings or guests who need to make travel arrangements, it's advisable to send invitations eight to twelve weeks in advance.

Assembly: Allow 2-4 weeks for assembly, including addressing envelopes

Wedding invitation assembly is a process that requires attention to detail and a good amount of time. It is recommended to allow 2-4 weeks for this task, which includes addressing envelopes and putting everything together. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the assembly process:

Step 1: Proofreading and Guest Name Spelling

Before you begin assembling, it is crucial to proofread your wedding invitations. Check for any spelling errors, incorrect dates, times, or venue information. Verify that the names of the couple's parents are correct if they are included. It is also important to confirm the spelling of your guests' names on the envelopes. Double-checking these details ensures that your invitations are error-free and respectful to your guests.

Step 2: Preparing the Envelopes

If you are using a calligrapher for addressing the envelopes, ensure you allow sufficient time for their work, usually about 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, you can print the names and addresses directly on the envelopes for a more efficient and polished look. If you opt for inner envelopes, remember that they are traditionally left unsealed. The inner envelope is then placed inside the outer envelope, ensuring the guests' names are visible when the outer envelope is opened.

Step 3: Assembling the Invitation Suite

The assembly of the invitation suite typically follows a specific order. Start with the main invitation card, which is usually the largest card, and place it face up. If you have a reception card, place it face up on top of the invitation. Then, add any other enclosure cards, such as direction or accommodation cards, also face up. If you have an RSVP card and envelope, place the envelope printed side down, with the flap on the left, and insert the reply card under the flap, face up.

Step 4: Adding Finishing Touches

Now, you can add any finishing touches, such as a belly band, ribbon, or vellum wrap, to complete the suite. If you are using a wax seal, this is the step to apply it after sealing the envelope. Don't forget to include return address labels or stamps on the envelopes as well.

Step 5: Inserting into Envelopes and Sealing

Insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the envelope, ensuring the text is facing the envelope flap so that guests can immediately see it when opened. Use a bottled envelope moistener to wet the gummed edge, being careful not to use too much liquid. Place a heavy book on top of the sealed envelopes to ensure they are securely closed.

Step 6: Weighing and Mailing

Before mailing, bring a fully assembled invitation set to the post office to have it weighed. This will help you determine the exact postage required. It is recommended to hand-cancel the invitations at the post office instead of dropping them in a mailbox to reduce the risk of damage during mailing.

Printing: Printing and shipping can take 2 weeks, but allow extra time for custom designs

The printing and shipping of wedding invitations can take as little as two weeks, but it's important to allow extra time if you're planning to include custom designs. The entire process, including design, printing, and shipping, can be completed in as little as two weeks. However, custom designs and revisions can extend the timeline.

The design process is a key factor in the overall timeline. Custom designs, especially those with intricate details and specific requirements, can take longer to finalise. It's recommended to be as specific as possible in your design instructions to streamline the process and reduce the turnaround time. Having engagement pictures ready at the start of the order can also speed things up.

The level of customisation and the number of revisions can impact the design time. If you have a complex design in mind, it's advisable to start the process sooner rather than later. Custom designs can take anywhere from two to five weeks just to finalise, and then additional time is needed for printing and shipping.

Printing turnaround times vary, typically ranging from two to seven business days. The printing method and shipping location can also affect the timeline. For example, foil printing usually requires an extra week for production, and shipping from Utah to other states can take up to six days.

To expedite the process, some companies offer rush order options, which include priority assignment and faster designer responses. Rush orders typically have a three-day printing turnaround and can be a great option if you need your invitations quickly.

In summary, while printing and shipping can be completed within two weeks, it's important to allocate extra time for custom designs, revisions, and unexpected delays. Starting the process early and providing detailed design instructions will help ensure that your wedding invitations are ready on time for your big day.

RSVPs: Set the deadline 2-3 weeks before the wedding, and include postage on envelopes

When it comes to wedding invitations, there's a lot to consider, from postage and formatting to timing and aesthetics. But one crucial aspect is setting an RSVP deadline, which ensures you have the necessary information to finalise the details of your big day. Here are four to six paragraphs focused on this topic:

When setting your RSVP deadline, work backward from your wedding date. Typically, couples choose a deadline of two to three weeks before the wedding. This timeframe allows you to organise yourself and take care of last-minute arrangements once you receive the RSVPs. It's essential to give yourself this buffer period to avoid last-minute stress.

If there are any significant holidays or family events in the three weeks leading up to your wedding, it's a good idea to add an extra week to your deadline, making it four weeks before the big day. This additional time ensures that you're not caught up in other celebrations and can focus on finalising your guest list and other details.

Another factor to consider is whether you're using a calligrapher to create place cards, escort cards, or a seating chart. If so, you'll need to provide them with the names of your confirmed guests, and two to three weeks is the standard timeframe for avoiding rush charges. Even with rush charges, they will still need a minimum of one to two weeks. Therefore, booking a calligrapher at least two to three months before your wedding is highly recommended.

To ensure a smooth process, remember to include postage on the RSVP envelopes. This small detail can make a big difference in encouraging your guests to respond promptly. Additionally, marking the back of each RSVP card lightly with a number that corresponds to your guest list is a clever way to prepare for any guest who might forget to write their name.

Setting your RSVP deadline requires careful planning and consideration of the various factors involved. By following these guidelines, you can ensure you have ample time to prepare for your wedding and create a seamless experience for both you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions