Crafting Wedding Invitations: How Long Does It Take?

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the planning process, and the timing of sending them out is essential. The general consensus is that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, although some sources suggest eight to ten weeks, especially if the wedding is in the summer months or if it is a destination wedding. This gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. It is also enough time to allow couples to get a final headcount, invite guests on their B list, and complete their seating charts.

Design and production: Custom, digitally-printed invitations can take 6-8 weeks. More elaborate designs can take longer

The design and production of wedding invitations can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks for custom, digitally-printed invitations. This timeline ensures that you have enough time to create a unique design that reflects your style and personality as a couple. It also allows for any necessary revisions and proofreading to ensure that all information is accurate and correctly formatted.

During the design process, it is important to consider the complexity of your invitation design. More elaborate designs, such as those with letterpress, foil, ribbon wraps, liners, or calligraphy, can take longer than the standard 6-8 weeks. These additional elements require more time in the invitation printing process, so it is crucial to factor this into your timeline.

To stay organized and ensure timely delivery, create a detailed plan for your wedding invitation design and production. This includes finalizing the guest list, deciding on the invitation wording, and choosing any additional design elements you may want. It is also essential to proofread your invitations multiple times to avoid any mistakes.

Additionally, keep in mind that the timing for creating wedding invitations can vary depending on the time of year and the availability of your chosen designer or printer. It is always better to start the process sooner rather than later to avoid any last-minute rush or delays.

By allowing ample time for design and production, you can create beautiful and personalized wedding invitations that will impress your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Timing: Invites should be sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding

The timing of sending out wedding invitations is crucial. Send them too early, and your wedding might slip your guests' minds as the day draws closer. Send them too late, and you risk guests being unable to take time off work, book accommodations, or make travel arrangements.

So, when is the right time? Etiquette experts agree that wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeframe gives guests ample time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. It also means you can request RSVPs sooner, allowing you to get a final headcount, invite guests on your B-list if needed, and complete your seating chart before the week of the wedding.

If your wedding falls around a major holiday, such as Christmas, it is advisable to send invitations a little earlier, as people may need more time to plan. For destination weddings or weddings where most guests are travelling from out of town, it is customary to send invitations eight weeks in advance, and it is recommended to add an extra two weeks, making it 10 weeks in total. This gives guests a little cushion to plan their vacation time and make travel arrangements.

If you are sending out Save-the-Dates, these should go out six to eight months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. This gives your guests a timely heads-up, making it easier for them to plan their attendance and boosting the number of positive RSVPs you receive.

Once you have sent out your invitations, give it a few weeks, and then start following up with guests who haven't responded. This will help you get a more accurate headcount and plan accordingly.

Save-the-dates: These are sent 6-8 months before the wedding

Save-the-dates are an essential part of wedding planning, giving your guests a heads-up and ensuring they are free to attend. They are typically sent out 6-8 months before the wedding, with some sources suggesting a timeline of 8-12 months. Sending them early is especially important if your wedding is at a far-flung location or during a holiday weekend. This gives your guests ample time to book travel and accommodation, save money, and request time off work.

Save-the-dates are also a great opportunity to include a link to your wedding website, where guests can access your registry and check for real-time wedding updates. It's a good idea to have your wedding website up and running before sending out your save-the-dates, along with your hotel blocks and wedding registry.

When it comes to the design of your save-the-dates, they don't have to match your official wedding invitations. Save-the-dates are typically smaller in size and much briefer, including only the date and location of your wedding. They can be a fun and creative way to get your guests excited about your upcoming nuptials.

While save-the-dates are not required, they are highly recommended. Without them, you risk guests making other plans or even committing to another wedding. Sending them out 6-8 months in advance ensures your guests have enough time to make the necessary arrangements and clears their calendars for your special day.

Assembly: Allow 2-4 weeks to assemble your invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, timing is everything. The assembly process is a crucial step that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you assemble your wedding invitations smoothly within 2-4 weeks:

Finalize the Guest List and Addresses:

Start by finalizing your guest list and ensuring that you have the correct and updated addresses for each invitee. Type out the addresses in a spreadsheet with each piece of information in separate columns, including names, street addresses, cities, and postal codes. This ensures consistency and makes it easier for your calligrapher or designer.

Work with a Calligrapher:

If you plan to use a calligrapher for addressing the envelopes, allocate 4 weeks for this step. Most calligraphers charge a rush fee for completing the task in less than 2 weeks. Once you receive the envelopes back, you can proceed to the next step.

Assemble the Invitations:

If your invitations come already assembled, fantastic! If not, this is where you get to work. Double-check the spelling of names and ensure that each invitation is stuffed into the correct envelope. If you're using inner and outer envelopes, don't seal the inner ones. Place the invitation inside with the fold going in, and the front facing out. Any inserts should go underneath the invitation.

Seal the Envelopes:

Use a glue stick to seal the outer envelopes. Avoid using water or licking the envelopes, as it can damage your invitations.

Proofread and Double-Check:

Before sealing all the envelopes, take the time to proofread and double-check everything. Check the spelling of names, dates, and other important details. Ensure that each invitation is correctly matched with its envelope, especially if you're using inner and outer envelopes.

Mail Your Invitations:

Take your assembled invitations to the post office to get them weighed and priced. Purchase the appropriate amount of postage, choosing stamps that complement the design of your invitations. Consider hand-canceling your invitations to avoid mechanical processing, which can damage your envelopes and calligraphy.

Timing Tips:

The assembly process for wedding invitations typically takes 2-4 weeks. However, if you're using a calligrapher, allow for 4 weeks to account for their work and potential rush fees. If you're assembling the invitations yourself, it's a great opportunity to bond with your bridal party, but remember to save the celebrations for after the task is completed!

Mailing: Take your invitations to the post office 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Mailing your wedding invitations can be a tricky process, so it's important to give yourself ample time to navigate any potential issues. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for taking your invitations to the post office 6-8 weeks before your wedding:

Timing:

Plan to mail your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before your wedding. This timeline is considered the standard for formal wedding invitation etiquette. However, you may need to adjust the timing depending on the time of year. If you're mailing your invitations during the summer months, it's recommended to add two weeks, so mail them 8-10 weeks in advance. This allows for any guests who might be on vacation when your invitation arrives. For destination weddings, send invitations six months in advance to allow guests enough time to make travel plans. If you sent out Save the Dates, you have more flexibility, and you can mail your invitations closer to the 6-week mark.

Postage:

Before heading to the post office, ensure you have the correct postage for your invitations. Most wedding invitations are heavier than average letters due to thicker cardstock, embellishments, or multiple inserts. Take one fully assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed by a postal clerk. They can tell you the exact postage required, which is often more than a basic Forever stamp. The post office may have love/wedding-themed stamps available, or you can order custom stamps online. Remember to buy stamps for your RSVP envelopes as well; it's considered poor form to require guests to pay for return postage.

Hand-Cancelling:

Request hand-cancelling for your invitations at the post office. Hand-cancelling means that the stamp is manually cancelled with a hand stamp instead of being run through a sorting machine. This process helps protect your invitations from tears and ink smudges, especially if they are thick or have embellishments like wax seals. There is often a small additional fee per envelope for hand-cancelling, and it may take more time for this service to be carried out, so be prepared for a longer wait.

Mailing Process:

When you're ready to mail your invitations, bring them to the post office and hand them to a staff member. Do not put them in a mailbox. It's worth making the extra effort to ensure your invitations are securely handled. You may need to make two trips: one to get the postage priced out and the second to have your invitations hand-cancelled. Choose stamps that match your invitation's aesthetic. You can order custom stamps online or from the United States Postal Service website, but keep in mind that ordering stamps may take a few weeks for delivery.

Troubleshooting:

Be prepared for potential issues and objections from the post office. Give yourself ample time to address any problems without rushing. If you encounter resistance regarding hand-cancelling or are quoted high package mailing fees, try visiting a different branch or returning at a different time. Some post offices may require you to hand-cancel the invitations yourself. Always be friendly and gracious to the postal staff, as they are dealing with budget cuts and a heavy workload.

Frequently asked questions