Printing Wedding Invites: How Long Does It Take?

Wedding invitations can take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks to print, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of revisions required. The entire process, including design, printing, and shipping, can be completed in as little as two weeks with rush order options, or it can take up to 4-6 weeks for more custom invitations. It is recommended that couples begin the process of designing and ordering their wedding invitations 4-6 months in advance to allow for unexpected delays and to ensure they receive their invitations in time for their wedding.

Design time can vary depending on the number of revisions and customisation

The design time for wedding invitations can vary depending on the number of revisions and customisation. The entire process, including design, printing and shipping, can be as quick as two weeks, but it is recommended to start planning at least four to six months in advance. The design process can take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks, depending on the responsiveness and clarity of communication between the client and the designer.

To streamline the design process, clients should provide clear and detailed instructions, including specific colours, wedding venue illustrations, and any other customisation requests. Having engagement photos ready to send at the start of the order can also speed up the process. It is also important to finalise the guest list before sending the invitations for printing, as any changes or additions can cause delays.

Custom wedding invitations are typically more time-consuming and expensive, as they involve creating a bespoke design based on the client's desires. This process can take anywhere from two to five weeks just to finalise the design, followed by additional time for printing and shipping. Ready-to-go invitations, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly and quicker, as the designs are already set, and only minor customisations are made.

The complexity of the design and any additional features, such as letterpress, foil, ribbon, or calligraphy, can also impact the overall timeline. It is important to allow sufficient time for the designer to work through the design and make any necessary revisions. Communicating any time constraints to the designer is crucial to ensure that the invitations can be rushed if needed.

Printing and shipping can take 5-7 business days

The printing and shipping of wedding invitations can take anywhere from 5 to 7 business days. This is an important step in the process of creating and sending out your wedding invitations, and it's crucial to plan and allow enough time for this stage to ensure a smooth and timely delivery to your guests.

After the design of your wedding invitations has been finalised, the printing process begins. This typically takes around a week, but it can vary depending on the complexity of your design and any additional features you may have chosen, such as foiling or die-cutting. If you've selected upgrades like pockets, ribbon, or vellum, which require assembly, you can expect the printing process to take a little longer, up to two weeks.

Once the invitations are printed, they will be shipped to you or your chosen location. Standard shipping time within the United States can take up to 6 days, depending on your location. If you require faster delivery, express shipping options are usually available, such as 2nd Day Air, which ensures your invitations arrive within 2 days after printing.

It's worth noting that the printing and shipping time can be reduced with rush order options, which some companies offer. This service prioritises your order, providing faster responses and quicker turnaround times, ensuring you receive your invitations as soon as possible.

To ensure a timely delivery, it's recommended to start planning your wedding invitations early. The entire process, from design to shipping, can take 2 weeks or more, depending on your chosen printing method and customisation options. Therefore, it's advisable to allow ample time for each step, including design finalisation, printing, and shipping, to avoid any last-minute delays.

Rush orders are available for those in a hurry

Wedding invitations can take anywhere from a couple of days to several months to print, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of revisions required. If you're in a hurry, many printing companies offer rush order services to expedite the process. Here's what you need to know about rush orders for wedding invitations:

Rush Order Options:

• Priority Assignment: Rush orders are given priority by the printing company, meaning your order will jump to the top of the queue for a designer. This ensures faster responses and quicker turnaround times.
• Faster Design Process: With a rush order, you can expect to receive a proof of your design within 18-24 hours. The design process can be expedited by providing clear and specific instructions to the designer, as well as any engagement pictures you want to be included.
• Reduced Printing Time: Rush printing options are available, with some companies offering 2-3 business days printing turnaround. This is a significant reduction from the standard printing time of 5-7 business days.
• Expedited Shipping: If you live outside of the local delivery area, you may need to opt for expedited shipping options to ensure your invitations arrive on time. For example, 2nd Day Air shipping for $40 can guarantee faster delivery.

Planning Your Timeline:

It's important to plan your wedding invitation timeline in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Here are some key considerations:

• Start Early: It's recommended to begin the process 6-8 months before your wedding, especially if you're considering custom-designed invitations. This allows enough time for design, revisions, printing, and shipping.
• Consider Customization: Custom-designed invitations can take longer to create, especially if you opt for hand-painted designs or intricate details. Ready-to-go designs with minor customizations are a more time-efficient option.
• Factor in Shipping: In addition to printing time, account for shipping time when planning your timeline. Standard ground shipping can take up to 6 days, depending on your location.
• Proofreading: Allow time for proofreading and making any necessary changes. This step is crucial to ensure accuracy and may require several rounds of revisions.
• Assembly: If you're assembling the invitations yourself, give yourself 2-4 weeks for this process. If you're using a calligrapher, they may require 4 weeks and often charge a rush fee for faster service.
• Mailing: Etiquette dictates that invitations should be mailed 6-8 weeks before the wedding. However, this timeline may vary depending on the time of year and the destination of the wedding.

When it comes to rush orders for wedding invitations, planning is key. By providing clear instructions, responding promptly, and opting for expedited services, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to print your wedding invitations.

The entire process can be as quick as two weeks

The entire process of printing wedding invitations can be as quick as two weeks. This includes the design, printing, and shipping processes. However, the timeline may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the design, the number of revisions, and the level of customisation.

To ensure a smooth and quick design process, it is essential to provide clear and specific instructions to the designer. Having engagement pictures ready at the start of the order can also expedite the process. If you are in a hurry, some companies offer rush order options, which include priority assignment, faster response times, and quicker printing.

The printing turnaround time is usually counted from the day after final approval and payment are received. It typically takes around 5-7 business days for printing and shipping. Standard ground shipping is often included for free, but the delivery time may vary depending on your location. If you require foil printing or live outside the state, additional time or shipping upgrades may be necessary.

Overall, while the entire process can be completed in as little as two weeks, it is important to consider potential variables that may impact the timeline. Clear communication, prompt responses, and proactive planning can help ensure a swift turnaround for your wedding invitations.

It's recommended to begin the process 4-6 months before the wedding

Planning a wedding can be a stressful time, and it's easy to let your wedding stationery take a back seat. However, it's recommended to begin the process 4-6 months before the wedding to avoid last-minute stress and ensure your invitations are sent out in a timely manner. Here's why:

Design and Customization

Custom-designed invitations can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 5 weeks just to finalize the design, and that's before printing and shipping. If you have a complicated or intricate design in mind, starting the process early will give you the time to create a unique and luxurious invitation. It's also important to be specific and detailed in your design instructions to ensure a smooth and quick design process. The more inspiration and information you can provide to your designer about your relationship, wedding theme, and colour scheme, the easier it will be to create a design concept that you'll love.

Turnaround Time

The turnaround time for printing and shipping wedding invitations can vary greatly depending on the printer and level of customization. Some printers can turn around orders in a matter of days, while others can take up to 4-6 weeks. Rush orders are usually available if you need your invitations in a hurry, but this option may not be suitable for everyone due to increased costs.

Assembly

If you're assembling your invitations yourself, give yourself plenty of time to avoid last-minute stress. Allow for 2-4 weeks to assemble your invitations, especially if you're using a calligrapher, as most will charge a rush fee for work completed in less than 2 weeks.

Mailing

It's recommended to mail your wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the big day. This gives your guests enough time to clear their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements. If you're having a destination wedding or mailing your invitations during the summer months, it's a good idea to add an extra 2 weeks, so your invitations are mailed 8-10 weeks in advance. This will allow your guests to make travel plans and accommodate any vacation plans they may have.

RSVP Deadline

Your RSVP deadline should be at least 2-3 weeks before your wedding date to allow enough time to finalize the headcount and create a seating chart. Some couples prefer to request RSVPs 3-6 weeks in advance to allow for some wiggle room.

Save-the-Dates

If you're sending save-the-dates, these should be mailed 4-6 months before the wedding, or even earlier if you're planning a destination wedding. This will give your guests a timely heads-up and make it easier for them to plan their attendance.

By starting the process 4-6 months in advance, you'll have the time to create and send beautiful, customized wedding invitations without feeling rushed. It will also ensure that your guests have all the information they need to plan and attend your special day.

Frequently asked questions