Junior Rasmussen
Wedding stationery is an important part of the wedding journey, from engagement party invites to thank-you cards. It is recommended to send out 'save the dates' 6-12 months before the wedding, and 8 months in advance for destination weddings. Wedding invitations are typically sent out 2-3 months before the wedding, and should be ordered 3-4 months in advance to allow time for addressing and assembly. The type of printing can also impact timing, with letterpress printing taking up to 12 business days, and rush printing taking 6 business days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to send out 'Save the Dates' | 6-12 months before the wedding, 8 months in advance for destination weddings |
| Time to order invitations | 3-4 months before the wedding |
| Time to send out invitations | 2-3 months before the wedding |
| Time for the calligrapher to address invitations | 3-4 months before the mailing date |
| Time for assembly of each invitation suite | 3-4 months before the mailing date |
| Time for specialty printing (letterpress, gold foil, etc.) | 12 business days, 6 business days for rush printing |
| Time to send out thank-you cards | Within 4-6 weeks of the wedding |
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Save the dates
Save-the-date cards are a great way to announce your wedding date and location and ask your loved ones to reserve the date for your special day. They are usually sent out 6 to 8 months before the wedding, or even a year in advance if you're planning a destination wedding. Sending them early is especially important if your wedding is during the summer months, as your guests may have other weddings or events to attend.
When creating your save-the-date cards, you can choose from a variety of timeless designs, including florals, rustic motifs, and destination themes, or opt for modern designs that make a bold statement. You can also select luxurious papers and add fun elements like silver embossing. Customise the cards with your wedding date, names, a QR code, and even a photo of you and your partner.
Ordering a sample kit is a good idea to get a feel for the quality and design before placing your final order. This way, you can ensure that your save-the-date cards align with your wedding theme and aesthetic. It's also important to create a checklist of all the stationery you'll need for your wedding, including engagement party invitations, thank-you cards, and, of course, the wedding invitations themselves, which should be sent out after the save-the-date cards.
Remember, your save-the-date cards and wedding invitations should reflect your personalities as a couple, so have fun with the process and make them unique to you! Finally, don't forget to send thank-you cards within four to six weeks after your wedding to show your appreciation to your guests.
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Invitations
Wedding invitations are a key part of your wedding stationery and are often the first glimpse your guests will get of your wedding aesthetic. It's important to send out printed invitations, even if you are also sending electronic 'save the dates'.
It's recommended that you send out your invitations 2-3 months before the wedding. You should order them at least 3-4 months before you intend to mail them out, to allow time for any calligraphy, assembly, and specialty printing. If you are doing any specialty printing, such as letterpress or gold foil, this can take up to 12 business days, while regular letterpress printing takes around 12 days and super-rushed flat printing can be done in a day. If you are sending out 'save the dates', these should be sent 6-12 months in advance, or 8 months in advance for destination weddings.
Before you order your invitations, it's a good idea to put together a list of all the stationery you'll need for your wedding, from engagement party invites to thank-you cards. This will help you stay organised and on budget. You can also consult a stationery expert to help you with this process.
When you are ready to order your invitations, be sure to check with your stationer about their timeline for each step of the process, as this can vary. You should also have all of your wording ready and be clear about your design preferences.
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Thank you cards
Thank-you cards are an important part of the wedding experience for both the happy couple and their guests. While there is no definitive timeframe for sending out thank-you cards, it is considered rude to skip them altogether. Wedding etiquette expert Anna Post recommends sending thank-you cards no later than three months from the wedding date, but preferably sooner.
Some couples choose to send thank-you cards before the wedding, in which case they can express their excitement about celebrating with their guests. If thank-you cards are sent after the wedding, it is considerate to mention how much you enjoyed celebrating with your guests. It is also a good idea to send thank-you cards to everyone who attended the wedding, not just those who gave gifts.
To save time, it is advisable to write and send thank-you cards as gifts arrive, rather than waiting until after the wedding when the task may become overwhelming. Couples can also take advantage of websites like Minted, which allow them to store guest addresses and include them on envelopes easily. Ordering thank-you cards in advance can also help streamline the process.
The time it takes to complete thank-you cards can vary depending on the number of guests and the level of personalisation involved. Some couples opt for photo cards, which can take longer to produce but are often appreciated by guests. On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete thank-you cards, with some couples spending 1-2 hours a day writing 10-15 cards.
While it is best to send thank-you cards promptly, it is never too late to express gratitude. Guests will likely appreciate a belated thank-you note, even if it arrives months after the wedding.
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Budgeting
Determine Your Total Wedding Budget
Before allocating funds for wedding stationery, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your overall wedding budget. This will help you allocate funds appropriately and ensure that your stationery expenses align with your overall spending plan.
Allocate a Percentage for Stationery
It is recommended to allocate 4% to 8% of your total wedding budget for invitations and stationery items. This includes not only the invitations themselves but also "save-the-dates", postage, and other day-of pieces like menus, programs, escort cards, and thank-you notes.
Consider the Number of Guests
The number of guests you invite will directly impact the cost of your wedding stationery. Generally, the more items you order, the lower the cost per item. Therefore, consider the size of your guest list when budgeting and remember that bulk purchases may be more cost-efficient.
Prioritize Your Stationery Needs
Not all wedding stationery items are created equal. Couples often prioritize invitations, allocating a more significant portion of their stationery budget to them, while keeping "save-the-dates" and other pieces simpler and more cost-effective. Consider which items are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.
Shop Around and Communicate with Stationers
Prices can vary widely among stationers, so it's worth shopping around and communicating your budget constraints to them. They can advise you on where costs add up and suggest ways to customize your order to match your budget. Be sure to inquire about any hidden costs, such as assembly, custom artwork, letterpress printing, postage, or additional weight charges.
Payment Methods and Rewards
Consider using credit cards that offer rewards or cash-back bonuses for wedding-related purchases. This can help you accumulate points to pay for a portion of your honeymoon or other expenses. Just remember to pay off the credit card balance to avoid accruing interest and staying within your budget.
By following these tips and staying organized, you can effectively budget for your wedding stationery, ensuring that it reflects the quality and elegance of your special day without breaking the bank.
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Working with a designer
Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming task. Working with a designer can help create the perfect wedding stationery for your big day. Here are some tips and insights on what to expect when collaborating with a designer for your wedding stationery:
Initial Steps:
Start by researching and reaching out to stationers and/or calligraphers whose work resonates with your style and vision. It is essential to initiate contact early, as designers and calligraphers are often booked far in advance. When contacting designers, be prepared to discuss your needs, including any specific wording, design preferences, and the estimated number of "Save the Dates" and invitations required. This initial communication will help the designer understand your expectations and provide a smooth and efficient process.
Timeline Considerations:
The timeline for creating wedding stationery can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the number of revisions, and the level of customization. Typically, Save the Dates are sent out 6-12 months before the wedding, with invitations following 2-3 months before the event. If you have a bridal shower, it's a good idea to order stationery for thank-you notes beforehand. For destination weddings, sending out Save the Dates at least 8 months in advance is recommended.
Design and Customization:
The design process is a collaborative effort between you and the designer. To ensure a smooth and timely process, provide clear and specific instructions about your expectations. This includes details such as wording, colour schemes, and any specific design elements you wish to include. The more precise your instructions are, the faster the designer can create a stationery suite that aligns with your vision.
Calligraphy and Envelope Addressing:
If you desire calligraphy for your envelopes, it's crucial to factor in additional time. Calligraphy can be time-consuming, and most calligraphers request 15-20% extra envelopes to allow for any errors or last-minute guest list additions. Discuss addressing etiquette with your calligrapher, and provide them with your final guest list and RSVP confirmations. They can guide you on wording and templates to ensure a seamless presentation.
Additional Stationery Items:
Approximately 2-3 months before your wedding, discuss the design of other stationery items with your designer. This includes items such as menus, programs, signage, escort cards, and thank-you cards. These items are essential for the big day and should be designed to complement your invitations and overall wedding theme.
Rush Orders:
If time is of the essence, many designers offer rush order options to expedite the process. Rush orders receive priority, with faster response times and quicker turnaround. However, this option may come with additional costs, and it's important to note that the speed also depends on your response and feedback to the designer.
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Frequently asked questions
Save the Dates are typically sent out 6-12 months before your wedding, and for destination weddings, it's best to send them out at least 8 months in advance.
Your wedding invitations should be sent out 2-3 months before your wedding date.
It is best to send out thank you cards within a month of the wedding.
The timeline for wedding stationery varies depending on the complexity of the design and the number of pieces required. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It is recommended to start the process at least 9-12 months before your wedding date to ensure enough time for design, production, and delivery.
