Wedding Invitations: When To Order For Your Big Day

Wedding invitations are typically sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding, so it's a good idea to order them 6-9 months in advance. This allows 4 months for the design and production of the invitations. If you're planning a destination wedding or sending invitations overseas, it's worth ordering them even earlier (around 12 weeks before the wedding). Custom designs may also require a longer lead time, so it's best to start the process as early as possible to avoid rushing and overlooking important details.

Save-the-dates should be sent 8-10 months before the wedding

Save-the-date cards are not required, but they are a fun way to get your guests excited about your wedding and are especially helpful when many of your guests have to make travel arrangements. They should be sent out 8 to 10 months before the wedding, and it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, or longer if you go for a fancy design, to print them. If you're planning a destination wedding or getting married over the holidays, you should send them out even earlier—12 months before the wedding is a good idea.

While your save-the-date cards don't have to match your invitations, ordering everything from one stationer can save you money and make the invitation process easier. So, start scouting stationers 9 to 11 months before the wedding. Aim to order your invitations about four to five months before the wedding so they're ready to mail 8 to 10 weeks before the big day.

If you're ordering a custom design or planning a destination wedding, start the process a month earlier. It's best to take your time with this; you don't want to be rushed when reviewing proofs. The quicker you try to do something, the more likely you are to overlook important details or miss typos.

Invitations should be sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding

It is customary to send out wedding invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This means that you should aim to order your invitations about four to six months in advance. This will give you enough time to address the envelopes, which is an important consideration if you plan to use a calligrapher for this task. It can also take up to six weeks just for the printing, so it's important to plan ahead. If you're ordering a custom design or planning a destination wedding, it's a good idea to start the process a month earlier.

Sending out your invitations 6-8 weeks in advance gives your guests enough time to plan and RSVP. It's important to set the RSVP date for about two to three weeks before the wedding. This will give you time to follow up with any guests who haven't responded and finalise numbers for your venue and caterer.

If you have many international guests or if half your family lives abroad, it's a good idea to send out invitations even earlier, at least 12 weeks in advance. This will give your overseas guests enough time to arrange their travel plans. It's also a good idea to give them a heads-up by calling or sending an email with all the details, including information about booking accommodations.

Save-the-date cards are typically sent out 8-10 months before the wedding. These cards are especially helpful when many of your guests need to make travel arrangements or if accommodations near the wedding site are limited.

Allow 4-6 months for design and production

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to allow ample time for their design and production to ensure a stress-free experience and a high-quality final product. Here are some reasons why allowing 4-6 months for this process is beneficial:

Attention to Detail

Taking 4-6 months to design and produce your wedding invitations gives you the time to carefully review and proofread the content. This includes checking for any typos, errors, or inconsistencies. Rushing this process may result in overlooking important details, which can be avoided with a more relaxed timeline.

Customization and Creativity

If you desire custom-made invitations, allowing 4-6 months gives you the opportunity to work with a graphic designer or stationer to create a unique design. This collaborative process takes time and often involves multiple iterations to perfect the design. Starting early ensures you can bring your vision to life without feeling rushed.

Printing and Production Time

The actual printing process can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of your design and the printing methods chosen. Some printing techniques, such as letterpress or engraving, may take longer but can add a touch of elegance to your invitations. Allowing ample time ensures you're not rushed and can explore different printing options.

Envelope Addressing

Don't forget to consider the time required for addressing the envelopes. If you plan to use a calligrapher or a printing service for the envelopes, they will need time to complete the task. Handwriting each address is a more formal and personal approach, but it can be time-consuming, so starting early is crucial.

Contingency and Peace of Mind

Unforeseen delays can occur during the design and production process, and it's always better to have a buffer. By allowing 4-6 months, you'll have the flexibility to navigate any unexpected challenges without feeling pressured. This extra time ensures you can maintain a relaxed mindset during the planning process.

Remember, your wedding invitations set the tone for your special day, so it's worth investing the time to make them perfect. Allowing 4-6 months for their design and production will help ensure a smooth process and a final product that you're proud to send to your guests.

Custom designs and destination weddings require more time

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, especially when it comes to sending out invitations. It is important to give your guests enough notice, and to ensure that your invitations are sent out on time. This is especially true if you are planning a destination wedding or have custom-designed invitations.

Custom-designed wedding invitations are a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. However, they require more time to create and produce than standard invitations. Working with a graphic designer or stationer will ensure that your invitations are beautifully crafted and reflect your unique style. It is recommended that you start working on custom designs at least 9-12 months in advance, especially if you want to include save-the-dates. This will give you plenty of time to finalise the design and make any necessary changes without feeling rushed.

If you are planning a destination wedding, it is advisable to send out your invitations even earlier, at least 12 weeks before the wedding. This will give your guests more time to plan their travel arrangements and ensure they can attend your wedding. Destination weddings often require more extensive travel plans, so giving your guests as much notice as possible is important.

The process of creating custom designs and planning a destination wedding can be time-consuming, so it is crucial to start early. By allowing yourself ample time, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure that your invitations are sent out on time. Remember, it's not just about the design and production of the invitations, but also the printing and addressing of envelopes, which can take several weeks.

Additionally, it is important to consider the timing of your RSVP requests. Typically, RSVP requests should be due about two to three weeks before the wedding. This will give you enough time to finalise the headcount for your venue and caterer. However, if you are planning a destination wedding, you may want to set an earlier RSVP date to accommodate your guests' travel plans.

In conclusion, custom designs and destination weddings require more time when it comes to ordering wedding invitations. By starting early and allowing for extra time, you can ensure that your invitations are sent out on time and that your guests have all the information they need to attend your special day.

Order extra invitations to avoid costly reprints

Ordering extra wedding invitations is a good idea to avoid costly reprints. It can be expensive to go back and print more invitations after the fact. Ordering extra invitations gives you some leeway in the case of needing to resend an invitation, wanting to keep some as mementos, or planning to send out invitations to a B-list.

It's a good idea to order extra envelopes, too. If you're hiring a calligrapher, they generally require an extra 15 to 20% for addressing mistakes or returned invites.

If you're ordering custom-designed invitations, it's worth noting that the design process can take a while due to the back-and-forth with the designer and the time needed to approve proofs. Therefore, it's recommended to start working with a graphic designer around a year before the wedding, or at least 9-12 months in advance.

The ideal time to order your wedding invitations is 6-9 months before your wedding. This leaves 4 months for the design and production process. If you're ordering a custom design or planning a destination wedding, it's best to start your order about a month earlier.

Frequently asked questions