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When to Order Your Wedding Invitations (and Everything Else Paper!)

Posted on November 7, 2025 by Cari

Categories: in WEDDINGS

Discover the perfect wedding invitation timeline and stationery checklist — from save the dates to day-of paper goods — so nothing falls behind schedule.

You said yes! — and now that the excitement is setting in, it’s time to start thinking about your wedding stationery. Between save the dates, invitations, and day-of paper details, there’s a lot to plan — and knowing when to order wedding invitations can help your entire wedding feel beautifully organized from the start.

Below, I’ve outlined a simple wedding invitation timeline and stationery checklist to help you stay on track and stress-free.

1. Save the Dates

Order: 8–12 months before your wedding
Mail: 6–10 months before your wedding

Save the dates are your guests’ first glimpse of your wedding — and the first piece of mail they’ll proudly display on their fridge. These should be sent as soon as your date and venue are locked in. If you're planning a destination wedding, or will have a large amount of out-of-town guests traveling in for your wedding day, I recommend sending your save the dates closer to 12 months before your wedding date.

2. Wedding Invitations

Order: 4–6 months before your wedding
Mail: 8–10 weeks before your wedding

Your wedding invitation suite sets the tone for your entire event — from the level of formality to the color palette and design details. I recommend starting the design process about six months before the big day. This allows time for proofing, printing, addressing, and assembly of any beautiful extra embellishments (like wax seals, ribbons, or custom liners).

If you’re working with a custom stationer, this time frame also ensures we can design and proof every detail perfectly and still allow time for mailing and RSVP responses.

3. Day-Of Stationery

Order: 2–3 months before your wedding

Once invitations are out, it’s time to start thinking about the paper pieces that complete your wedding day:

Ceremony programs
Menus
Place cards or escort cards
Table numbers
Signage (welcome signs, seating charts, bar menus)
Thank You Cards (this will allow you to write your thank you cards promptly after returning from your honeymoon!)

Your wedding stationery timeline should flow seamlessly — by starting early, you’ll have time to coordinate fonts, colors, and paper so every piece feels cohesive and intentional.

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Here's your Complete Wedding Stationery List - Be sure to screenshot and save for later!

Save the Dates
Wedding Invitations & Enclosures
RSVP Cards
Envelopes (and addressing)
Programs
Menus
Escort Cards / Place Cards
Table Numbers
Welcome Sign
Seating Chart
Thank-You Cards

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A well-planned stationery timeline means you’ll never feel rushed — and every piece will feel perfectly designed to match your celebration.

✨Ready to start your custom stationery journey? Let’s design something beautiful together.

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I’m a country girl, small business owner, wife, mother of three, and a proud alumna of Purdue University (Boiler Up!).

Wondering what life is like for a busy mom with a graphic design & laser cutting business? My days are filled with pretty paper, blissful brides, half-finished sketchbooks, half-eaten lunches, and lots of cuddling with my little ones. I look forward to sharing with you all of life's fun happenings (both in & out of the studio) here on the blog!