If there’s one word to describe Monika and Ross’s winter wedding at River House at Odette’s, it would be magnetic. Every detail of their January celebration was rich, romantic, and filled with personality — the perfect reflection of this fun-loving couple.

 

 

The ceremony took place in the venue’s breathtaking glass-walled room, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the Delaware River and Lambertville landscape. The natural winter light poured in beautifully, setting the scene for a heartfelt exchange of vows surrounded by family and friends.

 

 

Their color palette — a striking mix of cranberry red, black, and white — created a sophisticated winter feel with just the right amount of drama.

One of the most memorable design moments? The couple’s creative seating display, featuring a custom wooden wall adorned with a sign that read “It’s About Shucking Time.” Each escort card was paired with an oyster shell collected by the couple, adding a personal and coastal touch that guests absolutely loved.

 

 

Inside the reception, every table was a scene of pure elegance. Guests were greeted with rich black 8" round menus, printed with shimmery antique gold lettering — perfectly resting on gold chargers and bold red napkins. Textured black linens, towering floral arrangements of red and white blooms, and dozens of glowing taper candles created a moody, romantic ambiance for the evening.

 

And of course, the couple’s sense of humor shone through even at the bar — their signature cocktails were cheekily named “Peck on the Cheeks” and “Gimme Some Mo’.”

 

 

Every element of Monika and Ross’s day blended luxury with personality — a winter wedding to remember at one of Pennsylvania’s most stunning riverfront venues.

The Amazing Vendor Team:
Photography: DMP Family Life
Day of Planning & Event Design: Fifty Shades of Planning
Floral Designer: Jollifier 
Venue: River House at Odette's
Makeup: Makeup by Carly G
Hair: Marissa Grace Artistry

 

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✨ Planning your own winter wedding? Whether your style is modern + moody -or- classic + timeless, we’d love to help you create paper goods that set the tone beautifully for your celebration. Explore our semi-custom collection or reach out for a full-service design consultation.

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

 

 
2. Wedding Invitations

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

 

 
3. Day-Of Stationery

Order: 2–3 months before your wedding

 

• 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.

 
When should I send my wedding invitations?

Traditionally, invitations are mailed 8-10 weeks before the wedding. In my professional experience, it's best to also factor in a little extra time to accommodate for the unpredictability of USPS. My recommendation for mailing is 12 weeks before the wedding. If you’re planning a destination celebration, you’ll want to send them closer to 14 weeks in advance so guests have ample travel time.

 

While not required, save the dates are highly recommended! Especially for Indianapolis weddings during busy seasons, such as the month of May, or during Colts football season. 

 

Envelope addressing can feel intimidating, but it’s an important detail! Formal invitations should use full names (no nicknames), with titles like “Mr.” and “Mrs.” always in use. As a local designer, I also offer guest addressing services so your envelopes arrive polished and consistent. I will also help guide you in different formats for unmarried couples, guests who do not receive a "plus one," and households where a large group of people are invited. It's best to leave it to us professionals on envelope addressing!

 

At minimum: the invitation, an RSVP card, and envelopes. Many Central Indiana brides also choose to include details cards with accommodations, a schedule of events, or transportation info. Custom monograms, maps, and fine art illustrations are also popular for Midwest couples who want an elevated and elegant touch.

 

Etiquette says no — registry details should not appear on the invitation itself. Instead, let guests know that "additional wedding details" are available on your wedding website (then post the registry links directly on your website). 

 

Request RSVPs 4-5 weeks before the wedding date. This will allow you enough time to track down unresponsive guests, and to provide final headcounts and seating charts to your wedding vendors. If you’re offering meal choices, include a clear way for guests to indicate their preference!

 

If both events are at the same location, one card is plenty. If they’re at different venues, it’s best to list these locations on separate cards, so guests don’t miss any details.

 

Wording can vary based on tradition, family dynamics, and personal preference. Whether you’re hosting a classic black-tie wedding in downtown Indianapolis or a countryside celebration in Carmel or Zionsville, I’ll help you craft wording that feels both appropriate and personal.

 

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Your invitations set the tone for your entire wedding day — they’re the very first impression your guests receive. By working with a local Indianapolis invitation designer, you not only get custom designs tailored to your vision, but also expert guidance on etiquette, timelines, and all the little details that make your stationery flawless.

 

If you’re planning your wedding in Central Indiana—or anywhere across the Midwest—I’d love to help you create invitations that are both beautiful and perfectly proper! Contact me today for a custom proposal and complimentary Zoom call.