The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Invitation Timelines: When to Send Save-the-Dates, Invitations, and Everything In Between

Planning a wedding involves juggling countless details, and your wedding stationery timeline is one of the most important aspects to get right. After all, your invitations are the first glimpse guests will have of your special day! To help ensure your wedding correspondence arrives in mailboxes at just the right time, we’ve created this comprehensive timeline guide for all your wedding stationery needs.

12+ Months Before: Start Gathering Inspiration

While you won’t be sending anything just yet, this is the perfect time to:

Begin collecting invitation designs that catch your eye

Create a Pinterest board or digital folder of styles you love

Consider your wedding colors, theme, and overall aesthetic

Start researching invitation designers and vendors

10-12 Months Before: Save-the-Dates for Destination Weddings

If you’re planning a destination wedding requiring significant travel arrangements:

Send save-the-dates 10-12 months in advance

Include the wedding location, date, and a note that formal invitations will follow

Consider adding your wedding website URL with accommodation information

8-10 Months Before: Save-the-Dates for Local Weddings

For weddings closer to home:

Mail save-the-dates 8-10 months before your wedding date

Include the couple’s names, wedding date, city/state, and “formal invitation to follow”

A simple postcard design works well for save-the-dates

Digital save-the-dates are becoming increasingly acceptable, especially for tech-savvy guest lists

6-8 Months Before: Finalize Your Invitation Suite

Now is the time to:

Select your invitation designer or vendor (check out our website for Ohio vendors)

Finalize your invitation design, paper type, and printing method

Place your order (allowing enough time for proofing, printing, and potential delays)

Confirm all event details that will appear on your invitations

Begin compiling your guest list with current addresses

3-4 Months Before: Assemble and Address Invitations

Once your invitations arrive:

Check all pieces for accuracy

Assemble invitation suites (main invitation, RSVP card, details card, etc.)

Address envelopes (consider hiring a calligrapher for a special touch)

Weigh a complete invitation suite at the post office to determine correct postage

Purchase postage (consider custom stamps that match your wedding theme)

2-3 Months Before: Mail Wedding Invitations

For standard weddings:

Send invitations 8-10 weeks before your wedding date

For destination weddings, aim for the earlier end of this window

Pro tip: Mail on a Tuesday or Wednesday for optimal postal processing

Include your RSVP deadline (typically 3-4 weeks before the wedding)

4-5 Weeks Before: Begin Tracking RSVPs

As responses come in:

Create a spreadsheet to track meal choices and attendance

Follow up with guests who haven’t responded about a week after your RSVP deadline

Finalize your seating chart once all responses are in

2-3 Weeks Before: Order Day-of Stationery

Don’t forget about:

Ceremony programs

Menu cards

Place cards or escort cards

Table numbers

Thank you cards

Welcome bag notes for out-of-town guests

After the Wedding: Send Thank You Notes

The final piece of your stationery timeline:

For gifts received before the wedding: Send thank you notes within 2-3 weeks

For gifts received at or after the wedding: Send thank you notes within 3 months

Personalize each note with specific references to the gift received

Special Circumstances

Wedding Postponement

If you need to postpone your wedding:

Send a “Change the Date” notice as soon as possible

Include the new date if known, or indicate that details will follow

A digital announcement is acceptable for time-sensitive changes

Adults-Only Reception

If children aren’t invited:

Address invitations specifically to invited guests only

Consider including a note on your wedding website explaining the adults-only nature

Be prepared to politely address questions from guests

B-List Invitations

If working with a tiered guest list:

Create two batches of invitations with different RSVP deadlines

Send the first batch 10-12 weeks before

Be prepared to send B-list invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding as declines come in

Final Tips for Wedding Invitation Success

Order extra invitations: Add 15-20% to your count for last-minute additions and keepsakes

Double-check all details: Have several people proofread before printing

Consider seasonal mail delays: Allow extra time around holidays

Keep one complete invitation suite: Save one as a memento or for your photographer to capture on the wedding day

Track your RSVPs digitally: Use a spreadsheet or wedding planning app to stay organized

By following this comprehensive timeline, you’ll ensure that your wedding stationery process runs smoothly from save-the-dates to thank you cards. Remember that these guidelines can be adjusted based on your specific wedding circumstances, but they provide a solid framework for keeping your invitation process on track.

Happy planning!