Your Wedding Invitation Timeline (That Doesn’t Feel Overwhelming!)

If you’re newly engaged and already wondering, “When am I supposed to send invitations?!” — you’re in the right place. Planning your paper timeline doesn’t have to be confusing, and it definitely doesn’t need to feel stressful. I’m breaking it down month by month so you know exactly what to expect and when to reach out to your stationer (hi, hopefully me!).

Let’s dive into the big moments on your stationery timeline — from save the dates all the way to those last few RSVP stragglers.

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12+ Months Before the Wedding

You don’t need to know your full vision yet, but once you’ve got a date and a venue, you’re ready to…

• Start gathering inspo! Pinterest, photos, colors, typography, florals — anything that feels like you two
  
• Draft your guest list. Focus on households more than total guests (this helps with figuring out how many invitation suites you actually need!)
  
• Reach out to your stationer (especially if you’re thinking custom). Booking early secures your spot and gives us time to dream up something beautiful without rushing
  

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9–10 Months Before the Wedding

It’s save the date time!

• If you’re planning to send save the dates (and I recommend it for most weddings), now’s the moment
  
• We’ll design them to match the vibe of your big day, even if the rest of your suite isn’t locked in yet
  
• Mail them about 8–10 months before the wedding (closer to 10 if you’re planning a destination wedding or expecting lots of out-of-town guests)

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6–7 Months Before the Wedding

This is where things start to feel real

• We’ll begin designing your full invitation suite! From layout to wording to special touches like ribbon, wax seals, or a custom monogram
  
• If you’re choosing specialty printing like letterpress or foil, we’ll want a little extra time here to make sure everything goes smoothly
  
• You’ll finalize your details card info (think hotel blocks, weekend events, website links, etc.)
  

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4–5 Months Before the Wedding

This is your production and prep window

• You’ll approve your final design (yea!) and everything heads to print
  
• Envelopes arrive and addressing begins — whether you’ve chosen hand calligraphy or digital printing
  
• We’ll order extras for keepsakes, photography, and just-in-case moments (highly recommend!)
  

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10-12 Weeks Before the Wedding

Time to mail those beauties!

• Most stationers recommend mailing about 10 weeks out to avoid any post office delays

• If your guests are traveling or it’s a busy time of year (hello, summer in Florida), mail a little earlier, 12 weeks is a safe buffer
  

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4 Weeks Before the Wedding

This is typically your RSVP deadline

• Set your response date for about a month before the big day
  
• This gives you time to chase down any missing replies, finalize your guest list, and share those details with your planner, caterer, and stationer!
  

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3 Weeks Before the Wedding

Cue the RSVP follow-ups!

• If you’ve got guests who still haven’t responded, now’s the time for a gentle nudge
  
• Call, text, or email, whatever feels most comfortable, and don’t feel bad. People get busy. They’ll appreciate the reminder
  

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8 Weeks Out (Give or Take)

Let’s talk day-of details!

• Once you’re mostly locked on your guest list, it’s time to start planning menus, programs, signage, seating charts, escort cards, and all the other little pieces that bring your paper story full circle
  
• We’ll chat through what you need, what you don’t, and how to keep everything cohesive with your suite
  

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2 Weeks Before the Wedding

You’re done!

• Everything is designed, printed, and ready for the big day
  
• Tuck one pristine suite aside for your photographer! Trust me, you’ll want it in your flatlays
  
• Take a breath. You handled the paper part like a pro.
  

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Planning your invitation timeline doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. If you’re ready to get started, whether you’re 12 months out or a little closer than you expected, I’d love to help you bring it all together! 

Let’s make magic. Your paper story is waiting.