Plan Your Wedding Stationery Timeline
Wedding stationery often feels simple at first. You send save the dates, then invitations, and that is it. In reality, stationery can span your entire wedding experience, from shortly after you get engaged to well after the wedding day.
Knowing what pieces you may need and when to plan them is what keeps the process organized instead of overwhelming. This guide breaks down wedding stationery into clear phases and walks you through a realistic timeline so you can plan confidently and avoid last-minute stress.
What Counts as Wedding Stationery
Wedding stationery includes any printed or handwritten piece that supports your wedding before, during, or after the day itself.
Not every wedding needs every item listed below. This is meant to help you understand your options so you can choose intentionally.
Pre-Wedding Stationery
These pieces support guest communication and planning.
- Save the dates
- Invitation suite
- Invitation
- RSVP card or online RSVP
- Details card
- Optional reception, accommodations, or map cards
- Envelope addressing or calligraphy
Wedding Weekend and Wedding Day Stationery
These pieces support guest experience and flow.
- Welcome signage
- Weekend itineraries or welcome cards
- Programs or menus
- Seating chart
- Table numbers
- Place cards or escort cards
- Bar signage
- Favor tags or labels
- Additional signage as needed
Post-Wedding Stationery
- Thank you cards
This phase is often overlooked, but it is the final touchpoint guests receive after your wedding.
A Practical Wedding Stationery Timeline
Once you understand the types of stationery involved, the next step is knowing when to plan each phase.
If you are working with a stationer, they will help guide this timeline and keep you on track. If you are handling only a few pieces, this can still serve as a helpful planning reference.
9 to 12 Months Before the Wedding
Save the dates
Save the dates are typically sent six to twelve months before the wedding, especially for destination weddings or events where guests will need to travel.
This means design and printing should begin several weeks earlier to allow time for proofing, production, and addressing.
6 to 12 Months Before the Wedding
Invitation planning begins
Wedding invitations are usually mailed eight to ten weeks before the wedding, or twelve to fourteen weeks for destination or holiday weekend weddings.
To support that timeline, couples should plan to:
- Hire their stationer
- Finalize the invitation design direction
- Build in time for proofing and production
If you have a specific stationer in mind, reaching out early is important, especially during peak wedding season.
2 to 3 Months Before the Wedding
Wedding day and weekend stationery
This is when you begin planning items like seating charts, place cards, signage, and menus.
Starting early allows time for:
- Final guest count confirmation
- Design cohesion across all pieces
- Production without rushing
If you are DIYing any items, starting earlier than you think is always safer.
Mailing and RSVP Benchmarks
- 12 to 14 weeks before the wedding:
Send destination or holiday weekend invitations - 8 to 10 weeks before the wedding:
Send standard wedding invitations - 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding:
RSVPs should be returned so final counts can be shared with vendors
Wedding Day
Everything is complete. This is the moment to enjoy the details you planned and trust that everything will fall into place.
After the Wedding
Thank you cards
Thank you cards should be sent as soon as possible after the wedding. Many couples choose to coordinate these with their original invitation design for a cohesive experience from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
A clear stationery timeline helps wedding planning feel manageable rather than overwhelming. When each piece has a purpose and a plan, the process becomes much more enjoyable.
Whether you choose a simple approach or a more detailed stationery experience, planning ahead allows you to focus on what matters most and enjoy the process along the way.
Wedding Stationery Timeline
Plus a stationery idea list for your wedding!
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