How to plan your wedding stationery

When it comes to your wedding you know you need to send out save the dates and invitations. But did you know that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your wedding stationery timeline?! These days the possibilities seem to be endless on ways to incorporate stationery into your wedding. And if you aren’t even sure what that includes you might not know where to start. So here is a quick and easy idea list of stationery to use at your wedding. Plus as a bonus I’ve included a wedding stationery timeline of when to incorporate each item so you have less to stress about. I’ve planned my wedding and I know it can be a stressful time coordinating all the things, so why not make it easier and more fun!

Wedding Stationery Options

Wedding stationery can span the whole of your wedding from right after getting engaged (or even before if you just can’t help yourself!) to after your wedding day. There are plenty of options to choose from whether you just want a few items or all of them. I’ve broken down your wedding stationery options into sections to help you organize your planning and time. You can also see the variety of options on my Pinterest board.

Now Booking Upcoming Weddings & Events!

Envelope calligraphy, stationery, day of designs & more

Reserve Your Spot & learn more

Wedding Stationery Timeline

Now that you know the plethora of options included in your wedding stationery you might not know how to fit them in and stay organized. That’s where a timeline of when each item needs to be started comes in handy. If you’re working with a stationer they can help you plan this out. They can also reach out to you for specific items they know you want and will keep you on track to have everything ready by your wedding day. If you only need a few things you can use this timeline as a rough guide on when to start!

9-12 Months before your wedding

Save the Dates

This is when you should be sending out your save the dates. Unless you have a tighter time frame I’d advise no less than 6 months before your wedding date. That means you need to work with your stationer a few weeks in advance of your timeline in order to get them designed, printed, and addressed to send out. 

6-12 Months before your wedding

Invitations

Most invitations are sent out 8-10 weeks before your wedding date (or 12-14 weeks for a destination wedding or wedding on a holiday weekend.) That means you should hire your stationer and place your order at least 6 months in advance so you have time built in for the design and production. If you are planning to hire a specific stationer be sure to reach out to them early in the process as their calendar can book up quickly in the busy season. 

2-3 Months before your wedding

“Day of” wedding pieces

Once you have the invitations done you can look forward to the pieces you would like for your wedding. This is usually started a few months before your wedding so you have plenty of time for everything to be done and produced. If you are planning to DIY these pieces you definitely don’t want to wait until the last minute as that will add unnecessary stress. The number of items you’re adding to your wedding day or weekend will also determine how much time is needed. Your stationer will be able to plan the timing of all the pieces you need. And they will also create a cohesive design for your whole wedding from the invites to the day of pieces.

12-14 Weeks before your wedding

Send out your destination or holiday weekend wedding invitations

8-10 Weeks before your wedding

Send out your wedding invitations

4-6 Weeks before your wedding

RSVPs should be coming back by this date so you can have an accurate guest count. Be sure to confirm with your venue, caterer, bartender, etc if you need the total count earlier.

Wedding day!

Take a deep breath and enjoy your day, especially all the small details! You did it!

Post wedding day

Send out your thank you cards. You can special order these from your stationer if you want to continue the whole branded experience. Your guests will always remember the extra special touches you have added.

Wedding Stationery Wrap Up

Hopefully the ideas and timeline above will help you to plan your own wedding stationery. And if you work with a stationer you will have ideas ahead of time of what you want to include! If you want a hand reminder of all of the details I have a printable to help you out. You can save it to your computer or print it out to add to your wedding planning materials. I would love to know what items you’re using at your wedding, just comment below!

Wedding Stationery Timeline

Plus a stationery idea list for your wedding!

Get the guide here