Wedding Tips: Stationery Timeline

Little Fox Paperie is a custom wedding stationery company that serves Chicago couples and specializes in custom hand drawn illustrations. I’m Gracie, the owner of Little Fox Paperie. I have a background in art and graphic design, and I love working with couples to tell their story through their wedding paper goods.

Ordering custom wedding invitations takes more time than most couples expect. I have experienced too many disappointed couples that have missed out on the opportunity to have an invitation suite that represents their unique personalities. That’s why I’m sharing a timeline of when to order your wedding invitations to stay right on track.

As soon as possible

You will want to order your save the dates as soon as possible. Place your order immediately after setting a date and booking a venue. You may also wait until you book a photographer and take engagement photos if you would like these to be included in your save the date design.

6-12 months before

If you’re in the 6-12 month range, it is time to send out your save the dates. This is a pretty big range due to the various lengths of engagements. Honestly, the earlier the better to let your guests make arrangements. You don’t want any of the important people in your lives to miss out on your wedding day.

6 months before

The ideal time to order your wedding invitations is 6 months before your wedding date. I know this seems like it’s far out, but it can take 8-12 weeks for the entire process. We go through multiple rounds of revisions to get everything perfect. Also, production and shipping takes time. This is especially true if you order luxury printing methods such as letterpress or foil stamping. These can take four weeks on their own. I wrote another article on the custom process and why it takes so long!

6-8 weeks before

Once you are 6-8 weeks out from your wedding date, your invitations should go in the mail! You finally get to share a glimpse of your wedding with all of your guests. Make sure to coordinate with your caterer and other vendors to decide when your rsvp deadline should be.

8 weeks out is also the ideal time talk to your designer about your day-of pieces such as programs and place cards. You won’t know who is coming just yet, but the designs can still be in the works.

Don’t forget thank you cards! They can be ordered at anytime throughout the process. You’ll need them from the time your save the dates and shower invitations start going out. People love to send gifts early, and it is always best to stay caught up on your thank you cards so you aren’t completely overwhelmed after the wedding.

Is it time for you to order your custom wedding invitations? Get in touch!