When To Send Wedding Invitations: Your Stationery Timeline
One of the most common questions couples ask when planning their big day is, "When do I send my wedding invitations?" It's an important part of the planning process that helps ensure your guests have all the information they need at the right time to join you in celebrating. Whether you're planning a traditional wedding, a destination celebration, or something totally unique, knowing the perfect time to send your invites can help everything run smoothly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through your ideal wedding stationery timeline, plus some helpful tips to avoid last-minute stress and keep your wedding planning on track.
Save The Dates
Order & Send: 12-18 months before
Let your loved ones know your date early and avoid double bookings
Make sure your must-have guests can be there on your big day by sending out your save the dates nice and early, ideally around 12 months in advance. This gives friends and family plenty of time to mark it in their calendars and avoid any date clashes, especially during busier times of the year like summer or Christmas. If you're planning a destination wedding, it's even more important to send them as early as possible so your guests have plenty of time to plan, book and get excited for the adventure ahead!
Remember that your save the dates are the perfect starting point for defining your wedding stationery style, offering guests a first glimpse into the tone, aesthetic and little details that will make your day unique, so try not to leave them as a last-minute thought.
On a tighter budget? Consider sending digital save the date cards instead and save your wedding stationery budget for the main event, your wedding invitations! All of the Wild Moon Collections include the option of a digital save the date, which you can easily email or text to your guests for just £50. It’s a simple, stylish and budget-friendly way to share your exciting news and kick off your wedding plans.
Wedding Invitations
Order & Send: 4-6 months before
Share the all-important details of your big day and start collecting RSVPs
Your wedding invitations are the star of your wedding stationery and one of the most important elements of your planning, they set the tone for your big day and give your guests everything they need to know. Make sure to include all the essential details, from ceremony times and reception details, to venue location, travel info and accommodation options.
Ideally, invitations should be sent out around 4-6 months before your wedding, giving your guests plenty of time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements. If you’re not sending save the dates, aim to send your invitations closer to 8 months in advance, if possible.
Giving your guests around 2 months to RSVP is usually plenty of time for them to get organised (though be prepared, I guarantee you’ll need to chase a few stragglers!) You’ll also need that buffer to finalise your on-the-day stationery like seating plans and orders of service if you need them, which I recommend ordering at least 2 months before your big day.
That being said, it’s always a good idea to check in with your venue and caterers when planning your timeline. If your menu won’t be finalised until six months before the wedding, it could delay when you’re able to send out your invitations, especially if guests need to pre-select their meals. If you haven’t sent save the dates, this kind of clash can cause unnecessary stress. So if you know you won’t be able to post your invitations earlier than the 6 month mark, it’s well worth sending save the dates in advance to give your guests a heads-up.
While it’s your special day, making things easy for your guests goes a long way. If hotel options are limited or transport links are tricky, extra notice allows everyone to plan ahead, so they can arrive relaxed and ready to celebrate with you.
One extra tip, I never recommend sending save the dates or wedding invitations in December or alongside Christmas cards. The postal system is particularly busy during that time and there’s a real risk of delays or lost post, and no one wants their carefully designed stationery going missing!
On The Day Stationery
Order: 6-8 weeks before
Once your wedding invitations are out and the countdown is officially on, it’s time to start planning your on-the-day stationery. Around 6-8 weeks before your big day is the perfect time to finalise and order these all-important finishing touches, but the earlier you can get organised, the better! Giving yourself (and your stationer) plenty of time helps avoid any last-minute stress.
Think about everything your guests will interact with and see throughout your celebration, from order of service booklets, menus, place cards, your seating plan and any welcome or directional signage. These pieces do more than provide information, they help create a cohesive look and bring your wedding theme or style to life.
From the moment guests arrive at your wedding, your on-the-day stationery is there to guide, welcome, and wow them. Whether it’s a beautifully designed seating chart or a playful sign pointing to the dancefloor, these final touches make your celebration feel polished and personal. Just like your save the dates and invitations, your on-the-day stationery should reflect your personality and wedding vibe, so have fun with it! These are the final design moments that tie everything together and leave a lasting impression.
Thank You Cards
Order & Send: 6-8 weeks after your wedding day
Thank your guests with a personalised reminder of the day
You’re back home, maybe not quite down from cloud nine, and whether you’re still unwrapping gifts or preparing for your honeymoon, the celebrations don’t have to end just yet. One of the most meaningful ways to keep the joy going is by sending thoughtful, handwritten thank you cards to your guests.
It’s a small but heartfelt gesture to show your appreciation, not just for any generous gifts, but for the love, support, and presence of your favourite people on such a special day. While it might seem like a daunting task (especially with a long guest list), it’s also a lovely chance to sit down together as a couple, reminisce about the day, and relive all the little moments.
Aim to send your cards out within 6-8 weeks after your wedding. It strikes the perfect balance between prompt and personal and ensures no one feels forgotten.
A suggested timeline on when to send your wedding invitations based on your wedding month.
Not sure when to order your stationery or send your invitations? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Use this handy guide to help you figure out the best time to post your wedding invitations, based on your wedding month. It takes the guesswork out of planning, helps you stay organised and ensures your beautifully designed stationery arrives exactly when it should.
Now you know when to send your wedding invitations… what’s next?
Once you’ve pinned down your timeline, it’s time to start dreaming up the design! Each Wild Moon Collection order typically takes around 2–3 weeks from start to finish, while Bespoke Designs usually take 4–6 weeks. This includes time for personalisation, proofing, printing and finishing touches, so be sure to factor this into your schedule to keep everything running smoothly. Whichever route you choose, I’ll guide you through every step.
All my wedding stationery is thoughtfully designed, lovingly finished and created with care, so your stationery arrives feeling just as special as the day itself.
If you’re ready to get started, browse the Wild Moon Collections or order a Sample Pack to see your favourites in person. I can’t wait to help you bring your wedding day vision to life!
