Timing is Everything! Planning your wedding is such an exciting time, and one of the key things to get right is when to send your save the dates and wedding invitations. Getting the timing right ensures your guests have plenty of notice and helps you stay organised with your wedding plans.
If you’re wondering, “When should I send my save the dates and wedding invitations?” Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the best timeline and provide some helpful tips to ensure everything runs smoothly.
When to Send Save the Dates
Sending ‘save the dates‘ is an important first step in your wedding stationery. They give your guests advance notice so they can mark the date in their calendars and start making travel arrangements if needed.
So, when should you send your save the dates?
- 12 to 18 months before your wedding – if you’re having a destination wedding or getting married during peak wedding season.
- 8 to 12 months before your wedding – if you’re having a local wedding or expect many guests to travel.
Top Tips for Save the Dates:
- Only send them to guests you want at your wedding for the full day.
- Include key details like your guest names, wedding date, and location.
- Choose a design that reflects your wedding theme – handmade wedding stationery is a great way to add a personal touch!
When to Send Wedding Invitations
Your wedding invitations are one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. This is when you officially ask your guests to celebrate with you and provide all the important details they need to know.
So, when do you send your wedding invitations?
- 6 to 8 months before the wedding – for destination weddings, giving guests plenty of time to book travel and accommodation.
- 3 to 6 months before the wedding – for local weddings, allowing enough time for RSVPs and finalising numbers.
Top Tips for Wedding Invitations:
- Set your RSVP deadline 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding so you have time to confirm guest numbers.
- Include all the key details: date, time, venue, accommodation options, dress code, and any additional information.
- If you’re having a bilingual wedding, consider Welsh wedding stationery that includes both Welsh and English text.
- Opting for handmade wedding invitations can add a unique and personal feel to your wedding.
Handy Wedding Stationery Timeline
To make it easy, here’s a simple timeline for when to send your wedding stationery:
- 12 to 18 months before – Send save the dates for destination weddings or peak-season weddings.
- 8 to 12 months before – Send save the dates for local weddings.
- 6 to 8 months before – Send invitations for destination weddings.
- 3 to 6 months before – Send invitations for local weddings.
- 6 to 8 weeks before – Set your RSVP deadline and start chasing up any late responses.
When to Contact a Wedding Stationer
If you’re planning to have handmade wedding stationery, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time. Handmade invitations take longer to design and create than standard printed ones, so reaching out to a wedding stationer early is key.
How far in advance should you contact a wedding stationer?
- 12 months before your wedding – Start researching wedding stationers and browsing designs.
- 10 to 12 months before – Get in touch with your chosen wedding stationer to discuss your ideas and request samples.
- 8 to 10 months before – Finalise your design and place your order, especially for handmade wedding invitations that require extra time.
- 4 to 6 months before – Receive your invitations and start addressing and sending them out.
Why Allow Extra Time for Handmade Wedding Stationery?
- Handmade wedding invitations are custom-made, meaning the design process can take a few weeks.
- If you’re opting for bespoke details like hand calligraphy, wax seals, or ribbon embellishments, this adds to the production time.
- Welsh wedding stationery or bilingual designs may take longer to perfect, ensuring both languages are beautifully incorporated.
- Ordering early also allows for any unexpected changes or reprints.
Final Thoughts
Sending your save the dates and wedding invitations at the right time makes wedding planning so much easier. By following this timeline and incorporating handmade or Welsh wedding stationery, you can ensure your guests feel special from the very first invite.
Need beautifully designed, personalised wedding stationery? Get in touch to find out more about our handmade wedding invitations and Welsh wedding stationery options!
Happy wedding planning!