WHEN TO ORDER YOUR WEDDING SAVE-THE-DATES, INVITATIONS AND ON-THE-DAY STATIONERY
- signedbycharlotte
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
Your complete wedding stationery timeline - from first impressions to the final flourish.
One of the most common questions I’m asked is:
When should we order our wedding stationery?
From the very first Save the Dates to those beautiful on-the-day details like welcome signs, menus, and place cards, getting the timings right can make the whole process feel so much smoother.
Here’s a clear, stress-free timeline for ordering your wedding stationery - plus some top tips to help you stay ahead and make the most of the design process.
Save the Dates : When to Send & Order
When to send: Save the Dates are typically sent 12-18 months before your wedding day. This gives your guests time to plan ahead - especially if your celebration involves travel, accommodation, or falls during busy holiday seasons.
💡 Top tip: If you’re planning a destination wedding, getting married on a bank holiday weekend, or tying the knot in peak summer, aim to send Save the Dates as soon as your venue is booked.
When to order: To ensure everything is ready to go, we’ll begin working on your Save the Date designs 4-6 weeks before you’d like to send them.
Wedding Invitations : When to Send & Order
When to send:
Your timeline depends on whether you’ve already sent Save the Dates:
If you’ve sent Save the Dates: Invitations are usually sent 4-6 months before your wedding.
If you haven’t sent Save the Dates: Post your invitations a little earlier -
6-9 months in advance - so guests have time to RSVP and make arrangements.
Top tip: Don’t forget your RSVP date!
Set your RSVP deadline at least 6-8 weeks before the big day.
This gives you time to:
Finalise your guest list
Confirm numbers with your caterers and venue
Order your on-the-day signage and stationery with zero stress
When to order:
We’ll start working on your invitation designs 4-6 weeks before you want to send them out. Booking in early ensures your place in my diary - especially during the busy months!
ON-THE-DAY Wedding SIGNAGE & STATIONERY :
When to Order
What counts as On-the-Day wedding signage and stationery?
These are all the gorgeous, functional details your guests will see and use on the day itself like:
Welcome signs
Order of the day boards
Table plans
Place cards
Table numbers
Menus
Custom signage (like bar signs, guest book instructions, and more)
Any additional stationery (like ceremony reservation tags, Order of Service, Engraved perfumes etc.)
When to start:
I usually begin designing your on-the-day pieces around 3 months before your wedding, once guest lists are confirmed and you have your timings locked in.
When to order & book:
Even though we won’t start designing until closer to your date, I always recommend securing your date early with a deposit. My diary fills up quickly - especially during peak wedding season - and I only take on a limited number of couples each month to give each wedding the care and attention it deserves.
A Quick Wedding Stationery Timeline at a Glance
Stationery Type | When to Send | When We Start Designing | When to Book In |
Save the Dates | 12-18 months before wedding | 4-6 weeks before send date | As soon as venue is booked |
Wedding Invitations | If Save the Dates sent: 4-6 months before wedding If Save the Dates weren't sent: 6-9 months before wedding | 4-6 weeks before send date | 9-12+ months before wedding |
On-the-Day Stationery | Ready for the wedding day | 3 months before your wedding | 3-12+ months before wedding (it's never too early to secure your spot!) |
Final Thoughts
Planning your wedding stationery doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
With a clear timeline, expert guidance, and thoughtful design, you can enjoy the process knowing everything will arrive on time - and look absolutely beautiful, bringing that Pinterest board to life!
Want to get started? Request my wedding brohure for ideas, inspiration, and all the details on how to book. I’d love to help bring your wedding vision to life.
Charlotte x
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