Wedding Stationery Timeline: When to Order Invitations & all your wedding day stationery
Timing is everything! And when it comes to Wedding Stationery it is one item on the wedding checklist couples don't always set enough time for.
Most couples don't realize Wedding Invitations need to go out 10-12 weeks before the wedding, which means the design process has to start way earlier than people think!
Once you have your date and venue, it's time to start looking at inspiration. Finding what's right for you as a couple can take longer than you think, especially if you have family weighing in.
Save-the-dates aren't always necessary, but keep in mind, people are busier than they ever have been. Friends and family plan personal vacations and time off a year in advance sometimes. Telling people months before that you're getting married isn't the most considerate thing to spring on people. Sometimes people have to book flights, hotels, rental cars, take time off work, all to be there for you on your special day. Giving them time to plan all of this is a lot more considerate.
If you don't want to mail a save-the-date that's okay. There are a lot of items that need to go into the stationery budget, sending a digital save-the-date will work. We can help you create a digital version to send or you can find something on-line, either way. Just send it! And 8-10 months before the wedding is a great idea! It sounds like a lot of time, but it really takes the pressure off when it comes to rushing to get an invitation in the mail, and yes I said mail, not email :)
Call me old school, but when it comes to inviting people to your wedding it is a different level than an e-invite to a birthday party or family reunion. Maybe the same guests list, but one requires a little more formality. Your wedding invitation is your first impression to the world as a couple. It sets the tone for your wedding and shows your style together as a couple. There's something about sending a paper invitation that makes it all feel real.
7-8 months before the Wedding - Get inspired with your wedding invitation ideas!
Once you have your Pinterest board or some photos of inspiration that you love, send me an email!
I'll look over all your ideas, ask any questions and put together a quote for you.
Next comes all fun parts! Once you send me your wording (I can help with this if you need) then it's time to design. You get to see your vision come to life one proof at a time. It really is so fun and really exciting to start picturing what your wedding will look like.
4-5 months before the Wedding - Confirm your wedding invitation design
Time to triple check everything. Confirm your design, wording and all your guest addresses. Depending on the type of print, if a dye cut is needed, and how busy we are printing your invitations can take up to 6 weeks. Once you are ready, it's time to print!
Side note - always order extra invitations. You never know if you'll need to send a last minute invite and you will want a keepsake, as well as a flat lay for photos. I get a lot of emails asking for 1 or 2 invitations for the flat lay and keepsake because they sent digital invitations, and unfortunately the cost is just too high to print 2 invitations. You would be surprised at how popular it is again to keep wedding invitations :)
10-12 weeks before the Wedding - get more inspired!
Your invitations should be in the mail! While you're waiting for your RSVP's start putting together your Pinterest or inspiration for all your Wedding Day Stationery! If you thought invitations were fun wait until we start on wedding day stationery. There are so many ideas when it comes to day of pieces. This is where clients really get to make it their own. Stationery is one of the best ways to truly elevate your decor, details, colours, monogram, custom wall paper, floor wrap, you name it! The details are endless and 100% custom to you! Start with sending me your full wish list of everything you need and maybe some things you want, like custom coasters or cocktail napkins. If you can have an idea of a budget that is really helpful. Because let's say you have a photo of an acrylic dye cut bar menu that you just love, but it might be a little over your budget, then lets create the same design on a different material to still achieve the same look you want, but that it works with your budget. Skies are the limit when it comes to what we can create. If you have an idea we can make it happen!
4-6 weeks before the wedding - confirm your designs!
You should have all your RSVP's back and if you're missing a couple this is when you pick up the phone and start asking :)
Now that you have your final numbers we can finalize the quote and start working on proofs! I'll need all your wording and you will need to work on your seating plan. This is where all the magic happens! These proofs are so much fun to create. Every piece is different and clients really get to showcase their style.
2-3 weeks before the wedding - Time to go to print!
It's time to send everything to print! We try and print as close as we can in case there are any last minute changes, but it is also a very busy time and some pieces require a lot of work. For any bigger items, wall pieces, or floor wrap, we deliver and install all of this. The little pieces are up to your wedding planner or decorator to organize :)
4-5 days before the wedding - It's all yours now
Everything is ready! We will either send it to you, or you can pick it up. But all your stationery is ready for your wedding! Have fun, enjoy and send me photos!
But don't forget....
2-3 months after the wedding - Don't forget to say thank you!
Send thank you cards! It doesn't have to be anything fancy, and you can order something on line if you wish, but don't forget to thank everyone for their gifts and being there for you!
Want your printable timeline? here you go! Let your planning start
I hope this helps. If you have any questions or want to show me your ideas please reach out tara@violetgreycreative.com
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