Believe it or not, there’s a timeline as to when your wedding stationery goes out! Often, this can get very confusing, especially since you’re already busy with any wedding planning to begin with. At OKOTA, we like to keep things as simple as easy as possible! So we decided to create a timeline to help set the dates straight as to when you send out each piece of wedding stationery. Follow it below to help make your wedding planning even easier!

6 to 12+ Months Before to Your Wedding

This is where it all begins! At this point, you’ll want to first confirm all dates for your wedding and make sure they’re set in stone. Then, you will:

Plan the guest list
Order and mail save-the-date cards
Order thank you notes/stationery (for both wedding AND bridal luncheon/shower/bachelorette party)
Order engagement party invites

Remember it takes time after ordering your save-the-dates to get everything organized and printed so keep that in mind whenever you order stationery. Save-the-date cards should be mailed no later than six months prior to your wedding. If your wedding is a destination wedding or on an unusual day (e.g. weekday, holiday, peak wedding season), keep that in mind for the timeframe you send your save-the-dates as well.

4 to 6 months Before to Your Wedding

At this point, you’ll want to start narrowing things down to important details, such as finalizing designs you’ll need and picking out your wedding invitations. As exciting as it is to choose wedding invites, remember that invites can take time to be made, especially if you are using a calligrapher or custom stationery designer. As this point, you’ll want to:

Finalize the guest list and addresses
Choose and at least put a deposit down on wedding invites
Hire a calligrapher if you’re using one
Order rehearsal/party invites
Order bridal luncheon/shower/bachelorette party invites

6 to 8 Weeks Before Your Wedding

This one is easy! You’ll want to keep in mind any holidays that may be around the time you send your invites, so plan in advance. Any invites that go abroad are also an exception in order to be received in a timely manner.

Mail wedding invites

6 Weeks Before Your Wedding

As your wedding approaches, you’ll be mailing more things out after the invites. Keep extra postage on hand just in case at this point so you don’t run out! During this time, you will:

Mail rehearsal dinner/party invites
Mail bridal luncheon/shower/bachelorette party invites
Finalize any miscellaneous day-of stationery such as programs, menus, place cards, escort cards, seating cards, and welcome bag inserts (This can be done 6-8 weeks out for any delays.)

3 Weeks Before Your Wedding

Now that everything is set with stationery, you’ll want to know who plans on attending! When sending your RSVP cards in your invitation set, specify the “reply by” date for guests about 3 weeks prior to your wedding day. This will give you enough time to have a final headcount for vendors, follow-up with unresponsive guests, and create your seating chart as well.

RSVP card deadline

6 Weeks After Your Wedding

As we mentioned before, order thank you notes early on so you have them on hand for when the time arrives. Gifts received AT the wedding should have thank you notes sent within 6 weeks (and as late as 3 months after). For pre-wedding gifts send thank you notes as soon as you receive a gift (or within 2 weeks after receiving it). Guests will understand you’ll be busy settling in after your ceremony, but a timely thank you note is always important!

Send thank you notes for wedding
Send thank you notes for bridal luncheon/shower/bachelorette party

When in doubt, always factor in delays when it comes to the stationery timeline. There’s nothing wrong with erring on the side of caution and sticking to the earlier timeline for things. Your guests will appreciate that everything arrives on schedule, and you’ll appreciate that they’ll be able to help celebrate your wedding day with you! If you’re interested in stationery design, OKOTA offers a variety of options as a deluxe custom stationery designer!

When Do I Send This? A Wedding Stationery Timeline