Wedding Invitation FAQs, Part 2: Timeline

Happy Friday everyone! Hopefully you all found Part 1 of our Wedding FAQs helpful so here is the second installment - Timeline. We are often asked about the timing of invitations from when to start looking, to when to mail Save the Dates, and when to order & mail invitations so we hope the FAQs & Timeline below will be helpful to you in your planning for your big day! Enjoy the weekend!

Q: When should I start looking for wedding invitations?
It is best to begin browsing for invitations early—the earlier, the better. Casually browsing through an array of albums will help generate ideas and allow you to “see what’s out there”. However, before you start browsing it is good to have a general idea of the type of event you are having (formal vs. casual), the location of the ceremony/reception, the number of guests and a general color-scheme.

Q: When should I order my invitations?
Once you finally select an invitation, an additional appointment is generally necessary to place the order so that you will have a sales associate’s undivided attention. Filling out our Wedding Invitation Worksheet in advance will make the ordering process go smoothly and also provide us with all the pertinent information. Our knowledgeable staff will provide you with guidance regarding proper wording and etiquette during this appointment.

Q: When should I mail my invitations?
A: Invitations should be mailed 6-8 weeks in advance of your wedding day. The enclosed reply card should request guest’s replies somewhere between 2 and 4 weeks before your wedding day.

Timeline
6-12 months before: Begin browsing for invitations, gathering ideas and price quotes. Simultaneously, look for Save the Dates (usually sent 6-9 mo. in advance of your wedding date).

4-6 months before: Narrow down your invitation selection and make an appointment to place your order. Once an order is placed, proofs are generally received within 2-5 business days. Upon proof approval, orders are usually shipped within 7-10 business days for flat printing and thermography or 2-4 weeks for engraving and letterpress. We generally recommend allowing 3-6 weeks to complete the ordering process.

8-10 weeks before: Upon receiving your invitations, take one to the post office to be weighed and purchase the proper postage including postage for the reply envelope. Address & assemble your invitations.

6-8 weeks before: Mail your invitations. Finalize orders for ceremony programs, tablecards, menus, placecards and favor packaging, if applicable.

2-4 weeks before: Keep track of responses as they are returned.

Photo courtesy of Studio Olivine.