The Ideal Wedding Stationery Timeline: From Save the Dates to Thank You Cards
By Honey Co Designs – Branding & Web Design Studio in North Dakota
The Ideal Wedding Stationery Timeline: From Save the Dates to Thank You Cards
Wedding stationery is one of the most meaningful parts of your celebration—it's the very first glimpse guests get of your wedding style, and one of the last keepsakes they’ll treasure. But knowing when to order, design, and mail everything can feel confusing.
To help make the process simple and stress-free, here’s the ideal wedding stationery timeline from start to finish, including when to send Save the Dates, when to mail your invitation suite, and when to finalize Thank You cards.
1. Save the Dates — Mail 8–12 Months Before the Wedding
Save the Dates give your guests plenty of notice to plan travel, request time off, and block your wedding weekend on their calendars. Especially for destination weddings or events during busy seasons, the earlier the better.
Ideal Timing:
8–12 months before the wedding
Design + Order Timeline:
Begin the design process 10–12 months out so you have time to review proofs, make changes, and get them printed.
Save the Dates Should Include:
Couple’s names
Wedding date
City + state of the wedding
Optional: wedding website QR code
Optional: photo
Save the Dates set the tone for your event. This is the perfect place to begin soft hints of your color palette, mood, or style—without committing to the full design yet.
2. Wedding Invitation Suite — Mail 6–8 Weeks Before the Wedding
Your invitation suite is the heart of your wedding stationery. It includes all the essential details guests need before attending.
Most couples choose to mail their invitations 6–8 weeks before the big day, but destination weddings often require earlier mailing—around 10–12 weeks.
Ideal Mailing Timeline:
6–8 weeks before the wedding
(10–12 weeks for destination or holiday-weekend weddings)
Design + Order Timeline:
Start designing your suite 3–5 months before the wedding.
This ensures time for:
Concept development
Revisions
Specialty print methods (letterpress, foil)
Envelope addressing
Assembly
Mailing
Your Invitation Suite Typically Includes:
Invitation card
Details or accommodations card
RSVP card + envelope (or digital RSVP info)
Outer envelopes + addressing
Optional: vellum wraps, wax seals, ribbon, envelope liners, map cards
Your suite should feel like a cohesive extension of your wedding aesthetic—soft, romantic, modern, textural, classic—whatever your vision may be.
3. Day-Of Stationery — Finalize 3–6 Weeks Before the Wedding
Day-of pieces help guide guests, brand your event, and pull together the full visual experience.
Design + Order Timeline:
Finalize 3–6 weeks before the wedding
Day-of Items May Include:
Programs
Menus
Place cards / escort cards
Seating chart
Welcome sign
Bar menu + specialty drink signage
Table numbers
Favor tags
Any custom installations
Many couples choose to coordinate these with the invitation suite for a beautifully cohesive wedding aesthetic.
4. Thank You Cards — Mail Within 3 Months After the Wedding
Once the celebration ends, thank you cards offer a heartfelt way to show gratitude to every guest.
Ideal Timing:
Mail thank you cards within 2–3 months after the wedding.
If you’re sending cards after your bridal shower, aim for 2–4 weeks post-event.
Design + Order Timeline:
Order thank you cards before the wedding, so they're ready as soon as you return from your honeymoon.
Many couples choose to include a wedding photo, which can be added after the photographer delivers your sneak peeks or gallery.
Ready to Start Your Wedding Invitation Journey?
At Honey Co Designs, I create custom wedding stationery that’s thoughtful, cohesive, and designed to match your unique style. From Save the Dates to invitation suites to day-of signage, I make the process easy and enjoyable.
✨ Ready to begin your suite?
👉 Contact me here: https://www.honeycodesigns.com/contact