When should we book our wedding stationery?

Violethill Studios
July 7, 2025
Stationery
Timeline
Advice
Among all the decisions and to‑dos that come with planning a wedding, booking your stationery can feel like just another box to tick, but it’s so much more than that. Your invitations set the tone for your day and give guests their very first glimpse of what’s to come. With so many suppliers to secure, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but booking your stationer early can take a huge weight off your mind. This guide walks through a simple timeline when to book, when to start the design process, and when to post your invites, so that everything feels calm, personal and perfectly timed.
9-12 Months Before: Book Your Stationer & Send Save the Dates
Ideally, book your stationer 9-12 months before the wedding. For destination weddings or peak season dates, it’s best to get started even earlier so you can send save the dates about 9-12 months in advance, giving guests plenty of time to plan travel and accommodation.
About 6 Months Before: Begin the Design Process
Allow around 6 months to work on your wedding invitation suite. This gives space to: - Refine your design ideas - Approve proofs - Include any bespoke touches like custom venue sketches or illustrations.
Factor in special finishes such as letterpress, foil, wax seals or vellum wraps, which can all extend production time
8-12 Weeks Before: Send Invitations
Plan to send your wedding invitations 8–12 weeks before the wedding (around 2-3 months). For destination weddings, aim for around 6 months before to give guests plenty of notice to book flights and accommodation.
RSVP Deadlines & Guest List
Ask guests to RSVP by the deadline your venue or caterer requires, often about 4-6 weeks before the day. Once you’ve confirmed your final guest list, share it with your stationer so they can produce on‑the‑day stationery like:
- Place names
- Table plan
- Table numbers
- Menus
3-4 Weeks Before: Confirm Ceremony Details
If you’re having an order of service or mass booklet, aim to finalise ceremony details around 3-4 weeks before the wedding. This keeps everything accurate and allows enough time for printing and delivery.
Special Finishes & Bespoke Details
Remember: Custom illustrations, venue sketches and monograms add something truly personal, but may add to your timeline Special finishes like foil, letterpress or embossing often require longer production.
Your stationer can guide you through timings, but it’s always best to start early to keep things relaxed and enjoyable!
Final Thoughts
Starting your stationery journey early gives you space to create designs that feel timeless and truly yours, with all the personal details that make your day unique!
Get in touch to get started on your wedding stationery!