When to Order and Send Wedding Invitations: A Simple Timeline
Most couples ask the same two questions: when do the invitations need to be in the mail, and how early do we have to order them? Here is a simple timeline you can work backwards from.
The Short Answer
- Save the dates: mail them 6 to 8 months before the wedding.
- Invitations: mail them 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.
- RSVP deadline: 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding.
- Order your invitations: about 4 months before the wedding.
For a destination wedding, move everything earlier: save the dates 8 to 12 months ahead and invitations about 3 months ahead, so guests have time to book travel.
Why You Should Order About 4 Months Ahead
Your invitations need to be in your hands a couple of weeks before you mail them. Working backwards from a mailing date 8 weeks before the wedding:
| Step | Time to allow |
|---|---|
| Design by email: we ask for your wording, prepare your design and you approve it | Depends on how quickly you reply; allow up to a week |
| Printing | 5 to 10 business days after you approve, depending on the print method |
| Delivery | 3 to 5 business days with expedited shipping, 10 to 14 with standard |
| Addressing, assembling and stamping at home | 1 to 2 weeks |
That adds up to roughly 5 to 8 weeks from the day you order to the day your invitations are ready to mail. Ordering 4 months before the wedding leaves a comfortable buffer for a changed venue time, a guest list that grows, or a customs delay on international delivery. Delivery details are in our shipping policy.
A Timeline You Can Copy
For a wedding on June 12:
- October to December: mail save the dates.
- Early February: order your invitations.
- Mid-March: invitations arrive; address and assemble them.
- Mid-April: mail your invitations.
- Mid-May: RSVP deadline.
- June 12: wedding day.
Destination Weddings
Guests need to arrange flights, time off and accommodation, so they need more notice. Mail save the dates 8 to 12 months before, and invitations about 3 months before. That means ordering your invitations about 5 to 6 months ahead. Passport and boarding pass invitations are a popular choice here because they tell guests it is a travel wedding the moment they open the envelope.
How Many to Order
Order one invitation per household, not per guest, then add extras for last-minute additions and keepsakes. Our minimum order is 10 pieces.
Running Late?
If your date is closer than this timeline allows, contact us before you order. Choose expedited shipping, reply to your design email the same day, and tell us your mailing date so we can tell you honestly whether it is possible.
Ready to Start?
Every invitation is 40% off right now, applied automatically at checkout. Browse the collection, pick your design and we will take it from there.
