When planning for their wedding stationery, one of the first questions couples will have is "When should I mail them to my guests?"
To answer this and more, I've included a few pointers and a handy guide to timing your wedding invitations and save-the-dates.
First, it will depend on whether you are celebrating locally or having a destination event. You'll want to send invitations much sooner for destination weddings so guests will have ample time to plan for travel.
Next, it is important to find out when your venue or caterer needs the final guest count. They may want your final numbers 6 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 weeks, etc from the date of the event. The sooner the final count due date, the sooner you will want to send invitations to your guests and receive their RSVPs.
Check in with your other vendors. For name cards and seating charts, your calligrapher will want your final guest list at least 2-4 weeks before the event date, depending on whether you are collecting your order in person or having your items shipped to you. Always account for extra shipping time when orders are posted internationally. Likewise, your calligrapher will also need time to calligraph the addresses for your invitation envelopes. They will ask when you plan to mail your invitations to your guests, and count back 2-4 weeks (plus any required shipping time) from there. This will be the due date for you to provide your final list of guest addresses.
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
Save-the-Dates
9-12 months before the event date
Invitations
If a save-the-date was sent, around 3-4 months before the event date.
Without a save-the-date, 5-8 months before the event date.
RSVP Deadline
Generally 6 weeks before the event - but always best to double check with your venue & vendors
LOCAL WEDDINGS
Save-the-Dates
6-8 months before the event date
Invitations
If a save-the-date was sent, around 2 months - 3 months before the event date.
Without a save-the-date, 3-4 months before the event date.
RSVP Deadline
Generally 1 month before the event - but always best to double check with your venue & vendors
For those celebrating during Covid times and hosting virtual events, you'll have a little more time. Without the need for travel or venue, you might decide to bypass a save-the-date and send an invitation 4 weeks in advance of the virtual event.
CALLIGRAPHY TIMELINE GUIDE
Envelopes for Save-the-Dates, Invitations, and RSVPs
Send your final list of guest names & addresses to your calligrapher with a minimum of:
2-4 weeks
before your estimated mailing date, when collecting your order in person
4 weeks
before your estimated mailing date, when your order is being posted to you
+4 weeks
before your estimated mailing date, when order is being posted internationally
*If you are providing your own paper envelopes, they should arrive to your calligrapher on the same timeline as mentioned above
Please keep in mind that the recommendations listed above are a guideline, and I would be happy to discuss your individual needs & situation with you! As always, it's best to reach out to a calligrapher or stationer sooner rather than later to make sure there is ample time to plan the perfect stationery for your event.
Ready to get started, or have a specific question? Contact Letter & Vine xx
