Your Wedding Invitation Timeline: When to Send, When to Order, and How to Stay Ahead
Your wedding invitations aren’t just paper—they’re the first chapter of your celebration. They set expectations, communicate the tone, and offer guests a glimpse into the experience you’re creating. And like every thoughtful detail, they shine brightest when planned with intention.
This guide walks you through the exact timeline Evergreen & Faye recommends for a smooth, stress-free stationery process—from your first design consultation to the moment your invitations land in your guests’ hands.
01 — When to Start Your Invitation Process
Designing wedding stationery is a creative, collaborative journey. To ensure you have access to the full range of papers, print methods, embellishments, and thoughtful revisions, it’s best to begin early.
Begin Design: 6–8 Months Before Your Wedding
This is the ideal window for:
• exploring your suite style
• selecting your colour palette
• choosing your paper + print methods
• incorporating your venue or inspiration images
• refining your design with feedback
Starting here allows you to enjoy the creative process without rushing or compromising.
Why Starting Early Matters
Specialty papers like cotton or handmade often have longer lead times
Foil + letterpress require plate creation
Multiple proof rounds ensure everything feels intentional
Early planning means more design options are available
If you’re ordering a sample kit, add an extra week for it to arrive and inspire your choices.
02 — Production & Printing Timeline
Once your design is approved, production begins.
2–4 Weeks for Print Production
Actual timelines depend on:
• your chosen print method (digital is fastest; foil and letterpress take longer)
• paper type
• embellishments (wax seals, silk ribbons, vellum wraps)
• quantity ordered
Print Method Timing Overview
Digital Printing: 5–7 business days
Foil: 10–14 business days
Letterpress: 10–14 business days
Handmade Paper: 10–21 days depending on availability
Production is where your suite transforms from concept to tactile beauty—pressed, printed, trimmed, and finished with care.
03 — Assembly & Mailing Prep
When your printed pieces arrive, it’s time for the carefully orchestrated final steps.
1–2 Weeks
This includes:
• envelope addressing (printed or handwritten)
• envelope liners installation
• wax seal application
• belly bands or vellum wraps
• tying silk ribbon
• postage application
• final quality check
• mailing or hand-delivery to the post office
If Evergreen & Faye is handling assembly, we’ll take care of each detail with precision—ensuring every suite arrives exactly as intended.
04 — When to Mail Your Invitations
This is the moment everything comes together.
Save the Dates
8–12 months before the wedding
Destination weddings or long-weekend dates benefit from sending closer to 10–12 months.
Wedding Invitations
Mail 6–10 weeks before your wedding
This gives guests time to RSVP, book travel, arrange childcare, and plan.
Destination Weddings
Mail 10–12 weeks before
Your guests will thank you for the extra notice.
RSVP Deadline
4–5 weeks before your wedding
This allows time to follow up with stragglers and finalize catering numbers.
05 — A Timeline at a Glance
Here’s the simplified version you can screenshot or save:
8–12 Months Before
Send Save the Dates
6–8 Months Before
Begin Invitation Design
2–4 Weeks
Production + printing
1–2 Weeks
Assembly + envelope addressing
6–10 Weeks Before Wedding
Mail invitations
4–5 Weeks Before
RSVP deadline
06 — What If You’re Running Behind?
You’re not alone—it happens more often than you think.
Here’s what Evergreen & Faye can do:
• prioritize print-ready designs
• switch to digital printing for faster turnaround
• recommend in-stock papers with shorter lead times
• simplify embellishments for speed
• send PDF versions of details while invitations are in production
You still get beautiful, elevated stationery—just on a condensed timeline.
07 — Final Thoughts
A thoughtful timeline is one of the most powerful ways to create a stress-free stationery experience. Starting early means more options, more breathing room, and more opportunities to craft a suite that truly reflects your story.
If you're unsure where to begin, ordering a sample kit is the perfect first step. Feeling the papers, textures, and finishes in person often brings everything into focus.
Want to Start Your Design Journey?
Here’s where you can go next:
• Explore the Semi-Custom Collection
• Order a Sample Kit
• Submit a Custom Proposal Request
I’m here to guide you through every step.
xoxo,
Evergreen & Faye