If you’re recently engaged (and anything like me) you’ve almost immediately started to gather inspiration for your big day. I’m sure you’ve got a ton of ideas, along with a ton of QUESTIONS! One of the trickiest parts of planning can be figuring out when you should start working on your wedding stationery. When should you mail Save the Dates? When do I need to send out invitations for a destination wedding?
Lilliput Design Studio to the rescue! I’ve put together handy–and hopefully simple to understand–timeline for wedding stationery, starting from the moment you get engaged…
12 MONTHS + | You’re Engaged!
He popped the question! He put a ring on it! Huzzah! Whether you have the whole day planned out in your wedding dream book, or whether you haven’t thought about your day at all… It’s time to at least start thinking about what you’d like your wedding to be like.
11-10 MONTHS | Find a Designer
Take the time to think about what design style you’d like for your wedding invitations, and look into designers that fit that style. Look at websites, social media, blogs, etc. to get a good feel for what you want and make sure that the designer’s aesthetic matches your own, or at least comes close. Learn about their design process for wedding stationery, what inspires them… You want to work with someone you like and trust!
9 MONTHS | Start Your Save the Dates
Once you’ve chosen a designer, you should start working on your Save the Date design. This obviously depends on a few factors… A couple of them are knowing your wedding date and venue and whether you want an engagement photo in your Save the Date.
8-6 MONTHS | Mail the Save the Dates
Time to send your Save the Dates! You want to send these out early enough to give your guest enough time to make any plans, especially if you’re having a destination wedding! This is the first piece of wedding stationery your guests will receive, so it’s a great “first impression” for the tone of your wedding.
5 MONTHS | Design the Wedding Invitation
When you’re about 5 months out from your wedding day, it’s time to start working on the design for your pièce de résistance: the wedding invitation suite. This will consist of your main invitation, your response cards, and the details card. Your designer will also work with you on any additional items that will add a special flair to your wedding stationery, like a creating a custom wax seal, or finding the perfect silk ribbon. Some people might think 5 months is a little early, but remember that getting your design absolutely perfect will take a few rounds of edits. Some more complicated printing techniques can also take a little longer in production. Always better to have your stationery in hand early!
4 MONTHS | Get Your Addresses Ready
If you haven’t already, make sure you have all your mailing addresses up to date and formatted for the designer or calligrapher. (You should have the majority from your Save the Date mailing!) Lilliput Design Studio provides each bride with a specially formatted spreadsheet, making addressing envelopes a breeze. We’ll also help you with the tricky, tricky process that is formal addressing formats! Did you know that you aren’t supposed to abbreviate a medical doctor’s title? Now you know!
2-3 MONTHS | Mail Your Wedding Invitations
It’s time to mail out your wedding invitations! Plan to have your invitations in guests’ hands at least 6 weeks before your wedding. If you’re having a destination wedding, aim for three months, so guests have time to make any travel arrangements and book hotels.
8 WEEKS | Day-Of Design Starts
Any stationery item for your wedding day should start being designed a couple of months out… Seating charts or escort cards, menus, drink signs, etc.
4-3 WEEKS | Rehearsal Dinner Invitations Go Out
Time to send out the invitations for your rehearsal dinner. Lilliput Design’s more complete stationery package includes Bridal Shower and Rehearsal Dinner invitations! These can be a little more casual, and fun. We had a BBQ rehearsal for our wedding!
THE BIG DAY
Enjoy this amazing moment in your lives! So much love and celebration for the start of your lives together!
WITHIN 4 MONTHS
Remember to send out your Thank You cards! There’s nothing more thoughtful than a handwritten note from the bride & groom. It’s even better if you include a favorite photo from your wedding day in the design!
Ready to create gorgeous wedding stationery together?