One of the most important things to consider when working on a wedding planning schedule is timing. Getting your stationery into guests' hands at the right moment ensures they have time to plan — without the details getting lost in the shuffle.
Save-the-date cards
Save-the-date cards should be sent up to a year before the wedding. These cards are less formal than invitations, typically containing only the event date to allow guests advance notice. They give your guests the heads-up they need to block the date on their calendars and start thinking about travel arrangements.
Wedding invitations
Following etiquette guidelines from Emily Post and Crane's Blue Book of Stationery, invitations should be sent six to eight weeks prior to the wedding date. This timeframe gives guests sufficient time to plan attendance and respond with their RSVP.
Digital RSVP options
For situations requiring shorter lead times, including a wedding website or email for digital RSVPs can expedite responses. Keep in mind that older guests often prefer traditional physical response cards, so consider your guest list when deciding on your RSVP method.
Production timeline
Allow four to six weeks before your planned mailing date to accommodate guest list compilation, design work, and printing. If you're hiring a calligrapher for envelope addressing, add an additional two weeks to your timeline. Working backward from your wedding date helps ensure everything arrives on schedule with time to spare.