Planning your wedding stationery timeline can feel like a juggling act, especially when you’re managing venue bookings, dress fittings, and honeymoon plans too. One of the questions we’re most often asked is: When should I send my wedding invitations?
To make things simple, we’ve put together a UK-specific guide to help you get your timings just right, so your guests have all the details they need and you can enjoy a stress-free run-up to the big day.
Save the Dates: 8–12 Months Before
If you're planning a summer wedding, a destination celebration, or simply want to give your guests plenty of notice, sending Save the Date cards is a great idea. Aim to post these around 8 to 12 months before your wedding date.
💡 Top Tip: Make sure you’ve confirmed your venue and ceremony time before sending Save the Dates.
Wedding Invitations: 4–6 Months Before
Your formal wedding invitations should be sent out around 4 to 6 months before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to RSVP, book accommodation, and arrange travel — especially important if you’re getting married during school holidays or peak wedding season.
If you're planning a destination wedding or expecting international guests, consider sending them 6–8 months in advance.
🕊️ Recommended Timeline:
Wedding in July → Send invites by February or March
RSVP Deadline: 6–8 Weeks Before
Set your RSVP date for around 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. This gives you enough time to finalise:
- Your guest list
- Catering numbers
- Table plans
- Any personalised signage or stationery
💡 Top Tip: Link your RSVP card to a personalised wedding website that collects responses online. Many platforms let you gather meal choices, note dietary requirements, and even export a guest list directly to your caterer, saving you hours of admin!
On-the-Day Stationery: Order 6–8 Weeks Before
Menus, place cards, table numbers, welcome signs - all the lovely finishing touches you’ll need for the day itself. Once you’ve had your RSVPs back and confirmed your final numbers, aim to place your order for on-the-day stationery about 6–8 weeks ahead of the wedding.
Final Thoughts
The key to a smooth stationery timeline is planning ahead and giving yourself breathing space. Ordering early not only avoids last-minute stress but also allows time for beautiful touches like personalised finishes, foiling, or hand-embellishments.
At Print & Pearls, we offer a range of semi-custom, stationery packages and bespoke wedding stationery options, with guidance every step of the way - from Save the Dates to your on-the-day details.
✨ Thinking ahead? Browse our wedding invitations or order a sample pack to see our designs up close.
