When Should You Send Wedding Invitations: Your Guide + Free Planning Checklist!

Your stress-free guide to the frequently asked question “When Should You Send Wedding Invitations?”

TL;DR: Grab my free, fridge-worthy Wedding Stationery Timeline Checklist and kiss the “wait, are we behind?!” panic goodbye—custom or semi-custom wedding invitations, you’ll stay perfectly on track! 💌

You’ve booked the venue. You’ve tried on the dress. You’re starting to picture your wedding day coming to life. And now… you’re wondering when to order your wedding invitations. (Or maybe your mom is asking…or your planner… or your wedding bestie who lives for a good spreadsheet.)

Wherever you’re starting from, you’re in the right place.

As a wedding invitation designer serving couples in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, and beyond, I know how confusing stationery timelines can be—especially when you’re juggling save the dates, invitations, and all those beautiful day-of paper details. This quick guide is here to help you plan ahead with confidence. Spoiler: whether you’re dreaming of a fully custom suite or going with a beautifully designed semi-custom option, early is always better.

First, Let’s Talk About Timing: When Should You Send Wedding Invitations and Save the Dates?

Wedding invitations aren’t just about the logistics (although yes, they do tell guests where to go and when to show up!). Your invitations are a reflection of your entire wedding vision—your style, your story, your first impression. When a guest opens the mailbox and sees something gorgeous with their name on it? The excitement kicks in immediately. They know they’re about to celebrate something special.

Many couples choose to keep a copy of their invitation suite as a keepsake as a wedding day heirloom. It’s the kind of tangible beauty that lives on long after the last slice of cake is gone.

But behind every elegant suite is a little process: think design rounds, edits, approvals, printing, assembly, and postage. And just like your caterer books out early, good design takes time—and planning ahead saves stress.

So, when should you send wedding invitations and start thinking about your wedding invitation timeline? Let’s break down the timeline for Wedding Invitations and Save the Dates. ⬇️

🗓️ Planning Tip: If you’re getting married during peak season or working with a designer who books up (hi 👋), inquire at least 6–8 months before your wedding.

📬 Wedding Invitation Mailing Windows (Start Here!)

• Save the Dates → Mail Save the Dates 9–12 months before your wedding
• Wedding Invitations → Mail Wedding Invitations 2–3 months before your wedding

If you’re having a destination wedding or expecting a lot of out-of-town guests, I recommend sending invites closer to the 3-month mark to give guests more time to book travel and accommodations.

Once you know when to mail your Wedding Invitations and Save the Dates, we can count backward to know when you need to order them.

💡 You don’t need all the wedding details nailed down—just your date, location, and guest list. Early birds win here.

Option 1: Semi-Custom Wedding Stationery Timelines

Beautiful, curated semi-custom wedding invitation designs customized with your wedding details.

Semi-custom wedding invitations are perfect if you want a luxurious, professionally designed suite—but don’t want all the bells and whistles of full customization. You’ll personalize one of my collection suites with your wording and add-ons like artwork re-coloring, envelope liners, ribbon, wax seals, or vellum wraps. Bonus: all semi-custom suites come with envelope addressing and envelope color changes—no extra charge!

🗓 Order your semi-custom wedding invitation suites at least 6–8 weeks before you want to mail them.

Here’s why:

• Once I receive your order and all required wording and details, your timeline looks like this:
  • Proofing + Printing: 3–4 weeks
  • Shipping to You: 1–2 weeks
  • Assembly + Mailing (by you): 2 weeks

Keep in mind: Semi-custom wedding invitations are shipped to you unassembled. Every Larchwood Creative semi-custom wedding invitation suite includes the Paper Party Kit. This is your official excuse to grab your favorite person, pour something fizzy, and turn assembly night into a joyful core memory. That means you will be stuffing envelopes, sealing things up, and heading to the post office yourself (make sure to factor in time to purchase those oh-so-perfect stamps, too). In addition to your invitation suite components, the Paper Party Kit includes a custom candle, chic matchsticks, curated tea, our house cocktail recipe card, and our “Happily Ever After” Spotify playlist designed to give you all the giddy excitement for your wedding day.

Option 2: Custom Wedding Stationery Timelines

Fully bespoke custom wedding invitation designs created just for your wedding—unique, meaningful, and totally you.

Custom wedding invitations are ideal if you’re envisioning a completely personalized suite—think hand-painted venue artwork, illustrated maps, layered textures, specialty printing, and meaningful design details that reflect your unique wedding style. This is where we get to tell your love story in paper form. ✨

Custom wedding invitation designs take more time (and love!), and I take care of assembly and mailing for you.

Here’s a typical custom wedding stationery timeline:

Timeline for Save the Dates:

• Design begins: 4–8 weeks before mailing
• Guest address spreadsheet due: 6 weeks before mailing
• Print production: 4 weeks before mailing
• Mail to guests: 9–12 months before wedding

Timeline for Wedding Invitations:

• Design consultation: 6 months before wedding
• Proofing period: 4.5–6 months before wedding
• Guest address spreadsheet due: 5 months before wedding
• Final payment + print quantity due: 4.5 months before wedding
• Print production: 4–5 months before wedding
• Assembly + Mailing (done by me): 3 months before wedding

A quick note: If you’d like me to design any day of wedding paper pieces—like ceremony programs, menus, place cards, or signage—please reach out at least 4 months before your wedding day. These are booked based on availability.

Noteworthy Extras to Know When Asking “When Should You Send Wedding Invitations” ✨

• Holiday Ordering: If you’re placing an order in November or December, add 2 extra weeks for production and shipping. Printers and carriers are swamped during the holidays!
• Guest List Stress is Real: Start collecting addresses early so you’re not panic-texting relatives three days before your print deadline.
• Destination Wedding Invitations: Add extra mailing time. International guests, remote venues, and travel logistics all benefit from early notice.
• Day of Wedding Essentials: Think menus, programs, or escort cards. Reach out at least 4 months before the big day to reserve a spot on my calendar.
• Wedding Invitation Mailing Services: I offer mailing for custom clients only—semi-custom orders are shipped to you for DIY assembly and mailing.

Final Thoughts From Your Stationer (That’s Me!)

I know how much thought goes into planning your wedding. The playlist. The florals. The signature cocktails. Your stationery should feel just as special.

Whether we’re working together on a bespoke custom wedding invitation suite or you’re selecting a semi-custom wedding invitation that fits your vibe perfectly, I’m here to help you create something beautiful, meaningful, and true to you.

The best part? Your guests are going to feel it. From the moment they open their mailbox, they’ll know this day is going to be something worth celebrating—and it’ll be here in the blink of an eye.

Let’s make sure your wedding invitations are ready to set the tone.

Ready to order or want help figuring out “when should you send wedding invitations?!” Contact me at hello@larchwoodcreative.com or Download My Wedding Stationery Timeline Checklist to stay on track!

Follow me on Instagram @larchwoodcreative for more helpful tips and to see what I’m working on lately!