Your Stress-Free Guide to a Wedding Invitation Timeline for Custom and Semi-Custom Suites
TL;DR: Grab my free, fridge-worthy Wedding Stationery Timeline Checklist and kiss the “wait, are we behind?!” panic goodbye—custom or semi-custom, 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, whether you’re dreaming of a fully custom suite or going with a beautifully designed semi-custom option. Spoiler: early is always better.
First, Let’s Talk About Timing
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 even choose to keep a copy of their invitation suite as a keepsake or frame it 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 start thinking about your wedding invitation timeline? Let’s break it down ⬇️
🗓️ 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.
📬 Mailing Windows (Start Here!)
- Save the Dates → Mail these 9–12 months before your wedding
- Wedding Invitations → Mail these 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 you’ll need to mail, we can count backward to know when to order.
💡 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 Stationery Timelines
Beautiful, curated designs customized with your wedding details.
Semi-custom 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 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 invitations are shipped to you unassembled. That means you (or your most organized friend!) will be stuffing envelopes, sealing things up, and heading to the post office yourself. It’s a great excuse to make a playlist and pour a glass of wine! Make sure to factor in time to purchase those oh-so-perfect stamps, too.
Option 2: Custom Wedding Stationery Timelines
Fully bespoke designs created just for your wedding—unique, meaningful, and totally you.
Custom 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 designs take more time (and love!), and I take care of assembly and mailing for you.
Here’s a typical custom invitation timeline:
Save the Date Timeline:
- 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
Wedding Invitation Timeline:
- 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 wedding day paper goods—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 ✨
- 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? Add extra mailing time. International guests, remote venues, and travel logistics all benefit from early notice.
- Want wedding day paper goods? Think menus, programs, or escort cards. Reach out at least 4 months before the big day to reserve a spot on my calendar.
- 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 suite or you’re selecting a semi-custom design 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 invitations are ready to set the tone.
Ready to order or want help figuring out your perfect wedding invitation timeline? 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!
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