How far in advance should you order wedding invitations? It’s a great question and one I get all the time. Deciding when to order wedding invitations is crucial for ensuring everything arrives on time. In this guide, I’ll outline the ideal timeline and offer tips for avoiding common delays.

Invitation designers and stationers have a slightly different timeline since all the preparation is done before your wedding day. Unlike other wedding professionals, we can work with couples who may share the same wedding date, so you won’t need to worry about the possibility of your ideal stationer being unavailable. While there isn’t a mad dash to reserve your wedding stationery, there is still a time frame to keep in mind.

The Ideal Timeline: When to Order Wedding Invitations

So, what is the ideal time to order wedding invitations?
The Answer: Around 6-8 months before your wedding date.

There are many variables to consider before ordering, such as printing options and addressing services, but I’ve found six to eight months before the big day to be an excellent “sweet spot.” This allows ample time for the design process, revisions, printing, assembly, and mailing.

The Importance of Early Ordering

You can start looking for wedding invitations whenever you want, and you should! Ordering your wedding invitations early is more than just ticking a box off your to-do list; it’s about peace of mind. By ordering 6-8 months in advance, you provide yourself with a cushion against unforeseen delays (because LIFE) and the flexibility to make changes without feeling rushed. This ensures you have enough time to carefully consider every detail and avoid making hasty decisions or compromising your vision.

Essential Details to Finalize Before Ordering Wedding Invitations

Before ordering your wedding invitations, it’s important to finalize a few key details to ensure everything goes smoothly.

• Determine how many invitations you need. Wondering how to figure this out? Check out my blog post here.
• Ceremony location/date/time
• Reception location/date/time
• Entree selections (if you are having a formal, plated meal)
• Website URL (if you want this included on your wedding invitations)
• Hotel block information (if you want this included on your wedding invitations)
• Who is “hosting” your wedding? Is it the couple, one set of parents, or both? This is crucial information because it determines how the invitation is worded.

Then, once you have all the above information, ask yourself: Are the details subject to change? You don’t want to order invitations, have them printed, and then decide to alter your ceremony time/reception as the date gets closer (hello, reprint costs—no, thank you). Or discover you need more invitations. Or that you are moving and need to change your return address. So, think about the logistics and details and decide whether you are ready to set them in stone.

Did you know? I offer a flexible design process with unlimited revisions. What does this mean for you? If any details change during the design process, including the number of invitations needed, we can easily update both the design and quantity without extra costs to you.

Planning for the Unexpected: Print and Shipping Delays

Life is unpredictable, and the process of creating wedding invitations is not immune to surprises. Print machines can malfunction, envelopes are out of stock, and shipping delays due to weather are the most common surprises couples encounter. By ordering early, you allow yourself a buffer to handle these unexpected events without stress. Here’s how to adjust your timeline:

• Extended Print and Production Times: If you opt for specialty printing techniques like letterpress or foil, expect a longer timeline of 5-6 weeks just for printing. These specialty methods require more time due to their intricate nature and the craftsmanship involved. Understanding these timelines helps you plan accordingly and ensures your invitations are ready well before your wedding date.
• Shipping Delays: The most common shipping delay my couples encounter is weather-related, and if Hurricane Milton has taught us anything, it’s that Mother Nature is unpredictable. Add at least a two-week buffer to account for potential shipping delays. If you’re ordering internationally, consider adding additional time for possible customs hold-ups.
• Vendor Holidays and Busy Seasons: Many designers and print shops experience high demand during the holiday season or early spring when the wedding season is in full swing. Ask your designer about their schedule and adjust your timeline accordingly.

Ordering your wedding invitations early also helps you avoid rush fees, expedited shipping charges, and the added stress of mailing them late.

A Calendar Breakdown

Need in a cheat sheet? Take a peek at the timeline below to determine what month you should order wedding invitations.

Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful. While 6-9 months may seem like a long time, it gives you plenty of time to do your research, request samples, and make the right choice for you. Are you ordering a custom design? Planning a destination wedding? You’ll want to start your order about a month earlier.

What about other wedding stationery – like save the dates or dinner menus? Sign up for my newsletter for expert tips and tricks on planning your perfect wedding invitations- and receive a free, customizable wedding stationery timeline delivered straight to your inbox. SIGN UP HERE.

Key Takeaways for Stress-Free Wedding Invitations

• Start Early: Begin planning your wedding stationery at least a year in advance. For custom or bespoke designs, aim to place your order no later than 8 to 10 months before your wedding. For semi-custom designs, aim to place your order no later than 5-6 months before your wedding.
• Account for Specialty Printing: Allow extra time for techniques like letterpress, foil stamping, and calligraphy.
• Build in Buffers: Include a few extra weeks in your timeline to accommodate potential print, production, or shipping delays.

Ordering your wedding invitations is a pivotal step in your wedding planning journey. Starting early and allowing time for the unexpected, aka life, helps ensure a smooth and stress-free process. With smart planning and attention to detail, your invitations will arrive right on schedule and wow your guests from the moment they open them.

If you have any questions or need extra guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help! Just email me directly at janeil@seventhandanderson.com or send me a message via my Contact Page, and I’ll be back in your inbox with a response in no time.

Looking for inspiration? Explore my Portfolio to see how past couples have transformed their vision into beautifully crafted invitations

*This post was originally published on January 6, 2020. It was updated and republished on October 20, 2024.