Weddings involve a lot of paper, one of my favorite things. From save the dates and invitations to programs and escort cards, there’s a lot of pretty little paper details to keep track of. Here is a wedding stationery timeline to help you with your wedding paper needs.

Immediately After Setting Wedding Date

• Plan the guest list and collect addresses. Postable is a great resource to use.

6-12 Months Prior to Wedding Date

• Order save the dates.
• Order thank you cards. These do not need to be your wedding thank you cards, gifts will start coming in and it is wise to be prepared!

Details to Include
Location, date and wedding website

Who to Send to
In addition to wedding guests, remember to send a save the date to your bridal party. Also consider sending a save the date to your wedding vendors as well (officiant, planner, photographer, etc.).

It is okay to have an A list and a B list.  Mail Save the Dates to the people you absolutely want to join in the celebration.  The B list can be included in the invitation mailing.

When to Send

In some instances, Save the Dates should be sent out as quickly as possible.  The day and location will help you decide the best time to mail out Save the Dates. Weddings that may require advance planning from guests:

• Weekday weddings (ex. Friday)
• Holiday weddings
• Destination weddings
• Weddings during “peak” wedding season (for Kansas City- May/June and October)

4 to 6 months prior to wedding date

• Select and order wedding invitations.
• Order rehearsal dinner invitations.

Start Early
Since your wedding invitations will set the style and tone for your wedding, I recommend sitting down and beginning the invitation design process with your stationer least six months in advance.

Order Extras
It’s a good idea to order an extra 25 invitations to account for last-minute invites, personal keepsakes, and any mistakes during addressing/assembly.

Factor in Time for Assembling & Addressing
We recommend ordering your invitations 4–​6 months in advance.  This gives ample time for assembly and addressing should you choose a calligrapher. Tip: consider an invitation stuffing party with your bridesmaids!  This is a great way to get your gal pals involved in the wedding and make for a fun evening.

3 to 4 Months prior to wedding date

• Mail wedding invitations. I recommend an RSVP date of 4 weeks prior to wedding date. This allows an extra week to follow up with guests that forgot to reply. Then, prepare your seating chart and final numbers to submit to the stationer, caterer, florist and venue.
• Begin collecting ideas for day of stationery. At this time, begin writing verbiage for programs, menu cards, and other wedding day stationery items, this will save you on time in the final weeks leading up to your wedding date.

Six weeks prior to wedding date

• Mail rehearsal dinner/party invitations

4 Weeks Prior to Ceremony

• Order Day of Stationery:
  • Gift Bag Stationery (Itineraries, Water Bottle Wraps, Candy Bag Labels)
  • Ceremony programs
  • Menu cards
  • Table numbers
  • Seating Chart
  • Escort/place cards,
  • Cocktail napkins
  • Bar signage
  • Koozies
  • Favors