When Should You Send Your Wedding Invitations?
One of the most exciting milestones in wedding planning is sending out your invitation suite. It’s the moment everything starts to feel real — your date is set, your vision is coming together, and you’re officially inviting your people to the celebration you’ve been dreaming about.
That said, invitation timing is one of the most common questions I’m asked, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right timing depends on whether you’re sending save the dates, the type of invitation suite you’re choosing, and allowing enough room for the design, production, and mailing process to unfold comfortably (and beautifully).
My Invitation Timing Rule of Thumb
Here’s how I generally guide my couples:
No Save the Dates: Invitations should be sent five to six months before the wedding
With Save the Dates: Invitations can be sent three to four months before the wedding
This applies to both physical and digital invitation suites. While digital invitations can move a little faster, the planning, design decisions, and details still take thoughtful time — and rushing any part of the process is never ideal.
Sending invitations earlier rather than later gives guests ample time to plan, book travel, and RSVP with ease — and it gives you peace of mind knowing nothing is being squeezed in at the last minute.
Why Timelines Matter (More Than You Think)
When working backwards from your wedding date, there are several important factors to consider:
Designing your invitation suite — this is where we refine fonts, layouts, wording, and overall aesthetic
Print production — sourcing paper, coordinating print methods, proofing, and production time
Assembly — stuffing, finishing details, and applying postage
Mailing time — once your invitations are in the hands of the post office, delivery timelines can vary
When it comes to invitation timing, it’s not just about when your guests receive them — it’s about allowing enough space for a thoughtful, well-paced creative process behind the scenes.
Let’s start with the design of your invitation suite.
Custom invitation suites typically take five to six weeks from our initial meeting to having invitations in hand. This includes our initial consultation, design development, revisions, final approvals, and preparing your artwork for print. Every custom suite is built intentionally — from typography and layout to paper selection and print method — and that level of care simply can’t (and shouldn’t) be rushed.
If you’re opting for a semi-custom design, the timeline can usually be shortened to three to four weeks, as the foundational design elements are already established. Even so, there’s still time required to personalise wording, select papers, coordinate print production, and ensure everything feels cohesive and elevated.
From there, I handle print production, working closely with trusted printers and suppliers to bring your suite to life. Once printed, each invitation suite is carefully assembled, and prepared for mailing. And finally, once your invitations are in the hands of the post office, delivery timelines can vary, which is another reason building in buffer time is so important.
All of these steps are why I always recommend working backwards from your wedding date. A little extra breathing room allows the process to feel calm, collaborative, and enjoyable — and ensures your invitations arrive exactly as they should.
Invitation Timing at a Glance
Below is a simple guideline to help you plan ahead. This timeline assumes no save the dates, with invitations sent five months before the wedding, and reaching out to your stationery designer seven months before.
A Gentle Reminder
If your wedding is coming up in 2026 or 2027, now is the perfect time to start the conversation. My 2026 spots are already filling up, and thoughtful, elevated stationery is always best approached with time on your side.
Reaching out early allows us to create something truly intentional — an invitation suite that not only sets the tone for your day, but complements it beautifully. The more time we have, the more refined and seamless the process becomes.
If you’re dreaming of wedding stationery that feels considered, personal, and effortlessly elegant, I’d love to hear what you’re planning. Fill out the inquiry form on the contact page to get started.
