The Process

6-8 months before your wedding date

  • Research and choose a stationery designer or printer, or decide to create your own DIY invitations
  • Determine the invitation wording, including who is hosting, the names of the bride and groom, date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, dress code, and any other important details
  • Choose the style, color scheme, and theme for your invitations, including any embellishments such as ribbons, lace, or wax seals
  • Order custom postage stamps or choose decorative stamps that match the theme of your invitations
  • Decide on any additional stationery pieces you may need, such as ceremony programs, reception menus, place cards, and thank-you cards
  • Start collecting addresses and compiling your guest list for the invitation mailing
  • Plan to send invitations out 8-12 weeks before the wedding date, so start working on them as soon as possible to allow for any unexpected delays or issues

8-12 weeks before the wedding date

  • Finalize the invitation design and wording, and make sure all details are correct
  • Order the invitations and any additional stationery pieces you may need
  • Hire a calligrapher or practice calligraphy if you plan to address the envelopes by hand
  • Address the envelopes or arrange to have them printed or calligraphed
  • Assemble the invitations and any additional pieces, such as response cards and envelopes, reception cards, and directions cards
  • Purchase postage and have a sample invitation weighed at the post office to determine the correct amount of postage needed
  • Mail the invitations at least 8 weeks before the wedding date to give guests ample time to RSVP and make travel arrangements
  • Consider sending electronic reminders or follow-ups to guests who have not RSVP'd by the deadline
  • Order any additional stationery pieces, such as ceremony programs or reception menus, and make sure they are printed and assembled in time for the wedding day

3-4 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING

  • Check the RSVP deadline on the invitations and follow up with guests who have not yet responded
  • Finalize the guest list and seating arrangements based on RSVPs
  • Order any additional stationery pieces, such as place cards or table numbers, and make sure they are printed and assembled in time for the wedding day
  • Print out any signage or other decor that you have designed and plan to use at the wedding
  • Assemble any welcome packets or gift bags that you plan to distribute to guests
  • Print out a list of vendor contacts and emergency numbers to have on hand at the wedding
  • Practice your vows and make sure any readings or other ceremony elements are finalized and printed out for the officiant and readers
  • Create a schedule of events for the wedding day and distribute it to vendors, the wedding party, and any other key participants
  • Pack any necessary items for the wedding day, such as the rings, marriage license, and emergency kit

2-3 Months after the wedding

  • Order thank you cards and any other post-wedding stationery you may need, such as photo prints or albums
  • Compile a list of all gifts received and start working on thank you notes
  • Design and print any additional photo prints or albums to give as gifts to family or friends
  • Begin writing and sending thank you notes, making sure to personalize each one and mention the specific gift or gesture received
  • Order prints of any wedding photos you want to display in your home or give as gifts
  • Upload photos to your wedding website or social media pages to share with guests who couldn't attend or to use as part of your thank you messages
  • Clean and preserve your wedding dress, and arrange for any other cleaning or preservation needs for other attire or decor items
  • Organize all of your wedding stationery, including invitations, programs, and any extra copies, and store them in a safe and dry location for future reference or keepsakes.