When to send save the dates and wedding invitations
When to send save the dates and wedding invitations, when to set the RSVP date, and when to order each printed piece so there is time for proofs.
Most couples send save the dates 6 to 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding or a wedding on a holiday weekend, 8 to 12 months gives guests more time to book travel and request time off. Wedding invitations usually go out 6 to 8 weeks before the date, or about 3 months ahead for a destination wedding, with the RSVP deadline set 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. These are widely cited etiquette norms rather than fixed rules. This guide lays out a full wedding stationery timeline, including when to order each printed piece so there is time for proofs and printing.
When to send save the dates
Save the dates give guests the date and location early, before the details are final. Common guidance is to mail them 6 to 8 months before the wedding. That window is long enough for guests to plan and short enough that the card is not forgotten.
- Local or regional wedding: 6 to 8 months before the date.
- Destination wedding: 8 to 12 months before, since guests may need flights, hotels and passports.
- Holiday weekend wedding: 8 to 12 months before, because guests make travel plans for those weekends early.
- Short engagement: send them as soon as the date and venue are confirmed, or skip them and send invitations a little earlier.
Only send a save the date to people you plan to invite. Once the card is in the mail, the invitation is expected. Our save the date cards are printed on recycled paper, and our guide to save the date sizes covers card formats and envelopes.
When to send wedding invitations
The usual window for wedding invitations is 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to respond while keeping the date fresh. For a destination wedding, most couples send invitations about 3 months ahead so guests have time to finalize travel.
Set the RSVP date 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. Your caterer and venue will usually need a final head count about two weeks out, and the extra week gives you time to follow up with guests who have not replied. See our wedding invitations for paper and format options.
Wedding stationery timeline
The table below shows when to order and when to send each printed piece. Most orders are ready in one to two weeks from artwork approval. The order dates below leave extra room for design, proofs, changes and delivery.
| Piece | When to order | When to send or use |
|---|---|---|
| Save the dates | 8 to 10 months before | Mail 6 to 8 months before (8 to 12 for destination or holiday weekends) |
| Invitations and RSVP cards | 3 to 4 months before | Mail 6 to 8 weeks before (about 3 months for destination) |
| RSVP deadline | Printed on the invitation | 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding |
| Programs | After RSVPs close, about 3 to 4 weeks before | Handed out at the ceremony |
| Place cards and escort cards | After RSVPs close and the seating chart is set | Set out at the reception |
| Thank you cards | Before the wedding, so they are on hand | Mail within about 3 months after the wedding |
Leave time for proofs and printing
Printing time starts when you approve the final artwork, not when you first send a file. Before that, you may go through a few rounds of proofs to check names, dates, spelling and layout. Build that time into your plan, especially for invitations, which carry the most details.
- Have a second person read every proof. Names, dates and addresses are the most common mistakes.
- Order samples of the paper early if you have not chosen a stock yet. You can request them on our paper samples page.
- Order 10 to 15 extra invitations and envelopes for late additions, mistakes in addressing and keepsakes.
- Weigh a finished invitation suite at the post office before buying stamps, since extra cards and heavier paper can raise the postage.
Programs and place cards come after RSVPs
Day-of pieces depend on your final guest list, so most couples order them once RSVPs are in. Wedding programs need the final order of ceremony and the names of the wedding party. Place cards and escort cards need the final seating chart, which you cannot finish until you know who is coming.
Plan to send these files about three weeks before the wedding. That leaves time for proofs and printing, with a few days to spare before the rehearsal. Our wedding program size guide covers formats and paper weights.
Thank you cards
Order thank you cards with the rest of your stationery or shortly before the wedding, so they are ready when you return. A common guideline is to send thank you notes for wedding gifts within about three months of the wedding. For gifts that arrive before the wedding, many couples send a note within two weeks. Our guide to eco-friendly wedding thank you cards covers wording and paper.
Keeping the suite eco friendly
We print wedding stationery on recycled paper, and most of our stocks are 100% post-consumer recycled. Matching all the pieces to one paper keeps the suite consistent and makes reordering simple. You can also print save the dates on seed paper that guests can plant. Our guide to eco-friendly save the dates covers paper choices and formats in more detail.
When you are ready to start, send us your wedding date and a list of pieces through our quote form, and we will help you plan the order dates.
Common questions
When should you send save the dates?
Common guidance is 6 to 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding or a holiday weekend, send them 8 to 12 months ahead.
How far in advance do you send wedding invitations?
Most couples mail invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. For a destination wedding, about 3 months ahead is typical.
When should the RSVP date be?
Set the RSVP deadline 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding. This gives you time to follow up with guests and send a final count to your caterer and venue.
Is 4 months too late to send save the dates?
It is later than usual, but it is still useful for a short engagement. Send them as soon as you can, or send your invitations a little earlier than 6 to 8 weeks instead.
When should I order wedding invitations?
Order invitations about 3 to 4 months before the wedding. Most orders are ready in one to two weeks from artwork approval, and the extra time covers design, proofs and addressing.
Products mentioned in this piece
Everything below prints on recycled, FSC-certified stock with soy-based inks. Ask for a quote on any of it.
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