Wedding Stationery Timeline
Planning a wedding can be stressful enough so I’m here to make the stationery process a lot easy for you. Here’s a wedding stationery timeline to make sure everything runs smoothly in preparation for your big day!
10 - 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING (CUSTOM DESIGNS)Like anything with wedding planning, the earlier the better. If you are wishing to order complete custom save the dates and invitations then I’d suggest 10-12 month before your big day is the perfect time to order. Custom designs take time and there will be a lot of back and forth between you and the designer (me). This process can make around 3 weeks to finalise plus be mindful of printing and shipping times (like I said, the earlier the better). There are so many variables when it comes to custom invitations. Theses include paper stock, colour palettes, extra finishes (foil, letterpress, white ink, etc) and envelope options just to name a few. I would suggest ordering your custom save the dates 12 months in advance and order your custom invitations 10 months in advance. A lot of brides get super excited to start ordering stationery but aren't fully prepared. Take a look at our save the date and wedding invitation checklists below so you know exactly what you need to do prior to ordering your designs. 
9-10 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING (SEMI-CUSTOM DESIGNS)If you decide semi-custom designs are perfect for you then make sure you order around 9-10 months before your wedding. This option is more cost effective and can be turned around quicker than a custom design. Perfect for brides on a budget that still want stunning stationery that leaves a lasting impact on all your guests.I would suggest ordering your save the dates 10 months prior and your invitations 9 months prior to your wedding.The turnaround time is around 1-2 weeks plus printing and shipping time depending on your location.
Poppy | Wedding Invitation
from A$50.00
6-9 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING (SEND SAVE THE DATES)Okay, so you have your save the dates printed, paired perfectly with your envelopes and addressed to all your loved ones. It's time! Send these beauties out and get everyone excited for the moment you say 'I do'.2-4 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING (SEND INVITATIONS)There’s a couple of ways to go about sending your invites out and it all depends on whether you sent save the dates or not. Here’s what I recommend.Decided against save the dates? I’d say you are best to send you invites out 3-4 month prior to the wedding. This should allow enough time for your guests to attend. Sending them out too late may run the risk of guest not being able to make it due to prior commitments. You sent save the dates? Perfect! Your guests are well aware your big day is coming. I’d say 2-3 months before the wedding is fine. The key is to allow enough time for your guests to RSVP so you can get ready for ‘day of’ stationery such as place cards, menus, seating charts, etc.
Willow | Save The Date
from A$50.00
2-3 MONTH BEFORE THE WEDDING (ORDER ‘DAY OF’ STATIONERY)By this stage your guests have received their stunning invitations and you have the guest list of your loved ones attending. It’s time to order your ‘day of’ stationery. This includes things like:Place CardsSeating ChartsProgramsTable NumbersMenusWelcome SignageBar Signage
It’s really important to be organised at this stage as these need to be turned around in time for your big day. This is why I suggest ordering 2 months before your wedding at the latest. TIP: If you want to be super organised, order your thank you cards at this stage as well. This will save you having to pay any extra shipping.
2-3 WEEKS AFTER THE WEDDING (SEND OUT YOUR THANK YOU CARDS)It’s tradition to send thank you cards, giving appreciation and gratitude to your guests for attending. There is something about personalised hand written cards that feel extra special.I’d say the sooner you send them the better, although as a general rule I’d say 3 months post wedding is a good time. 
Euro Flap Envelopes
from A$30.00
Ready to start your stationery journey? Let’s work together!
For semi-custom designs click the shop button below.For custom designs and enquires about ‘day of’ signage and thank you cards, email hello@jadejuliecarney.com.au STAY CONNECTED AND UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST DESIGNS
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