wedding stationery timeline
key dates for your diary
newly engaged?
Congratulations! When it comes to getting organised for your wedding, I believe it is never too early to start planning. If you’re wondering when you should order your wedding stationery and you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry I’ve got you covered!
The first thing to do is start figuring out what type of style you want your wedding to have. Ask yourselves what the look and feel of the day will be. Do you want something more relaxed and minimal or do you want a more classic, formal vibe? Start by setting up a Pinterest board (your new home for the foreseeable) and get pinning ideas to create your wedding mood board. Why not grab yourselves a glass of wine and turn it into a date night activity for you and your new fiancé?
A lot of suppliers are getting booked up 1-2 years in advance and wedding stationers are no exception, so it’s important to take this into consideration, especially if you have a dream supplier you don’t want to miss out on. Start thinking about contacting your wedding stationer and enquiring as soon as you have a date in mind. Now is also a good time to start thinking about your wedding party and getting ready to pop the question to your tribe with proposal cards.
Booked your venue (12+ Months to go)
So you’ve set a date? Yay – the countdown is on! If you haven’t already, I would highly recommend that you get in touch with your wedding stationer at this point to book yourself in and secure your date in their diary.
You don’t need to know all the details that need to go on your stationery yet (like timings, etc.), we can sort all that out nearer the time. My priority at this stage in your planning journey would be to get the time booked in my designing calendar. This way I know I have time to devote to personalising your lovely designs and it gives you peace of mind that your date is saved.
Now is also a good time to start thinking about ordering your save the date cards and sending them to your guests. This is especially important if you are getting married during peak busy seasons (think summer holidays) or if you have guests travelling a long way to be with you. You want to make sure they know far in advance to save your date, so they can make necessary travel plans and avoid clashes with any other events, like holidays or other weddings.
4-6 Months to go
It’s time to order your invitation suites and send them out to your guests. Things like invitations, RSVP cards, details cards. You’ll need to think about the all important details that your guests need to know at this stage. Are you having a child-free wedding? Is there a dress code? Are you providing accommodation for your guests? How and when do you need them to RSVP by? Providing the answers to these all important questions upfront will reduce precious time spent nearer the wedding when guests start calling and messaging looking for answers (there’s always one). Trust me on this, you’ll be thankful later!
Not only does this part of the stationery provide guests with the information they need for attending your big day, it’s the first time they will get an exciting in-depth look into your wedding vibe, so add those extra special touches to wow guests. Let’s face it, not much of us get excited about getting post these days (we’re looking at you energy bills), so by adding stunning details, like luxury envelopes and hand painted wax seals you are sure to get people hyped up for your wedding!
2-3 months to go
It’s time start thinking about ordering your ‘on the day’ stationery. Think welcome signs, table plans, menus, place cards – the list goes on. You can get really creative here with smaller signage around the venue, like a cake menu or perhaps you’re having signature cocktails and want a cute little menu for the bar top. This is really the time to bring everything together for the day and make your venue really stand out! It’s also a good idea to really think about how you are going display your signage (yes to these gorgeous black frames!) so be sure to book in any hire items you may need.
Why not also grab yourselves a pair of ‘To My Bride/Groom’ cards‘ as well, to write cute little messages for your other half to open on your wedding morning? Special memories to keep forever and I guarantee there won’t be a dry eye in the house (if you’re anything like me and happy cry at literally everything).
1-2 months after the wedding
By now you will have had a chance to calm down from the buzz of newlywed life (congrats!) and I hope you don’t have the wedding blues too bad. I hope you had the most amazing day with your favourite people in the world. This is the time to thank them for all their support and hard work in helping you create your dream day! Say thank you and show off your amazing new wedding portraits by sending out some personalised thank you cards. Don’t forget the wax seals to finish with that final bit of luxury!
Want to check your wedding date is available in my diary? Fill out my contact form with your wedding date and I’ll get in touch.
