Wedding Stationery Timelines

Sending paper wedding invitations can feel wasteful, but it can be surprisingly eco-friendly when you select sustainable options. Choosing 100% post-consumer recycled paper ensures no trees are harmed while giving your wedding a thoughtful, polished look. Eco-friendly wedding stationery is an elegant way to combine sustainability with style.

Below, we answer the most common questions engaged couples have about wedding stationery, timing, and essential components.

What is a wedding save the date and why is it important?

 A save the date is an announcement sent to guests to give them advance notice of your wedding date. It’s particularly important for destination weddings or busy holiday weekends, giving friends and family time to plan ahead.

When should I send my save the date cards?
Save the dates should be sent 10–12 months before your wedding, as soon as your location and date are confirmed. This gives guests plenty of time to schedule travel and accommodations.

What information should I include on a save the date card?
 Include:

• “Save the Date” text or other playful ways such as ‘We are getting hitched’ if you want a more casual feeling
• Couple’s names
• Wedding date
• Location (city or venue)
• Wedding website URL or “more information to come”
  
  

Can save the dates match my wedding theme?
Yes! Save the dates can be playful or casual even if your wedding is formal, though some couples prefer to create a cohesive theme from save the dates to thank you notes. Consider high-quality, sustainable paper to make a lasting impression.

When should I send wedding invitations?

• Local weddings: Send 6–8 weeks before the wedding.
• Destination weddings: Send 3+ months in advance.

What are examples of formal vs casual wedding invitation wording?

• Formal: Use full names, titles, and spelled-out dates (e.g., Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Smith request your presence on Saturday, the twenty-eighth of April).
• Casual: Use first names and numerical dates (e.g., Herbert and Anna Smith request your presence on 4.28).

For more help, see our wedding invitation wording questions and tips.

What should I send along with my wedding invitation? 

Essential components include:

• Wedding Invitation Card: Host(s), couple’s names, date, time, and venue
• RSVP Card: Guests indicate attendance and meal selections
• Reception Card: Ceremony and reception details if locations differ
• Accommodations Card: Local lodging options for out-of-town guests
• Directions Card: Optional maps or written directions (GPS coordinates helpful)

What questions should I ask my wedding stationery vendor?

• Turnaround time for orders
• Designer support and customization (colors, fonts, layouts)
• Paper quality and eco-friendly options
• Paper weight and durability
• Etiquette guidance
  
  

When should I send wedding thank you notes?

Thank you notes should be sent within 2–3 months of the wedding. Ideally, send them within 2 weeks of receiving a gift.

Can wedding thank you notes match my invitations?

 Yes! You can match the theme or design of your invitations or choose a complementary style. Handwritten or printed notes are both acceptable, but personal touches are always appreciated.

What “Day of” Ceremony and reception wedding stationery do I need?

Day-of stationery includes items given to each guest at the ceremony or reception. Common pieces include:

• Wedding Programs: Sequence of events, officiant, and wedding party names
• Table Cards: Numbered or named tables to help guests find seats
• Name/Place Cards: Guest names and table numbers
• Wedding Menus: Display food options for plated dinner receptions

When should I order ceremony and reception stationery?

 Order 4 weeks before the wedding once your final guest list and seating arrangements are confirmed.