From Save the Dates to Thank You Notes: Your Wedding Stationery Timeline

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of excitement, decisions, and of course, wedding stationery! From save-the-dates that hint at the celebration to thank you notes that express your gratitude, your wedding stationery plays a crucial role in setting the tone, keeping guests informed, and creating lasting memories.

Within that process, ordering your wedding stationery at the right time is absolutely key. Getting the timing right ensures a smooth and stylish journey to your big day, preventing last minute panics and ensuring everything is perfectly coordinated.

1 Year Before the Wedding

1. Save the Dates

These are your first chance to officially announce your engagement and wedding date. They’re especially important for destination weddings or weddings during busy holiday periods, giving your guests plenty of notice to plan.

• What to include: Your names, the wedding date and location (if you have this at the time, if not don’t worry), and a simple phrase like “formal invitation to follow”.
• Style: Save the dates can be more casual than your formal invitations, reflecting your personal style as a couple.
• Tip: Consider a digital save the date for a quick and cost-effective option, especially for guests you know are online. However, a physical card adds a touch of elegance.

6-12 months before the wedding

1. Invitations

The main event! Your wedding invitations are the most formal piece of stationery and should reflect the overall style and theme of your wedding.

• What to include: Names of the couple (traditionally, the bride’s name goes first), date, time, and full location of the ceremony and reception (including venue name and address).
• Style: Choose a design that complements your wedding aesthetic, from classic and elegant to modern and minimalist. Consider the paper type, fonts, and printing methods to create a truly special invitation.
• Tip: Order extra invitations – you’ll inevitably have last-minute additions to the guest list or need replacements for any damaged in the post.

2. RSVPs (included with the invitation)

These help you gather crucial guest information.

• What to include: A clear prompt asking guests to respond by a specific date. Include space for guests to write their names, indicate whether they will attend, and note any dietary requirements. Consider including a separate card for meal choices if you are offering guests options.
• Style: Should complement the invitation design but can be simpler.
• Tip: Set a realistic RSVP deadline, giving yourself enough time to finalise numbers with your venue and caterers.

3. Menus

These give your guests a preview of the culinary delights to come.

• What to include: List of dishes being served, including any dietary information (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free etc.). Be specific with dish names and descriptions.
• Style: Coordinate the design with your wedding invitations and other stationery for a cohesive look. Consider the format – a single card per person, a larger menu per table, or even individual menus for each course.
• Tip: If you have different menu options for guests (e.g., vegetarian/vegan), clearly indicate these on the menu or use separate menu cards. Think about the wording – make it elegant and descriptive. If you are having a buffet, you may not need individual menus, but a sign near the buffet describing the dishes is helpful.

2-3 months before the wedding

1. Seating Plan

A visual guide to help guests find their tables easily.

• What to include: Guest names and their table assignments.
• Style: Can be displayed on a large board, individual cards, or even creatively integrated into the décor.
• Tip: Alphabetical lists by surname can be helpful for guests to quickly locate themselves.

2. Thank You Sign

A heartfelt message to express your gratitude to guests for celebrating with you.

• What to include: A short, heartfelt message expressing gratitude to guests.
• Style: Match the style of your other signage and décor.
• Tip: Place it near the exit or in a prominent location where guests will see it.

3. Wedding Timeline

A handy guide to the day’s events, from the ceremony to the reception.

• What to include: A schedule of key events throughout the day.
• Style: Keep it clear and concise, perhaps using a visually appealing design.
• Tip: Display it on a board or provide printed copies for guests.

4. Wedding Order of Service

A detailed outline of the ceremony, including readings, vows, and music.

• What to include: Order of the ceremony, readings, vows, music, and names of participants.
• Style: Coordinate with the design of your invitations.
• Tip: Include a brief explanation of any cultural or religious traditions. These tend to only be printed for a ceremony such as in a Church setting.

5. Place Names

Guide guests to their designated seats at the reception.

• What to include: Guest’s name.
• Style: Simple and elegant, matching your wedding theme.
• Tip: Consider using calligraphy or decorative name cards for a special touch. I love the idea of chair labels (see the image above for an example of this).

6. Table Names/Numbers

Help guests find their tables easily.

• What to include: Clearly visible table numbers or names.
• Style: Get creative! Use numbers, locations, flowers, or something meaningful to you.
• Tip: Ensure they are easy to read from a distance.

7. Welcome Sign

A warm greeting for guests as they arrive at the venue.

• What to include: A warm greeting for guests.
• Style: Reflect your wedding’s overall aesthetic.
• Tip: Place it at the entrance to the venue.

8. Gifts and Cards Sign

A designated area for guests to leave their gifts and cards.

• What to include: A polite request directing guests where to leave gifts and cards.
• Style: Simple and clear, whilst being cohesive with your overall wedding theme.
• Tip: Position it on the designated gift table.

9. Favours

Small tokens of appreciation for guests to take home as a reminder of your special day.

• What to include: A small token of appreciation for guests.
• Style: Reflect your personal style and wedding theme.
• Tip: Personalise them if possible for an extra special touch.

1-2 weeks after the wedding

1. Thank You Cards

Sending thank you notes promptly is crucial for expressing your gratitude to guests for their gifts and attendance.

• What to include: A personal message thanking the guest for their specific gift (if applicable) and for celebrating with you.
• Style: Use stationery that complements your wedding invitations, or choose something simple and elegant.
• Tip: Handwritten thank you notes are always appreciated and show your guests you truly value their presence and generosity.

Freebie

Below is a link to my free wedding stationery timeline checklist. I believe a handy guide is always helpful when planning a wedding, especially with so much to consider.

This checklist, complete with a timeline, will give you an idea of when to order your wedding stationery, including save the dates, to ensure everything arrives in plenty of time.

Final Thoughts

By focusing on these elements within the overall timeline, and especially by being mindful of when to order each piece, you can ensure your wedding stationery is perfectly timed, informative, and beautifully coordinated, setting the stage for a wonderful celebration.

If any issues arise with printing, delivery, or even design changes, having that buffer of time allows you to address them without the pressure of a rapidly approaching wedding date. This proactive approach allows you to enjoy the planning process more and ensures your stationery arrives in perfect condition, ready to impress your guests. Happy planning!

To view more of my wedding stationery work, including invitations, RSVPs, save the dates, seating plans, welcome signs and so much more, please take a look at my website links below, Instagram or Facebook pages, or my Pinterest page:

Contact Inkspiration by Gabrielle

If you’re interested in having wedding stationery, whether this be an invitation, a save the date, a seating plan, a timeline sign, an RSVP, or whatever you may need for your wedding day, please get in touch with me today.