Planning your wedding stationery shouldn’t feel overwhelming, but with so many moving parts, it’s easy to wonder when everything needs to be designed, printed and sent. This UK‑specific timeline gives you a simple, realistic guide to follow, helping you stay organised and enjoy the process from start to finish.
12–18 Months Before the Wedding
Start thinking about your stationery style
This is the fun part: exploring colours, textures and themes. Whether you’re drawn to rustic charm, elegant heritage venues or modern minimalism, this early stage helps set the tone for everything that follows.
Order: Save the Dates (optional)
Save the Dates are especially helpful if:
-
you’re marrying in peak season
-
you have lots of travelling guests
-
you’re planning a destination wedding
Most couples send these 12 months before the day.
6–8 Months Before the Wedding
Begin your invitation design process
This is the ideal time to start working with your stationery designer. It gives you space to refine your wording, choose your paper stocks, and explore any finishing touches like foiling, embossing or wax seals.
Order: Wedding Invitations Invitations are typically sent 4–6 months before the wedding, so starting the design process early ensures everything feels calm and considered.
4–6 Months Before the Wedding
Send your invitations
Your invitations should include:
-
the main invite
-
details card
-
RSVP card
-
envelope addressing (optional)
-
any additional inserts (maps, accommodation, transport)
If you’re having a smaller wedding or a shorter planning window, sending invitations closer to the 4‑month mark is perfectly fine.
2–3 Months Before the Wedding
Finalise your on‑the‑day stationery
Once RSVPs are in, you’ll have everything you need to begin designing your on‑the‑day pieces.
Order:
-
Order of Service
-
Menus
-
Place cards
-
Table numbers
-
Seating plan
-
Signage
-
Favour tags
-
Welcome signs
This stage is where your stationery really ties the whole day together.
1 Month Before the Wedding
Approve final proofs & print
Your designer will send final proofs for approval. Once confirmed, everything goes to print and is prepared for delivery.
1–2 Weeks Before the Wedding
Receive and organise your stationery
This is when everything arrives ready for your venue, planner or styling team. Keep your stationery together in labelled envelopes or boxes so it’s easy to hand over.
After the Wedding
Order: Thank You Cards Most couples send thank you cards within 2–3 months of the wedding. Matching them to your original stationery creates a beautiful sense of continuity.
Final Thoughts
Your stationery timeline doesn’t need to be stressful, it simply needs to be structured. With the right planning, each stage becomes an enjoyable part of your wedding journey, helping you create a cohesive, meaningful experience from the very first Save the Date to the final thank you. Here at Willow and Ink Studio, we aim to guide and assist you through this journey.