Have you ever wondered when you should start planning to send out the details for your big day? Your stationery not only helps set the tone for your event, but it is also the key to informing your guests of the most important details. Here are some common questions answered to help you start planning.
when should we send out save the dates?
Save the dates should be mailed out six months to a year in advance. If you are having a destination wedding, your guests will appreciate knowing the details as soon as you have the date and location confirmed so they can mark their calendars and start budgeting. Make sure you leave enough time to have your save the dates printed and addressed. Also, it is recommended to have room blocks reserved and travel information listed on your wedding website before you send save the dates so that guests can take action as soon as they receive your invitation.
What should we include in our save the dates?
The save the dates should simply include the basic details – you and your future spouse’s names, your wedding date, the city and state of your venue, and your wedding website. You do not need to include the exact venue, attire, or time. Guests simply need to know when and where so they can mark their calendars and plan accordingly.
how far in advance should we start our wedding invitations?
It is best to book wedding stationers and calligraphers at least six months out, as they book quickly. Remember, the invitation sets the tone for the wedding, so it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to design and place your order. Place your order for your invitation suite four to six months before your wedding.
when should we send wedding invitations?
If you are hosting a destination wedding, you will want to give people a bit more time to plan, so plan to send out invitations two to three months before your big day. Also, make sure to set your RSVP about six weeks before your wedding, as you will also most likely need a bit more time to plan.
If you are hosting a hometown wedding, the typical guideline is to mail out invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding day. Check on what timeline you need to communicate headcounts with your vendors, specifically with catering and your venue, to set your RSVP deadline. Be sure to include a cushion for yourself to follow up with those who have not responded. For example, if you need to give a final headcount to catering two weeks before your event, set the RSVP deadline about 4 weeks out so you can follow up with those you have not heard from 3 weeks before your event.
What do we include in our wedding invitations?
Wedding invitations can include a variety of items outside of the main invitation. Other inserts include a reception card if this will be held in a different location than the wedding, a response card with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope to make it simple for your guests to respond, direction cards/watercolor map, accommodation cards, and wedding website cards. These can also be combined in a variety of ways and the design possibilities are endless, so it allows you to be creative and communicate your style.
What do we avoid including in our wedding invitations?
It is best to leave your registry information on your wedding website and not include your registry information printed in your wedding invitation suite, as this looks like a direct plea for gifts.
when should we send rehearsal dinner invitations?
If you are sending rehearsal dinner invitations, these should be sent separately from your wedding invitations about two to three weeks after you send your wedding invitations to give your guests enough time to adjust travel arrangements if needed.
when should we finalize stationery & signage we will need the day of the wedding?
Six to eight weeks from you big day, once you have mailed your invitations, it is time to finalize the stationery you will need the day of the event. This may include, but is not limited to ceremony programs, menus, table numbers, place cards or escort cards, seating chart, welcome bag inserts, favor gift tags, cards for your wedding party. Some of these may also be done as signage. If you are looking to add a personal touch to your event, communicate what your vision and budget is with your calligrapher to finalize these details for your event.
when should we send out thank you cards for gifts received?
Before the wedding, it will be helpful to write thank you notes within two weeks of receiving gifts. It is less daunting to do them on a rolling basis rather than letting them pile up. After the wedding, try to have your thank you notes done within six to eight weeks. Divide it up and set a goal for each week, which will make it much more manageable.