The holidays are already full of magic; twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and heartfelt moments with the people you love most. For many couples, it’s also the season of “yes!”
If you just got engaged, congratulations! 💍 The excitement of saying “yes” is quickly followed by the big question: “Now what?”
One of the first (and most exciting) parts of planning your wedding is creating your stationery: your invitations, save the dates, and all the paper pieces that help tell your love story. But knowing when to start can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re newly engaged and still soaking in the joy of the moment.
This guide breaks down exactly when to start planning your wedding stationery, what to focus on first, and how to stay ahead of timelines so the process feels effortless and fun.
Why Stationery Should Be on Your Early Planning List
Your wedding stationery is so much more than paper; it’s the first impression of your day and the thread that ties your entire celebration together. It sets the tone, communicates important details, and gives guests their very first glimpse into your style as a couple.
Starting early gives you time to:
- Explore different design options (custom, semi-custom, or template)
- Decide on your color palette and overall aesthetic
- Order samples to feel the paper and printing methods in person
- Plan your budget and production timeline with confidence
💡 Think of your invitations as the visual foundation of your wedding; everything else will fall naturally into place once your design direction is set.
Step 1: Celebrate First — Then Start with Your Save the Dates
Right now, your engagement deserves to be celebrated! Enjoy the season, share the news, and give yourself time to dream and get some of the big planning items finalized. Once the excitement settles, and you have things like your venue booked, a wedding budget established, a guest list assembled and anything else that may impact your wedding date, the first stationery item you’ll want to plan is your Save the Dates.
When to send Save the Dates:
- Destination weddings: 12+ months before the big day
- Local weddings: 8-10 months before the big day
That means couples getting married in late 2026 or early 2027 should start exploring Save the Dates by early spring.
When to order:
Allow at least 3–4 weeks for design, proofing, and production if printed, or 1–2 weeks if using digital templates. Timing will vary depending on several factors. Whether you plan to have your guest addresses printed or write them yourself is just one example. It’s always best to talk with your wedding stationer to get the most accurate timeline
Step 2: Begin Designing Your Invitations 6–8 Months Before the Wedding
Once your Save the Dates are mailed, your next focus should be your wedding invitations.
Invitations typically go out 8-10 weeks before your wedding (or up to 12 weeks for destination events), which means you’ll want to start the design process about 6–8 months before the wedding.
This gives you time for:
- Design revisions and proofing
- Printing and assembly
- Addressing, postage, and mailing
Starting early also means you can make more intentional decisions, like upgrading to letterpress or adding envelope liners, wax seals, or ribbons, without feeling rushed.
💡 For summer 2026 weddings, start planning your invitations in December or January. For fall weddings, spring is your ideal time to begin.
Step 3: Don’t Forget Your Day-of Stationery
Your ceremony programs, menus, signage, and place cards should coordinate with your invitations to create a seamless look on your wedding day.
You don’t have to finalize these until 4–6 weeks before your wedding, but planning early helps you:
- Match colors and fonts for a cohesive style
- Decide which pieces you’ll order printed and which you’ll use as digital templates
- Avoid last-minute rushes that can lead to extra costs
Many couples order printed invitations but use editable digital templates for day-of stationery. It’s a smart way to keep your design consistent while staying on budget.
Step 4: Timeline Recap
| Stationery Piece | Design Start | Mail or Print Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Save the Dates | 8–12 months before | 8-12 months before wedding | Earlier for destination weddings |
| Invitations | 6–8 months before | 8-10 weeks before wedding | Allow extra time for embellishments |
| Day-of Stationery | 1–2 months before | 1–2 weeks before wedding | Can mix printed + digital pieces |
| Thank You Cards | with your day-of items if possible | Within 3 months | Personal touch matters most |
Step 5: Plan for Flexibility
No two weddings, or stationery timelines, are the same. Your design choice, guest count, and printing method will all affect how early you should start.
Printed invitations require more lead time for production, while digital templates offer flexibility for shorter timelines. If you’re ordering both, having everything under one roof (like at Raspberry Creative!) makes the process seamless and cohesive.
Step 6: Make It Enjoyable
Stationery planning should feel inspiring, not stressful. Pour a cup of coffee (or champagne), browse design collections, order a few samples, and enjoy the process.
Whether you choose a printed suite, editable templates, or a mix of both, this is your chance to set the tone for the day that celebrates your love story.
Final Thoughts
If you’re newly engaged this holiday season, congratulations again! 🎉
Your engagement marks the beginning of something beautiful, and your stationery will help bring that story to life.
Start early, plan intentionally, and don’t be afraid to lean on professionals who understand both the creative and practical sides of the process.
At Raspberry Creative, we offer both custom printed suites and editable digital templates, so you can design your wedding stationery your way, at your pace, with one cohesive look.
✨ Explore Our Wedding Stationery Collections →
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