Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Invitation Timelines
Planning a wedding involves a lot of details, and wedding invitations are one of the most crucial elements to get right. But when should you start designing them? When should they go out? And what if you’re planning a destination wedding or have a lot of out-of-town guests? In 2025, couples are more organized and focused on timing than ever, and having a clear invitation timeline is essential for a seamless experience. Here’s our expert guide on all things wedding invitation timelines, including what to consider, trends for the year, and tips to help you stay on track!
Set Your Overall Wedding Timeline
Before diving into the invitation specifics, map out your wedding timeline. Are you planning a quick engagement or a two-year lead-up? The length of your engagement will significantly impact your invitation timeline. Many couples in 2025 are opting for shorter engagements, so staying organized is key!
Expert Tip: A typical wedding planning timeline is 12–14 months, but even shorter engagements can work with clear planning.
Save-the-Dates: 8–12 Months Before
Save-the-dates are the first official piece of stationery your guests will receive, and they’re essential for giving friends and family enough time to plan, especially if they’re traveling. Aim to send save-the-dates about 8–12 months before your wedding. For destination weddings, 12 months is ideal.
Order Invitations: 6–8 Months Before
Ordering your invitations 6–8 months before the wedding gives you plenty of time for custom design, printing, and any adjustments. Custom invitations, which continue to be a big trend in 2025, often take longer than pre-designed ones. Be sure to allow extra time if you want special touches like letterpress or hand-lettering.
Assemble Invitations: 4–6 Months Before
Once your invitations arrive, it’s time to start assembling them. Whether you’re doing it yourself or having a professional handle it, give yourself a buffer. This is also the time to add RSVP details, inserts, and any additional enclosures like maps or directions.
Trends for 2025: Wax seals, ribbon ties, and vellum overlays are making a comeback, adding a touch of elegance to invitation suites.
Send Invitations: 8–12 Weeks Before
For most weddings, sending invitations about 8–12 weeks ahead is standard. For destination weddings, or if you have many out-of-town guests, consider sending them closer to 12 weeks in advance. This gives everyone time to make travel arrangements and RSVP.
Set Your RSVP Deadline: 3–4 Weeks Before the Wedding
Having a clear RSVP deadline, typically about 3–4 weeks before the wedding, allows you to finalize headcounts and seating arrangements. Couples are increasingly opting for digital RSVPs in 2025, streamlining the process for both guests and planners.
Send Thank-You Cards: 2–3 Months After the Wedding
Sending thank-you cards is an essential post-wedding task that many couples overlook. Aim to send them within 2–3 months after the wedding. If you’ve received gifts before the wedding, send thank-you notes as soon as possible. Personalized thank-you cards with a photo from the wedding or a heartfelt message are especially popular in 2025.
Timing is everything when it comes to wedding invitations. By planning ahead and following this timeline, you can ensure a smooth process and avoid any last-minute stress. Remember, wedding invitations are a key detail in setting the tone for your big day, so take the time to make them perfect! At Raspberry Creative, we’re here to guide you through every step, from design to delivery. Let’s make your invitation journey as seamless and memorable as possible!
