Wedding Invitation Checklist: Your Ultimate Timeline for Stress-Free Planning
Planning a wedding is a joyous journey, but it can also be overwhelming. One crucial aspect is your wedding invitations. To ensure you stay on track and avoid last-minute stress, here’s a comprehensive wedding invitation checklist, complete with a timeline for when to start looking, choosing a design, ordering, and more.
12-14 Months Before the Wedding: Start Browsing
- Research Styles: Begin exploring different wedding invitation styles and trends. Pinterest, wedding blogs, and stationery websites are great places to gather inspiration.
- Set Your Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on wedding stationery, including invitations, save-the-dates, RSVP cards, and other inserts.
- Gather Guest List: Start drafting your guest list to get an idea of how many invitations you’ll need.
10-12 Months Before the Wedding: Choose Your Design
- Finalize Your Theme: Decide on your wedding theme and color palette, as this will influence your invitation design.
- Consult a Designer: If you’re opting for custom invitations, begin consulting with a stationery designer. For DIY templates, start exploring options on platforms like Templett.com.
- Request Samples: Order samples from potential vendors to see and feel the quality of their work.
6-8 Months Before the Wedding: Place Your Order
- Finalize Wording: Decide on the wording for your invitations. Include essential details such as date, time, venue, and RSVP information.
- Place Your Order: Order your wedding invitations, ensuring you have extra for any last-minute additions.
- Plan for Postage: Calculate postage costs and ensure you have the correct amount for mailing. Consider hand-canceling for a more personal touch.
4-6 Months Before the Wedding: Assemble Invitations
- Assemble Invitations: Begin assembling your invitations, including any inserts like RSVP cards, maps, and accommodation information.
- Address Envelopes: Start addressing your envelopes or hire a calligrapher for a beautiful, professional look.
- Purchase Stamps: Buy your postage stamps, keeping in mind the weight and size of your invitations.
2-3 Months Before the Wedding: Send Invitations
- Mail Invitations: Send out your wedding invitations 8-10 weeks before the wedding date. For destination weddings, consider sending them 3-4 months in advance.
- Track RSVPs: Keep track of RSVPs as they come in to finalize your guest list and seating arrangements.
Post-Wedding: Thank You Cards
- Order Thank You Cards: Consider ordering personalized thank you cards to send to your guests after the wedding.
- Send Thank You Notes: Aim to send out thank you notes within three months after the wedding.
Following this wedding invitation checklist and timeline can help ensure your invitation process is smooth and stress-free. By staying organized and starting early, you can focus on enjoying your special day without the last-minute rush.
By following this comprehensive wedding invitation checklist and timeline, you can ensure that every step of your wedding invitation process is smooth, organized, and stress-free. Start early, stay on track, and enjoy the journey to your special day!
