When To Order Wedding Invitations & When To Send Them

Wedding planning timelines can be incredibly helpful for couples, but so many of them are missing two key parts: when to order and send your wedding invitations. Invitations are the primary way that couples communicate with their guests about the wedding day, so it’s important that they do so clearly and at the proper times. Here at Lily & Roe Co., we specialize in designing chic semi-custom invitations with a streamlined creation process that makes it easy for our couples to get the invitations they’ve always dreamed of in a reasonable amount of time. Read on for all the most important information on when to order and mail your Lily & Roe Co. wedding invitations. 

Ordering Wedding Invitations

One of the primary questions that couples have in regard to their wedding stationery is when to order their invitations. This will differ based on what type of invitations you’re ordering and whether or not you’re having a destination wedding, but our recommendation for ordering semi-custom wedding invitations is to order them around six to eight months before the wedding. If you’re using a specialty print method like letterpress or foil, you should aim for eight months to allow for a longer production time. 

It’s important to remember that even the most fuss-free of wedding invitations require some back and forth. In order to get your invitations in a timely manner, you should have your final invitation wording confirmed ahead of time as well as all of your guests’ addresses for your invitations. After the invitation is designed, you’ll need to approve the proof before it goes to print, so keeping an eye out for that and looking it over right away is key. Remember, your invitations are custom-printed just for you. This takes time and care.

How to Word Your Wedding Invitations

Sending Wedding Invitations

Once you have your wedding invitations in hand, it’s time to start thinking about when to mail them.  For local weddings, invitations should be sent out ten to twelve weeks before the wedding date. This will allow you enough time to collect your RSVPs and confirm headcount with your caterer. If you send invitations too early, guests tend to lose them in the shuffle or forget to respond, so it’s best to send the Save the Dates ahead of time and stick to this timeline for invitations. 

If you’re planning a destination wedding or one where most guests are coming in from out of town, it’s a good idea to send out your wedding invitations earlier – we recommend six months before the wedding. This allows guests more time to confirm their accommodations and make any necessary plans. Additionally, it’s good to be aware of any mail service delays in your city. If you live in an area that is experiencing significant mail delays, you may consider sending your invites out a week or two before the recommended date.  

Destination Wedding Invitation Timeline

Wedding Invitations by Lily & Roe Co.

When ordering your wedding invitations, it’s important to remember that different types of invitations will take more or less time to create. Fully customized wedding suites can take weeks or even months to design, while a standard template can be downloaded and printed on the same day. At Lily & Roe Co. we’ve created a streamlined process that allows us to create semi-custom invitations for discerning couples, all with a quick turnaround time. If you’re looking for heirloom-quality invitations for your big day, head over to our collections to find the perfect style for your big day.