Tips & Tricks: Wedding Stationery Timeline

Just a quick blog about one of the issues that seems to come up the most with stationery:

When should I purchase? 

Often times, you can put a rush on stationery if possible - but at Relish, we never recommend pushing it if you don't have time. This often leaves to overlooked typos, or upgraded express processing and /or shipping. Plan wisely and you won't have to pay those unnecessary fees or add extra worry to yourself!

1. Save the Dates:
   You can purchase these as soon as you get engaged and use them as an engagement announcement. The only 2 items you need to know is the Date and the Location. It's great if you can set up a wedding website to direct them to as well, but not necessary. The only thing you don't want to do is wait too late to send these. Their primary purpose is to help people plan their trip to your wedding (for out-of-towners, this is very important) We recommend sending them out at least 4 months before the wedding.
   TIMELINE: Immediately following "I Do" - 4 months prior to wedding
   
2. Shower / Party Invitations:These are usually left up to the hosts of the parties, but they should order them in time for people to RSVP. And these usually take 7-10 days to receive once you've ordered them.
   TIMELINE: 4-5 Weeks prior to the Shower / Party
   
   
   
3. Invitations:
   The main course of your stationery! Let's work our way backwards...RSVP: Depending on what type of reception you are having (full catering, buffet or finger foods), you will need the deadline for the RSVP to give enough time for these items to be prepared. Some catering companies / restaurants will require a longer amount of time. But the general rule is 2-4 weeks prior to the wedding for the RSVP date.
   Time allowed for people to receive the invitations until the RSVP deadline: 2-3 weeks. If you allow too much time, people will often forget to reply (no sense of urgency). If you do not allow enough time, you risk a crisis with the RSVPs not getting back in time. The best average we have found is 2-3 weeks from the time you are mailing out the invites.
   Addressing / Stamping: Allow yourself a week to get these in the mail from the time you receive them from the stationer.
   Order Time: Once you've placed your order, it will take 2-3 weeks to receive your stationery.
   Add it all up, and your safe bet for ordering invitations is:
   TIMELINE: 8-12 weeks prior to the wedding. 
   
   
4. Programs & Reception Essentials:
   These will take 2-3 weeks to receive from the stationer as well.
   TIMELINE: 2-3 Weeks prior to wedding
   
5. Thank You Notes:
   We recommend ordering these prior to the wedding for a couple reasons. This way, you won't have to think of doing more wedding ordering AFTER the big day. Plus you will have these ready to go so you can send them out ASAP (good wedding etiquette!) Many brides order them early in their engagement, even before their invitations - to have them for all their showers.
   TIMELINE: Before the big day!

Hope this timeline is helpful! Come on over to Relish for all these stationery must-haves!