Your wedding stationery, in order
- Save-the-dates: 6 to 8 months before (8 to 12 for a destination wedding) - by email, in print or both.
- Invitations: 6 to 8 weeks before, with a reply-by date 3 to 4 weeks before the day.
- Welcome sign, menus and programmes: order or print 2 to 3 weeks before.
- Seating chart, table numbers and place cards: after the RSVP deadline, once seating is final.
- Thank-you notes: within 2 to 3 months of the wedding.
Printing at home or at a print shop
For small pieces - place cards, menus, table numbers - home printing on heavy matte card stock (250-300 gsm / 90-110 lb) looks great. For invitations and big signs, send the PDF to a local print shop or an online printer: ask for the size on the PDF, heavy card and a matte or uncoated finish.
Paper invitations with online RSVP
Many couples print a beautiful invitation and collect replies online. Add your wedding website address to the card - guests RSVP there, and the answers land in your guest list. Or email the invitation itself with a personal RSVP link for every guest.