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How-to
Wedding Stationery Etiquette: What to Send, When to Send It & How to Do It Right
04 Mar 2025 •3 min read
As you come down from the high of being newly engaged, you’ll quickly find yourself faced with a long to-do list in order to start planning your dream wedding. After selecting a date, one of the first steps is ensuring your guests have enough notice to mark their calendars. Proper wedding stationery etiquette ensures your guests are well-informed and allows you to stay organized throughout the planning process. Here’s everything you need to know about what to send, when to send it, and how to do it right.
What is a Save the Date Card?
Save-the-date cards serve as a preliminary announcement of your wedding date and location. Unlike the formal invitation, a save-the-date card does not contain intricate details but ensures your guests reserve the date well in advance.
A typical save-the-date card includes:
- The names of the couple
- A note asking guests to save the date
- The wedding date
- The general location (city, state, or country for destination weddings)
- A note that a formal invitation will follow
Etsy
Library Card Save the Date
A colorful, modern save the date - colors can be customized! Created by WolfePaperCo
When Should You Mail Out Your Save the Date Cards?
To give guests ample time to prepare, it’s best to send out save-the-date cards 6 to 8 months before the wedding. If you’re having a destination wedding, you might consider sending them 8 to 10 months in advance to allow guests enough time to make travel arrangements.
While some couples choose to send them up to a year in advance, this may not always be effective. Guests might not be able to finalize travel plans that far ahead, and there’s a chance they could forget the details over time.
What to Include in Your Wedding Invitation Suite
Your wedding invitation suite consists of all the key components guests need to prepare for your big day. The main invitation should be designed to reflect your wedding style and include essential details, such as:
- The names of the couple
- Date and time of the wedding
- Venue name and address
- A formal request for attendance
- Dress code
- A mention of “reception to follow”
Additional Inserts to Consider
Depending on the scope of your wedding, you may want to include additional inserts, such as:
- Reception Card: If your reception is at a different location, this card provides details about timing, address, and any additional information.
- Accommodation & Travel Details: For out-of-town guests, this insert can provide hotel block information and transportation tips.
- Wedding Website Details: Instead of overloading your invitations with too much information, consider adding a small card with a link or QR code to your wedding website, where guests can find updates, travel tips, and RSVP instructions. Platforms like Lovebird offer elegant wedding websites that make guest communication seamless and stress-free.
Lovebird
Watercolor Floral Swag
Customize an exquisite wedding website like this Watercolor Floral Swag template to share your event details & registry with your wedding guests. Beautifully represent who you are as a couple and manage every touchpoint with your guests in one place with Lovebird.
Lovebird
Celestial Metallic
Customize an exquisite wedding website like this Celestial Metallic template to share your event details & registry with your wedding guests. Beautifully represent who you are as a couple and manage every touchpoint with your guests in one place with Lovebird.
When to Send Out Your Invitations
Ordering your invitations early is key to ensuring everything is ready on time. It’s recommended to order your invitations 4 to 5 months before the wedding to allow time for printing, addressing, and any necessary corrections.
Per etiquette, invitations should be sent 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to RSVP and make arrangements. For destination weddings, consider mailing invitations at least 3 months in advance to allow additional planning time.
Etsy
Navy Blue Wedding Invitation
These sophisticated wedding invitations feature bold borders and modern fonts combined with elegant script, creating an upscale and contemporary design. Shown in navy and smoke ink on white matte paper. Styled with navy envelopes, and light blue ribbon, as well as a garden rose envelope liner and belly band in navy, vellum jacket, and silver wax seals.
All of our wedding invitations are intentionally designed to stand the test of time so they'll look just as beautiful in 10 years as they do today. Customize your suite with your choice of paper, ink colors, and embellishments, then let us take care of the design and wording. Once your order is placed, you'll work directly with one of our expert designers to make sure everything is exactly as you envisioned.
Etsy
Old Money Aesthetic Stationary
Transport your wedding day to the era of "Old Money" aesthetics with our unique Hand-Drawn Wedding Invitation Template. This vintage-inspired design exudes the classic charm of bygone days and combines it with a hint of '90s nostalgia. The Pipi Printables original scribble illustrated details add a touch of personality and a retro vibe to your special day. Just like a Champagne Tower stands as a symbol of elegance, our Vintage Wedding invitation, complete with a Wedding Itinerary, promises a timeless and unforgettable experience. Make your wedding a journey back in time, capturing both sophistication and vintage allure effortlessly.
RSVP Etiquette & Deadlines
The RSVP card is one of the most critical parts of your invitation suite, as it helps you finalize your guest count. A standard RSVP card should include:
- A reply-by date (typically 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding)
- A line for guests to write their names
- Checkboxes for accepting or declining the invitation
- Optional meal selection (if applicable)
Pro Tip:
Managing RSVPs can be overwhelming, but digital RSVP tracking can simplify the process. Lovebird allows guests to respond online, track meal selections, and even submit song requests—all in one place. This ensures an organized and efficient way to collect guest information without the hassle of paper replies.
Wedding Thank You Cards
Sending thank you cards is an essential post-wedding task that ensures your guests feel appreciated. Aim to send thank you cards within 3 months of your wedding to express gratitude for their presence and gifts.
Your thank you cards should include:
- A personalized message mentioning the gift received
- A heartfelt note of appreciation
- A signature from both partners
If you’re looking for a variety of beautifully designed wedding stationery, Vistaprint offers a range of customizable options, including save-the-date cards and invitations that align with your wedding aesthetic.
Artifact Uprising
Minimal Thank You Card
Let them know they made your day with this 7 x 5” Minimal Thank You Card. Printed on premium quality, FSC-certified paper with your choice of digital printing or foil stamping, this card is also customizable with your favorite wedding photo together.
Papier
Wedding Thank You Border
We curate the designs, you make them your own. Upload your own images to create personalized photo cards – printed on beautiful, matte Mohawk paper – for your favorite people in life. The result? Something they can keep and love forever.
Common Wedding Stationery Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a smooth process, avoid these common mistakes:
- Sending invitations too late: Aim for the 6-8 week guideline to give guests ample time to plan.
- Not including RSVP deadlines: A clear deadline helps finalize your guest list and seating chart.
- Overcomplicating invitation wording: Keep the wording formal but concise.
- Forgetting postage costs: Measure and weigh your invitation suite beforehand to ensure you have the correct postage.
Navigating wedding stationery etiquette doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your guests receive the necessary information at the right time, making your wedding planning process much smoother.
With proper planning and organization, you’ll be able to enjoy your engagement without unnecessary stress—leaving more time to focus on celebrating your love!
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