Now that you know how a wedding stationer helps bring your vision to life, it’s time to talk about one of the most common questions we get: How long does the invitation process take? When should I order invitations?

Your wedding stationery sets the tone for your celebration long before guests arrive. From save the dates to day-of details, having a clear wedding stationery timeline ensures plenty of time for design, production, mailing, and guest responses.

This guide breaks down exactly when to order your wedding invitations and every paper detail leading up to your wedding day.

It's important to keep in mind that working with a stationer on a fully custom design often requires a longer lead time than ordering from a pre-designed template. A custom stationery designer is creating artwork from scratch, sourcing specialty materials, coordinating production methods, and managing multiple stages of the design process. As a result, custom invitations, specialty printing, and unique embellishments may require additional time to ensure every detail is thoughtfully executed.

Whether you're planning a fully custom suite or selecting a semi-custom design, understanding your wedding stationery timeline will help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Save the Date Timeline

10–12 Months Before the Wedding

If you're planning a destination wedding, holiday weekend celebration, or have many out-of-town guests, begin planning your save the dates approximately 10 to 12 months before your wedding.

8–10 Months Before the Wedding

Order and mail save the dates so guests have plenty of time to make travel arrangements and reserve accommodations.

Full Custom Wedding Invitation Timeline

This is for the couple who isn’t looking for a template or starting point. They want their stationery to feel like an extension of their story, their venue, and their design vision. Nothing is reused, and everything is built specifically for them.

7–12 Months Before the Wedding

Book your stationer.
Begin design and artwork development.
Select printing methods and embellishments.

4–6 Months Before the Wedding

Approve final designs.
Begin production and assembly.

2–3 Months Before the Wedding

Mail wedding invitations.

Semi-Custom Wedding Invitation Timeline

This is for the couple who wants a streamlined, guided experience without starting from scratch, while still ending up with something elevated, intentional, and deeply personal.

4–8 Months Before the Wedding

Select your collection.
Personalize wording, colors, and details.
Approve proofs.

2–4 Months Before the Wedding

Production and assembly.

2–3 Months Before the Wedding

Mail wedding invitations.

View our elevated semi-custom collections here.

Day-of Stationery

3–4 Months Before the Wedding

Begin designing your wedding day paper details, including:

Menus
Place cards
Escort cards
Table numbers
Welcome signs
Seating charts
Bar menus
Vow books
Party favors

Final quantities are typically confirmed after RSVPs have been received.

Whether you choose semi-custom or custom, your stationery should feel like it belongs to your story and make the whole wedding process feel a little more exciting. At Amber LeBlanc Studio, both are designed to feel personal, intentional, and like something worth saving forever.

If you’re dreaming up your own suite, I’d love to hear about it and help bring it to life. Reach out anytime to start designing together!