When Should You Order Wedding Stationery?
When Should You Order Wedding Stationery? A UK Wedding Timeline
Planning a wedding is exciting… and overwhelming.
One of the most common questions we hear at Eliza May Prints is:
“When should we order wedding stationery in the UK?”
It’s totally normal to ask this early on, because stationery sets the tone for your day. And if you’re planning a UK wedding, the timing matters - especially if you’re ordering bespoke invitations or need extra proofing time.
Below is a simple UK wedding stationery timeline that helps you plan without rushing.
Wedding Stationery Timeline UK – When Should You Order?
Here’s a realistic timeline for UK weddings. It’s based on what’s commonly recommended by planners and what works best for couples who want to stay organised.
18–12 Months Before – Save the Dates
If you’re getting married during peak season, or you have lots of guests travelling, Save the Dates are a must.
Why order them early?
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Guests can book travel and accommodation
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It prevents clashes with other weddings
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You can take your time choosing a design
Browse our Save the Date collection to find a style that suits you.
12–6 Months Before – Wedding Invitations
This is the most common window for ordering wedding invitations in the UK.
Why this timing works:
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You’ll have your venue confirmed
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You’ll have your guest list finalised
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You have enough time for proofs and edits
When should you send them?
Most UK couples send invitations 12-4 months before the wedding, but earlier is better if you have destination guests.
Browse our luxury wedding invitation collection to find a style that suits you.
2 Months Before – On-The-Day Stationery
On-the-day stationery includes:
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Order of service
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Table plan
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Place cards
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Menus
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Signage (welcome sign, guest book sign, etc.)
These need to be ordered later because you need final guest numbers and seating plans.
Best practice: order these 2 months before to allow design and proofing time.
1 Month After – Thank You Cards
Thank you cards are a lovely final touch and should be sent within 1 month of the wedding.
Why it matters:
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Guests have taken time and expense to attend
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It’s polite and personal
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It helps you close the wedding chapter gracefully
UK Wedding Stationery Checklist (Quick Summary)
| Stationery | When to Order | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Save the Dates | 18–12 months | Gives guests time to plan |
| Invitations | 12–6 months | Allows for proofing + edits |
| On-the-Day Stationery | 2 months | Needs final guest list |
| Thank You Cards | 1 month after | Shows appreciation |
Looking for Bespoke Wedding Stationery?
If you’re planning a wedding and want stationery that feels uniquely you, we can help.
From Save the Dates to bespoke invitations and full on-the-day stationery suites, we’ll work with you to create a design that matches your wedding style.
Explore our bespoke design service.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering when to order wedding stationery in the UK, this timeline is a safe, stress-free guide.
Planning early means less panic later and more time to enjoy the fun parts of wedding planning.
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