Timeline to Plan Your Fall/Winter 2020 Wedding Invitations
Lately, I’ve been getting requests from two types of couples: ones with wedding dates in mid to late 2021, and ones who are holding their fall 2020 wedding dates. Normally I would not want to start a custom design only three to four months before the wedding date. There’s a lot of time that goes into a custom design, such as several rounds of revisions, email correspondences on proofs, production/shipping time, assembly, etc.
But I get it. If you’re worried your wedding will be postponed or that you’ll have to slash the guest list, then you’re hesitant to spend money on invitations that may end up null and void.
While I don’t advise waiting until the last minute, the events of 2020 make it understandable. But how long of a wait is TOO long? Grab a calendar and let’s talk.
Finding Your In-Hands Date
Your invitations should be in the mailbox 6-8 weeks before your wedding date. You’ll also want to give yourself a couple of days to stuff, seal, and stamp. So make sure your stationer can deliver 9 weeks in advance. Nine weeks will give you an extra two weeks in case something goes wrong with the printing.
Design Option 1: Pre-Made Templates
Now that you know your in-hands date, let’s talk about the design and production process. The fastest way to find a design of your liking may be to search print-on-demand stores such as Zazzle and Minted. (Camellia Memories also sells on Zazzle.) You choose a design you like, customize your information, and purchase. You can complete this process in an hour or two.
Design Option 2: Custom Invitations
But maybe you want something specific or can’t find a template that you like as-is. If you still want the custom route, then you’ll need to go in prepared. A custom invitation design can take weeks to complete. A stationer may require several days to over a week to complete an initial design depending on their availability and the design's complexity. Then there can be numerous rounds of revisions, time that cannot be estimated.
If you choose this route, you should allow a minimum of 4 weeks for DESIGN TIME ONLY, although 6 is ideal. Of course, check your stationer’s availability, as their estimation may be different. There are also a few things you can do to keep the process moving.
At your first meeting with your designer, be prepared with ample inspiration from online wedding resources. Sharing a Pinterest board dedicated to invitations will provide a great start. Have a clear idea of the style you want to minimize the stationer's guesswork.
Respond to the stationer’s emails within 24 hours. If you wait for a week to give feedback on a proof, then that will prolong the process.
Design Option 3: Customized Template
But when time is important, the best choice may be a hybrid of the above options. If you find a template you like but desire design tweaks, then reach out to the designer. He or she might be able to accommodate your request within a few days. Camellia Memories has several pre-made fall wedding invitations which can be customized for a low cost. Contact for details!
Production/Delivery
Finally, there is production time. While you should check with your specific vendor, production and shipping can take between 2-3 weeks, possibly more if you opt for a specialty process like foil stamping or letterpress. Both of these options involve creating a mold before going to print. For rush jobs, digital printing is the best route.
Bottom Line
For pre-made templates: Allow about 12 weeks, or 3 months, before your wedding date.
For customized templates: Allow about 14 weeks.
For fully custom invitations: Allow a minimum of 16 weeks, but know that if revisions drag out, you may miss your in-hands date.
Some final thoughts: If you’ve made the decision to cut your guest list, then there may be a bright side. By purchasing fewer invitations, premium embellishments such as pocket folds, gate & petal cards, laser cut options, and more may now be accessible to you. Then you’ll have a premium wedding invitation that is a true keepsake from your wedding.
Camellia Memories’
Covid-19 Contingency Plan
To ease these stressful times, I am offering a special discount to my couples. If wedding invitations are designed and purchased, but the event is postponed due to Covid-19, then I will provide “change-the-dates” based on the original design at a discounted price. While refunds are not possible due to significant time investment and material cost, my goal is to help couples achieve their dream wedding. The world may be on pause, but your love is not. Soon you’ll share your love with your family and friends on a day that will be more than memorable.