Planning a wedding involves many details, and one common question couples ask is: "When should we send out our wedding invitations?" In this blog post, I'll answer that question and discuss the related costs.
When to Send our Wedding Invitations?
It’s generally recommended to send invitations 6 to 12 months before the wedding. However, this can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your wedding. Here are a few key factors to consider:
Destination Wedding: If you're planning a destination wedding, where guests might need to fly or travel far, it's a good idea to send out invitations at least a year in advance. This allows your guests plenty of time to arrange travel, accommodation, and even vacation time if necessary.
Destination weddings often require more extensive planning for both the couple and the guests. Early booking of flights, hotels, and transportation makes it essential to give your guests as much time as possible.
Holiday or Busy Season Weddings: If you're getting married on a holiday or during a popular vacation season, sending your invitations 9 to 12 months in advance is recommended. Many guests make their vacation plans months ahead, and sending early invitations increases the chance that your loved ones will be available for your big day.
For weddings scheduled on a typical weekend, sending your invitations about six months in advance is usually sufficient. This gives guests enough time to mark their calendars and for you to receive RSVPs and finalize important wedding details.
Tip: Save the Date
Before sending out formal invitations, it's always a good idea to send Save the Dates. This way, your guests can reserve the date well in advance. Here’s an example of how the timeline might look:
Let’s say you’re planning a wedding for October 20, 2025. You could send out Save the Dates in November 2024. This gives your guests a heads-up to keep the date free and adjust any vacation plans if necessary. Then, you could send the formal invitations in June 2025 and request responses by August 2025.
Why So Much Lead Time?
Sending Save the Date cards and invitations well in advance not only helps your guests but also makes planning easier for you. Once you know who’s attending, you can fine-tune the seating arrangements, catering, guest accommodations, place cards, and welcome signs. Early RSVPs also help your vendors (caterers, florists, stationery designers, and planners) prepare with more accurate numbers.
How Much Do Wedding Invitations Cost?
When budgeting for your wedding, stationery is a key consideration. So how much do wedding invitations cost? The answer depends largely on how personalized your stationery is.
Custom Wedding Stationery – Little Works of Art
Customized wedding invitations typically start at CHF 2,500 and can go up to CHF 6,000. This range varies based on the level of detail and embellishments you choose. Here are some factors that can affect the price:
Paper Choices: Do you love handmade paper with a soft, luxurious feel, where each sheet is crafted individually, or would you prefer clean, machine-made FineArt paper? Perhaps a beautiful vellum envelope or a special cotton rag paper would suit your style.
Printing Techniques: Do you prefer an intricate printing technique? Would you like the letters to be pressed into the paper or embossed to stand out? Perhaps you'd prefer a shiny gold print or a sleek, flat digital print?
Embellishments & Extras: Do you want a custom wax seal with your hand-drawn wedding logo or a hand-painted illustration of your venue? Do you love the idea of special envelope liners or the use of delicate silk ribbons?
With custom wedding stationery, the possibilities are endless. Everything can and should be tailored to your wedding’s unique style and aesthetic.
It’s important to think about what you truly want and which details matter most to you. Invitations set the tone, evoke excitement for your wedding, and many guests even keep them as lasting mementos—a beautiful keepsake from your special day.
Wedding Day Stationery
In addition to invitations, don’t forget the Day-of stationery. This includes items like place cards, menus, welcome signs, bar menus, thank-you cards, and more. These personalized designs add elegance to your wedding décor and complement the overall aesthetic. Prices for Day-of stationery start around CHF 1,000 and can go up to CHF 2,500 depending on the scope and customizations. Just like with invitations, your creativity can truly shine here.
Summary: Timing and Costs of Wedding Invitations
In conclusion, the best time to send your wedding invitations depends on various factors such as the date, season, and whether it's a destination wedding. Sending a Save the Date well in advance gives your guests time to plan and makes the overall organization smoother for you.
As for costs, it largely depends on how unique and detailed you want your invitations to be. Personalized, custom-designed invitations are works of art that enhance the specialness of your big day and create lasting memories.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! And if you’re ready to start planning your wedding stationery, I’m excited to meet with you for a no-obligation initial consultation via Zoom.
I can’t wait to help you along this exciting wedding journey!
With love,Patrizia
Fotos vom Shooting mit: Venue @st_charles_hall, Wedding planning @anatonioloweddings, Floral design @andradamuller.floraldesign & @rf_bloom, Photographer @philibertbarelli_wedding, Photography assistant @mathilde.ballet_photography, Gown @millia.london, Groom's Attire @liluca_suisse, Hair & Make up @bridalbeautybylinda, Earrings @ederajewelry, Rings @giselle, Shoes @bellabelleshoes, Models @milan_model_couple, Tabletop rental @vintagette, Stationery @geistreichkalligrafie, Furniture & Tableware rentals @options_ch
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