How far in advance should I order my wedding invitations?

Start by working backwards from your wedding date. You want invitations to arrive with guests about 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, sometimes 10 weeks for a destination wedding or if many guests travel. Before that, you need time to print, check, stuff and post them.

Give yourself at least 4 weeks for the printing process itself, including any proofs and corrections. If you are using a bespoke designer or a handmade finish, allow 6 to 8 weeks. Then add 2 weeks for addressing, stamping and posting in batches. So a sensible order date is 12 to 16 weeks before the wedding.

If you have not chosen your wording or finalised the venue and timings, sort those first. You cannot order until you know the date, time and address. Also check your stationer's production time, as it can vary a lot.

Ordering too early can be a problem if your plans change. Ordering too late means you may have to pay for rush printing or send invitations later than you wanted. Aim for the middle, and always ask for a proof before the full print run.