Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the questions I get asked most is: when to send wedding invitations? And just as importantly, when should you order your wax seals so everything is ready on time?
I’ll walk you through exactly when to send your save the dates, when to post your invitations and how to include wax seals in your planning. That way, everything feels organised, stress-free and beautifully finished.
When to send save the dates and wedding invitations
Let’s start with the foundation of good wedding planning: keeping your guests informed at the right time.
When to send save the dates
A good rule of thumb is to send your save the dates 6 to 8 months before your wedding.
- Especially helpful if you are getting married in peak season
- Ideal if guests need to travel or book accommodation
- Gives everyone plenty of time to keep your date free
When to send wedding invitations
Your official wedding invitations are usually sent 8 to 10 weeks before the wedding.
This gives your guests enough time to RSVP and make any arrangements. Planning a destination wedding? Then it’s better to allow around 12 weeks.
When to order wax seals and include them in your timeline
This is where I often see things go wrong. Wax seals are treated as a finishing touch, but in reality, they need to be part of your planning much earlier.
My advice: order your wax seals at least 2 months before you send your wedding invitations.
👉 Still exploring styles? Browse all wax seal stamps for wedding invitations and find the look that fits your stationery.
Why start early?
- You need time to choose the right stamp and wax colour
- You may want to test your design or request a sample
- You need to allow time for production and delivery
This is especially important if you choose a personalised wedding wax stamp. You want to be sure every detail looks exactly right before you start sealing your invitations.
Already have a specific idea in mind? Then a custom wax stamp design is a beautiful option, fully tailored to your wedding style.
A practical example
Getting married in June and sending your invitations in April? Your timeline could look like this:
- February → order your wax seals or stamp
- March → prepare your invitations and create the seals
- April → send everything out
This simple structure helps you stay ahead and avoid last-minute stress.
Common mistakes when planning wedding invitations and wax seals
1. Starting too late
This is the most common mistake I see. It leads to unnecessary stress and fewer options.
2. Not testing your design
Especially with a custom design, small details can get lost. Always test before making all your seals.
3. Ordering the wrong quantity
Always allow extra for mistakes, spare invitations and last-minute changes. Ordering around 10–15% extra is a safe choice.
4. Treating wax seals as an afterthought
Your wax seal is often the first detail your guests notice. It sets the tone for your invitation, so it deserves a proper place in your planning.
My personal tip for stress-free wedding planning
Start earlier than you think you need to.
I’ve seen thousands of weddings over the years, and the couples who start on time always have more freedom, less stress and better results.
My ideal order:
- Set the date
- Send your save the dates
- Choose your wax seal style
- Order your stamp
- Design your invitations
- Make your wax seals
- Send everything out
That way, you can actually enjoy the process and know everything will be ready on time.
Ready to complete your wedding invitations?
A wax seal instantly adds a personal and elegant finishing touch to your stationery.
