With engagement season in full swing, many newly engaged couples are beginning to navigate one of the first and most important parts of wedding planning: setting the date! While wedding invitations often get the most attention, save the dates are one of the first pieces couples send and one of the first impressions guests receive. From save the dates to invitations and beyond, wedding stationery does more than share information. It sets expectations and establishes the tone for the celebration. On Paper Press approaches this process with clarity, creativity, and intention, beginning with custom designed save the dates offered as a complimentary part of their design experience. We recently chatted with Lynsey, owner of the custom department of On Paper Press to learn more about the brand, which has been serving couples with custom stationery paper since 1997.
Starting with the Big Picture
When couples meet with On Paper Press for a consultation, the conversation doesn’t start with a single card, it starts with the full vision. Rather than designing save the dates as a standalone piece, the invitation suite is considered first. From there, the Save the Date is built as a cohesive extension of that design, ensuring that every element feels aligned and thoughtfully connected.
Save the Dates: The First Impression
Save the dates are typically the first piece of wedding stationery guests receive, and they play an important role in the overall timeline. These cards usually include the couple’s names, wedding date, and location, along with the phrase “formal invitation to follow.” Many couples also choose to include their wedding website so guests can begin gathering details about travel.
When to Send Wedding Invitations + Save the Dates
Timing matters when it comes to wedding paper, starting with save the dates and continuing through invitations. Save the dates are typically ordered one to three months before they are mailed. For destination weddings, they are best sent eight to twelve months in advance, while local weddings are usually sent four to ten months before the wedding date. This gives guests time to plan ahead and allows couples to make a strong first impression.
Wedding invitations are generally ordered about six months before they are sent, with a recommended planning window of four to nine months before the wedding date. Destination invitations are often mailed around three months before the wedding, while local invitations are sent six to eight weeks in advance. This timeline allows time for design, production, addressing, and any additional details such as calligraphy or specialty finishes.
Save the Dates
- Order one to three months before mailing
- Destination weddings: send eight to twelve months before the wedding
- Local weddings: send four to ten months before the wedding
Wedding Invitations
- Order about six months before mailing
- Begin planning four to nine months before the wedding
- Destination weddings: mail around three months before the wedding
- Local weddings: mail six to eight weeks before the wedding
Design Freedom and Creative Expression
While wedding invitations often follow more traditional formats, save the dates offer more creative freedom. Lyndsey remarks, “At On Paper Press, everything is fully custom and never templated, making this the perfect moment to be bold. Unique shapes, playful layouts, modern typography, and unexpected color palettes are all encouraged. It’s a chance to experiment while still setting a clear design direction that will carry through the entire suite.”
Complimentary Save the Dates with Every Invitation Order
To allow couples to focus on design rather than budget, On Paper Press offers complimentary save the dates, card and envelope included, with every invitation order. Optional upgrades such as specialty shapes, premium paper, letterpress, or foil printing are available for clients who want to elevate their suite even further, but the foundation is always thoughtfully designed and beautifully executed.
Formal Invitations
As the wedding approaches, invitations take center stage. Traditionally, invitations include who is hosting, the couple’s names, wedding date and time, venue name and location, dress code, and reception details. Today, etiquette is more flexible, allowing couples to tailor the content to their event while still maintaining clarity for guests.
Understanding the Full Invitation Suite
A complete invitation suite generally includes the invitation card, response card, directions or map card, envelopes, and postage. Response cards, whether traditional or postcard style, should always be pre-stamped for guests and typically have a return deadline two to three weeks before the wedding. Optional enclosure cards may include accommodations, weekend schedules, or additional details, while registry information is best reserved for the wedding website.
A Seamless, Intentional Stationery Experience
Throughout this process, On Paper Press emphasizes consistency and intention. Designing all wedding stationery with one studio not only creates a seamless visual story but also offers benefits in pricing, efficiency, and project priority. From save the dates to invitations and every detail in between, each piece works together to tell a cohesive story.
Beginning the Celebration on Paper
As engagement season brings excitement and momentum, wedding paper becomes one of the first tangible expressions of a couple’s celebration. With a custom, guided approach and complimentary save the dates that prioritize thoughtful design, On Paper Press helps couples navigate invitation etiquette with confidence, creating stationery that feels as meaningful as the day itself!
