The Wedding Stationery and Signage Timeline for 2026 New England Weddings

If you’ve ever Googled “when do I order wedding invitations” and gotten twelve different answers, you’re not alone. And if wedding signage feels like a mysterious thing people only remember two weeks before the wedding… also normal. But we can do better!

Here’s a clear, concise timeline that we use for custom stationery and signage for Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts weddings. It’s designed to keep things elevated without the last-minute scramble.

Why Custom Stationery and Signage Takes More Time (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

Custom work isn’t a cart checkout. It’s a process:

• design direction and concept building

• branding and design system

• proofs and revisions

• sourcing papers and materials

• printing time (especially specialty printing methods)

• assembly and finishing

• addressing and postage checks

• day-of signage content deadlines

• production and installation planning

Luxury is intentional and intentional takes time. The good news is that it also takes stress off you when it’s planned well!

9–12 Months Out: Book Your Stationery + Signage Designer

If your wedding is during peak New England season (late spring through early fall), book earlier than you think. Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts weddings are often destination-style even when they’re technically “local” because many guests travel from out of state.

This is the phase where we:

• lock in your date

• define your design foundation and direction

• start building your wedding’s branding identity

• decide if you would like custom Save the Dates and Invitations

Save the Date Timing (Especially Important in New England)

Send your Save the Dates about 8–12 months out, especially if:

• you’re getting married in peak season (July through September)

• you have guests flying in

• your wedding is on a holiday weekend

• hotels are limited and/or they tend to book up quickly near your venue

Save the Dates give guests time to book flights, plan time off, and reserve hotel blocks.

6–8 Months Out: Invitation Suite Design

This is where the real design work begins:

• suite structure (what you actually need)

• typography, layout, palette, shapes, artwork

• paper selection and finishes

• optional custom elements (illustrations, monograms, specialty printing)

• proofs and revisions

If you want letterpress, foil, embossing, or layered assembly details, this lead time is especially important!

3–4 Months Out: Printing, Assembly, and Mailing Invitations + Wedding Day Designs

Most couples should mail invitations 8–12 weeks before the wedding. Why so early?

• travel planning (again, New England is often very busy during the typical wedding season)

• RSVP tracking

• vendor planning (catering, rentals, seating)

• reducing last-minute stress

This is also when the bulk of the design work begins for the wedding day pieces, like menus, place cards, welcome signage, seating chart display, bar signage, etc.

1.5-2 Months Out: Day-Of Paper + Signage Deadlines

This is the time to lock in the details and start supply ordering and production.

Pieces to confirm:

• welcome sign wording

• seating chart display and associated floral arrangement

• menu selections

• bar signage and signature cocktails

• ceremony program text (if you want them)

• table numbers

• place cards or escort cards with guests' seating assignment information

This is also when we will ask for your guests' names and table numbers so that we can produce the final seating chart or escort card display.

2–3 Weeks Out: Production Time

Once you review and approve the Production Approval form, my team and I take it from there. You can find us ordering materials, assembling stationery, building signage installations, and getting covered in paint and acrylic dust.

1 Week Out: Delivery and Installation Planning

For New England weddings, logistics matter. Weather happens. Venues have rules. Timing is tight.

This week, you can find us deep in email threads with your vendor team:

• coordinating venue access

• getting the final floor plan for table number placements

• finalizing larger signage placements

• discussing backup weather contingencies

• making sure everything arrives safely and on time

Common Timeline Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)

Waiting too long to start

Custom work needs more lead time than you think. Rushing costs more and likely limits your options.

Treating signage like an afterthought

Signage affects guest flow and gets photographed constantly. If it's important to you, it should be considered as part of your overall wedding design.

Forgetting buffer time

Mail delays, travel, last-minute wording updates… it’s all normal. Buffer time keeps things calm, cool and collected.

Final Thoughts: Wedding Stationery and Signage Timeline

A smooth timeline is part of the luxury experience. If you’re planning a wedding in Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts, start your stationery and signage process earlier than you think and thank me later!

If you would like to work together for your wedding stationery and signage and create a custom timeline that’s tailored to your date and venue, reach out and we’ll make a plan.