Your wedding day is a collection of fleeting moments, but your stationery is the tangible thread that weaves them together. At Capricorn Press, we believe in a "slow paper" philosophy—archival-quality designs inspired by antique illustrations and early typography, made to order to ensure beauty and sustainability.
To help you navigate your journey with ease, we’ve curated a guide to timing your stationery perfectly, ensuring every piece from the first announcement to the final thank you arrives with plenty of time to spare.
Phase 1: The Announcement (6–8 Months Out)
The Save the Date
The Blush Floral Save the Date or the Vintage Cherub serve as the first glimpse into your celebration. While these don’t strictly have to match your final suite, choosing the Cherub design allows you to set a cohesive tone with our signature Cupid Suite.
- Strategy: You don’t need to send these to every guest on your preliminary list—prioritize your "essential parties" first. This helps you gauge availability early in the process.
- The Timeline: Because Save the Dates require less customization, they move quickly. However, to ensure they hit mailboxes six months before the big day, plan to order 6 months + 6 weeks ahead.
Phase 2: The Formal Invitation (4–5 Months Out)
The Heart of the Suite
Your formal invitation is the centerpiece of your wedding story. Our Vintage Cherub Invitation pairs beautifully with a Minimalist Details Card for venue specifics and an Elegant RSVP Card.
- Envelope Etiquette: To make the process seamless for your guests, it is standard practice to include a pre-addressed envelope with your RSVP card. We offer Self-Addressed Return Envelopes to match your aesthetic.
- A Polished First Impression: For the main invitation, consider Bespoke Guest Address Envelopes. Having your guest names and addresses custom-printed saves time and ensures a professional, cohesive look.
- The Timeline: Order at least 20 weeks (5 months) out to account for the custom design preview, production, and shipping.
Phase 3: The Day-Of Details (2 Months Out)
Way-finding & Hospitality
As the date approaches, focus shifts to the guest experience. Clear signage acts as a silent host, guiding friends and family through your venue.
- Welcome Signs: A Custom Script Canvas or a Vintage Line Drawing creates an immediate sense of place.
- Seating & Menus: Our Cupid Suite Seating Chart and Vintage Rose Menus ensure a coherent aesthetic.
- Display Tips: While our canvases look stunning on a wooden easel, they can also be framed, propped on a mantle, or hung with vintage-style clips.
Phase 4: The Gratitude (Post-Wedding)
Thank You Cards
A thoughtful Floral Photo Card or a simple Script Note is the perfect way to conclude the celebration.
| Wedding Milestone | Item to Order | When to Order |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 Months Out | Save the Dates | Allows 6 weeks for production and shipping to mail at the 6-month mark. |
| 5 Months Out | Invitations, Details & Envelopes | Ensures guests have ample time to review and mail back RSVPs. |
| 8 Weeks Out | Signage & Menus | Provides a calm window for final guest list and menu approvals. |
| Post-Wedding | Thank You Cards | Order as soon as your professional gallery arrives. |
A Note on Our Process
Every Capricorn Press item is made to order. Once you purchase, you’ll receive a link to provide your custom data. You will always receive a digital preview for approval before we go to print. Please allow 2 weeks for production, and we suggest ordering at least 6 weeks ahead of your "mail-by" date to ensure a stress-free experience.
