Acrylic wedding invitation etiquette and timeline

Common etiquette is to mail wedding invitations about six to eight weeks before the wedding and to send save-the-dates four to six months ahead, or earlier for a destination wedding. Acrylic invitations follow the same etiquette as paper ones, but they involve more steps, including choosing a finish, proofing the design, and working out postage, so start planning well before your mailing date. Here's how to work backward from your wedding day.

When to send wedding invitations

Plan to mail invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. That gives guests time to arrange travel and childcare and still leaves you time to collect RSVPs. For a destination wedding or a wedding over a holiday weekend, many couples mail invitations closer to three months ahead so guests can book flights and hotels.

When to send save-the-dates

Save-the-dates usually go out four to six months before the wedding. For destination weddings, six months to a year is common. A save-the-date only needs your names, the date, the city, and a note that a formal invitation will follow. Acrylic save-the-dates are a way to give guests a first look at your wedding style.

When to order acrylic invitations

Order early enough that the finished invitations are in your hands with time to spare before your mailing date. Production and shipping times vary by design and quantity, so ask when you request a quote and plan around the answer you get. Build in extra time for these steps:

1. Order a sample. Seeing the acrylic in person helps you choose between clear, frosted, and mirrored finishes. You can order a sample before committing.
2. Finalize your wording and guest count. Count households, not guests, since couples and families usually share one invitation, and add a few extras for keepsakes and last-minute additions.
3. Review your proof carefully. Check every name, date, time, and address. Mistakes are harder to fix on acrylic than on paper.
4. Leave time to assemble, address, and mail.

A sample timeline working back from the wedding

• 6 to 12 months before: choose your invitation style and request a sample.
• 4 to 6 months before: send save-the-dates (earlier for destination weddings).
• After your sample: place your invitation order, allowing for the production and shipping time you're quoted.
• 10 to 12 weeks before: have invitations in hand to assemble and address.
• 6 to 8 weeks before: mail invitations.
• 3 to 4 weeks before: RSVP deadline.

What to include on the invitation

A traditional wedding invitation includes:

• the hosts (often the couple's parents, or the couple themselves)
• a line of invitation, such as "request the pleasure of your company"
• the couple's full names
• the date and time
• the ceremony venue and its city and state
• reception details, or a line like "reception to follow"
• how and when to RSVP

Keep the main invitation uncluttered. Details like accommodations, directions, and your wedding website can go on a separate insert card. By etiquette, registry information belongs on your website or shared by word of mouth, not on the invitation itself.

How to word adults-only and other special requests

If your reception is adults-only, the clearest way to show it is through how you address the envelope, naming only the invited guests. Some couples also add a short line such as "adult reception" on the invitation or an insert. Keep the wording polite and simple.

Postage for acrylic invitations

Acrylic invitations weigh more than paper and are rigid, so they often need extra postage. Before you buy stamps, take one fully assembled invitation (with its envelope, inserts, and any packaging) to the post office and have it weighed and measured. Ask the postal clerk about the right postage and whether hand-canceling is available to reduce wear in sorting machines.

Collecting RSVPs

Set your RSVP deadline three to four weeks before the wedding. That gives you time to follow up with guests who haven't replied and to send final numbers to your caterer and venue. RSVPs can come back by reply card, phone, email, or your wedding website, so list the option you prefer.

Common questions about acrylic invitation timing

Is it rude to send invitations earlier than eight weeks?

No. Sending them up to three months ahead is common for destination weddings and busy travel seasons. Sending them later than six weeks makes it harder for guests to plan.

Do I need save-the-dates if I'm sending acrylic invitations?

They're optional. They help most when guests need to travel or when your date falls on a holiday weekend.

Can I order acrylic invitations in a custom shape or color?

Yes. You can request a custom size, design, color, shape, or cut-outs through our custom acrylic invitations page. Allow extra planning time for custom work, and ask about timing when you request your quote.

Start planning your invitations

Browse our clear, frosted, and mirrored acrylic wedding invitations, or contact Acrylic Wedding with questions about your timeline.