So You Survived A Wedding Expo.
Now What?
Hey there, future newlywed!
First of all, congrats on making it through the Kitsap Wedding Expo with your sanity (mostly) intact. Between the cake samples, the DJ demos, and approximately four hundred business cards stuffed into your tote bag, that takes real stamina.
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If you stopped by my booth, Fablefern Studio, and oohed at the watercolor designs, hello, we remember you and we are very glad you are here. If you are just now finding us, also hello. Either way, you have good taste.
I am also planning a wedding right now (yes, really), so I know exactly how overwhelming this stretch of engagement life can feel. There is a lot coming at you fast. So instead of just throwing a sales pitch at your inbox, I wanted to share something actually useful.
The Wedding Stationery Timeline: When to Do What
This is the thing nobody tells you until you are already behind on it. Stationery has a longer lead time than most couples expect, especially if you want something custom, printed, or (my personal favorite) hand-painted in watercolor.
- When to book your stationer: 10–14 months out, or as soon as you have a date. Custom work fills up fast, especially for summer weddings.
- Save the dates: 8–12 months out. Earlier than most people think, but your guests need time to book travel and lodging. Already sent yours? No worries, I can work with you wherever you are in the process. All my packages include Save the Dates, but they can easily be swapped with something else.
- Invitations: 2–4 months out, with an RSVP deadline built in.
- Day-of pieces (programs, menus, signage, escort cards): Aim to have these in hand 1–3 weeks before the wedding.
From my notepad to yours: A checklist you will want to keep!
Before You Send Anything
- Proofread once yourself, then read it out loud, then hand it to someone else
- Take a fully assembled, stuffed envelope to the post office to check postage before you stamp the whole batch
- Order 10–15% more than your guest count for mistakes, last-minute adds, and keepsakes
The Practical Stuff
- Lock in a rough guest count before ordering anything
- Build your RSVP deadline at least 3 weeks before you actually need the number
- If your invitation is thick or has a wax seal, it will likely need extra postage
Easy Things to Forget
- Set aside a little flatlay box with extras from every piece for photos and memories. Label the box and through in cute and meaningful little trinkets
- Thank you cards: order them before the wedding so you can start sending them right after
Ready to Talk Stationery?
If you left the expo thinking “I want that watercolor vibe for my wedding,” this is your sign. I take on a limited number of custom projects each season to make sure every suite gets the time and attention it deserves.
Just fill out the inquiry form on my website. No pressure, no hard sell. Just two people who love pretty paper talking about your wedding.
