If you are pressed for time, start your invitation when you are feeling creative and then wait to place your order. Otherwise, follow these guidelines:

6 MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT

You don't want to order your invitation too early until you are sure of the details and the count. But you can start planning and noticing invitations you've received from family and friends. What stands out to you... paper, colors, wording, size and shape? Notice the presentation; how they were addressed, special stamp, double envelopes.

Visit my website, https://jbink.com to see new invitation trends.
Visit Pinterest, Etsy and other sites and search for your specific twist on ideas.
Contact me with your inspiration, theme, colors or other creative ideas. Or talk to me and I'll listen and help you organize your invitation thoughts.

5 MONTHS BEFORE:

Finalize your guest list and firm up party details.
Let's get on with the design.
Fill out my page of information.
Send me wording ideas:
     https://jbink.com/wedding-wording/
     https://jbink.com/mitzvah-wording/
Invitations can be designed in a day, or you can see previews and make changes till perfect.

4 WEEKS BEFORE:
Place order.
Allow 10 days to 2 weeks till they arrive, and if I'm addressing the envelopes, I'll be ready for your list.
Your order should include Thank You Notes, Cocktail Napkins, Place Cards
Consider a custom PhotoStamp for the envelope. I can help you with this.
Put together one invitation and take to post office to be weighed for postage.

8-10 WEEKS BEFORE:

I like to seal with an Elmers Glue stick and then place under a heavy book for a few minutes. Now you can your invitations and wait for the delighted replies.