invite question

Here's a helpful timeline I found on the Not from a Box website:

How do I know when I need to place my order for invitations?
Here is general timeline, applicable to weddings and other special/formal events:
# Count back 8 weeks from your wedding date. This is your Mailing Date.
# Then count back an additional 2 weeks, to give yourself enough time to stuff and address your envelopes. This is your Delivery Date.
# Count back another week for shipping. This is your Shipping Date.
# Count back 4-6 weeks for printing, production, and assembly. This is your Order Date.
# Example: May 31 event

* Mailing Date: March 29
* Delivery Date: March 15
* Shipping Date: March 8
* Order Date: Feb. 1 (approx.)
* Note: The Custom Design process can take up to 4-6 weeks, therefore if you are having an invitation custom designed, it would be ideal to initiate contact with us 4-5 months prior to your special event

i think it really depends where you are getting your invites from--

I ordered mine end of august, got them beginning of Nov. I needed to send them back to get reprinted and they are getting done this week - this was after the printer sat on them for a month and a half after I sent them back.. ETA- I need to get them to the calligrapher next week for a week turnaround, then mail out first week or so in Feb.

Moral of the story- it is never too soon to order and it depends on your vendor.