The Cost Of Wedding Invites: Are They Worth It?

Wedding invitations can be a costly surprise for many brides, and there are several factors that influence the price. The average cost of wedding invitations is between $300 and $700 for 100 invitations and response cards, but this can vary depending on location, guest list size, and stationery vision. Couples are budgeting between $400 and $600 for wedding invitations, with the entire invitation suite costing an average of $2000. The cost of wedding invitations can be influenced by factors such as custom design, letterpress printing, foil stamping, hand-painted or hand-drawn elements, embellishments, complex layouts, type of paper, weight, texture, color, finish, and recycled or eco-friendly options. Digital printing is the most cost-effective option, while engraving is one of the most expensive choices. To save money on wedding invitation costs, couples can choose affordable materials, limit the guest list, or send electronic invitations.

Location, vendor and guest list size influence the final price

When it comes to wedding invites, location, vendor, and guest list size all influence the final price.

The average cost of wedding invitations in the US sits between $300 and $700 for 100 invitations and response cards, but this can vary depending on location. For example, the average cost for total wedding stationery in the Mid-Atlantic is $610, whereas in the West, it is $490.

The vendor you choose will also affect the price. A graphic design studio will be the most expensive option, with prices starting at $1000 for totally custom wedding invitations. A stationery shop is a slightly cheaper option, with prices starting at $700. Online retailers are a more affordable option, with standard wedding invites starting at $1.79 each. For those on a budget, a DIY/print-at-home option is also possible, with prices starting from $150.

The number of invitations you need will depend on the size of your guest list, so the larger your guest count, the more invitations you'll need to send, and the higher the cost.

So, while the average cost of wedding invitations is around $500, the final price will depend on a variety of factors, including location, vendor, and guest list size.

Save-the-dates, menus, and programs also need budgeting for

The cost of wedding stationery varies depending on location, vendor, guest list size, design details, and printing methods. For example, digital printing is the most budget-friendly option, whereas engraving is one of the most expensive.

It's important to consider all the elements that go into creating and sending your wedding stationery. This includes the design, printing method, paper type, weight, and postage.

Printing methods vary in price: digital, offset, letterpress, engraving

The average cost of wedding invitations varies between $300 and $1000 depending on the type of invitation and the number of guests. Digital printing is the most cost-effective and simplest printing method, costing between $0.35 and $2.00 per invite. It is similar to the printing done by a laser printer in a home office.

Offset printing, on the other hand, is more expensive, with prices ranging from $0.35 to over $2.00 per invite. This method uses plates to press into the cardstock, resulting in a flashier appearance.

Letterpress printing is a labour-intensive process that requires soft, bulky paper such as cotton fibre or bamboo paper. The cost of letterpress printing ranges from $5 to over $20 per invite, making it one of the priciest options.

Engraving is another expensive printing method, costing between $15 and $20 per invite. It involves etching a design onto a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto thick paper. The result is raised lettering with a characteristic "bruise" or indentation on the reverse.

Invitation suites include: invites, RSVPs, enclosures, postage, envelopes

The average cost of wedding invitations varies depending on the type of invitations and the number of guests. Couples spend between $300 and $1000 on wedding invitations, with the average being $530. This cost includes the invitation suite, which consists of the invitation, RSVPs, enclosures, postage, and other optional items.

Invitation suites typically include the invitation, RSVPs, and enclosures. The invitation provides essential details such as the wedding date, time, and location. It may also include a wedding website link.

RSVPs are an important component, allowing guests to confirm their attendance. They can be in the form of response cards with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes or postcards, which are more cost-effective. Numbering the RSVPs and corresponding guest list ensures responses can be identified even if names are missing or illegible.

Enclosures are optional but can include maps, accommodation information, reception details, and directions. These provide guests with additional practical information, especially if the wedding spans multiple events or locations.

When budgeting for invitation suites, postage costs should be considered. The weight and size of the suite determine the postage rate, with heavier or larger invitations requiring additional stamps.

To save costs, couples can opt for digital printing, which is more affordable than offset or engraving methods. They can also choose standard envelope sizes and lighter-weight paper to reduce postage expenses.

Extras like wax seals, envelope liners, calligraphy and belly bands add to costs

The cost of wedding invites varies depending on location, vendor, guest list size, stationery vision, and craftsmanship. Extras like wax seals, envelope liners, calligraphy, and belly bands can add to the overall cost.

Wax seals, for example, can be used to close the flaps of wedding invitation envelopes, adding a decorative touch to the stationery. While some choose to make their own wax seals, others opt for self-adhesive seals, which typically come in packs of 25 to 100 and range in price from $8 to $69. Creating custom wax seals involves purchasing additional supplies, such as a metal stamp and wax sticks or beads, which can increase the cost.

Envelope liners add a luxurious touch to wedding invitations. They are available in various sizes and designs, with prices starting at $150 for a custom design.

Calligraphy for wedding invitations is typically charged by the number of words or lines written. Electronic delivery of invitation designs with the couple's names and a few additional words can cost around $200. Writing out the couple's names electronically can cost around $150. Providing colored envelopes or those with additional liners can increase the cost per line, ranging from $1.50 to $1.75 per line.

Belly bands are used to hold invitation sets together and come in various colors and materials. They can be purchased in packs of 50 to 200 and range in price from $4.49 to $25.50.

Frequently asked questions