Keep Wedding Invitation Costs Down With These Smart Strategies

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down. The average cost of wedding invitations sits between $400 and $1000, but there are many factors that influence the price. The type of invitation, the size of your guest list, your location, and the printing method all play a role in determining the final price. Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option, while engraving is one of the most expensive. The paper type, design elements, envelopes, and invite additions can also add to the cost. To save money, consider using affordable paper types such as matte or glossy, and avoid expensive add-ons like calligraphy, wax seals, and beveled edges. Buying a wedding invitation package can also help cut down on time and stress while still allowing for customization.

Opt for digital printing

Opting for digital printing is a great way to save money on your wedding invitations. This method is more budget-friendly than other printing styles such as letterpress, foil stamping, engraving, and embossing.

Digital printing is a cost-effective option because it involves setting up a file on a computer and printing it directly, without the need for manual ink mixing. This makes it a good choice for printing a large number of invitations, and there are many colours to choose from. The price for a set of 100 digitally printed invitations starts at $500 and can go up to $800.

In addition to being more affordable, digital printing offers flexibility with paper textures and finishes. You can choose from a variety of premium paper options, such as card stock, cover stock, cotton fibre, kraft, wood-grain, glassine, and clear vellum paper. Card stock and cover stock are recommended for a luxurious feel, while cotton fibre provides a soft feel and ages well. Kraft and wood-grain paper add a rustic touch, and glassine and clear vellum paper create a classic, translucent look.

Digital printing also allows for faster production and delivery times compared to traditional printed invitations. This means you can make last-minute changes and ensure your invitations are delivered on time.

While digital printing may lack the same level of personal touch and tangibility as other printing methods, it is a cost-effective and convenient option that can still create beautiful and high-quality wedding invitations.

Choose budget-friendly paper types

The paper type you choose for your wedding invitations can have a significant impact on the overall cost. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing budget-friendly paper types without compromising on quality and aesthetics:

Recycled Paper

Eco-conscious couples or those opting for a rustic-style wedding can consider using recycled paper for their invitations. Recycled paper is an affordable option and offers a variety of choices, from kraft cardstock to pulpy, handmade papers. This type of paper is also suitable for different shapes and sizes, allowing for some creativity in your invitation design.

Cotton Paper

Cotton paper is known for its strength and durability, giving your invitations a premium feel. It is made from cotton linters or used cloth and has a soft, smooth texture. Cotton paper absorbs ink exceptionally well, resulting in rich and vibrant colours. While it may be slightly more expensive than standard paper, it can still be a cost-effective option, especially if you want to create a luxurious impression without breaking the bank.

Linen Finish Paper

Linen finish paper is a high-quality, cotton-blend paper with a textured, crosshatched surface that resembles linen fabric. It provides an elegant and sophisticated look to your invitations. This type of paper is an excellent choice if you want to achieve a classy appearance without incurring high costs.

Digital Printing on Cardstock

Digital printing is the most budget-friendly printing technique. It involves setting up a file on a computer and printing it directly, eliminating the need for manual ink mixing. Opting for digital printing on cardstock paper can be a great way to save money without sacrificing quality. Cardstock is thick and sturdy, ensuring your invitations don't bend in the mail.

Matte Paper

Matte paper is a classic and popular choice for wedding invitations. It has a smooth, non-glossy finish that gives your invitations a sophisticated and elegant look. Matte paper is usually more affordable than glossy or specialty papers, making it a budget-friendly option. Additionally, matte paper pairs well with watercolour-style designs, adding a touch of artistry to your invitations.

When choosing budget-friendly paper types for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the printing technique, weight, and finish of the paper. Thicker cardstock papers can add a luxurious feel, while recycled or cotton papers offer a unique, rustic charm. Remember, by combining budget-friendly paper choices with creative designs and embellishments, you can still achieve stunning invitations without exceeding your budget.

Avoid extra embellishments

Wedding invitations can be expensive, and embellishments can rapidly increase the cost. Embellishments are not necessary, but they can add a nice touch to your invitations. If you are looking to keep costs down, here are some ideas to avoid extra expenses:

Firstly, consider skipping fancy linings and envelope liners. These can add a nice pop of colour and elegance, but they are not essential. Envelope liners can be a beautiful way to add a contrasting colour or a custom design, but they also increase postage costs due to the added weight and thickness. If you want to include envelope liners, consider using a digital or offset printer instead of hand-made liners.

Secondly, avoid extra cards with directions or information. In today's digital age, most guests will have access to Google Maps, Facebook, and email, making these extra cards unnecessary.

Thirdly, instead of using wax seals, consider using self-adhesive wax seals or even raised stickers with permanent adhesives. Traditional wax seals are time-consuming and will also add to your postage costs due to the increased weight and thickness of the package.

Another idea is to opt for digital printing, which is the most budget-friendly option. This involves setting up a file on the computer and printing it digitally, without the need to manually mix ink. Digital printing is a good choice if you want to include lots of colours in your invitations.

Finally, be mindful of the paper type and weight. Heavier cardstock is more expensive than thinner types of paper. A heavier invitation will also cost more to send, so consider the weight and thickness when designing your invitations.

Remember, you don't need a single extra embellishment for your wedding invitations. You can send something minimal that still showcases the important details of your big day. These suggestions will help you keep costs down while still creating beautiful and functional invitations.

Compare prices online

Comparing prices online is a great way to save money on wedding invitations. Online wedding invitations are the most flexible when it comes to pricing and can work for almost any wedding budget. They are paperless, meaning they cut back on all costs involving paper, printing, shipping, and design.

With online wedding invitations, you can choose from a variety of beautifully curated and exclusive designs, easily customise your invitation, and quickly send them out to your guests. They are also a more environmentally-friendly option.

The price of online wedding invitations varies depending on the design, the number of premium elements, and the number of guests. Basic online wedding invitations start at under $1 per guest.

If you're looking for a more luxurious online invitation, Paperless Post offers exclusive designs, RSVP tracking, and guest messaging. Their invitations are customisable, with countless designs, fonts, and layouts to choose from. You can add your own photo, crest, or custom artwork.

If you're looking for a more traditional paper invitation, there are also many online options for high-end wedding invitation designs at affordable prices. Buying a full invitation suite online has become popular with couples due to the range of choices and degree of customisation available, all while sticking to their budgets.

Send RSVPs digitally

One of the easiest ways to keep wedding invitation costs down is to opt for digital RSVPs. This is a convenient and cost-effective option for both you and your guests.

Digital RSVPs can be collected through your wedding website, and there are many free tools available online to help you create one. You can include the link to your wedding website on your printed wedding RSVP card, or even create a QR code that links to your digital RSVP and include it on an enclosure card.

Digital RSVPs save you the cost of postage stamps for mailing invitations and return envelopes for RSVPs. They also save you the time and hassle of manually keeping track of responses. Responses are automatically collected and your guest list is updated in real-time, making it easier to confirm final numbers with your caterer and venue.

While digital RSVPs are a great option, it's worth noting that older loved ones may not be comfortable with this method. In this case, you can offer both digital and paper RSVP options, or include a phone number as an alternative.

Frequently asked questions