Creative Ways To Cut Wedding Invitation Costs

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are several ways to reduce costs without compromising on style. The average cost of wedding invitations is between $300 and $700 for 100 invitations and response cards, but prices can vary depending on location, vendor, guest list size, and stationery vision. To save money, couples can opt for digital printing, which is more affordable than letterpress or foil stamping. Using plain envelopes, pre-designed stationery, and lighter paper weight can also help reduce costs. Additionally, couples can save money by asking guests to RSVP digitally and taking advantage of sales or discounts.

Opt for digital printing

Opting for digital printing is a great way to save money on your wedding invitations. It is the most budget-friendly option, as it simply involves setting up a file on the computer and hitting print. This method is also practical if your invitation design contains a lot of colours, as other methods require manually mixing inks.

Digital printing is a good choice for anyone printing invitations, and there are many colours to choose from. It is also a more sustainable option, as it doesn't require the manual mixing of inks. You can also print full-colour, double-sided invites at no extra cost.

Digital printing is a flexible option that lets you play with paper textures and finishes. You can choose from matte, gloss, or uncoated finishes, and select the thickness and weight of your paper. For example, 10pt thickness/216 gsm weight is a good high-quality paper stock at a great value, while 15pt thickness/350 gsm weight is the thickest, most luxurious paper.

Digital printing is also a good option if your invitation is image-driven, as it offers freedom, flexibility, and affordability. A skilled designer can add the illusion of dimension with visual effects, and embellishments like rhinestones, layered paper, and wax seals can also be added.

Choose plain envelopes

Wedding invitations can be expensive, so choosing plain envelopes is a great way to reduce costs. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Firstly, opt for standard envelope sizes such as C5, C6, DL, or 5" x 7". Unusual sizes or square envelopes may require additional postage, increasing your overall costs. Plain envelopes in standard sizes can be purchased from various online retailers and stationery shops.

When considering envelope material, plain paper envelopes tend to be more affordable than textured or specialty options like linen, cotton, or recycled paper. If you're environmentally conscious, look for recycled paper envelopes, keeping in mind that these may be more expensive than standard paper.

Another way to save money is to buy envelopes in bulk. Ordering extra envelopes at the outset can help avoid the need for small reorders, which may incur additional processing and shipping fees. It's also worth checking if the company has a minimum order quantity, as you may need to buy more envelopes than you initially intended.

Finally, consider assembling and addressing the envelopes yourself. This can be time-consuming, but it will save you money compared to paying for professional addressing or calligraphy services, which can cost around $2 to $5 per envelope.

Remember, while plain envelopes can help reduce costs, it's important to ensure they still complement your wedding invitations and reflect your wedding theme.

Use pre-designed stationery

Using pre-designed stationery is a great way to save money on your wedding invitations. Pre-designed invitations can cost as little as $1-2 each, depending on the quantity you need and which pieces you want to include. This option is ideal if you're happy to use a set design template that someone will customise with your information and then print.

The cost of pre-designed invitations varies depending on the level of customisation you require. For example, you might opt for a semi-custom design, which allows for a few more personal touches, such as colour changes, layout revisions, or even custom artwork. Pricing for semi-custom invitations starts at around $5 per set but can increase depending on the number of customisations you choose.

Another way to save money is to purchase a total wedding invitation package, which includes everything from save-the-dates to thank-you cards. Buying all your stationery in one place can help you save money and give your suite a cohesive look.

When budgeting for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the different factors that can affect the cost. The quantity of invitations you need is a significant factor, as the cost is usually determined per card. The degree of customisation, printing method, decorative elements, and postage costs will also impact the overall price.

To keep costs down, consider ordering extra invitations upfront to avoid additional processing and shipping fees for small reorders. Choosing lighter-weight paper and sticking to standard letter sizes can also help reduce postage expenses.

Prioritise what matters most

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce costs while still achieving your desired look. Here are some tips to help you prioritise what matters most when planning your wedding invitations:

Identify your priorities

Decide what aspects of the invitations are most important to you and your partner. This could be anything from the design, materials, printing method, or embellishments. By identifying your priorities, you can allocate your budget accordingly and save money on the elements that are less important to you.

Customisation vs. pre-designed

Custom-designed invitations are often more expensive due to the time, labour, and consultation involved. Consider opting for pre-designed or template invitations, which can still be customised to match your wedding colours or theme. This will help you save money while maintaining a cohesive look.

Printing methods

The printing method you choose will significantly impact the cost of your invitations. Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option, offering high-quality results at a lower price. More expensive methods like letterpress, engraving, or foil stamping can quickly increase your overall cost. Choose the printing method that aligns with your budget and priorities.

Paper weight and size

Heavier paper and larger invitation sizes will require additional postage, increasing your overall costs. Opt for lighter-weight paper and standard sizes, such as 5" x 7", to keep postage costs down. Remember to consider the weight of enclosure cards and RSVP cards as well, as they will also affect the total weight of your invitation suite.

Embellishments and decorative elements

Foil printing, embossed monograms, wax seals, and other decorative elements can add a luxurious touch to your invitations but will also increase the price. If these elements are not a priority for you, consider simpler designs or add just a few embellishments for a touch of elegance without breaking the bank.

Enclosure cards and RSVP cards

Including enclosure cards and RSVP cards can provide useful information and make your invitation suite feel more complete. However, these additional cards will increase the cost and weight of your invitations. Consider whether you can include some of this information on your wedding website or opt for digital RSVPs to reduce costs and simplify the invitation process.

Remember, it's your special day, so choose the options that align with your vision and budget. By prioritising what matters most to you, you can create beautiful wedding invitations without sacrificing quality or style.

Order extra at the outset

Ordering extra wedding invitations at the outset is a great way to save money and time. Here are some reasons why it's a good idea:

Avoid Costly Reprints

Reprinting a small number of invitations can be much more expensive than adding a few extras to your original order. You'll also save on shipping costs by ordering extras upfront. Printers often have a minimum order price, and printing small quantities can be costly. By ordering 25 extra invitations with your initial order, you can avoid the hassle and extra cost of reprints.

Account for "Known" Extras

You may want extra invitations as keepsakes for yourself and your parents or for your photographer to shoot at the wedding. Ordering a few extra invitations for these purposes will ensure you have the memories you want without the stress of last-minute requests.

Plan for the Unexpected

It's inevitable that you'll think of someone else to add to your guest list or realize you forgot to include someone. By ordering about 10 extra invitations, you'll have some flexibility to account for these unexpected additions.

Reduce Processing and Shipping Fees

Some companies require orders to be placed in minimum quantities of 50 or 100 cards. By ordering extra invitations upfront, you can avoid having to place a second smaller order and incurring additional processing and shipping fees.

Save Time and Effort

Ordering extra invitations at the outset will save you time and effort in the long run. Instead of having to go back and forth with your designer, printer, or stationer, you can have peace of mind knowing you have enough invitations to cover any last-minute changes or additions.

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