Save Money On Wedding Invites With These Simple Tricks

Planning a wedding can be expensive, so it's important to find ways to save money where you can. One area where you can cut costs is with your wedding invitations and postage. Here are some tips to help you save money on mailing your wedding invitations:

- Choose your envelopes first: Select standard-sized envelopes to avoid additional postage fees. Unusual envelope shapes and sizes, such as square envelopes, often require extra postage.

- Limit decorative elements: Simple invitations with minimal decorative elements can be more affordable. Each additional element can increase the weight of the invitation, leading to higher postage costs.

- Use plain envelopes: Guests are likely to throw away the envelope, so opt for a simple and elegant option without decorative elements to save money.

- Opt for lightweight paper: Cotton or linen paper is typically more expensive. Choose cardstock or a cotton blend for a cheaper alternative.

- Go digital: Include detailed information about the wedding on a website instead of printing enclosure cards. This can reduce printing and shipping costs.

- Use online RSVP: Instead of including RSVP cards and envelopes, provide a free alternative such as online RSVP through your wedding website.

- Proofread carefully: Avoid the costly mistake of reprinting invitations due to typos or incorrect information by proofreading your invitations multiple times before printing.

- Order extra invitations: Ordering a few extra invitations initially can be more cost-effective than placing a second order later. It's also helpful if you need to invite additional guests.

- Take advantage of sales: Look out for discounts and sales, especially during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to save money on your wedding invitations.

Opt for all-in-one invitations

All-in-one invitations are a great way to save money on your wedding invites. This option combines your wedding invitation, envelope, and RSVP cards all in one package, so you get a full suite at a fraction of the cost.

The all-in-one format is a long, foldable invitation that you can seal and send without an envelope. It typically includes a perforated RSVP card at the bottom that guests can tear off and mail back. This convenient format saves you money on postage and eliminates the need for separate RSVP envelopes.

The Knot, for example, offers all-in-one invitations starting at $1.49 each, which is a significant savings compared to the average cost of wedding invitations. You can choose from a variety of designs, including eucalyptus frames, vintage nouveau, and romantic wisteria, to match your wedding style and theme.

In addition to the cost savings, all-in-one invitations are also easy to mail. You simply need to fold, seal, and drop them in the mail, without the hassle of licking envelopes. This option also saves you time and effort in assembling and stuffing envelopes.

Overall, opting for all-in-one invitations is a smart choice if you want to save money on your wedding invitations without sacrificing style and convenience.

Choose plain, lightweight envelopes

When it comes to choosing envelopes for your wedding invitations, it's best to keep it simple. Opt for plain, lightweight envelopes without any decorative elements. This will save you money that can be allocated to other areas of your wedding. Guests will be more focused on the contents of the envelope, and are likely to throw the envelope away after opening it.

Envelopes come in standard sizes, whereas invitations can be made in any size. So, it's important to choose your envelopes first, then design your invitations to fit. If you're looking to save money, it's best to stick to "normal" rectangle envelopes as unusual shapes and sizes, such as square envelopes, require additional postage.

The weight of your envelopes is also important. Any envelope weighing over 1 ounce will require extra postage. So, if you're looking to cut costs, choose lightweight envelopes and decorative elements such as foil pressing or calligraphy.

If you're concerned about postage, take advantage of 2-ounce wedding stamps. They're designed with bulkier wedding invitations in mind and are much prettier than regular stamps. One 92-cent wedding stamp covers up to 2 ounces, instead of paying for two stamps.

Remember, the lighter your invitations, the cheaper it will be to mail them to your guests. So, choose plain, lightweight envelopes to keep costs down.

Avoid high-end paper

While cotton or linen paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations, it is also one of the most expensive options. If you're looking to save money, it's best to avoid these high-end papers and opt for a cheaper alternative like cardstock or a cotton blend. Cardstock is a type of paper that is thicker and more durable than regular printer paper, and it can be purchased at a relatively low cost from craft stores or online retailers.

Using plain, simple paper for your wedding invitations can save you a significant amount of money, especially when printing in bulk. It is also a good idea to limit the number of decorative elements on your invitations, as these can increase the weight and shipping costs. Instead, consider adding a single decorative touch, such as foil pressing or calligraphy, to add a touch of elegance without breaking the bank.

Another way to save money on paper costs is to trim the number of invitation layers. Instead of including multiple cards with different details, provide guests with a link to your wedding website, where they can find all the necessary information. This will reduce printing and shipping costs, as well as save you time and effort in assembling the invitations.

Additionally, choosing flat printed invitations over more expensive printing methods like letterpress or foil stamping can also help you stay within your budget. Digital printing has become a great alternative, offering high-quality results at a lower cost.

Remember, the key to saving money on wedding invitations is to keep it simple, strategic, and practical. By choosing more affordable paper options and limiting unnecessary extras, you can significantly reduce your expenses without sacrificing the beauty and elegance of your invitations.

Limit decorative elements

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are ways to save money without compromising on style. One way to save money on wedding invitations is to limit the decorative elements. Here are some tips to help you do that:

• Choose one or two "must-have" decorative elements: Start with the basics and add one or two decorative touches, such as foil pressing or calligraphy. A simple touch can tie the invitation together beautifully without going overboard.
• Consider the weight of decorative elements: Some decorative elements, such as wax seals or belly bands, can significantly increase the weight of the invitation, which will increase the shipping price. Opt for lightweight decorative elements to save on shipping costs.
• Use a simple envelope: Guests will be more focused on the contents of the envelope, and are likely to throw it away after opening. Choose a simple yet elegant envelope without decorative elements to save money.
• Avoid top-of-the-line paper: Paper type plays a significant role in the cost of wedding invitations. Cotton or linen are typically pricier options. Instead, opt for cardstock or a cotton blend, which are usually cheaper alternatives.
• Trim the number of invitation layers: A wedding invitation suite typically includes the invitation, response card, and reception information. Go digital with detailed information about the wedding to save on printing and shipping costs.
• Use your wedding website: Share detailed information about the wedding on your wedding website instead of including enclosure cards with the invitation. This will save on printing and shipping costs.

Order extra invitations

Ordering extra wedding invitations may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can save you money in the long run. It is always a good idea to order a few extra invites in case you have any issues with envelopes being delivered, or you have any last-minute additions to your guest list. It is much cheaper to add two or three extras to your initial order than to have to go back and buy more at a later date.

Some companies have order minimums, so if you need to order more invitations later, you might end up having to pay significantly more for just a small number of invites. You will also have to pay for shipping again, which can add up. By ordering extra invitations upfront, you can avoid these additional costs.

Additionally, having extra invitations on hand can be a saving grace if you misplace a card or two, or if an invitation gets lost in the mail. This way, you can quickly send out a replacement without having to incur additional printing or shipping costs.

When deciding how many extra invitations to order, consider the possibility of last-minute guest list additions. It is better to order a few more than you think you need rather than risk running out and having to place a second order.

Overall, ordering extra wedding invitations can help you save money and avoid the stress of dealing with last-minute issues or changes. It is a wise idea to plan ahead and order a few extra invitations to stay within your budget and ensure a smooth wedding planning process.

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