Smart Ways To Save Money On 4X6 Wedding Invites

Planning a wedding can be expensive, and one of the first purchases you'll make is stationery to send out to your guests. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to save money on wedding invitations and their envelopes. From choosing a simple design and envelope to going digital, you can cut costs without compromising on style. Here are some tips to get you started: opt for all-in-one invitations, make strategic design swaps, use plain envelopes, choose pre-designed stationery, and pay attention to paper weight. You can also save by using your wedding website, asking guests to RSVP digitally, ordering your stationery on time, and proofreading carefully.

Choose plain, simple envelopes

Plain envelopes are a great way to save money on your wedding invitations. They are the one part of the invitation that you know will be thrown away, so why spend a lot of money on them? Opting for plain envelopes means you can put that cash towards something else on your must-have list.

When it comes to your wedding stationery, it's what's on the inside that matters most. However, if you're keen to add some extra details, there are budget-friendly ways to make your invites stand out. For example, you could try DIY liners and on-theme stamps to zhuzh up your envelopes without splashing too much cash.

It's also important to remember that envelopes are only made in standard sizes. Unusual shapes and sizes, such as square envelopes, will require additional postage. So, if you're looking to save money, it's best to stick to standard rectangles.

Choosing plain, simple envelopes for your wedding invitations is a straightforward way to cut costs without compromising the overall look and feel of your stationery.

Opt for digital RSVPs

If you're looking for ways to cut costs on your wedding invitations, skipping the traditional RSVP cards and envelopes is a great option. This is a fantastic way to save money, as you won't need to spend extra on response cards, envelopes, and return postage for each guest. Instead, you can ask your guests to RSVP digitally through your wedding website.

Digital RSVPs offer a more convenient and budget-friendly option for both you and your guests. They can respond in just a few minutes without having to worry about finding a mailbox or postage stamps. Plus, setting up online RSVPs is easy and can often be done through your wedding website. This approach also helps you stay organized and keeps track of responses more efficiently.

Another benefit of digital RSVPs is that they can reduce the amount of paper used, which is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. You can include all the necessary information on your wedding website, such as details about hotel blocks and transportation, so guests have easy access to everything they need to know. Just make sure your paper invitations still include the date, time, and location of the wedding.

By choosing digital RSVPs, you can save money, make the process easier for your guests, and reduce your paper consumption. It's a win-win option that allows you to allocate your budget to other aspects of your wedding while still ensuring a smooth and well-organized event.

Use a wedding website

Creating a wedding website is a great way to save money on your wedding invitations. It's an online hub that compiles and conveys all the relevant information about your big day, from the time and place of the ceremony to accommodation suggestions for out-of-town guests.

• Save on paper and postage: A wedding website allows you to share all the necessary information with your guests digitally, reducing the amount of paper and postage required for your invitations. You can include details such as hotel blocks and transportation options on your website instead of in your invitation suite.
• Reduce the number of cards: By directing your guests to your wedding website, you can reduce the number of cards included in your invitation suite. This will save you money on printing and postage costs. For example, you can include an RSVP option on your website instead of including a separate RSVP card and envelope.
• Provide additional information: Wedding websites give you the ability to include much more information for your guests than a paper invitation. You can include specific directions to the venue, suggestions for local accommodation, and even expectations for the day, such as a child-free wedding or gift registry details.
• Set the tone for the day: A wedding website can be customised to reflect the look and feel of your wedding, giving your guests a sneak peek into what to expect. This is a great way to build excitement and form connections with guests who may not know you or your partner well.
• Easily communicate last-minute changes: A wedding website allows you to quickly and efficiently communicate any last-minute updates or changes to your guests, such as wet weather plans or timing changes.
• Eco-friendly option: A wedding website is an eco-friendly alternative to paper invitations, reducing the amount of wasted paper and your wedding's carbon footprint.

Buy in bulk

Buying Wedding Invitations in Bulk

If you're looking to save money on wedding invitations, buying in bulk is a great option. Many online retailers offer discounted prices when you purchase a larger quantity of invitations. This can be especially cost-effective if you have a large guest list or plan to send out save-the-dates and other stationery items. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

Compare Prices and Options

Start by researching different websites that offer wedding invitation printing services. Compare their prices, but also consider the quality of the paper, the customisation options available, and any additional features they provide. For example, some sites may offer free design assistance, while others might include free guest addressing or provide matching stationery for a cohesive look.

Plan Ahead

It's essential to start planning and ordering your wedding invitations early. This will not only help you avoid rush fees but also ensure that you have time to compare prices and find the best deals. Ordering in advance also gives you more time to proofread and check for any errors, avoiding the costly mistake of having to reprint your invitations.

Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts

Keep an eye out for sales and discounts offered by the websites you're considering. Holiday sales, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, can be great opportunities to save money on your wedding invitations. Additionally, some sites may offer discounts for bulk purchases, so be sure to factor that into your decision-making process.

Consider All-in-One Invitations

To save money and streamline your stationery, opt for all-in-one invitations. These invitations combine the invitation, envelope, and RSVP card into one package, often at a fraction of the cost of purchasing each item separately. This can be a more affordable option while still providing a stylish and functional invitation suite.

Prioritize Your Needs

When comparing options, consider which design elements are must-haves and which are nice-to-haves. For example, you might prioritise a specific font or colour palette but decide that embellishments like ribbons or paper wraps are unnecessary. Communicate your priorities to the stationer to help them create a package that fits your budget.

Order Extras

While it may seem counterintuitive, ordering a few extra invitations can save you money in the long run. If you need to place a second order for additional invitations, it may be more costly, and you'll likely have to pay for shipping again. By ordering a slightly larger quantity upfront, you can avoid these additional costs and have peace of mind in case of last-minute guest list additions.

Avoid custom designs

Custom designs are a surefire way to blow your wedding budget. While it may be tempting to go all out on luxurious invitations with custom artwork, letterpress, or laser-cut designs, these options can quickly become expensive. Instead, opt for pre-designed stationery, which can be just as eye-catching without the hefty price tag. Many online stationery sites offer customization options, such as different fonts, colours, and design assistance, often at no extra cost. This allows you to add personal touches and make the invitations feel unique to you without breaking the bank.

Another way to save money is to opt for digital invitations. Digital invitations are more affordable and eco-friendly, saving you money on postage and shipping. You can use an online platform or a digital invitation tool that allows you to customize your invitations with various colours, fonts, and themes. This way, you can create elegant invitations without spending a fortune.

If you're set on having physical invitations, consider making them yourself. Printable invitations involve creating your own designs or using printable templates available online. You can also order a custom rubber stamp with all the wedding information and simply stamp your cardstock. However, keep in mind that the DIY approach may not save you time, and it's essential to consider your crafting skills before embarking on this route.

When it comes to envelopes, avoid the temptation to get custom envelopes made. Unless you're ordering in bulk, it will be challenging and costly to find someone to create custom envelopes. Instead, choose standard-sized envelopes to ensure your invitations can be mailed without any issues.

Remember, the key to saving money on wedding invitations is to be strategic and practical. Opt for pre-designed options, explore digital alternatives, or get creative with DIY solutions. By making these choices, you can still have beautiful invitations without spending a fortune.

Frequently asked questions