Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money without compromising on style. From all-in-one invitations to digital RSVPs, there are many ways to cut costs. Here are some tips and tricks to help you save on wedding invitations.
What You'll Learn
Opt for all-in-one invitations
Opting for all-in-one invitations is a great way to save money on your wedding stationery. This option combines your wedding invitation, envelope, and RSVP cards into a single package, reducing the cost without compromising on style.
The all-in-one format is a clever and convenient choice for couples looking to streamline their wedding planning. It typically features a foldable design, with the invitation and envelope seamlessly integrated into one. The RSVP card is also attached, with a perforated seam for easy removal, so guests can quickly tear it off and drop it in the mail. This innovative format offers a full suite at a fraction of the cost of traditional invitations.
The Knot Invitations, for example, offers a range of all-in-one invitations starting at just $1.49 each. These invitations are crafted with premium inks and high-quality paper, ensuring that they impress your guests while remaining budget-friendly. With a variety of designs available, you can find an option that fits your wedding style and budget.
Another advantage of all-in-one invitations is the ease of mailing. Seal and Send wedding invitations, for instance, have a unique long format that folds up neatly without the need for an envelope. This not only saves on envelope costs but also makes them a breeze to mail, requiring just a quick fold, seal, and drop into the mailbox.
Seal and Send invitations are also highly customizable, allowing you to choose from various themes and styles. Whether you prefer classic designs with a modern twist, rustic woodgrain backgrounds, or elegant floral motifs, you can create a unique invitation that reflects your wedding's aesthetic.
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Use plain envelopes
Wedding stationery can be expensive, and costs can quickly add up, especially when you factor in printing and postage. Using plain envelopes is a great way to save money on your wedding invitations without compromising on the invitation itself.
Envelopes are often thrown away, so it makes sense to opt for a cheaper option. You can put the money you save towards something else on your must-have list. If you're worried about your invitations looking plain, there are budget-friendly ways to make them stand out. For example, you could add DIY liners or on-theme stamps to your envelopes.
You can also save money by buying envelopes in bulk, and by ordering them well in advance to take advantage of reduced shipping costs. You could even consider printing your own envelopes at a local print shop if you have the time and capacity.
Remember, when it comes to your wedding stationery, it's what's on the inside that matters most.
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Choose predesigned stationery
While it may be nice to have bespoke wedding invitations, it's not a necessity. Opting for predesigned stationery can be a great way to save money on your wedding invitations without compromising on style.
Most online stationery sites allow for customisation, so you can still play around with different fonts, colours, and other design elements to make the invitations feel personal. For example, you could use casual wording that reflects your playful nature or choose hues that match your wedding palette.
Additionally, predesigned stationery can be just as eye-catching as custom invitations, without the extra cost. So, if you're looking to save money on your wedding invitations, choosing predesigned stationery is a great option to consider.
- Take advantage of sales and discounts.
- Order your stationery early to avoid rush printing and shipping costs.
- Use plain envelopes—they will likely be thrown away, so there's no need to spend extra money on fancy designs.
- Consider digital printing instead of luxe printing techniques like letterpress and foil stamping, which can quickly add to the overall cost.
- Pay attention to paper weight—heavier stationery may require additional postage.
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Pay attention to paper weight
When it comes to wedding invitations, the weight of the paper is an important consideration. Not only does the paper weight impact the overall look and feel of the invitation, but it can also affect the printing process and postage costs. Here are some tips to help you choose the right paper weight for your wedding invitations:
- Consider the printing process: The printing method you choose will play a significant role in determining the appropriate paper weight. If you opt for digital printing or flat printing, 100 lb to 110 lb cardstock is a common choice. Letterpress and foil stamping, on the other hand, require heavier paper, typically ranging from 110 lb to 220 lb. Keep in mind that your home printer may have limitations on the maximum paper weight it can handle, so be sure to consult its specifications.
- Invitation style: The style of your invitation will also influence the paper weight selection. Flat invitation cards, being a single sheet, are usually made with heavier cardstock, such as 80 lb or above. Folding invitation cards, on the other hand, are typically made with lighter cardstock (65 lb to 100 lb) as they become twice as thick after folding. For layered invitations, it's recommended to keep the top layer light (80 lb or less) and attach it to a heavier card.
- Postage costs: The weight of your invitation directly impacts postage costs. Invitations over 1 ounce will require additional postage. To keep postage costs down, opt for lighter cardstock. It's always a good idea to bring a finished invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage required.
- Personal preference: Ultimately, the choice of paper weight is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the look and feel of thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. Choose the weight that aligns with your design vision and budget.
- Trial and error: Finding the right paper weight may involve some experimentation. Try printing samples on different weights of paper to see which one works best for your invitation design and printing method. Start with a lower weight and gradually increase until you find the optimal weight for your needs.
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Use your wedding website
Using your wedding website is a great way to save money on your wedding invitations. Here's how:
Save on Paper
Skip the enclosure cards and share all the necessary details on your wedding website instead. This includes information about hotel blocks, transportation, and other wedding plans. This way, you can include only the most important details on your paper invitations, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding. This will help you save on printing and postage costs without compromising on style or etiquette.
Reduce Postage Weight
Including multiple cards in your invitation suite can increase the weight of your envelope, leading to higher postage rates. By sharing details on your wedding website, you can reduce the number of cards and keep your postage costs down.
Make it Easy for Your Guests
Including your wedding website on your invitations makes it convenient for your guests to access all the information they need in one place. They won't have to worry about misplacing individual enclosure cards, and they can easily refer to the website for any last-minute updates or changes.
Save Time and Effort
Creating and managing a wedding website can save you time and effort in the long run. Instead of having to coordinate multiple enclosure cards and worry about printing and shipping, you can focus your efforts on creating a comprehensive and user-friendly website.
Enhance the Guest Experience
A wedding website allows you to provide your guests with a wealth of information that might not fit on paper invitations or enclosure cards. This can include FAQs, directions, accommodation options, dress codes, and even suggestions for things to do in the area. It also makes it easy for guests to RSVP online, making the entire process more convenient and efficient for everyone involved.
By utilizing your wedding website effectively, you can save money, stay organized, and provide your guests with a seamless and enjoyable experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Keep your invitations standard in shape and lightweight so they fall into the one-ounce rate. You could also consider sending your save-the-dates via email or as postcards, and opt for postcard RSVPs.
Opt for all-in-one invitations that include your wedding invitation, envelope, and RSVP cards in one package. You could also make strategic design swaps, such as choosing digital printing over luxe printing techniques like letterpress and foil stamping.
Use plain envelopes, and pre-designed stationery. Pay attention to paper weight, as heavier stationery will require additional postage. You can also ask guests to RSVP digitally, and use your wedding website to share details like hotel blocks and transportation.
Order your stationery on time to avoid rush printing and shipping costs. Proofread your invitations multiple times to avoid the costly mistake of reprinting due to typos or incorrect information.
Shop around and compare costs. Take advantage of sales, bulk printing discounts, and reduced shipping costs.