Creating Wedding Invites: Diy Vs Buying, Which Is Cheaper?

Wedding invitations can be a costly affair, and it's a tricky balance between wanting to make a good impression and not wanting to break the bank. There are many options for those who want to save money on wedding invitations, from fully DIY options to semi-DIY and done-for-you designs. For those who are crafty and want to express their creativity, designing and printing your own wedding invitations can be a fun and affordable option. However, it can also be a time-consuming process, and there is a risk of making costly mistakes. On the other hand, purchasing wedding invitations can be more convenient and may result in a more professional finish, but it can also be more expensive. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy or make wedding invitations depends on factors such as budget, time constraints, and personal preference.

DIY vs. buying wedding invitations: which is cheaper?

Creating your own wedding invitations can be a fun and creative way to save money, but is it always the most cost-effective option? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of both DIY and buying wedding invitations to determine which is the cheaper choice.

DIY Wedding Invitations

One of the biggest advantages of making your own wedding invitations is the cost. If you're on a tight budget, DIY invitations can be a great way to save money. All you need to do is purchase the materials, such as paper, envelopes, and any embellishments you want to add. This can be a more affordable option, especially if you're inviting a large number of guests.

Another benefit of DIY invitations is the level of personalisation you can achieve. You can tailor the design, colours, and illustrations to perfectly match your wedding aesthetic and add symbolic touches that represent your relationship. This can make your invitations truly unique and meaningful.

However, creating your own wedding invitations can be time-consuming. It requires purchasing the right materials, designing the invitations, printing, assembling, and addressing them. If you're short on time or don't enjoy craft projects, DIY invitations may not be the best choice.

Buying Wedding Invitations

Buying wedding invitations can save you time and hassle. You don't need to source materials or worry about printing and assembling the invitations yourself. Simply place your order and wait for them to arrive. This option is ideal for couples who prefer convenience and don't want to spend time on DIY projects.

Another advantage of buying invitations is the professional finish. Unless you're an experienced designer or have access to high-quality printing equipment, it can be challenging to achieve a flawless, elegant look with DIY invitations. Bought invitations often offer luxurious paper, foil stamping, and letterpress printing, giving them a sophisticated and impressive appearance.

However, buying wedding invitations can be more expensive, especially if you're inviting a large number of guests. The cost per invitation can add up quickly, and you may need to order a minimum quantity, which can increase the overall expense.

So, Which Is Cheaper?

It depends on various factors, including the number of invitations you need, the complexity of the design, and the materials used. If you're inviting a large number of guests and want to keep costs low, DIY invitations might be the better option. However, if you value convenience and a professional finish, buying invitations may be worth the extra cost.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and time constraints. Both options have their advantages and can result in beautiful invitations that impress your guests.

How to create stunning DIY wedding invitations

Benefits of DIY Wedding Invitations

DIY wedding invitations are a great way to express your creativity and cut costs. They are highly customizable, affordable, and can be made in a short amount of time.

Materials You'll Need

• A digital application for crafting your designs, such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. Alternatively, beginner-friendly options include Canva and Microsoft Word.
• Paper for your invitations. Uncoated cardstock is the most popular choice due to its luxurious look and durable feel. Other options include paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish.
• A compatible printer that can handle the weight and size of your chosen paper. Most standard printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds.
• A paper cutter or craft knife for straight edges and smaller pieces of paper.
• Embellishments such as ribbons, wax seals, envelope liners, gold leaf, lace, or faux flowers.
• Envelopes for your invitations and RSVP cards.
• Glue dots or double-stick tape for sealing envelopes and assembling layers.

Steps to Create DIY Wedding Invitations

• Identify your design: Determine the look and feel of your invites, considering your wedding aesthetic, illustrations, colors, fonts, and decorative elements.
• Figure out the wording: Select a tone that reflects your wedding aesthetic and personality, such as traditional or conversational.
• Create your design: Use a designer software to add essential information, visuals, and your chosen tone and colors. Create a full bleed design, ensuring the design reaches the edge of the paper without white margins.
• Proofread the product: Thoroughly review the design and wording, and have others look over it as well to catch any errors.
• Print your invitations: Use your home printer or consider visiting an office supply store or working with a professional printer for precise color matching and cutting.
• Cut your invitations: Use a paper cutter or craft knife to cut your invitations to the standard size of 5" x 7".
• Assemble your invites: Place your inserts inside the corresponding envelopes, seal them, and add any desired adornments.
• Head to the post office: Determine the correct postage for your invitations by taking a full suite to the post office to weigh and calculate the exact number of stamps needed.
• Stamp and address your envelopes: Address each envelope and add the correct number of stamps. You can use your own handwriting or opt for printed labels.
• Mail your invitations: Send your DIY wedding invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

Tips for Success

• Start the design process early, preferably at least four months before your wedding, to avoid rushing and ensure a stress-free experience.
• Source the required materials and calculate the potential costs to stay within your budget.
• Invest in high-quality tools, such as a trusty paper trimmer and a quality printer, for professional-looking invitations.
• Keep all your materials organized in one area to avoid misplacing items.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help from crafty friends or professional designers to achieve flawless results.

Where to buy cheap wedding invitations online

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. If you're looking for cheap wedding invitations online, here are some options and tips to consider:

Basic Invite

Basic Invite offers a wide range of affordable wedding invitations, with prices starting as low as $0.72 per invitation. They provide a "Love It Guarantee," ensuring that you'll be satisfied with the quality of your invitations. Basic Invite leverages technology and keeps low overhead to pass savings on to their customers. They also offer free premium envelopes with each order.

Ann's Bridal Bargains

Ann's Bridal Bargains specializes in cheap wedding invitations, with all of their options priced at just 99 cents each. Most of their invitations include free response cards, and they offer a variety of themes and styles, including rustic, elegant, and floral designs. They also have heavier weight paper options, shimmer paper, and textured paper available for a small additional cost.

StylishWedd

StylishWedd offers a selection of affordable wedding invitations with various designs, such as botanical, rustic, and elegant themes. They also provide customizable name-tagged invitations and laser-cut invitations.

Online Templates

Consider using online templates from websites like Minted, Shutterfly, Zazzle, or Etsy. These sites offer customizable templates at affordable prices, allowing you to personalize your invitations without breaking the bank.

All-in-One Invitations

All-in-one invitations are more affordable because they combine the invitation, RSVP card, and other details onto a single sheet of paper or cardstock. This option can save you money on printing, assembly, and postage costs.

When shopping for cheap wedding invitations online, remember to compare prices, read reviews, and check for any discounts or promotions. It's also a good idea to order samples or view digital proofs before placing your final order to ensure you're happy with the quality and design.

The cost of printing and postage for DIY wedding invitations

Printing Costs:

• Paper: The type and quality of paper chosen can affect the cost. Standard options include matte, glossy, cotton fiber, parchment, vellum, and recycled paper, each with varying price points.
• Ink: Ensure you have enough ink for printing, especially if using a home printer.
• Embellishments: Add-ons such as foil stamping, embossing, or die-cutting can increase the cost.
• Printing method: Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option, while letterpress, engraving, and thermography are more expensive.

Postage Costs:

• Weight and size: Bulkier or heavier invitations may require additional postage. Aim for standard sizes like 5" x 7" invitations and A7 envelopes to minimise postage costs.
• Shape: Odd-shaped invitations may also incur higher postage fees.
• Number of invitations: The cost per invitation can decrease when ordering in bulk.

To save on printing costs, consider using a local print shop or online printing services. Additionally, creating a wedding website for RSVPs can reduce the need for response cards and their associated postage costs.

The benefits of DIY wedding invitations

DIY wedding invitations offer several advantages for couples planning their big day. Here are some reasons why taking the DIY approach to wedding invitations can be a great choice:

Affordability

Hiring a professional stationery designer can be expensive. Creating your own invitations can save you a significant amount of money. Many stationers and graphic designers offer downloadable files or templates that you can customise and print at home for a fraction of the cost of custom invitation suites. This allows you to achieve a high-quality look without breaking the bank.

Personalisation

With DIY wedding invitations, you have the freedom to create one-of-a-kind invites that perfectly suit your wedding style and reflect your unique love story. You can include personal touches such as beloved pets, special places, and meaningful quotes. DIY invitations allow you to tailor your invitations to represent your specific celebration and relationship.

Time Efficiency

Ordering custom invitations from a professional can be a time-consuming process, sometimes taking up to six weeks or more for elaborate designs. With DIY wedding invitations, you can often find and customise a template, and print your invitations in a single afternoon. This saves you time and allows you to focus on other aspects of your wedding planning.

Creative Control

When you design your own invitations, you have complete creative control over every element, from the paper type and embellishments to the wording and illustrations. You can choose the exact fonts, colours, and designs that reflect your style and personality. This level of customisation ensures that your invitations are truly unique and set the tone for your wedding celebration.

Flexibility

DIY wedding invitations offer flexibility in terms of customisation and timing. You can easily make last-minute changes or adjustments to your design without the constraints of working with a professional designer. This flexibility ensures that your invitations accurately represent your vision, even if your plans evolve over time.

Skill Development

Taking on the challenge of designing and creating your own wedding invitations can be a rewarding creative endeavour. You can develop new skills, such as using design software or learning about paper types and printing techniques. These skills may even come in handy for other wedding projects or future creative pursuits.

Frequently asked questions