Minted Wedding Invitations: Worth The Hype?

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process, and couples often face the decision of whether to opt for custom designs or more affordable alternatives. Minted, a popular online platform, offers a range of wedding invitation options that cater to different preferences and budgets. With its community of independent artists, Minted provides stylish designs, high-quality printing, and customisation options. In this discussion, we will explore the pros and cons of using Minted for wedding invitations, considering factors such as cost, convenience, and personalisation.

Minted's customer service, shipping speed, and quality of papers and finishes

Minted's customer service is highly regarded, with customers praising the speed and helpfulness of their responses. One customer, who spent their own money testing out Minted's wedding invitations, gave their customer service an 'A' rating. They sent a message asking about paper types and foil colours and received a response within three hours from a courteous and thorough representative.

Regarding shipping speed, the same customer gave Minted a 'C+' rating. They ordered wedding invitation samples and it took about two weeks to receive them. While acknowledging that this is still pretty slow, they also point out that it is not unusual for shipping to take this long and recommend ordering early in the wedding planning process. Others have also commented on the speed of shipping, with some saying their orders arrived in a week or less, and one person saying their order took two and a half weeks.

The quality of Minted's papers and finishes is impressive. Their standard invitations are printed on 130# signature cotton cardstock, which is thick and luxurious, and there are also options to upgrade for a small fee. One customer, who owns a small-scale wedding stationery company, gave the quality of papers and finishes an 'A' rating, saying they loved the papers more than they thought they would.

Minted also offers high-end printing processes, such as foil and letterpress, at a more affordable price than custom invitations. The most expensive part of these techniques is usually the die, an etched metal stamp that is pressed into the paper. However, since Minted uses the same die over and over for non-custom designs, customers can save a significant amount of money.

Overall, Minted's customer service, shipping speed, and quality of papers and finishes are generally well-regarded, with some minor drawbacks to consider, such as slower shipping times.

Minted's high-end printing processes, colour accuracy, and legibility

Minted offers high-end printing options such as foil and letterpress without the high price tag. The most expensive part of these techniques is the die: an etched metal stamp that presses a design into the paper to create an indented image. Since non-custom designs reuse the same die, customers save on the cost of having a new one made.

Minted's printing process produces crisp, clean text that is easy to read. While some designs turned out better than others, this is likely due to the design itself rather than the printer. One user notes that the text on their letterpress invitations looked "a little chunky", which can be necessary for this printing method. However, it was still perfectly legible.

Minted also offers a range of cardstock options to print on, including their thick and luxurious signature cardstock, which comes at no additional cost. Users praise the quality of the paper, with one describing it as "uh-mazingly thick and luxurious".

Minted's paper options and cardstock

Minted offers a range of paper options and cardstock weights to suit different preferences and budgets. Here is an overview of their paper options:

Signature Cardstock

The Signature cardstock is a thick, luxurious cotton cardstock with a subtle texture that works well with any printing method and wedding style. It has a soft-white colour and a matte finish. This paper is 130# (19.3 point) thickness and comes at no additional cost.

Premium 100% Recycled

The Premium Recycled cardstock is made from 100% post-consumer waste, giving it a slightly brighter colour than the Signature paper. It has a smooth, matte texture with subtle flecks from the recycled fibres. This option is less formal but thicker at 160# and more environmentally friendly.

Pearlescent Paper

The Pearlescent paper is Minted's thinnest cardstock at 98#. It has a soft shimmer that gives invitations an elegant glow when the light catches it. While this paper is pretty, it might be too thin for some.

DoubleThick Paper

The DoubleThick Paper is an extra-thick and luxurious option, made from 100% post-consumer waste with a smooth, matte finish. It is crafted from two layers of cardstock, giving it a substantial feel without being too stiff.

TripleThick Paper

The TripleThick Paper is Minted's thickest and most premium paper option. It is made from three layers of cardstock, resulting in a weight of 360# (unheard of for invitations). This paper has a smooth, matte finish and a soft white colour. It is perfect for couples who want to make a statement with their invitations.

Minted's pricing and affordability

Minted offers a range of wedding invitation options, catering to different budgets and preferences. Their prices vary depending on the paper type, printing method, and customisation options chosen. Here is a detailed overview of Minted's pricing and affordability:

Pricing Factors

Minted's wedding invitation prices depend on several factors, including:

• Paper Type and Quality: Minted offers a range of paper options, including their Signature cardstock, Premium 100% Recycled, Pearlescent, Doublethick, and Triplethick papers. The weight and thickness of the paper can affect the price, with heavier papers tending to be more expensive.
• Printing Method: The chosen printing method can also impact the cost. Minted offers high-end printing options such as foil stamping and letterpress, which are typically more expensive than standard digital printing.
• Customisation: Minted provides customisation options, allowing couples to personalise their invitations with colours, fonts, and wording. The level of customisation can affect the price, with fully custom invitations typically costing more than semi-custom or template designs.
• Quantity: The number of invitations ordered can also impact the price per invitation. Minted may offer discounts for larger orders, or there may be a set price for a certain quantity.

Affordability and Comparison

Minted's wedding invitations are considered a more affordable option compared to fully custom invitations from small-scale design companies. They offer a range of price points to cater to different budgets. Here's how their pricing compares to other options:

• Low: Budget-friendly options include invitation templates that couples can print themselves. Minted offers some DIY options that fall into this category.
• Medium: Minted's semi-custom invitations are a good middle ground for couples who want quality invitations without breaking the bank. Their prices are typically lower than small-scale design companies.
• High: Custom invitations from small-scale design companies or local stationery shops tend to be the most expensive option. These invitations offer a high level of customisation and personalised service.

Cost-saving Options

To make their wedding invitations more affordable, Minted offers several cost-saving options:

• Sales and Discounts: Minted frequently has sales and promotions, offering discounts on their invitations. They also provide a 20% discount for new customers and an additional 10% off when including the designer's mark on the back of the invitation.
• Buy Now, Personalise Later: Minted allows customers to purchase invitations at a sale price and personalise the details later. This option helps customers take advantage of sales even if they don't have all the invitation details finalised.
• Free Samples: Minted offers free samples of their invitation suites, allowing customers to experience the paper quality and printing options before placing a large order. This helps ensure customer satisfaction and reduces the risk of costly mistakes.

Customer Reviews on Pricing

Customer reviews on Minted's pricing are generally positive, with many reviewers commenting on the good value for money. Here are some specific comments on pricing:

• One customer mentioned that Minted's gold foil invitations were "seriously unheard of" at their price point, costing significantly less than similar options from small-scale design companies.
• Another reviewer compared the pricing of Minted's letterpress invitations to those from a local stationery shop, stating that Minted's option was "half the price" for a higher quantity.
• A customer who used Minted for both save-the-dates and invitations noted that they "opted for the 3-in-1 cards which were about $1.25 each" and took advantage of a sale, resulting in a final cost of $77 for 95 invitations.
• One reviewer mentioned that Minted's prices were "within [their] budget" after waiting for a Cyber Monday sale.

Minted's ease of use and customisability

Minted offers a wide range of customisable wedding invitation options, with various printing types, colours, and designs to choose from. The website is user-friendly, and the company provides free consultations with stationery experts to help customers achieve their desired outcomes. Minted also offers a free wedding planning journal and an easy digital address collection tool.

Ease of Use

Minted's website is designed to be user-friendly, allowing customers to navigate through different printing types, colours, and designs with ease. The website also provides a Buy Now, Personalise Later" option, enabling customers to purchase invitations during a sale and add details later. Additionally, Minted offers a free wedding planning journal to help couples stay organised.

Customisability

Minted provides a high level of customisability for wedding invitations. They offer various printing types, including letterpress, foil-pressed, and digital printing, allowing customers to choose the option that best suits their style and budget. Minted also offers a range of paper options, from their signature matte finish cotton cardstock to premium options like pearlescent and recycled cardstock. Customers can further customise their invitations with monograms, crests, illustrations, and custom colours.

Minted also provides a free consultation service with stationery experts, who can guide customers in achieving their desired look and provide suggestions to improve the overall design. The company's easy digital address collection tool allows customers to upload guest addresses, which can then be printed on the envelopes in a style that matches the invitation suite.

Frequently asked questions