Design Fees For Wedding Invitations: How Much Does It Cost?

Wedding invitation design fees vary depending on several factors, including the level of customization, materials used, sourcing, quality, and quantity. The average cost of wedding invitations ranges from $400 to $650, with some elaborate sets costing thousands. The type of printing method and paper chosen also influence the price. For instance, letterpress printing and luxury stationery crafted from high-end supplies tend to be more expensive. Couples should also consider additional costs such as envelope pricing, postage, and any desired embellishments like wax seals or foil stamping.

Printing methods

The printing method you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on your budget, the style of your wedding, and the impression you want to make. Here are some of the most common printing methods to consider:

Digital Printing

Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option. It involves setting up a file on a computer and hitting print, with no need to manually mix ink. This method offers a wide range of colours and is a good choice for printing invitations in bulk. The price for a set of 100 digitally printed invitations ranges from $500 to $800.

Offset Printing and Thermography

Offset printing, also known as flat printing, is similar to digital printing but offers a higher quality print and more specific colour matching. Thermography is a similar process that adds powder to the ink to create a raised texture on the paper. The cost for 100 offset or thermography-printed invitations usually starts at $800 and can go up to $1,800.

Letterpress Printing

Letterpress printing is a more expensive option due to the custom presses and manual labour required for each design and colour. It creates a unique, indented look on the paper. For 100 letter-pressed invitations, expect to pay at least $1,500, with each additional colour adding 25% to the total cost.

Engraving

Engraving is the most expensive and formal printing method, giving your invitations a luxurious, embossed look. This labour-intensive process starts at $2,000 for 100 invitations.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is a popular accent that can be added to your invitations to make them shine. It usually costs around $400 for gold foil accents on 100 invitations but can be as much as $1,800 for a full foil stamp set.

Blind Debossing and Embossing

Blind debossing and embossing are similar processes that create a depressed or raised effect on the paper, respectively. These accents typically cost between $300 and $400 for 100 invitations.

Paper types

The paper type is an important consideration when budgeting for wedding invitations. The price of paper can vary depending on its thickness, texture, and composition. Here are some common types of paper used for wedding invitations, along with their characteristics and average prices:

Cotton Fiber

Cotton fiber paper is a luxurious option that allows for customisation with a letterpress. It is one of the more expensive options, costing around $29 for 100 sheets.

Felt Cardstock

Felt cardstock is a thicker style of paper that usually costs more than standard card material. It provides a premium feel and look for wedding invitations. The average price is around $22 for 100 sheets.

Matte

Matte paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations due to its affordability and elegant appearance. It has a clean and crisp look, making it a versatile option for various wedding themes. The price is usually economical, but it can vary depending on the brand.

Glossy

Glossy paper is similar to matte, but with a shiny finish. It is a common choice for couples as it offers a balance between affordability and a sleek appearance. Glossy paper can enhance the visual appeal of the invitations.

Parchment

Parchment paper is one of the most affordable options, typically costing around $15 for 100 sheets. It is a thin and lightweight material that can be easily layered with other types of paper, such as vellum.

Vellum

Vellum is a see-through material that is perfect for layering. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the invitations. Vellum is usually priced at around $17 for 100 sheets.

Glassine

Glassine paper is similar to vellum in appearance but has a slightly waxy look and feel. It is an excellent choice for couples who want a unique and trendy invitation suite. The price is comparable to vellum, making it a budget-friendly option.

Handmade Paper

Handmade paper is an eco-friendly and trendy option, gaining popularity among couples. It offers a natural and organic feel to the invitations. The average price is around $20 for 100 sheets, making it a cost-effective choice.

Recycled Paper

Recycled paper is another environmentally conscious option, similar to handmade paper. It is made from recycled materials and plants, appealing to couples who value sustainability. The pricing is comparable to handmade paper.

Linen

Linen paper provides an elegant and sophisticated look without sacrificing affordability. It is a popular choice for couples who want a balance between quality and cost. Linen paper is typically priced at around $17 for 100 sheets.

The choice of paper type will depend on the desired look and feel of the invitations, as well as the couple's budget. These options offer a range of possibilities to create elegant, trendy, or classic wedding invitations that fit within the allocated budget.

Design elements

The design elements of your wedding invitations will be what makes your cards feel unique to you and your partner. These design elements will also tell your guests whether your wedding will be simple and elegant or a party for the decades.

Photography

Printing photos on wedding invitations is now affordable thanks to digital technology. It's also a great way to show off the happy couple!

Engraved Design

Engraving designs or lettering into your invitations will add to your overall price tag. That said, it’s a great choice for couples with a roomy budget or for anyone who wants to make their invitations pop.

Foil Stamped

Foil stamping lets your invitations shine. Foil stamps come in many different colors and add definition to your cards. They usually only add a minimal amount to the cost.

Letter Pressed

Using a letterpress will increase the cost of your overall design choices but it’s a beautiful way to give your invitations a classic look.

Glitter

Adding glitter to your invitations makes them sparkle. Glitter will generally add around 10% to your overall card cost.

Calligraphy

Some couples hire a calligrapher to custom design the lettering for their invites. This often comes in the form of an overall package with a much higher price. Some packages run into the thousands. Hiring a calligrapher to add a custom element to your cards will generally add $100-$300 to your budget.

Color

Color is a fun way to add flair to your wedding invites. It’s also able to show key parts of your theme to your guests right from the beginning. Depending on the palette you use, colors can be free or add hundreds to your overall cost.

Envelopes

When budgeting for envelopes, it is important to consider the size and weight of the invitations themselves, as these will impact the required envelope size and postage costs. Postage costs can add up quickly, especially for heavier invitations or those being sent internationally. It is also worth noting that uniquely shaped envelopes, such as square ones, may cost more to send.

Some companies include the cost of envelopes in the card stock price, while others charge separately. The average cost of envelopes is around $15-$30 per 100 envelopes when purchased separately. It is essential to double-check the size of the invitations before ordering envelopes to ensure they fit perfectly.

Overall, envelopes are a significant consideration when budgeting for wedding invitations, and the options available can be tailored to meet specific needs and preferences.

Additions

There are many additions you can include with your wedding invitations to make them stand out. These can be small details such as a delicate bow, a wax seal, a customised stamp, a belly band, or an inner envelope. These typically cost no more than $0.20 extra per card.

You may also want to include RSVP cards, directions, itineraries, and reception information for your guests. These additions may not seem significant, but they will increase the weight of your envelope, and therefore the postage costs.

If you are looking for a cohesive look, you can also purchase a complete wedding invitation package. This includes save-the-dates, invitations, and stationery that match in terms of materials, theme, and design. These packages are highly customisable and can vary in price. A simple package may cost around $350, while a more detailed set of invitations could cost as much as $10,000.

Shipping costs are another factor to consider. The average wedding postage cost is around $0.49 per envelope for envelopes under one ounce. This means that for every 100 cards you send, you can expect to spend around $50. This is just for domestic postage, and sending invitations abroad will be more expensive.

If you are sending heavier invitations, or those that are unusually shaped, you will also need to budget for higher shipping costs. For example, square envelopes typically cost more to send than rectangular ones.

Frequently asked questions