How Much Do Wedding Invitations Cost On Average?

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but expensive time. One of the first things to consider is the cost of wedding invitations. The price of wedding invitations varies depending on several factors, including the type of invitation, the number of guests, the level of customisation, materials, sourcing, quality, and extras. Couples should expect to pay around $530 in total for wedding invitations, according to The Knot.

Online invitations are a more flexible and affordable option, whereas printed invitations are more expensive, with costs adding up due to paper, printing, shipping, and design expenses. Couples can also opt for DIY invitations, online templates, stationery stores, or design studios, each with varying price ranges.

The cost of printing, customisation, decorative elements, and shipping and postage are essential factors that influence the overall cost of wedding invitations. The type of paper, design elements, envelopes, and invite additions also contribute to the final price.

Understanding these factors will help couples make informed decisions about their wedding invitations and stay within their budget.

Printing methods and paper types

The printing method and paper type are key factors in determining the cost of wedding invitations. Couples should expect to pay around $530 in total for wedding invitations, according to The Knot.

Printing Methods

The four main types of printing methods, from lowest to highest quality and cost, are:

• Digital printing: The most budget-friendly option, involving setting up a file on a computer and printing. It allows for a wide range of colours and is a good choice for printing invitations.
• Offset printing and thermography: Offset printing has a similar feel to digital printing but uses mixed inks transferred to the invitation through a press, resulting in a higher-quality print. Thermography is similar but adds powder to the ink for a raised texture.
• Letterpress printing: A more costly option due to the custom presses and manual labour required for each design and colour.
• Engraving: The most expensive and formal printing method, giving an embossed look.

Paper Types

There are many varieties of paper available for wedding invitations, each with its own unique characteristics and price point:

• Cotton fibre: Allows for customisation with a letterpress but is more expensive.
• Felt cardstock: A thicker style of paper that costs more than standard card material.
• Matte: An affordable, clean, and crisp option commonly used by online brands.
• Glossy: Similar to matte but with more shine, and commonly chosen for its affordable price.
• Parchment: The most affordable option that can be easily layered with vellum.
• Vellum: A see-through material great for layering, usually priced higher than parchment.
• Glassine: Similar to vellum in look and price but with a waxy appearance.
• Handmade paper: An eco-friendly and trendy option that won't break the bank.
• Recycled paper: Similar to handmade paper, made from recycled materials and plants.
• Linen: An affordable option for couples who want quality without sacrificing cost.

Guest list size

The cost of wedding invitations can vary depending on several factors, including the guest list size. The more invitations you need to send out, the higher the cost will be. This is because the cost of invitations is typically calculated per invite, and each guest or couple will require their own invitation.

For example, a simple, digital invitation suite from a site like Zola or Minted can cost as little as $1-$2 per invite, while more elaborate, custom-designed invitations can cost upwards of $20-$30 per invite. The number of invitations needed will therefore have a significant impact on the total cost.

In addition to the base cost of the invitations, there may also be additional costs associated with postage, envelopes, and other inserts such as RSVP cards and reception information. These costs can add up quickly, especially for larger guest lists.

To save on costs, some couples may opt for digital invitations, which are often more flexible in terms of pricing and can be customized and sent out quickly and conveniently. Others may choose to design and create their own invitations, though this can be time-consuming and may still incur costs for materials and postage.

Design and customisation

The design and customisation of wedding invitations are key factors in determining their overall cost. Couples can opt for a wide range of design elements, such as decorative features, paper types, printing methods, and embellishments, all of which influence the final price.

Paper Types

The type of paper chosen for wedding invitations can vary significantly in price. For example, cotton fibre paper, which allows for customisation with a letterpress, is on the more expensive side at $29 for 100 sheets. On the other hand, parchment paper, a standard option, is the most affordable at $15 per 100 sheets. Other options include felt cardstock, matte, glossy, vellum, glassine, handmade paper, recycled paper, and linen, each with its own unique characteristics and price point.

Design Elements

Design elements play a crucial role in reflecting the style and theme of the wedding. Couples may choose to incorporate photography, engraved designs, foil stamping, letterpress, glitter, or calligraphy. These additions can significantly impact the overall cost of the invitations. For instance, hiring a calligrapher to design the lettering can add $100-$300 to the budget, while foil stamping usually only adds a minimal amount.

Printing Methods

The printing method selected is another critical factor in the cost of wedding invitations. Online or digital printing is often the most budget-friendly option, allowing for customisation and quick delivery without the need for manual labour. In contrast, traditional paper invitations and invitation suites are generally more expensive due to the costs involved in paper, printing, shipping, and design. Offset printing and thermography for 100 stationery suites typically start at $800 and can go up to $1,800, while letterpress printing for the same quantity can cost $1,500 or more. Engraving, the most extravagant form of printing, will cost at least $2,000 for 100 invitations.

Embellishments and Add-ons

Embellishments and add-ons, such as wax seals, custom stamps, belly bands, envelope liners, and response cards, can also increase the cost of wedding invitations. These additional features typically cost no more than $0.20 per card, but they can add a unique touch to the invitations.

Customisation

The level of customisation is another important consideration. Couples who opt for fully customised invitations from a design studio can expect to pay a higher price. Design studios typically charge between $10 and $30 per wedding invitation, with packages starting at around $1,000.

In summary, the design and customisation options for wedding invitations are vast, allowing couples to create invitations that reflect their style and budget. By carefully considering the various elements, from paper type to printing method, couples can design invitations that are both visually appealing and financially feasible.

Extras and embellishments

One way to elevate your invitations is to add a wax seal. The traditional way to create a wax seal is to pour liquid wax onto the envelope and stamp it to create a design. Nowadays, you can also use raised stickers with permanent adhesives that look authentic and save a lot of time. Adding wax seals will cost around $200 to $300 per 100 wedding invitations.

Another way to embellish your invitations is to add foil accents, such as copper, gold, rose gold, or silver foil stamping. Foil stamping is usually done as an embellishment, but some couples opt for a full foil stamp set. For a full foil stamp on a set of 100 invitations, you can expect to pay around $1,800. If you opt for gold foil accents, the cost would be closer to $400 per 100 invitations.

You can also add blind debossing or embossing to your invitations. These accents are created using the same process as letterpress but without ink. Blind debossing creates a depression in the paper, while embossing creates a raised text. Monograms, family crests, or other small accents are often debossed or embossed. The cost for these accents is around $300 to $400 for 100 wedding invitations.

If you want to add a unique touch to your invitations, you can consider a bevel cut. This is when the edge of the wedding invitation is cut at a 45-degree angle and then painted, making the edge more visible from the front. This technique is usually only done on the main wedding invitation and can cost around $400 for 100 wedding invitations.

Envelope liners are another way to add a touch of elegance to your invitations. They not only provide aesthetic appeal but also function as a protective barrier, preventing coloured envelopes from rubbing off on the invitations. The price of envelope liners can range from $250 to $400 for 100 wedding invitations, with solid colours on the lower end of the spectrum and patterns on the higher end.

Finally, you can add insert cards to your invitations to share additional information with your guests. These cards can include reception information, welcome party details, or post-wedding brunch invitations. A set of 100 insert cards can range from $150 to $500, depending on the printing method.

These extras and embellishments can add a unique and elegant touch to your wedding invitations, but it's important to consider your budget and prioritize what is most important to you.

Postage and shipping

When it comes to wedding invitations, postage and shipping are often overlooked expenses. The weight of your invitation suite will determine your shipping costs, and you should anticipate paying extra postage for heavier invitations or those with unusual shapes. For example, a square envelope is considered an unusual shape.

The average wedding postage cost is around $0.49 per envelope for domestic postage below one ounce. For every 100 cards you send, you can expect to pay around $50. If you're sending invitations abroad or your invites weigh more than an ounce, your postage costs will be higher.

If you're sending out 100 invitations, you should budget between $50 and $60 for postage. This cost can add up, especially when combined with other factors such as the number of guests, printing method, and design elements.

To save on postage costs, consider sending digital invitations or using online RSVP options. These options are not only cost-effective but also convenient and environmentally friendly.

Frequently asked questions