Affordable Wedding Invitations: Cost-Effective Mailing Options

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs. The cheapest way to send wedding invites is through digital mediums such as email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or SMS. These options are usually free and can be designed using online tools such as Canva, which offers free templates that can be easily customised and downloaded. Digital invitations are also environmentally friendly and make it easier to track RSVPs.

If you prefer traditional physical invitations, there are still ways to save money. Printing invitations at home and sending them via regular mail is a cheaper option. Websites like Etsy, Zazzle, Shutterfly, and VistaPrint often have great deals on invitations and allow customisation. It's also important to consider the weight and size of the envelopes to avoid additional postage costs.

Digital invitations

Digital wedding invitations are a contemporary alternative to traditional paper invites. They are a fast, paperless, and cheap way to invite your guests to your wedding. You can send digital invites via email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or text message.

Canva

Canva is a free wedding card maker with a free version that allows you to create wedding invitations within minutes. There are many beautiful wedding invitation templates available on Canva, which can be easily customized and downloaded as PNG, JPG, or PDF files. You can also create a wedding card from scratch. Many people prefer to send their wedding invitations via WhatsApp.

Paperless Post

Paperless Post offers customizable wedding invitation templates with a personal look and feel. You can add a floral backdrop, a coordinating envelope liner, and a page style to use a new color or font. You can also upload an engagement photo in a photo card or photo gallery block, add hotel options with an accommodations block, or use a wedding party block to introduce your wedding party.

Studio Creative Things

Studio Creative Things offers a wide selection of creative digital wedding invitation designs, each crafted to complement the theme and ambiance of your celebration. You can edit your wedding invitation with Corjl to ensure it reflects your personal style. With just a few clicks, you can select and send online invitations to your guests.

Physical invitations

There are several ways to save money when sending physical wedding invitations. Firstly, it is important to choose the envelopes before designing the invitations, as envelopes are only made in standard sizes. Unusual envelope shapes and sizes, such as squares, will require additional postage. To save money, opt for standard rectangular envelopes.

Another way to save money is to use wedding stamps, which are designed for bulkier invitations and are more aesthetically pleasing than regular stamps. One 92-cent wedding stamp covers up to 2 ounces, which is more cost-effective than using two regular stamps. The USPS also offers a 1-ounce wedding stamp for 68 cents.

To avoid additional postage costs, ensure the envelopes do not weigh more than 1 ounce. Typically, wedding invitations with response items and additional info cards will exceed this weight. One way to reduce weight is to use textured, thicker paper or cardstock, which gives a luxurious feel without adding bulk. You can also print the invitations yourself using the best printer available to you, and test your materials beforehand to avoid surprises.

Finally, to ensure your invitations arrive safely and securely, pay attention to sealing. Moisten the envelope adhesive with a cotton swab or paintbrush, then place the invitations under a heavy book or paperweight to reinforce the closure.

Choosing envelopes

• Standard Sizes: Envelopes come in standard sizes, while invitations can be made in any size. It is important to design your invitations to fit the envelope. Unusual envelope shapes and sizes, such as square envelopes, often require additional postage. To avoid extra costs, opt for standard rectangular envelopes.
• Weight Considerations: The weight of your envelope and its contents will impact postage costs. Envelopes weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. If you want to keep costs down, consider using lightweight paper and minimise the number of inserts.
• Wedding Stamps: Take advantage of wedding stamps, which are designed for bulkier invitations. One wedding stamp can cover up to 2 ounces, saving you from using two regular stamps. They also add a nice touch to your invitations.
• Sealing: Ensure your envelopes are properly sealed. With multiple enclosures, pay close attention to the gum seal to prevent the envelope from opening during transit.
• Timing: Have your invitations ready to mail 6-8 weeks before your wedding. This allows adequate time for delivery and gives your guests enough time to respond.
• Test Mailing: Before sending out all your invitations, bring a complete invitation ensemble to the post office to determine the correct postage. You can also send a test invite to yourself to ensure it arrives intact and make any necessary adjustments.
• Hand Cancellation: To protect your invitations from potential damage by sorting machinery, request hand cancellation at the post office. This means your invitations will be stamped by hand, keeping them in the best possible shape.

Postage costs

The cost of sending out wedding invitations can quickly add up, especially when you consider the design, paper, envelopes, and postage. The cheapest way to send wedding invitations is through digital communication, such as email, text message, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or even SMS. This method can cost as little as $0. However, some people may prefer the traditional way of sending wedding invitations through the postal service, as it shows more love and respect for your guests.

If you decide to send physical invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep postage costs down. Firstly, choose the envelopes first and then design your invitations to fit within those envelopes. Standard rectangle envelopes are the most cost-effective, as unusual shapes and sizes, such as square envelopes, often require additional postage.

Another factor that affects postage cost is weight. Any envelope weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. To keep costs down, consider the number of enclosures and try to keep the weight below 1 ounce. Wedding stamps are a great option for bulkier invitations, as they are designed for heavier envelopes and are more aesthetically pleasing than regular stamps.

Additionally, be mindful of the sealing process. Ensure that the gum seal on the envelope is secure to prevent it from opening during transit. It is also recommended to bring a complete invitation to the post office to determine the necessary postage and avoid inadequate postage. Sending a test invitation to yourself is also a good idea to ensure your invitations arrive safely and on time.

Finally, consider requesting hand cancellation at the post office to protect your invitations from sorting machinery. This service is common for formal invitations and ensures that your invitations are handled with care.

DIY options

If you're looking for the cheapest way to send out wedding invitations, you might want to consider doing it yourself. Here are some DIY options to explore:

• Digital Invitations: The most cost-effective method is to skip the paper and postage costs and opt for digital invitations sent via email, text message, WhatsApp, or social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This option is usually free and can be designed using online tools like Canva, which offers customizable templates that can be downloaded and shared digitally. Other platforms like Evite, Paperless Post, and Riley & Grey also provide digital invitation services with additional features like RSVP tracking and customizable virtual envelopes.
• Print-at-Home Invitations: If you prefer physical invitations, you can design and print them at home using a standard printer and cardstock or thicker printer paper. You can find customizable templates on Etsy, Canva, or Templett, allowing you to personalize your invitations without downloading any special software or fonts. This option gives you more flexibility in terms of design and can save you money on printing costs.
• Retailers with Discounts: Keep an eye out for deals and discounts offered by popular invitation printing services like Shutterfly, Zazzle, Basic Invite, VistaPrint, and Minted. They often have sales and coupon codes that can significantly reduce the cost per invitation. Additionally, consider exploring budget-friendly retailers like Walmart, which offers customizable stationery at low prices.
• DIY Kits and Supplies: You can also opt for DIY invitation kits available at craft stores or online retailers like Amazon or Etsy. These kits provide the necessary supplies, such as envelopes, cardstock, and embellishments like ribbon or wax seals. By assembling the invitations yourself, you can save money while still achieving a personalized and stylish result.
• Customizable Templates: Another option is to purchase customizable templates from online marketplaces like Etsy. These templates can be edited to include your wedding details, and you can choose to print them at home or use an online printing service. This approach offers a balance between customization and affordability.

Remember, when creating your own invitations, be mindful of the weight and size of the envelopes to avoid additional postage costs. Unusual shapes and heavier weights can increase postage rates. Additionally, consider the time and effort required for DIY options, as they may demand more of your energy and resources.

Frequently asked questions