Stores For Wedding Invitations: Where To Go For Your Big Day

Wedding invitations are an important part of the big day, setting the tone and providing guests with key information. While some couples opt for digital invites, others prefer the traditional paper route. There are many online retailers and local stationers that offer custom wedding invitations, with a range of styles, themes, and designs to choose from. These include Paper Source, The Knot, Minted, Zola, Etsy, and Vistaprint, among others. Couples can also choose to design their own invitations or work with a professional stationer for a truly bespoke look.

Online vs. Local Stationers

There are many options available for couples looking to design and order wedding invitations. The choice between using an online retailer or a local stationer depends on factors such as the desired level of customization, time availability, and budget.

Online retailers offer a convenient and often cost-effective way to design and order wedding invitations. They provide a wide range of templates and design options to choose from, allowing couples to personalize their invitations according to their unique style and theme. Many websites offer free design assistance, custom colours, fonts, and layouts. Online retailers also offer the convenience of quick turnaround times, with some even offering instant downloads or same-day printing. Additionally, digital invitations are eco-friendly, affordable, and make it easy to keep track of RSVPs.

On the other hand, working with a local stationer or store is ideal for couples seeking a truly bespoke design and who don't want to spend a lot of time designing the invitations themselves. Local stationers can provide a more personalized and hands-on experience, guiding couples through the entire process. They can also offer a wider range of customization options, including paper type, envelope lining, and special elements like wax seals and ribbons. However, this option may be more time-consuming and could involve higher costs, especially for more intricate designs and premium paper choices.

Some popular online retailers for wedding invitations include Minted, Zola, Artifact Uprising, Zazzle, Etsy, Shutterfly, and Paper Source. These websites offer a variety of design options, customizable features, and additional stationery items. On the other hand, local stationers can be found through vendor marketplaces, such as those offered by wedding planning websites.

Whether choosing an online retailer or a local stationer, couples should consider their priorities in terms of customization, time, and budget to make the process stress-free and enjoyable.

Design Options

When it comes to wedding invitation design, the options are endless. From the font and colour palette to the graphics and paper type, you can customise your invitations to reflect your personality and wedding theme. Here are some design options to consider:

Online vs Local Stationer

You can opt to design your invitations yourself using a wedding invitation website, or you can work with a local store or stationer to create your wedding stationery. Websites like The Knot Invitations, Minted, Zola, and Paper Source offer customisable templates and design assistance, making it easy to create unique invitations. On the other hand, a local stationer can provide a truly bespoke service if you're looking for something one-of-a-kind and don't mind spending extra time and money.

Digital vs Paper Invitations

Another option to consider is whether to send digital or paper invitations. Online wedding invitations are becoming increasingly popular as they are eco-friendly, affordable, and convenient for tracking RSVPs. Websites like Greenvelope offer stylish digital invitations created by independent artists. However, traditional paper invitations are still a popular choice, with many couples opting for luxurious cardstock and unique designs.

Customisation Options

When designing your invitations, you can customise various elements to make them unique. This includes the font, colour palette, graphics, orientation, and paper type. Many websites allow you to personalise your invitations with custom colours, fonts, and layouts. You can also add special elements like photos, QR codes, wax seals, and ribbons. If you're looking for something truly unique, some websites even offer bespoke design services.

Matching Stationery

To create a cohesive experience for your guests, consider using your chosen design across other wedding stationery, such as save-the-dates, thank-you notes, place cards, and menus. Many websites offer matching stationery suites, so you can carry your chosen aesthetic through all your wedding paper goods. This adds a personalised touch and creates a consistent look and feel for your wedding.

Production and Shipping Times

When planning your wedding invitations, be sure to consider production and shipping times. These can vary depending on the website or stationer you choose. Some sites offer instant downloads or same-day printing, while others may take several weeks for production and shipping. Be sure to allow enough time for addressing the envelopes and ensuring timely delivery to your guests.

Cost

The cost of wedding invitations can vary depending on several factors, including the design, paper type, quantity, and shipping method. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with wedding invitations:

Design

The design of the wedding invitation can significantly impact the overall cost. Some online retailers, such as The Knot, Minted, and Zola, offer a wide range of professionally designed templates to choose from, with prices typically ranging from $2 to $4 per invitation. These websites often provide customisation options, allowing you to personalise the colour, font, layout, and wording to match your wedding theme.

Paper Type

The type of paper used for wedding invitations can also affect the cost. Standard cardstock or matte paper is usually the most affordable option, while recycled paper, pearlescent paper, or foil-adorned designs may come at a higher price point. For example, The Knot's pearlescent and recycled paper options cost more than their signature cardstock, and foil details can increase the price further.

Quantity

Bulk ordering can often result in cost savings. Many websites offer discounted prices when purchasing larger quantities of wedding invitations. For instance, The Knot's invitations range from $1.49 to $4.09 each, but they offer bulk pricing, so buying in larger quantities will result in a lower price per invitation.

Shipping and Production

Finally, the shipping method and production time can impact the overall cost of wedding invitations. Standard shipping is typically the most cost-effective option, with delivery times ranging from five to ten business days. However, if you require rush delivery or expedited production, you may need to pay additional fees. Some websites, like Paper Source, offer different shipping options, including next-day, second-day, ground, and standard shipping, with prices varying accordingly.

In summary, the cost of wedding invitations can vary widely depending on your specific requirements and choices. By considering factors such as design, paper type, quantity, and shipping method, you can make informed decisions to stay within your budget and create elegant and personalised invitations for your special day.

Production Time

The production time for wedding invitations varies depending on the chosen retailer and shipping method. Here is a list of some popular options and their respective production times:

The Knot Invitations

The Knot offers a wide range of customisable wedding invitation designs. Their production time is four business days for printing, followed by an estimated delivery time of five to ten business days, depending on the chosen shipping method.

Minted

Minted provides custom wedding invitations designed by independent artists and graphic designers. The standard shipping time for stationery is five days in transit, excluding production time. The total wait time for your order will be provided at checkout.

Zazzle

Zazzle offers a vast selection of designs and customisation options. They have five production and shipping options ranging from instant downloads with no production time to 12 days for certain products.

Papier

Papier is a good choice for floral wedding invitations. Their estimated production time is six days, and you can add one to six business days for delivery, depending on the shipping option chosen.

Etsy

Etsy is a marketplace featuring a variety of independent creators and small businesses offering customisable wedding invitations. Since sellers on Etsy are independent, there is no set production time, but this information is usually provided in the seller's notes on the product page.

Mixbook

Mixbook allows for a high degree of customisation and offers quick processing and printing times. Standard invitations are typically processed and printed within one to two days, and you can choose from various shipping options, including budget, standard, priority, or express.

Paper Source

Paper Source offers a wide variety of exclusive wedding invitation designs. Their production time is four days, and this cannot be expedited. For shipping, you can choose from next-day, second-day, ground (one to six business days), or standard (five to 12 business days) options.

Basic Invite

Basic Invite provides customisable designs and free guest address printing. Orders are processed within two to three business days, and you can select from standard, priority, or rush shipping options.

Staples

Staples offers professionally designed wedding invitation cards with many customisable templates. Select invitations are available for same-day printing if ordered before 12 pm, with delivery within five to seven business days.

Zola

Zola is a one-stop shop for wedding planning, including invitations. Their production time is five to ten business days.

Artifact Uprising

Artifact Uprising offers a unique "try before you buy" sample kit. Their production time is 12 to 15 business days for standard shipping.

Shutterfly

Shutterfly provides beautiful, photo-featured designs and various invitation formats. Their production time is five to seven business days for standard shipping.

Extras

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few extras that you may want to consider to really make them stand out. Here are some ideas to elevate your wedding invitations:

• Custom stamps and embossers – Adding a custom stamp or embosser with your initials, wedding logo, or a special design can be a nice touch to the envelope. It can also be a fun way to involve your wedding theme even before the guests open the invitation.
• Enclosures and inserts – Depending on the details of your wedding, you may want to include additional information for your guests. This could be in the form of enclosure cards or inserts within the invitation. For example, if you have a wedding website, you can include the URL and password (if applicable). You can also provide accommodation options or recommendations for your guests, especially if you have a block of rooms reserved at a particular hotel. Other details such as transportation or shuttle services, dress code, and schedule of events can be included as well.
• RSVP cards – Including RSVP cards with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes makes it easier for your guests to respond. This also helps you keep track of attendance and plan accordingly.
• Illustrations and photos – Adding a personal touch with a custom illustration or a photo of the happy couple can make the invitations more special. This could be a fun engagement photo or even a creative illustration of the wedding venue.
• Wax seals – For a more traditional or elegant touch, consider adding wax seals to your envelopes. You can choose a colour that complements your wedding theme and even add a custom stamp or monogram.
• Ribbons or belly bands – Ribbons or belly bands are a stylish way to secure your invitation suite together, especially if you have multiple cards or inserts. This adds a touch of luxury and can be customized to match your wedding colours.
• Calligraphy or custom fonts – The font or calligraphy style you choose for your invitations can elevate the overall look. Consider working with a calligrapher or exploring custom font options to truly personalize your invitations.
• Paper weight and texture – Opting for a heavier paper weight or a textured paper stock can give your invitations a luxurious feel. This is also a great way to incorporate your theme, such as choosing a paper with a subtle floral watermark for a garden wedding.
• Envelope liners – Adding a pop of colour or a fun pattern to your envelope liners is a wonderful surprise for your guests as they open the invitation. It also adds to the overall presentation of your wedding suite.

Frequently asked questions