Designing Wedding Invitations: Pricing And What To Charge

Wedding invitation design costs vary depending on the designer's experience, the complexity of the design, and the level of customisation. Couples should expect to pay around $530 total for wedding invitations, according to The Knot. This cost can be significantly reduced by opting for online invitations, which are paperless and therefore cut back on costs involving paper, printing, shipping, and design. For printed invitations, the price depends on the printing method, with letterpress printing being more expensive than digital printing. Couples can also add embellishments such as foil stamping or wax seals, which will increase the cost. When sourcing wedding invitations, couples can choose from DIY invitations, online templates, stationery stores, or design studios, with prices ranging from $7 per invitation to $10-$30 per invitation for a fully customised design.

Online vs printed wedding invitations

When it comes to wedding invitation design, there are two main options: online or printed invitations. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on the couple's preferences, budget, and other factors.

Online Wedding Invitations

Online wedding invitations are a flexible and budget-friendly option, with prices varying based on different parameters such as the number of guests, design complexity, and customisation options. They are typically priced per event, with a tier system based on guest count, or offer unlimited sends for a monthly subscription fee. This option is ideal for couples who want to save money and reduce their environmental impact. Digital invitations are also convenient, as they can be sent out instantly, making them perfect for last-minute plans or overseas guests. Additionally, online invitations often include built-in RSVP tracking, making guest management easier. However, one potential drawback is the lack of a personal touch compared to printed invitations.

Printed Wedding Invitations

Printed wedding invitations offer a traditional and elegant approach. They provide a personal touch through the texture of the paper, intricate design elements, and attention to detail. Printed invitations create a sense of excitement and anticipation for the recipient and can be customised to match the couple's unique style and wedding theme. They also serve as tangible keepsakes for guests to cherish. However, printed invitations usually come with higher costs, including materials, printing, and postage fees. Additionally, they require more time for production and delivery compared to their online counterparts.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between online and printed wedding invitations, couples should consider their budget, the level of customisation desired, time constraints, and the environmental impact. Online invitations are generally more affordable, flexible, and convenient, while printed invitations offer a more traditional, tactile, and personalised experience. Ultimately, some couples may choose to combine both approaches, sending printed invitations to older guests or those who prefer a traditional invitation, while using digital invitations for younger or more tech-savvy invitees.

DIY wedding invitations

Step 1: Planning and Sourcing Materials

Begin by creating a full mock-up invitation suite using scrap paper to determine the number and size of paper components needed. Consider the thickness and type of paper, as well as the envelope size to ensure all elements fit inside. Sourcing paper and envelopes can be tricky due to stock outages and supply chain issues, so start this process early.

Step 2: Designing the Layout and Text

Use design software or online tools like Canva to create the layout and text for your invitations. Play around with different fonts and design elements to achieve your desired look. Keep in mind any special quotes or wording you want to include.

Step 3: Printing

You can print your invitations at home or use online printing services, local print shops, or letterpress printers. If you plan to print at home, consider the thickness of the paper and ensure your printer can handle it. Test print a few copies to adjust font sizes and colours as needed.

Step 4: Assembly and Embellishments

This is where you can get creative! Add wax seals, dried flowers, ribbons, lace, or custom stamps to your invitations. Consider using belly bands or string to secure multiple elements together. If you're adding a wax seal, be sure to melt the wax and apply the seal quickly before it hardens.

Step 5: Addressing and Mailing

You can address your envelopes by hand, use digital printing, or hire a calligrapher. Consider hand-cancelling your envelopes at the post office to ensure they aren't damaged during mailing. Don't forget to include postage stamps!

Creating DIY wedding invitations can be a fun and memorable process, but it is also time-consuming and may require some trial and error. Give yourself plenty of time to experiment and perfect your design.

Stationery store

When it comes to wedding invitation design, the cost can vary depending on several factors. These include the type of invitation, the size of the guest list, the level of customization, materials, sourcing, quality, and extras.

A stationery store is a good option for couples who want a wide range of pricing options to choose from. At a stationery store, you can browse different invitation designs and compare prices from multiple designers in one place. The experienced staff can also guide you through the customization process. The baseline cost for wedding invitations at a stationery store is around $7 per invitation, but this can increase if you want to add inserts such as reception information or RSVP cards and envelopes. Don't forget to factor in the cost of postage stamps when sending out your invitations.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider semi-custom invitations, which offer luxurious finishes at a lower price point. These usually include luxurious stocks like cotton paper, unique foil accents, and features such as wax seals and ribbons. Semi-custom invitations typically cost around $1300-$2000 per 100 invitations.

When budgeting for wedding invitations, it's important to consider the entire invitation suite, which typically includes save-the-dates, invites, RSVP cards, and other inserts. The average total cost of wedding invitations and stationery is around $530, but this can vary depending on your location and specific choices.

In summary, when visiting a stationery store, expect a baseline cost of $7 per invitation, with the potential for additional costs for inserts and postage. Semi-custom invitations are a more affordable option, and the average total cost for wedding invitations and stationery is around $530.

Design studio

As a design studio, you have the advantage of offering entirely customised wedding invitations. However, as this is a premium service, it comes with a higher price tag. Typically, design studios charge anywhere between $10 and $30 per wedding invitation. This means a package of wedding invitations will start at around $1,000 and increase from there.

The cost of wedding invitations can be broken down into three key categories: quantity, quality of production material, and level of service. The quantity of wedding invitations is often the most significant factor in the overall cost. Each guest or couple will require an invitation, so the more invitations needed, the higher the overall cost.

The quality of the production materials is also a significant cost factor. The finer the materials, such as handmade paper or silk ribbon, the higher the cost will be. Additionally, any printing process that requires a custom-made dye, such as wax seals, letterpress printing, or foil printing, will come at a higher price.

The level of service provided by a design studio will also impact the overall cost. This includes the time spent on design work, customisations, and any additional services offered, such as assembly of the invitations.

It's important to communicate your price range to the design studio upfront so they can guide you towards the best options that fit your budget.

Printing methods

The printing method you choose for your wedding invitations will have a significant impact on the overall cost. Here is a detailed breakdown of some common printing methods and how they can affect the price:

Digital Printing

Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $0.35 to $2.00 per invitation. This method uses ink and lasers, similar to a home office printer. It allows for custom designs and photos, and many online platforms offer customizable invitations with various add-ons. Digital printing is a good choice for those looking to print invitations in large quantities without incurring high costs.

Offset Printing

Offset printing is a more expensive option, with prices starting at $800 and going up to $1,800 for 100 invitations. This method uses plates to press into the cardstock, resulting in a flashier and higher-quality print. It allows for more precise colour matching and can be combined with other printing methods, such as foil stamping.

Thermography

Thermography is similar to flat printing but with the addition of powder to the ink, creating a raised texture on the paper. It typically falls within the same price range as offset printing, starting at $800 and going up to $1,800 for 100 invitations. Thermography provides an elegant and luxurious look to the invitations.

Letterpress Printing

Letterpress printing is a labour-intensive process that requires custom presses for each design and colour, making it more expensive. Expect to spend at least $1,500 for 100 letter-pressed invitation suites. Each additional colour will add an extra 25% to the total cost. Letterpress printing creates a unique and sophisticated look that is sure to impress your guests.

Engraving

Engraving is the most extravagant and formal printing method, giving a luxurious embossed look to the invitations. It is also labour-intensive, with printers etching the design into a metal plate before pressing it into the cardstock. Engraving is the most expensive option, with prices starting at $2,000 for 100 invitations.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping adds a shiny flourish to the invitations by heating up a foil design and pressing it into the cardstock. It usually costs around $1 to $3 per invitation and can be combined with other printing methods, such as embossing. Foil stamping is a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding invitations.

Embossing and Debossing

Embossing and debossing are techniques that create a three-dimensional effect on the paper. Embossing presses letters into the front of the cardstock, while debossing presses from the back. They can be done with or without ink and typically cost between $1 and $3 per invitation. These methods add a unique tactile element to your invitations.

The choice of printing method depends on your budget and desired level of customisation. Each method has its own unique characteristics and price range, so consider the options carefully before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions