Best Time To Get Deals On Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations can be expensive, but they don't have to be. The average couple spends close to $600 on their wedding stationery, but there are ways to save money on your invites without compromising on style. From all-in-one invitations to strategic design swaps, proofreading, and taking advantage of sales, there are plenty of hacks to get a good deal on your wedding invitations.

All-in-one invitations

The all-in-one format typically includes a perforated seam at the bottom for the RSVP card, which guests can easily tear off and mail back. This convenient design eliminates the need for separate envelopes and makes it a breeze to mail, saving you time and money. The entire back of the invite acts as the envelope, and some retailers even offer free guest and return addressing.

When it comes to design, you don't have to sacrifice aesthetics for affordability. All-in-one invitations come in various styles, from classic and elegant to rustic and bohemian. You can also find designs with faux foil or bold typography if you're looking for something extra without the hefty price tag of luxe printing techniques like letterpress and foil stamping.

To further enhance the look of your all-in-one invitations, consider adding DIY liners and on-theme stamps to the envelopes. This way, you can make your invites stand out without incurring additional costs.

When ordering all-in-one invitations, it's essential to plan and order early. This will not only give you peace of mind but also help you avoid unnecessary costs associated with rush printing and shipping. Additionally, proofreading your invitations carefully for typos and incorrect information is crucial to avoid the costly mistake of having to reprint them.

Online RSVP

Advantages of Online RSVPs

• They are a cost-effective option, saving you money on RSVP cards, envelopes, and return postage.
• Online RSVPs are convenient for your guests, allowing them to respond in just a few minutes without having to find a mailbox.
• They are environmentally friendly, reducing paper waste.
• You can track RSVPs easily and in real-time, making it simpler to plan your big day.
• Online RSVPs often allow for custom questions, such as meal choices or travel plans, helping you plan accordingly.
• They can be linked to your wedding website, providing guests with all the information they need in one place.

Disadvantages of Online RSVPs

• Some older guests may prefer traditional RSVP cards and be less comfortable with responding online.
• You may need to send reminders to guests who forget to RSVP online.
• There is a possibility of receiving responses from uninvited guests if the link is shared.

Invitation timing

The timing of sending out your wedding invitations is an important consideration. As a general rule, wedding invitations should be sent out between 4 and 8 weeks before the wedding date. This gives your guests enough time to plan and also allows for a window of time for them to respond.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your wedding is a destination wedding or is taking place during a holiday weekend, it is advisable to send out your invitations earlier, between 3 and 6 months in advance. This is to allow your guests more time to make travel arrangements and accommodations.

Similarly, if a large number of your guests are coming from abroad, it is recommended to send out invitations about 12 weeks before the wedding date. This ensures that your international guests have ample time to prepare for their travel.

On the other hand, if you are only inviting a few international guests, it is acceptable to send their invitations at the same time as the other guests. However, it is considerate to inform them about the wedding details ahead of time through a quick call, text, or email so that they can start making travel plans.

It is also important to consider the timing of your "Save the Date" notifications. These should be sent to your guest list between 4 and 6 months before the wedding date. This gives your guests enough advance notice to block off the date on their calendars and make any necessary travel plans.

For destination weddings or weddings during holiday weekends, "Save the Dates" can be sent out even earlier, between 6 and 12 months in advance. This ensures that your guests have plenty of time to prepare for your special day.

Lastly, when it comes to requesting RSVPs, it is recommended to set a deadline of about 1 month before the wedding date. This provides your guests with a brief window to respond while also giving your wedding vendors enough time to make the necessary preparations based on the final guest count.

Paper weight

When it comes to wedding invitations, the paper weight is an important consideration. The weight of the paper can impact the printing process, postage costs, and the overall look and feel of the invitations. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the weight of your wedding invitation paper:

• Printing Process: The printing method you choose will help determine the appropriate paper weight. Digital printing, for example, can handle a wide range of paper weights, from lightweight vellum to heavyweight cardstock. Letterpress printing, on the other hand, typically uses thicker cardstock, ranging from 111lb (300gsm) to 222lb (600gsm).
• Invitation Style: The style of your invitations will also influence the paper weight. Flat invitation cards, being a single sheet, usually call for heavier cardstock of 80lb or more. Folding invitation cards, on the other hand, use lighter cardstock, typically between 65lb and 100lb, as they become twice as thick when folded.
• Postage Costs: Heavier cardstock will require additional postage. If you want to keep postage costs down, opt for lighter-weight paper for your invitations.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice of paper weight is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the look and feel of thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock.
• Digital/Flat Printing: 100lb.-110lb. cardstock
• Letterpress: 110lb.-220lb. cardstock
• Foil Press: 110lb.-220lb. cardstock

Remember, these are just guidelines, and specialty papers or finishes may require adjustments. It's always a good idea to do a test print and consult with printing professionals to ensure your chosen paper weight is compatible with your desired printing method.

Sales and discounts

If you're looking to save money on your wedding invitations, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, keep an eye out for sales and discounts offered by stationery companies and wedding invitation websites. For example, The Knot Invitations has offered Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals in previous years. You can also take advantage of promo codes and coupons – for instance, Basic Invite offers a 15% discount on all orders with the code 15FF51.

Another way to save money is to buy your invitations in bulk. The more you buy, the less each individual invite will cost. This is true for many wedding invitation companies, including Zazzle, The Knot Invitations, and Minted.

If you're ordering invitations from a company that offers different paper types, you can also save money by choosing a cheaper paper. Basic Invite, for example, offers signature matte paper, as well as fancier options like foil details and thicker paper. Similarly, The Knot Invitations offers three types of paper: signature matte cardstock, pearlescent paper, and recycled paper. The pearlescent and recycled options are more expensive.

Finally, you can save money by choosing all-in-one invitations, which combine the invitation, envelope, and RSVP card into a single sheet of paper or cardstock. This can save on printing and assembly costs, as well as postage, since they are usually smaller and lighter than traditional invitation suites.

Frequently asked questions