The Best Wedding Invitation Suite Retailers For Your Big Day

Wedding invitations are one of the most important parts of wedding planning. They set the tone for the wedding and give guests crucial information about the big day. There are many options for customising your invitations, from the paper type and colour palette to the font and graphics. You can either work with a local store or stationer to create your invitations or design them yourself using a wedding invitation website. If you're looking for where to buy a wedding invitation suite, there are plenty of online retailers to choose from, such as The Knot Invitations, Etsy, Zola, Paper Source, and Minted. These websites offer a range of styles, from Art Deco to rustic, and additional services like free design assistance and sample kits.

Online vs. in-store

There are pros and cons to both buying wedding invitation suites online and in-store. If you're looking for a quick and convenient option, then buying online may be the best choice for you. Online retailers often offer a wide range of designs to choose from, and you can easily compare prices and read reviews before making your purchase. Additionally, if you're looking for customisation options, many online stores allow you to personalise your invitations with your own text, photos, and even your wedding colours and themes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a truly bespoke invitation suite, then working with a local stationer in-store may be a better option. A stationer can help you create something unique to your love story and will be able to guide you through the entire process, from design to printing. This option may be more expensive and time-consuming, but it can be worth it if you want a truly special invitation suite.

When buying online, it's important to consider the production and shipping times, as these can vary depending on the website and your chosen customisations. Some websites offer instant downloads, while others may take a few weeks to deliver your order. It's also a good idea to read reviews and check the return policy before placing your order, as the quality of the invitations may vary.

On the other hand, when buying in-store, you have the advantage of being able to see and feel the invitations before making your purchase. You can also get a more personalised service, as you'll be working directly with a stationer who can guide you through the process. However, this option may be more expensive, and you may have a more limited range of designs to choose from.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy online or in-store depends on your personal preferences, budget, and how much time you have. If you're looking for convenience and customisation options, then buying online may be the best choice. But if you want a truly bespoke invitation suite and are willing to invest the time and money, then working with a local stationer in-store may be the better option.

Cost

The cost of wedding invitation suites can vary depending on several factors, including the printing method, paper type, quantity ordered, and any additional customisation or add-ons. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with wedding invitation suites:

Printing Method: The printing method you choose can significantly impact the cost of your wedding invitation suites. Digital printing is typically the most cost-effective option, with prices starting as low as a few hundred dollars. However, more extravagant printing methods such as letterpress or engraving can cost a few thousand dollars.

Paper Type: The type of paper you choose will also affect the price. Standard cardstock is usually the most budget-friendly option, while fancier papers such as pearlescent, recycled, or foil-adorned paper may cost more. For example, The Knot offers invitations ranging from $1.49 to $4.09 each, with pearlescent and recycled paper costing more than their signature cardstock, and foil-adorned designs costing more than those without foil details.

Quantity Ordered: The price per invitation typically decreases when you order in bulk. Most vendors offer discounted rates for larger quantities. For instance, Zazzle offers invitations ranging from $2 to $4 each, but the price per invitation decreases when you purchase a higher volume.

Customisation and Add-ons: Customisation options, such as foil details, letterpress, or additional paper inserts, will increase the cost of your wedding invitation suites. For example, Artifact Uprising offers a sample kit with different paper types and printing styles, including digital, foil-stamped, and custom-engraved options, which allow you to create a fully customised suite.

Shipping and Production Time: Shipping and production time can also impact the overall cost. Some vendors offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, while others charge based on the number of days required for production and shipping. Be sure to factor in these additional costs when considering your budget.

It's important to note that the cost of wedding invitation suites can vary widely depending on your specific requirements and the vendor you choose. It's always a good idea to request quotes from multiple vendors and compare their pricing and services before making a decision.

Customisation options

Paper Type

The type of paper you choose can add a unique touch to your invitations. Paperless Post, for example, offers recycled paper, signature matte card stock, and pearlescent paper. Mixbook's paper is ethically sourced from sustainable forests and certified by the Rainforest Alliance and the Forest Stewardship Council.

Font

The font you select can indicate the formality of your wedding. For instance, a modern font might suggest a city loft wedding, while calligraphy could evoke a rustic barn setting.

Colour Palette

The colours you choose can tie in with your wedding's theme. For example, a rustic wedding could feature invitations with distressed wood textures, while a city loft wedding might call for a minimalist design.

Graphics and Orientation

Graphics and orientation can also play a role in customising your invitations. For instance, you might include a custom illustration of your wedding venue or opt for a unique layout to make your invitations stand out.

Envelopes and Stamps

Customisation doesn't stop at the invitation itself. You can also personalise your envelopes and choose unique stamps to add a special touch. From heart designs to flower motifs, there are various options to elevate your invitation suite.

Additional Cards

In addition to the invitation itself, you can include various cards in your suite, such as response cards, reception cards, direction cards, and accommodation cards. These can be customised to match your invitation's design and provide guests with all the necessary information for your big day.

DIY Options

If you're feeling creative, you can opt for a DIY invitation suite. Websites like Canva and Etsy offer templates that you can customise with your own text, photos, and design elements. This option gives you the freedom to create invitations that perfectly reflect your style.

Production time

When it comes to the production time of your wedding invitation suite, the timeline can vary depending on the vendor and the level of customization you require. Here are some popular options for purchasing wedding invitation suites, along with their respective production times:

• The Knot Invitations: The Knot offers a wide range of professionally designed wedding invitation suites. Their production time is approximately four business days for printing, followed by an estimated delivery time of five to ten business days, depending on the chosen shipping method. If you're ordering samples, allow for one to two weeks for delivery.
• Minted: Minted provides custom wedding invitations designed by independent artists and graphic designers. Their standard shipping time is five days in transit, excluding production time. The total wait time for your order will be provided at checkout. You can also opt for expedited shipping options at an additional cost.
• Zazzle: Zazzle offers a vast selection of designs and customization options. Their production and shipping times range from one week to 12 days, depending on the chosen product. They also offer instant downloads if you need something immediately and have access to a printer.
• Papier: Papier is known for its nature-inspired and boho-style wedding invitations. Their estimated production time is six days, and you can expect an additional one to six business days for delivery, depending on the shipping option you choose. Shipping times may vary based on your location.
• Etsy: Etsy is a treasure trove of unique wedding invitation designs from independent creators. Since sellers on Etsy are independent, there is no set production time. However, you can find the estimated production and shipping times in the seller's notes on the product page.
• Mixbook: Mixbook offers customizable wedding invitation templates, with standard invitations usually processed and printed within one to two days. They provide various shipping options, including budget, standard, priority, and express, to suit your needs.
• Paper Source: Paper Source offers a wide variety of wedding invitation suites, including designs from well-known brands and designers. Their production time is four days, and it cannot be expedited. They offer four shipping options: next day, second day, ground (one to six business days), and standard (five to 12 business days), depending on your location.
• Basic Invite: Basic Invite allows you to customize your wedding invitations with color, shape, text, layout, and wording options. Their processing time is two to three business days, followed by standard shipping (12 business days), priority shipping (seven business days), or rush shipping (five business days, varying by location).

It's important to plan ahead and consider the production and shipping times when ordering your wedding invitation suite to ensure you receive them well in advance of your wedding day.

Eco-friendly options

There are several eco-friendly options for wedding invitation suites. Here are some sustainable choices to consider:

Paper Culture

Paper Culture offers a wide range of eco-friendly wedding invitation templates that allow you to create unique designs reflecting your commitment to each other and the planet. Their cards are made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, ensuring that your wedding invitations are environmentally conscious. With every order placed, Paper Culture also plants a tree, contributing to reforestation efforts worldwide. They offer free designer assistance and provide free sample wedding suite kits for interested couples.

Greenvelope

Greenvelope encourages couples to save paper and send email invitations. Their wedding invitation templates feature elegant designs from independent artists. By choosing email invitations, you can make an eco-friendly choice to save trees and go paper-free. Greenvelope is also committed to giving back and donates a percentage of every sale to environmental causes.

Botanical PaperWorks

Botanical PaperWorks creates unique invitations on eco-friendly seed paper. Their seed paper is biodegradable and made from post-consumer material. After planting and caring for your invitation, it will grow into wildflowers or herbs. Botanical PaperWorks collects post-consumer waste from local businesses and schools to create their eco-friendly, plantable seed paper, saving 10 tons of paper from the landfill each year. They offer a variety of designs and colours to match your wedding theme.

ForeverFiances

ForeverFiances offers eco-chic wedding stationery, focusing on sustainability, affordability, and design. They carry plantable wedding invitations made from seed paper and non-plantable invitations made from 100% recycled paper. ForeverFiances is also part of 1% For The Planet, committing to giving back 1% of revenues to environmental causes. They offer a range of price points to accommodate different budgets.

Etsy

Etsy is a great option if you're looking for unique designs and interested in supporting small businesses. They feature a wide range of eco-friendly wedding invitation designs, including made-to-order options, plant paper invitations, and recycled paper choices. Etsy is powered by renewable energy and ships carbon neutral, making it an excellent choice for sustainable shopping.

Artifact Uprising

Artifact Uprising is a company that specializes in creating high-quality photo prints and stationery. They offer a variety of themes and designs, and all their products are customizable. Artifact Uprising is committed to sustainable and ethical production, using 100% recycled paper and eco-friendly inks. Their paper goods are manufactured using wind power to minimize any environmental impact.

Frequently asked questions