How To Save On Wedding Invitations

We often get asked how my couples can save money on their stationery. You can absolutely get fabulous wedding stationery for an affordable cost, it does not need to take up a huge part of your budget! Your wedding is not an everyday occasion, and your stationery should reflect that. Hiring a designer may not cost as much as you think.

It is important to not disregard stationery - this detail is just as important as flowers, food, and everything else that goes along with your wedding, since it is the first thing your guests see and will physically have as a keepsake. 

01. Choose a realistic budget

You should determine how much of your budget will be allocated to wedding stationery in advance and try your best to stay within that range. Typically, stationery is at least 6% of your budget (example: if your wedding budget is $50k, you will spend at aorund $3,000 USD of this on your stationery (not including postage). Of course, this depends on how upscale your tastes are!

02. Decide what you absolutely need

I always suggest making a list of the items you cannot do without and should match such as:

• Save the Dates

• Wedding Invitations

• A way for your guests to RSVP (reply card w/ envelope or online using an enclosure card or vellum

• Envelope addressing (calligrapher or printed guest addressing)

• Thank You Cards

• Place Cards

• Postage

If your budget allows more, then start adding in the other items that may be important to you but not a necessity (custom map cards, upgrading to letterpress, etc.).

03. Budget Saving Options

We have tricks to make your stationery affordable!

• Use a website: Websites are such an easy way for your guests to get your details, and you can place this on your save the dates, and an enclosure card, hang tag, or vellum overlay with your invitations so your guests can view directions, accommodations, and other details. This will keep from purchasing too many insert cards, and save on postage.

• Opt for standard paper (straight edging) vs. the trendy handmade paper (it is very expensive!).

• Mix printing methods: While the colors won’t match exactly, using digital printing on one of our standard papers for enclosures, reply cards or tags can save several hundred dollars!

• Omit reply cards: Use your website to collect your replies vs. sending out reply cards. Remember, you also need to purchase postage for the reply envelopes as well (please note that websites and rsvp information should not go on the invitation).

• Rehearsal Dinner Invites: Use an enclosure card instead and mail with your invitation. This saves on envelopes, addressing, and postage.

• Order a minimum of 10-20 more than you need: The larger the number for printing, the less expensive they are so we recommend ordering at least 10-20 extra for lost or damaged mail, and for keepsakes. Ordering more at a later date is much more expensive, and stressful.

Hopefully these tips will assist you with your wedding stationery planning!