Wedding Invitations / Stationery Costs
Average cost: $500 (2% of typical wedding budget)
Overview
Wedding stationery encompasses everything from save-the-date cards and formal invitations to day-of paper goods like programs, menus, place cards, and signage. The invitation suite sets the tone and theme for your wedding before guests even arrive. Costs vary based on printing method, paper quality, design complexity, and quantity.
Recommended booking timeline: 6-8 months before the wedding (send invites 6-8 weeks before)
Pricing Tiers
Budget
$100 - $300Digital invitations or simple printed cards
What's typically included:
- ✓Digital or template design
- ✓Standard card stock
- ✓Basic envelope
- ✓RSVP card or online RSVP
- ✓Serves 50-100 guests
Mid-Range
$300 - $800Custom-designed printed invitation suite
What's typically included:
- ✓Custom design
- ✓Premium card stock
- ✓Lined envelopes
- ✓Full invitation suite
- ✓Save-the-date cards
- ✓RSVP cards with envelopes
Premium
$800 - $2,000Letterpress or foil-stamped invitations
What's typically included:
- ✓Letterpress or foil printing
- ✓Cotton or handmade paper
- ✓Custom calligraphy
- ✓Wax seals
- ✓Day-of paper goods
- ✓Vellum wraps or ribbon
Luxury
$2,000+Fully bespoke invitation suites with luxury finishing
What's typically included:
- ✓Custom illustration
- ✓Hand-painted elements
- ✓Acrylic or wood invitations
- ✓Boxed invitation sets
- ✓Full day-of suite
- ✓Custom monogram design
Tips to Save Money
- $Use digital save-the-dates and invitations (Paperless Post, Zola)
- $Order from online printing companies like Vistaprint or Minted
- $Skip the inner envelope and extra tissue paper inserts
- $Use a wedding website for RSVPs instead of reply cards
- $Print programs and menus in-house on quality card stock
- $Order a slightly larger quantity to get volume discounts
Questions to Ask
- ?What is the timeline from design to delivery?
- ?Can I see paper and ink samples?
- ?What is included in the per-unit price?
- ?Do you offer addressing services?
- ?What is the policy for reprints if there are errors?
- ?Can you match the design to day-of stationery?
Red Flags to Watch For
- !No physical samples or proofs before printing
- !Unrealistic delivery timelines
- !Poor print quality in portfolio samples
- !No revision process included
- !Hidden fees for common elements like return addresses