Wedding plans are underway: you’ve chosen a theme, chosen a wedding date, decided on a guest list, and found a stunning venue. Now you are ready to share your excitement with your loved ones through wedding invitations. is not easy. you want the work you put into these invitations to earn them a place in a scrapbook. you’d hate to have them just tossed in a desk drawer and never seen again. So what should you expect to spend on these ideal invitations?
jump to:
- how much do wedding invitations cost?
- wedding invitation costs to consider
- tips for affordable wedding invitations
- cost of save-the-dates and rsvp cards
how much do wedding invitations cost?
The average cost of wedding invitations is between $400 and $650 for most couples. this price can change drastically based on a number of different factors. the number of guests, the theme or design of the wedding, and the supply of materials are the most important things that add up to give you your final price. We’ll break down the costs below so you can figure out exactly what your dream wedding invitations will look like.
wedding invitation costs to consider
From minimal wedding cardstock to a photo-filled tri-fold, your wedding invitations should be as unique as you are. Factors like paper type, design elements, envelopes, and additional invitations decide exactly how your cards will look and feel. Here’s how to make sense of it all:
types of paper
Most people don’t realize how many varieties of paper there are for wedding invitations. From colorful invitations for your spring wedding to a classic crystal overlay, we’ve got you covered.
- cotton fiber: with this paper comes the possibility of customizing it with typography. for that reason, cotton fiber is expensive at $29 per 100 sheets.
- felt cardstock: this is a thicker style of paper and costs slightly more than standard card stock at $22 per 100 sheets.
- matte: This option is affordable and looks clean and crisp. is a common paper standard for online brands.
- Glossy: Similar in type to matte but with more gloss. Glossy paper is also a common option because of its affordable price.
- Vellum: This standard is the most affordable option at $15 and can be easily overlaid with vellum.
- Vellum: This paper The transparent through material is ideal for layering and is typically priced at $17 per 100 sheets.
- Glass: This is an option very similar to vellum in both appearance and price, but with a slightly more waxy.</li
- handmade paper: it’s green and trendy, and at $20 for 100 sheets, it won’t break the bank.
- recycled paper: this is a very similar option to paper handmade. its popularity stems from the use of recycled materials and plants.
- Linen: This paper is an affordable option for couples who don’t want to sacrifice quality for cost. it is normally priced at $17 for 100 sheets.
design elements
This is what makes your cards feel like you. these design elements will tell your guests whether your wedding will be simple and elegant or a party for decades.
- Photography: Do you have a favorite engagement photo that you can’t wait to share with your guests? Thanks to digital technology, printing photos on wedding invitations is now affordable. It’s also a great way to show off the happy couple!
- Engraved design: Engraving designs or letters on your invitations will increase your overall price. That said, it’s a great choice for couples on a budget or anyone who wants to make their invitations stand out.
- Foil Foil Stamping – Foil stamping lets your invitations shine just the way you want them to. they must. foil stamps come in many different colors and add definition to your cards. even better, they usually only add a minimal amount of cost.
- typeface: Using a typeface will increase the cost of your overall design choices, but it’s a beautiful way to give your invitations a classic look.
- glitter: adding glitter to your invitations makes them sparkle. glitter will usually add about 10 percent to the total cost of your card.
- calligraphy: Some couples hire a calligrapher to design the letters on their invitations. this often comes in the form of an overall package with a much higher price tag. some packages run in the thousands. Hiring a calligrapher to add a custom element to your cards will typically add $100-$300 to your budget.
- Color – Color is a fun way to add flair to your wedding invitations. You can also showcase key parts of your theme to your guests early on. Depending on the palette you use, colors can be free or add hundreds to your total cost.
envelope price
Good news for couples who buy their cards online: Most companies include the cost of the envelopes in the price of the card stock. some even give you the option to customize the envelope. Additional services, like free address printing, will even help you manage the workload of addressing and mailing your letters.
If you choose to buy packs separately, expect to spend around $15-$30 for every 100 packs. And be sure to double check the size of your cards before ordering!
additions
Have you always imagined your wedding invitations tied with a delicate bow? Love the look of a wax seal, custom stamp, belly band, or inner envelope? These smaller costs are additions that can set your invitations apart from the rest. these materials generally cost no more than $0.20 more per card at the post office in additional fees.
Also consider additions like RSVP cards, directions, itineraries, and reception information that you may want your guests to have. They may not seem like large items, but the more your envelope weighs, the more postage it will cost.
full cost of wedding invitation packages
A great way to make your invitations feel cohesive is to purchase a wedding invitation package. By using the same vendor, materials, and theme from the beginning, you’ll reduce time and stress. Even better, your save the dates, invitations, and stationery will all look beautiful combined.
wedding packages are highly customizable and prices may vary. while a simple and elegant package can cost as little as $350, more detailed cards can cost as much as $10,000.
shipping costs
The average cost of postage for a wedding is about $0.49 per envelope less than one ounce. That means for every 100 cards you send, you’ll spend about $50. and that’s just domestic postage. expect to spend more if you send envelopes abroad or if your invitations weigh more than an ounce.
tips for affordable wedding invitations
Take advantage of free wedding invitation samples
Ordering wedding invitation samples early in the process can help you decide which materials and look you value most. these are a free and fun way to get excited about your planning. Once you decide which materials you like best, you’ll have a better idea of what your invitations will cost.
where to buy wedding invitations
- stationary stores: traditional stationary stores have been around much longer than the internet, and experience shows it. stationery stores often produce much more personalized cards with different materials. but with that hands-on dedication, expect to pay a much higher price than online retailers.
- online brands: online retailers are becoming an increasingly common choice for couples planning their weddings . Thanks to the rise of technology, choosing one of these top brands can streamline the invitation process. This keeps costs down and still gives you the customization you crave.
- Custom-made: Online artists are just another resource available through the internet. These artists offer extensive customization, but at a higher price than more convenient online brands.
- DIY: Whether you’re into crafting or trying to save a little money for your wedding budget, diy allows full control of your invitations. however, it is by far the least effective over time. DIY is often avoided by couples who want their wedding planning to be as stress-free as possible. To find out if you have enough time for this option, check out our resource on how long it takes to plan a wedding.
Cost of Save-the-Dates and RSVP Cards
- save-the-dates: With the excitement of engagement at an all-time high, many couples celebrate by sending loved ones save-the-dates. save dates typically have more photos than invitations and are less formal. for that reason, these cards typically cost a little over $100 for every 100 cards. however, the costs of engagement photography should also be considered. save-the-date cards often end up on friends and family’s refrigerators, so make sure yours looks perfect!
- RSV cards: RSVP cards often are added to the wedding invitation envelopes. they cost on average between $50 and $200 for 100 template cards. while some couples have switched to an online rsvp option, using them can help add flair to your invitations.
don’t let wedding invitation costs get you down
We made this guide to help you understand the cost of wedding invitations, but we know it can be overwhelming. As a final tip, consider managing your wedding invitation budget with a planning tool. That way, you can focus on the fun stuff, like printing your favorite engagement photo on beautiful card stock.