The Bridal Association of America notes that the average couple spends $659 on invitations and reply cards.  Our clients tend to fall right in line with that mark.  The client with 100 thermographed one layer invitation, response card set and return address printing walks out for $475 while the client purchasing 100 pocket invitations with an additional enclosure, custom seals and additional layers is more likely to spend $800 or more.

Do-it-yourseflt kits can be a great way to save on invitations.  Make sure you have a way to print them.  Many of the national chain printers will not print on papers that you provide.  If you find someone that will do it, make sure you provide 20% extra paper for printer jams or errors.  You can always take back the box you never had to use; but it can be difficult to find additional boxes of invitations purchased on sale.

When you are planning for your wedding invitation and stationery budget, here are some additional items to factor in:

Compare prices on line before you purchase to give you a good indicator of what to expect as you walk into a studio or storefront.  Don't be afraid to tell the person you are working with what your budget is ~ they should be able to direct you to selections that fit your budget or how to simplify a more elaborate design to work for you.  It can be frustrating to sift through hundreds of designs and options only to find out that they are 2x as much as you are looking to spend.  If you find something over the top that you love ~ ask how you can do it for less.

Working with independent designers or home-based studios will help you save on cost.  We aren't paying the overhead that comes along with a retail storefront or large staff and we pass those savings onto you.  Just make sure you check reviews or get recommendations.

Final Thoughts:


We hear many brides say they don't want to break the bank on invitations because they are "just going to be thrown away".  We agree....ultimately that is where they will probably end up.

However, before they make their way to the garbage, the will let your guests know what type of event you are hosting.  Casual, formal, rustic, traditional, beach, simple or modern.  They can bring attention to the hours that you have spent on the details of your day.  They can tie together your colors, venue and personal taste as the first major introduction for the event and start a theme you will carry throughout the day.