Wedding Invitation Budget
Updated: Nov 18, 2018
Hand-lettering artist, Ginger of Chalk.Ink.Style, sharing her talents at a recent Snohomish Wedding Guild Membership meeting. Photo by Berryessa Photography.
It is the little items that you don't really think about that will quickly make the cost of your wedding add up. Wedding invitations and other paper products are one of those "little things." Many couple's ask me how much they should plan to spend on wedding invitations.
According to graphic designer Chelsea Moore, answering this question on Quora, "When I create custom invitations for couples at my job, I typically suggest estimating around $2–$3 per invitation set for a basic invitations or $4-$5 per set for specialty paper invitations." These are Chelsea's average prices for a custom designed invitation in her business.
An invitation set consists of the invitation inside, the envelope, an rsvp card, and a return envelope (don't forget that postage will be extra on top of that).
You can absolutely get invitations for less, and you may end up spending a little more. It is important to remember that your invitation is your guests' first look into the tone and feel of your wedding. If you are having an elegant, carefully hand made wedding, then hand lettered invitations like the one's pictured below may be exactly what you go for. If you are having a small, relaxed wedding with a lot of DIY, then wedding invitations that you make on your own with store-bought paper may be all you need.
Hand-lettered and designed invitations by Chalk.Ink.Style. Photo by Berryessa Photography.
Here are a few of your options when it comes to invitations:
Minted.com - Minted is an online invitation and stationary company that allows individual artists to create and market their designs. You can find a wide variety of customizable styles and prices, and often get a great new-customer discount. They have wedding websites that match invitations, as well.
Etsy - There are a vast array of artists and designers who sell their products through Esty. You can have a custom invitation set designed and made for you. Alternatively, your seller may have a custom template for you to download and print your invitations on your own.
Local Designers - Your area will have a great selection of graphic designers and artists who can create exactly the invitation you need to reflect the tone and feel of your wedding. In person consultations and design sessions with these designers are going to be your best bet to get exactly the custom invitation you are looking for.