While it always breaks my heart a little to hear this, I understand that wedding invitations are often a line in the budget where cuts are made. Regardless of your budget, your save the dates and invitations are the first glimpse into what your guests can expect from your wedding, so you’ll want to present yourself in the best way possible. Here are some tips that I share with my clients to save some money without compromising the quality of your final product.
1. Do your research
I can’t tell you how many times I have come across expensive, poorly designed invitations. A professionally designed invitation will not necessarily cost you more. Putting in a little bit of time to really research what is available to you, can make a world of difference. There are a variety of good outlets for you to comparison shop at— whether you work with a designer, order online or from a stationery shop. Even if you are a Do-It-Yourself-er, there are companies who offer quality designed, printable invitations that you can then embellish on your own. Your invitation may be created using the highest quality paper, with layers, pockets and jewels— but one poor design choice like having your names written in the font “Curlz MT”, can tarnish the look of the invitation and your guests expectations of what is to come.
2. Limit your layering
While layering or “matting” your invitations add an extra special touch, fine papers that are used for wedding invitations can be much pricier than your average printer or even photo paper. In addition to the cost of the actual paper, there are often charges associated with cutting the paper to the size you need and adhering it to the layer above or below it. You can still achieve a rich look by choosing a heavy paper stock or paper with a unique finish like linen or shimmer.
3. Flat print
Choosing to “flat” or laser print, rather than using methods like thermography (raised printing) or letterpress (engraved printing) will save you a considerable amount of money. Another benefit to flat printing is that you are not limited by color choices and are able to print in smaller quantities.
4. Combine your cards
Try to keep your information as concise as possible. Eliminate the need for a reception card by including your reception information directly on your main invitation. Your guests will be happy to have less to keep track of! Consider combining additional details like hotel accommodations and directions on to one enclosure. Printing double sided will cost a bit more, but not as much as an entirely separate card.
5. Take advantage of technology
Most couples today create websites that are dedicated to keeping their guests up to date on all of their wedding details. If you know that most of your guests are tech-savvy, consider setting up an area on your site where your guests can reply online as an alternative to traditional reply cards. This will not only save you money on reply envelope postage, but it will be easier for you to keep track of who is coming and what their meal choices are (if applicable).
6. Keep your postage costs down
There are many factors that can drive up the cost of postage for your invitations including weight, dimensions, and materials used. I highly recommend working with a company that offers a physical proof of your invitation before ordering. The best way to avoid postal sticker shock is to bring your invitation to the post office and have it weighed, measured (and for more elaborate invitations, analyzed) to see if it will require additional postage, before you place your final order. Keep your costs down from the get-go by mentioning your postal budget to your invitation supplier and opt for a flat, rectangular invitation card with minimal enclosures.
7. Proof and then proof again
It is so exciting to see the first drafts of your invitation. There’s something about seeing your names and wedding date written out that suddenly makes it all begin to be real. Try not to let this excitement and anxiousness distract you from the very important task of proofreading. Read it, read it again, and then give somebody else (or two somebodies) to do the same. Reprinting due to a text error is not only costly, but a waste of paper and will delay you in getting your invitations out to your guests.
8. Order extras
While it might seem like you are spending more money on something you may not need, think of ordering an extra 10-15 invitations as insurance. Last minute guest additions are very common for weddings, so it’s better to have a few extra handy and ready to send out, if they are needed. If you are stuffing your envelopes yourself, it also doesn’t hurt to have some backups on hand in case any of them get bent, or my biggest fear— spilled on (keep food and drink AWAY from your assembly table!). Some vendors only offer orders in larger quantities, so you don’t want to get stuck ordering an extra 50 when you only need five. Worst comes to worst, if you end up with extras, you can hand them out to your close family and bridal party as keepsakes.
9. Buy more, save more
Many invitation vendors offer discounts if you are order a package that includes multiple wedding stationery pieces like save the dates, invitations, menu cards, etc. Others may offer you a discount on future orders after your order has been placed, so make sure to research any promotions, as you may want to order your invitations and then wait to apply your coupon to your wedding day stationery like programs and escort cards in a second order.
10. Take a DIY approach
Do-It-Yourself has become a very popular avenue for brides on a budget and can be a great solution for invitations, with the right approach. Going back to tip number one, it is very important to think of your invitations as a representation of yourself and your wedding. The best DIY invitations are the ones that look professionally made and are a result of some smart decision making. Consider a semi-homemade approach by buying your design from a printable invitation source and having it printed at your local print shop. Another suggestion is to purchase simply designed invitations and then embellish them with your own matting or ribbons. Keep in mind that many stationers have professional relationships with resources like printers and paper suppliers and may be able to get these materials at a lower cost than you will. Make sure to add up all of your expected expenses before plunging into a DIY project, as they can sometimes add up to be more than ordering from a professional.
Still have questions or maybe some other cost-cutting suggestions? Please leave them in the comments section below.