Jun 17

Jun 17 What to Budget for Your Wedding Invitations

A big factor to some on their wedding stationery choices comes down to costs. Invitation pricing can vary widely, depending on a number of different factors. So, how do you budget for your wedding stationery needs?

Couples should set aside 4-6% of their overall budget for wedding invitations. That includes Save the Dates, the Invitation suite, and Postage. Factor in another 1-3% for Day-of Pieces that could include programs, signage, menus, escort cards, favor tags and more.

Here are some steps to help you budget for your wedding stationery:

Determine your overall wedding budget
Before you can budget for your wedding stationery, you need to have a general idea of your overall wedding budget. This will help you allocate funds to each aspect of your wedding, including the stationery.
Decide on the type of stationery you need
Make a list of all the stationery you'll need for your wedding, including save-the-date cards, invitations, RSVP cards, ceremony programs, menu cards, and thank-you cards. You’ll also want to consider the events surrounding your wedding, such as rehearsal dinners or engagement parties. This will help you get an idea of how much stationery you'll need to order.
Take a look at your guest list and consider your order QTY
The more invitations you’ll need, the higher your costs will be. Planning a small wedding of 50 compared to a 400+ guest wedding will make a huge difference in pricing and to your wedding budget. However, you will usually get a price break on production at higher quantities, for example, 50 invitations may cost $5 a set, versus $3 a set when you’re printing 300. You’ll also want to factor in a few extras – I always recommend ordering about 10 more invitations than you’ll need, in case of last-minute guest list additions, mailing errors, and a few for keepsakes.
Prioritize your stationery needs
Determine which stationery items are most important to you, and allocate more of your budget towards those items. For example, if you're more focused on the invitation being letterpresses or gold foiled compared to digital printing, your costs will start to increase.
Look for places to save
If you're on a tight budget, ask your stationer for areas to save some money. Consider sending a details card for your guests to RSVP on their website versus sending an rsvp card with an envelope, you’ll save on both printing costs and postage! Depending on your needs, there may be some creative ways to trim costs.
Leave room for unexpected expenses
It's always a good idea to leave some room in your stationery budget for unexpected expenses, such as extra postage or rush printing fees.
Consider your wedding style
When working with me, we will discuss your wedding style & setting on our initial phone consultation which will help with deciding on your stationery needs. For instance, a formal, black tie event may require an upgrade, like gold foil or letterpress printing, or double-thick stock to convey the tone for your guests when it arrives in the mail. An envelope liner can also add an upscale feel. A more casual event may require less formal paper accessories, and therefore less cost, than a black tie affair.

By following these steps, you can budget for your wedding stationery and ensure you have beautiful and personalized invitations and other stationery items!