“Wedding Invitation Costs: 3 Things You Should Know”
Your wedding invitation is a vital part of your big day as it sets the tone and gives your guests a preview of what to expect.
With so many options available such as catalogue, online and of course custom invitations, the number one question is “How much should I expect to spend?” As a custom stationery designer, my goal is to create one of kind pieces that reflect my client’s style and vision. In addition, it is my duty as well to educate couples on the costs that are associated with their wedding invitations.
So to start you on your way, here are 3 things to consider when determining your wedding invitation costs.
1) Standard Invitations vs. Couture Invitations
Standard invitations consist of common designs such as flat, layered or pocket and on average may cost a total of 3%-5% of your overall wedding budget. Couture invitations primarily consist of high-end details such as letterpress printing, fine embellishments, acrylic/lucite and silk box sets. On average you can expect to spend a total of 7%-10% of your overall wedding budget. TIP: The best way to determine how much you are willing to spend per invitation set, is to simply divide “the quantity desired” by “your wedding invitation budget”.
Example: Wedding Invitation Budget: $900.00/ Quantity Desired: 100
$900.00/100 = $9.00 per invitation
2) Postage – Size, Shape and Weight Does Matter!
Just when you think you checked off your wedding invitation expense off of your budget, another expense awaits you — and that is postage! Unless you are planning on adding that personal touch by hand delivering your wedding invitations, you must take into account the mailing costs in addition to the purchasing of postage for the response cards as well.
Please keep this in mind, the cost of postage is determined by three factors that includes the size, weight and shape of your wedding invitation. Additionally, invitations do require special care, as such the post office does provide “hand- cancelling services” for a small fee. Hand-cancelling services basically means that your invitations are manually stamped by a clerk versus being fed through the mail meter – which I could attest has caused damages to a few of my client’s invitations.
3) Addressing Services
A very important wedding invitation add-on is addressing services. I find (and completely understand) why most couples rather not deal with the time-consuming task of addressing their own invitations. So, the next option would be is to either hire a calligrapher or order envelope printing services. On average envelope printing services can start at $2.00 per wedding invitation set. For calligraphy services, expect to spend on average $4.00 per wedding invitation set.
Now that you are informed as to how your wedding invitation costs should be allocated, go forth with confidence, and of course your unique style, and begin your wedding invitation plans. Also, be sure to download the ***FREE*** Wedding Invitation and Stationery Timeline because nothing beats a well-informed, organized and prepared bride and groom-to-be!
Photo Credits:
Invitation Photo – Courtesy of Lisa Ormsby Photography
2013 Wedding Postage – Courtesy of United States Postal Service
Calligraphy Envelope – Provided own photo
I could not agree more with this post. The invitation absolutely sets the tone. In planning our wedding “the paper” was hugely important. All aspects from the weight of the paper to the design and wording. For addressing, I used a hand calligrapher who mixed a gold color to address the outer and inner envelopes to match the text on the invitation. The invitation ensemble was gorgeous and received a ton compliments! Its a great way to kick off the celebration(s) to come….