How to Save Money on Your Wedding Invitations

So you’re engaged and planning your wedding, congratulations! You may be overwhelmed with the price tag associated with your big day, but invitations, thank you cards, and other stationary is definitely an area where you can save money. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind before you place your order.

1. Make sure the plans for the date, time, location, etc. are already set for the big day. This may seem funny but there’s no reason to order your stationary until you know for sure all the important details! Sure you can browse and get ideas, but because this purchase cannot be returned, be patient until you’re ready to place your order.

2. Review your budget for this area of the wedding. Certain paper, ink types, and even shipping can widely vary so it’s extremely helpful to know how much you have earmarked for this purchase. Keep in mind you’ll also need to know roughly how many guests you’ll be inviting. This would also be a good point to find out from family and friends if anyone has a connection to help you save money in this area.

3. Start reviewing different vendors and their products for what suits you, and the event. A simple, plain card stock with black ink may be perfect for the two of you, or maybe a black linen card with hot pink ink and a lime green envelope may be exactly what your wedding day will be about! Have fun trying different options together to see what works and what fits your budget. Also consider if you need to purchase the “optional” items such as an inner envelope, directions, or envelope seals.

4. Most couples order their invitations and thank you cards through websites, and there are certainly plenty to choose from! The great advantages here include being able to “see” the sample on the computer screen before you place your order and usually a great price, especially if you are ordering multiple items. Shop around and get quotes just as with any other vendor. Alternately, you can go to a “stationary boutique” and work with a professional designer for your printing needs. Ask to see samples, templates, discounts, ordering other items such as menus or name cards, etc. The advantage here is you can get references from past clients as well as have a person you are working with directly for your purchase, instead of a website.

5. Finally, review, double check and have another set of eyes or two check all of your information before you place that final order. It’s so easy to miss a comma or misspell a location name or have a typo in the date and time. And once it’s ordered, it’s too late to change it. Be sure you order a few extra invitations and thank you cards in case you have last minute changes to the guest list. The cost will definitely add up quickly if you have to reorder your invitations or order extra after the initial printing.

Keep in mind that if the budget or even time constraints don’t allow for a “traditional” purchase, you can always design and print your own invitations on your home printer. All that matters is that you get the word out to your guests.