Want gorgeous invites that won’t break the budget? Below you will find some tips to help you get the most bang for your buck!!
1. Forgo upgrades: Envelope liners, custom ink colors, and hand painted details… these items REALLY add up!
2. Take advantage of technology: Offset and digital printing run less than half the cost of labor-intensive techniques like letterpress and engraving.
3. Pick the right paper: Imported, handmade, and cotton rag options tend to be more expensive. Cut your cost by asking your stationer to use partially recycled domestic paper for your invitations.
4. Order extras: Spend now, save later. If you end up needing to print additional invites at the last minute, your stationer may charge you BIG bucks in rush fees.
5. Use your URL: Enclosing a map can be expensive! Print a line at the bottom of your invitation that sends guests to your wedding website for directions. (Don’t have a wedding website, read this post.) They will even be able to access the directions from their smartphone.
6. Double Up: Put your ceremony and reception information on one card instead of two.
7. Enlist the Mouse: Instead of enclosing a stamped response (RSVP) card, ask your guests to RSVP online by including a link to your wedding website on the invitation. No more stamp licking for you!
8. Start Writing: Don’t want to shell out $3 plus per envelope for calligraphy? Write guests’ addresses yourself or print onto the envelope. Also, buy a calligraphy stamp for return addresses and RSVP envelopes.
9. Beware the Square: Surprise square envelopes cost more to mail than rectangle ones. (They don’t fit through the postal machines and have to be hand-stamped). Avoid getting dinged with an odd size surcharge by choosing an invite with standard dimensions.
10. PRINT IT YOURSELF: Order blank invites and then save a bundle by printing them at home. For best results, use a laser printer and be sure to test print an invite to ensure it’s the look you are going for before running all 200 copies!!
