How much does it cost to print wedding invitations?

The average cost of wedding invitations is $5-$8 per guest, which equates to $500-$800 for a wedding stationery suite for 100 guests.

A wedding invitation helps set the stage for your big day. It’s guests’ first glimpse at whether you’re having a casual backyard BBQ, semiformal garden party, or black-tie affair in a hotel ballroom. It indicates the where and when and previews the look and feel of your wedding day — and a small style detail that can pack a big punch. 

Before you start planning to send elaborate handcrafted invitations specially delivered by white doves, let’s first take a look at how much wedding invitations cost. Understanding the factors that can impact your final price and considering some ways to save will help you keep your wedding budget in check.

Average Cost of Wedding Invitations

For a wedding with 100 guests, you can expect to spend an average of $500-$800 on your entire wedding stationery suite (before postage). That works out to a spend of $5-$8 per guest for invitations. These costs can fluctuate drastically depending on your preferred design, the materials it requires, and any add-ons you choose.

Wedding stationery suiteAverage cost for 100 guestsAverage cost per guestBudget$250-$500$2.50-$5.00Traditional$500-$800$5.00-$8.00Luxury$800-$4,000+$8.00-$40.00

As the chart above reveals, your wedding invitations budget should align with your overall wedding budget. If your goal is for an over-the-top wedding extravaganza, then a luxury wedding stationery suite may be the perfect thing. Or, if you prefer keeping things down-to-earth, there are many ways to keep the invites on budget.

What’s included in a wedding stationery suite?

A wedding stationery suite is a coordinated set of paper goods and printed materials designed to create a consistent theme and style across your wedding. Couples often choose a consistent color palette, typography, and design elements to tie the entire stationery set together.

The suite typically includes essential information and instructions that your guests need to know during the wedding planning process, as well as on the actual wedding day. Common items featured in a wedding stationery suite include:

• Save-the-date cards: Sent out well in advance, these cards inform guests about the wedding date and location, allowing them to mark their calendars.
• Wedding invitations: The central piece of the suite, wedding invitations provide detailed information about the wedding ceremony and reception. 
• Response cards: These RSVP cards accompany the invitations and allow guests to respond with their attendance status, dietary preferences, or other requested information.
• Enclosure cards: Additional cards that provide details about accommodation, transportation, dress code, or other relevant information for guests.

Some couples want to carry the design theme of their invitations through to the wedding day itself and beyond. To do so, optional add-on items include:

• Programs: Distributed at the ceremony, programs outline the order of events and introduce the wedding party.
• Menu cards: Placed at each table during the reception, menu cards detail the food and beverage options for the guests.
• Place Cards and table number signs: Used to designate seating arrangements at the reception, these cards help guide guests to their assigned tables.
• Thank you cards: Sent after the wedding, these cards express gratitude to guests for their attendance and any gifts received.

Tip: Order a sample of your finished design before you place your full order so you can see and feel the invitation.

Cost Factors to Consider

Knowing the potential cost factors influencing the total cost of your wedding stationery is critical to ensure that your dream invitations align seamlessly with your budget. Here’s a quick breakdown of key considerations:

Quantity

The number of invitations needed plays a significant role in determining the overall cost. Ordering in bulk often brings per-unit costs down, making it a cost-effective choice for larger guest lists.

Paper Materials

The type and quality of paper can add both charm and expense to your invitations. From standard cotton fiber paper to premium materials, your choice of paper contributes to the overall aesthetic and cost of your stationery.

Printing

The printing method chosen for your invitations can influence cost. Whether you opt for digital printing, letterpress, or another technique, each one carries its own price tag and contributes to the unique look of your invitations. We’ll explore these more below.

Design elements

Intricate design elements, such as calligraphy, embossing, or die-cutting, can elevate the visual aesthetics of your invitations but may also increase costs. These extra embellishments may also increase the production timeline, which could lead to a need for rush shipping to stay on schedule.

Postage

The often-overlooked aspect of postage is a crucial factor to consider for your wedding invites. Heavier, bulkier, or odd-shaped invitations may incur higher postage costs, impacting your overall budget.

Envelopes

Depending on the vendor you’re working with, matching envelopes may not be included in your stationery suite. Since they help create cohesion across your stationery, be sure to confirm if you’ll need to set aside some of your budget to include them.

Extra stationery to match

Additional stationery, like thank you cards, ceremony programs, or menu cards, can contribute to the overall cohesive visual look of your suite. But they also add to the final tally.

Popular Paper Options

Since paper is the base material for all stationery, the quality of the paper you choose for your wedding invitations is worthy of careful consideration. Take a look at these six options.

Matte paper

Standard matte is one of the most common paper types used for digital printing wedding invitation companies. The paper is coated to create a non-reflective, flat surface. It’s popular for printing DIY invitations at home, too — and the most cost-effective option.

Glossy paper

Glossy paper is the exact opposite of matte paper in that it has a slightly shiny reflective surface. The paper’s sheen helps create a sharp contrast of colors, making this another popular paper option for both wedding invitation companies and at-home printers. 

Cotton fiber

This paper has a soft, cotton-like texture and absorbs color well. It’s usually couples’ preferred type of paper for specialty printing, such as letterpress, engraving, and thermography, but it often costs more than other types of paper.

Parchment

For an antique or old-fashioned look, parchment paper is an ideal choice. It’s highly textured but can still be easily rolled into a scroll if that suits your wedding style.

Vellum

This is a smooth paper you can see through. Vellum can be used as the actual invite itself or as a design element such as an invitation overlay. It’s also useful as a belly band on the invitation, which holds all the stationery together when removed from the envelope.

Recycled paper

The name basically says it all. Recycled paper is made from various recycled materials and plants. It’s a wonderful option for a couple planning an eco-friendly wedding.

Common Printing Methods

Selecting the right printing method sets the tone for the visceral experience your guests will have when they receive your wedding invitation. Here’s a brief guide to some common printing methods you may want to explore.

Digital

This is the most affordable type of printing method and usually the default for most online wedding invitation companies. Letters look flat and don’t require specialty paper for printing. However, upgrading the ink or paperweight may be a good idea for a more luxurious feel and richness of color.

Engraving

Engraving is a classic enhancement for wedding invitations. It’s the process of pressing the paper between an ink plate and an engraved metal plate to push the text upward. The letters look engraved, but are actually raised. It’s a high-end look that’s quite costly.

Thermography

If you want the formal, engraved look with a lower price tag, thermography may be the way to go. This process uses heat with special ink and powder that creates the raised effect at a budget-friendly price.

Letterpress

Another classic printing process, letterpress similar to engraving yet opposite as the lettering is indented on the front of the invite, not raised. Like engraving, letterpress is a time-consuming and expensive option but well worth the cost for a formal wedding.

Foil stamping

Metallic colors are always popular at weddings, so foil stamping is a sophisticated way to incorporate a metallic look into your invitations. The foil is pressed onto the paper, adding shine and dimension.

How to Save with DIY Wedding Invitations

If you have a small guest list and a small wedding budget, you can spend more per printed item because your total price tag ends up being affordable. But if you have a large guest list and a small wedding budget, affordability might become a challenge. 

Why not tap into your creative side with DIY unique wedding invitations? It’s a fun, creative outlet and another way to put your personal spin on your wedding day. Here are four popular options:

1. Print at home

Craft stores like Michaels sell paper wedding invitation kits with 30-50 invitations, envelopes, and response cards for $19.99-$44.99. The paperweight is usually 80-lb cover stock, much thicker than the standard 20-lb weight multipurpose paper.

Michaels, some Etsy sellers, and freelance designers also offer downloadable templates you can customize and print at home. If you have questions about which paper to use, print a sample and take it with you to Michaels, Paper Source, or any local craft or paper store.

2. Your local print shop

If you design your own invitation or buy a downloadable design, you can use a print shop such as FedEx Office to save on ink costs and ensure a smudge-free appearance. You can have the company print and cut the invites or save money by doing the cutting yourself.

But be sure to explore pricing options first because this is not always cheaper than using a wedding invitation retailer that has a big online sale or offers a bulk discount.

3. Cricut machine

This is an option for artists, crafters, and people with patience. The Cricut Maker is a cutting machine that allows you to create invitations, signs, and decor for your wedding — and beyond.

While it’ll set you back $179-$429, plus supplies, it’s a crafter’s dream machine and worth the investment if you love DIY projects for home, holidays, and special events.

4. Go digital

Whether it’s to help the planet by saving paper or simply to help their budget, some couples opt to skip the printed versions and go with digital invites only. Joy offers a wide variety of free online wedding invitation templates that are stylish and easy to use. Since no postage is involved, you can’t beat the $0 price tag.

Now that you know how much wedding invitations cost on average, striking the right balance between style and budget is the goal. Be sure to explore various vendors, and don’t hesitate to take advantage of those offering free samples — it’s like a sneak peek into your wedding guest’s experience.

Wedding Invitations Cost FAQ

When should I send my wedding invitations?

Aim to send them out 6 to 8 weeks before the big day. This gives guests plenty of time to RSVP and make the necessary arrangements. If you’re planning a destination wedding or have many out-of-town guests, consider sending save-the-date cards even earlier, around 4 to 6 months in advance, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to mark their calendars.

Can I ask guests to RSVP online?

Yes, many couples embracing online RSVPs as an efficient and easy way to track attendance. You can include an RSVP link on your wedding website or in your invitation, making it simple for guests to respond with just a few clicks. This saves on paper and postage costs and streamlines the RSVP process.

What size invitation and envelope will cost the least to mail?

Opt for standard sizes such as 5×7 inches for invitations and A7 envelopes. Doing so often proves to be the most cost-effective mailing option. These sizes typically meet postal regulations, making it easier to stay within budget when it comes to postage fees.

Can I safely mail an envelope sealed with wax?

Your best bet for securely mailing an envelope sealed with wax is to place it inside a larger, protective envelope or use padded mailers. The extra layer of padding helps safeguard the wax seal during the mailing process, ensuring that your invitations arrive looking exactly the way you want. 

Up Next:

Wedding Invitations with Online RSVP

Whether you send traditional paper invitations or go paperless, you can easily collect RSVPs online.

Written by

Tamatha Hazen

January 31, 2024

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Average cost of wedding invitations

Wedding invitations cost $5 to $8 per guest, depending on the paper choice, printing method, and design elements included. Wedding stationery prices are $500 to $800 for a complete set of printed wedding materials for 100 guests. Stationery suites typically include a save-the-date, invitation, reception card, and RSVP card.

Average cost of wedding invitations Stationery Average wedding stationery suite cost (100 guests) Budget $250 – $500 Classic $500 – $800 Luxury $800 – $4,000+

Range of wedding invitation styles colors and designs

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Wedding stationery suite prices

A wedding stationery suite costs $500 to $800 on average, for a set of coordinated paper goods and printed materials for a 100-guest wedding. You can spend as little as $250 on a budget set and as much as $4,000+ for luxury suites. The suite typically has these standard components:

• Save-the-dates – To announce the wedding date in advance.

• Invitations – Formal invites to the wedding ceremony.

• Response cards – For guests to RSVP their attendance.

• Reception cards – To provide details about the reception.

More complete stationery suites can also include:

• Wedding programs – To outline the ceremony schedule.

• Menu cards – To display the menu options for the reception.

• Place cards – To assign seats at the reception.

• Thank-you cards – Sent after the wedding to express gratitude for the wedding gift.

Not all stationery suites include matching envelopes for the invitations and RSVP cards. Don’t forget to add matching envelopes to your order for a cohesive and elegant presentation.

Modern wedding invitation in envelope with calligraphy seal

Wedding invitation cost by printing method

The biggest factor affecting the cost of wedding invitations is the printing method. Digital printed invitations are the most cost-effective, while other printing methods like thermography or letterpress are more labor-intensive and cost more.

Wedding invitation cost by printing method - chartWedding invitation cost by printing method Printing method Average cost per stationery suite (100 guests) Digital printing $500 – $800 Offset and thermography printing $800 – $1,800 Letterpress $1,500 – $3,000 Engraving $2,000 – $4,000

Digital printing

Digital printing costs $500 to $800 per 100 guests on average and is the most common and affordable method for printing a digital file onto paper. This method produces a flat, smooth finish. Digital printing allows for a wide range of colors and intricate designs without significantly impacting the cost.

Offset printing and thermography

Offset (flat) printing costs $800 to $1,800 per 100 guests and resembles digital printing but uses mixed inks transferred through a press for higher quality and precise color. Thermography is similar to offset printing, except that a powdered resin is added to the ink for a raised texture on paper.

Letterpress

Letterpress costs $1,500 to $3,000 per 100 guests and is a more complex process that involves inking a raised design plate and pressing it onto paper, crafting elegant and indented lettering. This artisan process lends a luxurious feel, making it perfect for traditional and sophisticated wedding styles.

Engraving

Engraved printing costs $2,000 to $4,000 per 100 guests and involves etching a design onto a metal plate. The plate is inked, wiped, and pressed onto paper, producing a delicately raised surface with inked letters. This method is well suited to metallic or foil accents and has a distinctive, high-end look and feel.

Wedding invitation with foil ribbon pearl bow and laser cut paper

Wedding stationery prices by paper type

Couples typically spend about 4% to 6% of their wedding budget on the stationery suite. Wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding and give guests a glimpse of what to expect, and the paper you choose helps set the level of formality, style, and overall aesthetic.

Wedding stationery prices by paper type Paper type Average cost per 100 sheets Description Cotton fiber $20 – $40 A classic choice for wedding invitations, the softness suits letterpress, embossing, or engraving. Felt cardstock $15 – $40 Thicker and velvety soft, felt cardstock is pricier than standard paper due to its weight and texture. Matte $10 – $25 A common paper for many online brands, this choice is clean, crisp, and sturdy. Glossy $15 – $35 Reflective with an elegant sheen, glossy paper enhances vibrant colors, making it great for photographs. Parchment $20 – $50 Cloudy and translucent, parchment paper has an antique look with sepia tones and faded edges that layers well with vellum. Vellum $15 – $35 A translucent paper with a frosted finish, vellum is great for layering. Glassine $10 – $25 Similar to vellum but with a waxier look, glassine is ideal for overlays or envelope liners. Handmade paper $30 – $60 This newer trend is crafted from plant fibers like hemp or cotton with a textured and imperfect look. Recycled paper $10 – $30 Environmentally conscious paper made from reused materials makes this a green choice. Linen $15 – $25 This paper offers a textured finish resembling linen fabric and is an affordable option for couples who don’t want to sacrifice quality for cost.

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Handmade wedding invitations made of vintage paper with buttons ribbons and flower add ons

Wedding invitation design elements

Along with the printing methods, couples also add a touch of luxury and elegance to their wedding invitations by including additional design features like hand calligraphy, foil stamping, or custom monograms.

• Hand calligraphy – Some couples hire a professional calligrapher to hand write the invitations or address the envelopes. These specialty artists can charge as much as $2 to $5 per piece.

• Foil stamping – This popular embellishment includes accenting with a metallic finish in copper, gold, silver, or rose gold. Adding a gold foil accent costs about $400 per 100 invitations, while full foil lettering costs much more.

• Embossing or debossing – This 3-D affect costs $300 to $400 per 100 invitations to have a monogram, small accent, or text pressed on the paper for a raised or recessed image.

• Wax seals – For a vintage or regal touch, melted wax is stamped with a custom seal or design on the invitation or used to secure the envelope at a cost of $200 to $300 per 100 invitations.

• Die cutting – Die-cutting cuts out specific shapes from the paper to create windows, pockets, or unique cut-out designs.

• Ribbon or bow – Adding a ribbon or silk bow provides a decorative and romantic element to the invitation suite in color choices to match the wedding colors.

• Custom monograms – Couples can create a personalized monogram combining their initials or symbols, for a more personal touch on the invitation or envelope.

• Deckle edge paper – The soft, torn edges of deckled paper offer a rustic handmade feel to your invitations.

Linen handmade wedding invitations with bride and groom add ons and white ribbon

Wedding invitation cost factors

When choosing your wedding invitations, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and lose control of the budget. Keep in mind the factors that influence the overall expense, such as paper choice, printing method, and design elements. It's also important to budget for these additional elements:

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• Postage – When you are calculating your postage costs, remember that you will need 3 stamps per invite if you are sending a save-the-date card, a wedding invitation, and a prepaid postage RSVP return envelope. Postage rates are currently $0.66 for each standard rectangular envelope and $1.06 for a square or oversized envelope.

• Envelopes – Matching mailing envelopes and inner envelopes may cost extra, depending on where you order your invitations and the package you choose.

• Additional inserts – Every insert adds to the cost of the invitation suite and potentially increases your postage costs. Common inserts include directions, wedding website cards, pre-and-post-wedding events cards, dress code cards, accommodations cards, and gift registry cards.

• Day-of items – Selecting matching wedding programs, menu cards, place cards, table numbers, wedding signs, and thank you cards increases your printing costs but creates a cohesive theme.

• Two-color printing – Invitations with two-color printing increase costs by about 20%.

Lace edged top insert wedding invitation envelope with lavender bow and ribbon

Wedding invitation FAQs

When do you send wedding invitations?

Wedding invitations should be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding date. For destination weddings requiring significant travel plans, send out invitations at least 3 months in advance. If you've sent save-the-date cards, your guests already have the basic details, and the invitation provides more specific information.

How do you address wedding invitations?

To address your wedding invitations, start with the outer envelope, using the recipients' full names, titles, and any appropriate prefixes.

• For married couples that share a last name, use "Mr. and Mrs. Last Name." If they have different last names, list the person you are closest to first and include both full names.

• For unmarried couples, list their names alphabetically on separate rows.

• Include the complete address, spelling out all words and avoiding abbreviations.

Next, address the inner envelope more intimately. Use titles and last names, or titles and first names for close relationships. Include children's names below their parents' names, if invited.

What do you include in the wedding invitations?

Wedding invitations typically include the following essential information:

• The names of the bride and groom prominently displayed

• The date and time of the ceremony

• The full address and name of the ceremony venue

• The reception full address and name (if different)

• A pre-addressed, stamped envelope for guests to send their RSVPs

Optional elements include:

• Suggested attire for the wedding guests

• The URL of your wedding website if you have one

• Accommodation information if you have arranged hotel blocks or have suggestions for guests.

• Gift registry details

• Transportation and parking information if special arrangements are required

Wedding scroll invitation with butterfly add on with high end paper

How to save on wedding invitations

To save on wedding invitations, stick with affordable materials and printing methods. Instead of costly letterpress on handmade paper, consider more affordable options like digital printing on simple matte card stock. Other cost saving options include:

• Create a wedding website – To reduce the inserts in your invitation, include all that extra information on your wedding website. This keeps your invitation and postage costs down.

• Keep a simple design – A minimalist design in a single color and font is cheaper than an intricate design with additional colors, foil stamping, or embossed elements.

• Limit the guest list – As with every wedding expense, the more guests you invite, the more you will spend.

• Send electronic invitations – Many websites offer customizable email invitations that can be a creative and cost-effective option for weddings.

Choosing where you print your wedding invitations depends on your preferences, budget, and timeline. Here are the most common options:

• Local print shops – Local stationery stores often have a variety of paper options and can assist with design and printing.

• Specialized wedding invitation shops – Some shops specialize exclusively in wedding invitations offering more personalized service and a range of designs and customization options.

• Graphic designers – If you have a specific design in mind, consider hiring a graphic designer to create an invitation suite that reflects your style and preferences.

• Online printing services – Numerous online printing services specialize in customizable wedding invitations, including Vistaprint, Minted, Shutterfly, and Zazzle.

• DIY printing – If you have the time and skills, you can design and print your invitations at home using a high-quality printer. You can purchase specialty paper and envelopes at office supply stores.

When searching for local wedding invitation services near you, check out their profiles and customer reviews here on Fash to help narrow down your choices.

How we get this data

Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.