Money as a couple: How much do wedding invitations cost? A stationery budget
The cost of wedding invitations covers save the dates, the invitations themselves, postage and on-the-day stationery like menus and place cards. In a worked example, stationery for 60 households costs about 400.
By Wealtie Team · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- The cost of wedding invitations includes save the dates, invitations, postage and on-the-day stationery.
- In a worked example, stationery for 60 households costs about 400.
- Invitations are counted per household, not per guest, which keeps numbers down.
- Digital save the dates and printing at home cut the cost a lot.
How much do wedding invitations cost?
Wedding stationery covers more than the invitations. Most couples send save the dates months ahead, then invitations, and need printed items on the day like menus, place cards and a table plan. Postage adds up too. In a worked example, all of it for 60 households costs about 400. A simple digital approach can cost far less, while thick card, foil, wax seals and calligraphy can cost several times more.
A useful point to remember is that you send invitations per household, not per guest. A wedding of 120 guests might only need 60 invitations, which keeps the cost down.
What does wedding stationery cost?
Here's a worked example for 60 households, in round numbers that work in any currency:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Save the dates | 60 |
| Invitations | 180 |
| Postage | 60 |
| On-the-day stationery | 100 |
| Total | 400 |
That's about 3 for each invitation, 1 for each save the date and 1 for each stamp. On-the-day stationery depends on how many tables you have and what you want printed.
What drives the cost of wedding invitations?
Paper and printing
Thick card, textured paper and special printing like foil or letterpress cost more than standard digital printing. Each extra layer, like a backing card or a vellum wrap, adds to the price.
Extras
Envelope liners, wax seals, ribbons and separate cards for directions or RSVPs all add cost. Some couples include an RSVP card with a stamped envelope, which means paying postage twice.
Design
Ready-made templates are cheapest. A custom design from an illustrator or designer costs more, though some offer semi-custom options at a middle price.
Postage
Heavy or oddly shaped invitations can cost more to post. Weigh a finished invitation before buying stamps, so you don't get any surprises.
How can you save on wedding invitations?
Send save the dates digitally
An email or a message with a nice design does the job, and costs nothing to send. Many guests prefer it, since it's easy to save. Keep paper invitations for those who'd value them, like older relatives.
Collect RSVPs online
A simple online form or a wedding website replaces RSVP cards and return postage. It also makes tracking replies much easier.
Print at home
Buy a template, good card and envelopes, and print the invitations yourself. A test print helps you check colours and alignment before you print the whole batch.
Keep it to one card
Put the details, directions and RSVP information on a single card, or link to a website for the rest. Fewer pieces mean less printing and lighter post.
Combine on-the-day items
A single large table plan instead of individual escort cards, or one menu per table instead of one per guest, saves on printing.
When should you send wedding invitations?
Save the dates usually go out six to twelve months before the wedding, and invitations a couple of months before. For a wedding abroad, send them earlier so guests can plan travel. Order a few spare invitations for last-minute additions and keepsakes.
Check before you print
Proofread every detail twice, then ask someone else to check too: names, dates, times, the venue address and the RSVP deadline. A spelling mistake or a wrong date found after printing means paying for the whole batch again. If you're using a printer, ask for a printed proof rather than relying on a screen, since colours often look different on paper. Check the envelope size matches the invitation and any extra cards before you order, so everything fits without folding.
Plan the stationery budget early
Set a figure for stationery when you plan the overall budget, so it doesn't creep up as you browse designs. The wedding budget covers how to split a total across everything, from the venue to the dress. If you're also hosting an engagement party, the engagement party budget covers invitations and costs for that.
Keep the guest list in one place
A single list of names, addresses and replies saves time and avoids printing extra invitations by mistake. Update it as replies come in, and share it with whoever is helping you plan.
Keep one invitation for yourselves. Many couples frame it or keep it with their wedding photos, and it becomes a small keepsake from the day.
How do you track wedding costs in Wealtie?
Use a shared account so you both see what's been spent on stationery and everything else. The account owner needs Pro, and the person invited can be on any plan. Add a wedding category to your expense categories and set a budget for it, so you can see how much is left.
Questions people ask
In a worked example, all stationery for 60 households, including save the dates, invitations, postage and on-the-day items, costs about 400.
No. Invitations are usually sent per household, so a wedding of 120 guests might need only 60 invitations.
Send save the dates digitally, collect RSVPs online, print at home and keep everything on one card.
Save the dates six to twelve months before, and invitations a couple of months before. Send earlier for a wedding abroad.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.
