Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Stationery
When it comes to planning a wedding, paper pieces like invitations, save‑the‑dates, and thank‑you cards set the tone before anyone steps foot in the venue. Yet most couples get stuck on design choices or fear the price tag. This guide cuts the fluff and gives you straight‑forward advice so you can pick, print, and send your stationery without sweating the budget.
How Much Should Invitations Really Cost?
In 2025 the average spend on wedding invitations sits between £300 and £800, depending on paper quality, printing method, and the number of pieces you need. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 10‑12% of your total wedding budget to all stationery. Use a simple formula: Number of guests × (Cost per invite + envelope + address label). If you have 120 guests and each invitation set runs £4, you’re looking at roughly £480. That leaves room for extra items like RSVP cards or a pocket‑fold programme.
Printing Methods and What They Mean for Your Wallet
Digital printing is the cheapest option and works well for modern, colorful designs. Letterpress and thermography give a tactile feel but can double the price per card. If you love the look of raised ink but don’t want to splurge, order a small batch to test the effect before committing to the full guest list. Many online vendors also offer “print‑on‑demand” services that let you tweak details up until the day before shipping, saving you from costly re‑orders.
Don’t overlook postage. In the UK, a standard letter costs £1.30, but if your invitation exceeds 100g you’ll need a larger envelope, which pushes the rate up to £1.70. Bulk postage discounts are available for orders over 100 pieces, so ask your printer or local post office about business rates. Adding a prepaid reply postcard for RSVPs can also cut down on extra postage later.
Design-wise, stick to two or three main colors that match your wedding theme. Too many shades make the print run expensive and can clash with your décor. Use simple, elegant fonts and leave ample white space; this not only looks chic but reduces the amount of ink needed. If you’re feeling crafty, a DIY envelope liner or hand‑tied ribbon adds a personal touch without a massive price jump.
Lastly, keep a checklist handy: guest numbers, design mock‑ups, proof approvals, printing dates, and mailing schedule. Aim to have the final pieces printed at least eight weeks before the wedding so you can address, stamp, and post everything with a buffer for any last‑minute changes. Following these steps ensures your stationery looks polished, stays on budget, and arrives on time—giving you one less thing to worry about on your big day.
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