What Is the Standard Cost of Save the Dates for Weddings in 2025?

Save the dates aren’t just pretty cards-they’re the first real step in telling people your wedding is happening. And if you’re asking about cost, you’re not alone. Most couples spend between €25 and €120 for a set of 100 save the dates. But that number can jump or drop fast depending on what you choose, where you live, and how much you care about details.

What Exactly Are Save the Dates?

Save the dates are the preview of your wedding invitation. They go out 6 to 12 months before the big day, especially if you’re having a destination wedding or your event falls during a busy season like summer or holidays. Their job? To block out dates on guests’ calendars before they book flights, take time off work, or plan around other events.

They’re usually simpler than full invitations-often just the couple’s names, wedding date, and location. Some include a website link for more info. No RSVPs, no envelope liners, no fancy calligraphy. Just enough to get attention.

What Drives the Price?

There’s no single price for save the dates. The cost changes based on five big factors.

• Quantity: You’ll need one for every guest you plan to invite. If you’re inviting 80 people, you’ll likely order 90-100 to cover extras. Most vendors charge per piece, so doubling your order doubles the cost.
• Material: Basic cardstock with digital printing? That’s €0.20-€0.40 per piece. Thick matte paper with foil stamping? That can push it to €1.20 or more. If you go with textured paper, embossing, or die-cut shapes, you’re entering luxury territory.
• Design: Ready-made templates from sites like Minted or Zazzle start at €15 for 25 cards. Custom designs from a local printer or designer? That’s €100-€300 upfront, plus printing. Many couples spend more on design than printing.
• Printing method: Digital printing is fast and cheap. Letterpress and foil stamping are slower and cost 3-5x more. If you want raised ink or metallic accents, expect to pay extra.
• Shipping and extras: Envelopes, postage, and return address printing add €0.10-€0.30 per card. International shipping? That can add €15-€40 to your total.

Real-World Examples from 2025

Here’s what actual couples in Ireland paid last year:

• A couple in Cork ordered 100 standard digital-print save the dates on thick recycled paper with a simple floral design. Total: €48. Included envelopes and local postage.
• A Dublin couple went with a custom watercolor illustration, foil gold names, and thick cotton paper. 120 pieces, letterpress printed. Total: €185.
• A couple planning a wedding in Tenerife ordered 90 cards with a beach-themed template from an online vendor in the US. Shipping to Ireland added €32. Total: €89.
• A minimalist couple printed their own save the dates on their home printer using Canva templates. Paper and ink cost €12. Total: €12.

So yes-your budget can stretch from €12 to €200+ for the same number of cards.

Where to Buy Save the Dates

You’ve got four main options:

1. Online template shops (Minted, Zazzle, Etsy): Best for budget-friendly, quick orders. You pick a design, customize text, and order. Most ship within 3-5 business days. Average cost: €0.30-€0.80 per card.
2. Local print shops (like those in Dublin or Galway): Good if you want to see samples in person. Many offer free design help. You pay more-€0.60-€1.50 per card-but get better quality and support.
3. Wedding invitation suites: If you’re buying full invitations from the same vendor, they often give you a 15-25% discount on save the dates. Bundling saves money.
4. DIY (print at home): Use Canva, Adobe Express, or even Word. Print on quality cardstock from a stationery store. Total cost? Under €20 for 100 cards. You’ll need time, a good printer, and patience with alignment.

What You Shouldn’t Skip

Even if you’re trying to save, don’t cut corners here:

• Include the location: Don’t assume guests know where you’re getting married. Write the city and venue name. “Cork City” is better than just “Cork.”
• Add a wedding website: This is where you’ll share details later-accommodations, registry, dress code. Make sure the URL is short and easy to type.
• Order extras: Always order 5-10% more than your guest list. Things get lost, printed wrong, or handed to last-minute guests.
• Send them early: For destination weddings or summer events, send them 8-12 months ahead. For local weddings, 6 months is fine. Don’t wait until 3 months out-guests book flights and hotels fast.

How to Stick to Your Budget

Here’s how to keep save the dates affordable without looking cheap:

• Choose digital printing over letterpress.
• Use standard sizes (like 5x7 inches). Custom shapes cost more to cut and mail.
• Skip envelopes if you’re okay with postcards. Postcards cost less to print and mail.
• Buy paper in bulk from a local supplier-some Irish paper shops sell 100 sheets of matte cardstock for under €15.
• Use free design tools like Canva. Their wedding templates are polished and easy to tweak.
• Don’t feel pressured to match your invitations. Save the dates don’t need to be a perfect preview. Just clear and cheerful.

What’s New in 2025?

This year, a few trends are changing how couples spend:

• Digital save the dates: More couples are sending e-save-the-dates via email or apps like Paperless Post. They’re free or cost under €10 for 100 guests. Great for younger guests, but not ideal for older relatives who prefer physical mail.
• Hybrid options: Some vendors now offer a digital version plus a small batch of printed cards for close family. You get the best of both worlds.
• Local Irish designers: More small studios in Dublin, Galway, and Limerick are offering hand-printed, eco-friendly options using Irish-sourced paper and plant-based inks. These start around €0.90 per card but feel more personal.

If you’re eco-conscious or want to support local, this is the year to explore those options.

Final Thought: It’s Not About the Price, It’s About the Purpose

Save the dates cost what you make them cost. You can spend €10 or €200. Neither is wrong. What matters is that your guests get the info they need, early enough to plan, and in a way that feels like you.

Don’t stress over matching your invitations. Don’t panic if you overspent a little. The goal isn’t perfection-it’s clarity and kindness. You’re not just sending a card. You’re giving people the gift of time to celebrate you.