Wedding Invitation Budget: Real Costs and Simple Savings

Planning your Bristol wedding? The invitation list is often the first big expense you’ll face, and it can creep up fast if you don’t set a clear budget. Knowing exactly what you’ll spend on 100 wedding invitations helps you avoid surprise bills and frees up cash for other priorities like flowers or the dress.

On average, a standard printed invite set (card, envelope, RSVP card) runs between £2 and £5 per guest. That means a 100‑guest wedding can cost anywhere from £200 to £500 before any extras. The range is wide because paper quality, printing method, and added touches like wax seals or custom liners all add up.

Break Down the Invitation Costs

Start by listing each component and its typical price:

• Invitation card: £1‑£2 for basic cardstock; £2‑£4 for premium or textured paper.
• Envelope: £0.30‑£0.80 each, depending on size and colour.
• RSVP card: £0.20‑£0.60 per set.
• Printing: Digital print is cheapest (£0.30‑£0.70 per piece). Letterpress or foil stamping can double or triple the price.
• Extras: Wax seals, custom liners, or calligraphy range £0.20‑£1 per invite.

When you add these together, you get a realistic per‑guest cost. Multiply by your guest count and you have a solid baseline for your invitation budget.

Smart Ways to Trim the Invitation Bill

Now that you know the numbers, here are practical ways to bring the total down:

• Print in bulk. Ordering 200‑300 cards often unlocks volume discounts. Even if you only need 100, extra cards can be used for thank‑you notes later.
• Choose digital RSVP. A simple Google Form or wedding website can replace the printed RSVP card, saving £0.20‑£0.60 per guest.
• DIY envelopes. Buying plain white envelopes and adding a custom liner or a simple bracelet tag is cheaper than pre‑lined options.
• Limit embellishments. One standout feature – like a foil stamp on the monogram – looks classy without needing seals on every invite.
• Shop local print shops. Bristol’s boutique printers often have off‑peak rates and can match larger chains in quality.

For couples on a tight budget, the “DIY invite kit” trend is worth a look. You buy a set of pre‑cut cards, print at home, and add a hand‑tied ribbon. It feels personal and can cut costs to under £1.50 per guest.

Another tip: order your invites at least eight weeks before the wedding. Early orders avoid rush fees, and you give yourself time to spot errors before printing. If you need to adjust the guest list later, having a few extra sets saves the hassle of re‑ordering.

Finally, track every expense in a simple spreadsheet. List the item, unit cost, quantity, and total. Seeing the numbers side by side makes it easy to spot where a few pounds can be shaved off.

Remember, the invitation sets the tone for your day, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. With a clear per‑guest cost, smart printing choices, and a little DIY spirit, you can keep your wedding invitation budget in check and still wow your guests.