Wedding Invitation Pricing: What You’ll Actually Pay

First thing’s first – how much does a wedding invitation really cost? The answer isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. Prices range from a few pounds for DIY kits to several hundred for full‑service custom designs. Knowing the typical price brackets helps you set a realistic budget before you even start scrolling through Pinterest.

Breakdown of Common Cost Factors

Think of an invitation as a mini‑project with three main expenses: design, printing, and extras. A simple design from a template site might be £0.50 per piece, while a hand‑illustrated layout from a local artist can hit £5 or more. Printing adds another layer – bulk runs on matte cardstock are cheap, but specialty paper, embossing, or foil stamping quickly ramp up the cost. Finally, extras like RSVP cards, envelopes, lining paper, and postage can add £0.30‑£0.80 each.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

• Basic template + standard cardstock: £0.60‑£1.00 per set.
• Custom design + premium paper: £2.00‑£4.00 per set.
• Luxury finish (foil, letterpress, die‑cut): £5.00‑£8.00 per set.
• Envelope & RSVP card add‑on: £0.50‑£1.20 each.

Multiply those numbers by the number of guests and you’ll see where the budget can blow up fast.

Smart Ways to Keep Invitation Costs Down

Don’t panic – there are plenty of ways to keep your wedding invitation spend in check while still looking polished.

1. Order in bulk. Most printers give a discount after the first 100 pieces. If you need 120 invites, ordering 150 can shave a few pennies off each.

2. Use a single‑sided design. Double‑sided cards look fancy but they double the paper cost. A clean, single‑sided layout with a matching envelope feels just as upscale.

3. Combine pieces. Instead of separate RSVP cards, include a small response slip on the back of the main invite. Less paper, less postage.

4. Choose standard envelope sizes. Custom sizes require extra printing and sometimes a higher stamp rate. Stick to A7 or A6 for the best rates.

5. DIY envelope lining. A splash of ink or a vellum sheet you add yourself costs pennies, yet adds a pop of colour.

Don’t forget to factor postage. A first‑class stamp for a heavy invitation can be £1.20 or more. Lighten the weight, or ask your printer if they offer a bulk postage service.

When you add up all the pieces, a typical 100‑guest wedding can run anywhere from £120 for a budget‑friendly package to over £1,000 for a high‑end custom suite. The key is to decide early which elements you value most – design flair, paper feel, or extra inserts – and trim elsewhere.

Finally, ask for a sample before you commit. Seeing the colour, thickness, and finish in person can save you from costly re‑orders. Most printers will send a mock‑up for a small fee, and that expense is tiny compared to a full‑scale mistake.

Bottom line: wedding invitation pricing is all about balance. Know the cost drivers, shop smart, and you’ll end up with invites that wow your guests without emptying your wallet.