Wedding Invitations: What You Need to Know Before You Order

Planning a wedding in Bristol? Your first big paper decision is the invitation. It sets the tone, tells guests the details, and can eat up a chunk of your budget if you’re not careful. Below we break down the real cost drivers, share the hottest design ideas, and give you easy ways to stretch every pound.

How Much Do Invitations Really Cost?

Most couples think a standard invitation set costs around £1‑£2 per piece, but the price can swing wildly. A basic card printed on standard cardstock might be £0.80, while a custom letterpress design with foil accents can top £5. If you order 100 sets, that’s a difference of £80 versus £500.

Key factors that push the price up are:

• Paper quality: Premium cotton or recycled artisanal paper costs more than standard gloss.
• Printing method: Digital printing is cheap; letterpress, thermography, or engraving add labour fees.
• Envelopes and liners: Matching envelopes, wax seals, or custom liners each add a few pennies.
• Extras: RSVP cards, maps, or accommodation info sheets increase the count.

To keep things in check, ask your vendor for a line‑item quote. That way you see exactly where every penny goes and can cut out items you don’t need.

Creative Ways to Save on Your Invites

Saving money doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Here are some tried‑and‑true tricks that Bristol couples love:

• Print in bulk: Ordering 150‑200 cards even if you need only 100 gives you a bulk discount.
• DIY design: Use free templates from Canva or Adobe Spark. You only need to upload a high‑resolution file.
• Combine pieces: Put the RSVP and map on the back of the main invitation instead of separate cards.
• Choose local printers: Bristol has several small print shops that offer lower rates than national chains.
• Opt for digital RSVP: A simple Google Form or wedding website can replace the paper RSVP card entirely.

Another budget‑friendly idea is to use a single‑sided design with a bold colour or pattern on the reverse. It looks fancy but cuts printing time in half.

Remember to order a proof before the full run. A small mistake on 100 cards can cost you extra reprints and delay your timeline.

Finally, think about timing. Ordering six to eight weeks before the wedding gives you wiggle room to compare quotes and avoid rush fees.

With these tips, you can pick an invitation style that feels personal, looks great on the table, and stays within your budget. Ready to start? Grab a few paper samples, sketch a quick layout, and get a quote from a Bristol printer. Your perfect invite is just a few steps away.