Weddings911---What do we do about invitations?

Alene Gamel, Weddings 911 By Alene Gamel, Weddings 911
on December 13, 2011 at 8:19 PM, updated December 13, 2011 at 8:23 PM

Dear Alene: We need to start our search for wedding invitations. I am not sure how to budget for this. What do invitations cost? How do I figure out how many I will need? The future Mr. and Mrs. Hodges

Mr. and (soon-to-be) Mrs. Hodges, there are so many variables possible here I am going to give you a quick overview to start you on your way. Unless you have an unlimited budget, every bit of advice will help you make the right decisions necessary to stay on track and keep things stress free.

On the surface, wedding invitations may not seem like such a big decision or too complicated, but it only takes one visit to any stationer and you will realize this is not the case. There are many choices as to paper weight, style, shape, color and font. You could find anything from the most elegant traditional invitation to something funky, fun and colorful. Just remember that the invitation should represent your wedding style and degree of formality.

Regarding pricing, you can order very basic invitations online for as low as $1 apiece. On the flip side, there are custom invitation designers who can make you the perfect handmade invitation in it its own silk box for $75 per invitation. But, at most stationers or print shops that carry invitations you will find they range from around $3 on the low end up to about $10 each. And, there are all the extra necessities like response cards, reception cards and double envelopes added on. Of course, you may not need any of these extras, but depending on the type of ceremony and reception you are having these might be required. Any good stationer can help you navigate what you need and what is an "extra."

I would say that the average bride spends between $600 and $800 on invitations for the average size (200 guests) wedding. This includes the wedding invitation, response card and return envelope, and outside envelope. Pricing can go up significantly with the type of printing.

The two most expensive are engraving and letterpress. In engraving, a metal die with an impression cut into the surface is filled with an engraving ink then pressed against paper creating raised areas of the paper coated with ink. Engraving creates the raised surface on the front of the paper. Letterpress is an ancient printing technique that involves printing words or designs with ink while simultaneously pressing the image into thick, soft paper. Less expensive methods of printing are thermography and laser printing.

Once you have chosen your invitation and needed extras, remember that you must budget for postage, too. If you have decided to use a response card and envelope you will need to buy two stamps for each invitation. One stamp will go on the response card envelope and the other for mailing the entire package. Depending on weight, you could pay between $1 and $2 for each invitation mailed.

So how many will you need? Add up the number of households (not people), and you should have a good idea. Remember that anyone over 18 should receive his or her own invitation even if living with his or her parents. Roommates receive individual invites, but unmarried couples living together can receive just one. And, be wise, order extras.