Wedding stationery costs typically range from $500 to $2,500 for a complete suite, depending on design complexity, printing method, and quantity needed.
Quick Cost Breakdown
| Item | Average Cost (per 100) |
|---|---|
| Save the Dates | $150-$300 |
| Wedding Invitations | $400-$800 |
| RSVP Cards | $100-$200 |
| Programs | $200-$400 |
| Place Cards | $100-$200 |
Printing Methods and Their Costs
- Digital Printing: $0.50-$2 per piece
- Letterpress: $5-$15 per piece
- Foil Stamping: $3-$10 per piece
- Thermography: $2-$5 per piece
- Engraving: $8-$20 per piece
Money-Saving Tips
- Order extra invitations (around 15-20%) to avoid costly reprints
- Choose all-in-one invitations with tear-off RSVP cards
- Skip inner envelopes
- Use digital RSVPs instead of printed cards
- Print some items at home, like programs or place cards
Timeline for Ordering
- Save the Dates: 8-10 months before wedding
- Wedding Invitations: 4-5 months before wedding
- Day-of Stationery: 2-3 months before wedding
Custom designs from professional stationers start at $1,500 for basic packages, while semi-custom options range from $800-$1,200.
Online retailers like Minted and Zola offer budget-friendly alternatives starting at $200-$400 for complete suites.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Postage (both for invitations and RSVP cards)
- Envelope addressing services ($2-$5 per envelope)
- Assembly fees ($1-$3 per invitation)
- Rush fees (can add 25-50% to total cost)
Working with local print shops can reduce shipping costs and allow for better quality control.
Hidden Costs Watch List
- Paper upgrades (+$0.50-$2 per piece)
- Custom ink colors (+$50-$100 per color)
- Envelope liners (+$1-$3 per envelope)
- Design revisions (often limited to 2-3 rounds)
Consider ordering a sample pack before committing to a full order to verify paper quality and printing methods.
Additional Wedding Stationery Essentials
Day-of Wedding Items
- Menu Cards: $150-$300 per 100
- Table Numbers: $75-$200 per set
- Welcome Signs: $50-$200 each
- Thank You Cards: $100-$250 per 100
- Ceremony Programs: $200-$400 per 100
Custom Design Services
- Logo/Monogram Design: $150-$500
- Custom Illustrations: $200-$800
- Venue Sketches: $300-$1,000
- Map Design: $150-$400
Packaging and Presentation
- Wax Seals: $1-$3 per piece
- Ribbon/Twine: $30-$100 per 100 invitations
- Belly Bands: $1-$2 per piece
- Gift Tags: $50-$150 per 100
Conclusion
Wedding stationery represents a significant investment in your celebration’s overall aesthetic and guest experience. While costs can vary dramatically based on design choices and printing methods, couples can expect to spend between 2-3% of their total wedding budget on stationery. Planning ahead, choosing appropriate printing methods, and being strategic about which elements to prioritize can help maintain costs while still achieving a cohesive and elegant paper suite.
For optimal results:
- Begin planning stationery needs at least 10 months before the wedding
- Request quotes from multiple vendors
- Consider mixing premium and budget-friendly options
- Account for all hidden costs in the initial budget
- Order samples before making final decisions
FAQs
- What is the average cost of wedding invitations and stationery?
The average cost ranges from $400-$1,200 for 100 invitation sets, but can vary significantly based on paper quality, printing method, and design complexity. - What items should be included in a complete wedding stationery suite?
A complete suite typically includes save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, ceremony programs, reception cards, place cards, menu cards, and thank you notes. - When should I order my wedding invitations?
Order invitations 4-6 months before the wedding date, allowing time for addressing, assembly, and mailing them 6-8 weeks before the event. - What’s the difference between letterpress, digital, and thermography printing?
Letterpress creates indented text and designs (most expensive), digital printing is flat and affordable, while thermography creates raised text with a shiny finish (mid-range). - How many extra invitations should I order?
Order 15-25% extra invitations to account for addressing mistakes, last-minute guest additions, and keepsakes. - What information must be included on the wedding invitation?
Essential elements include hosts’ names, couple’s names, date, time, ceremony location, reception details, and RSVP instructions. - Are electronic invitations acceptable for formal weddings?
While becoming more common, traditional etiquette still favors printed invitations for formal weddings, with digital invites being more suitable for casual celebrations. - How can I save money on wedding stationery without compromising quality?
Choose simpler designs, opt for digital printing, reduce paper components, order in bulk, and consider partial DIY for assembly and addressing. - Should I include wedding registry information on the invitation?
Traditional etiquette suggests not including registry information on the main invitation. Instead, include it on shower invitations or wedding website cards. - What’s the typical timeline for sending all wedding stationery items?
Send save-the-dates 8-12 months ahead, invitations 6-8 weeks before, and thank you notes within 3 months after the wedding.
