Updated August 31, 2022

Study: Average Cost of Wedding Invitations

Breaking Down the Cost

Designs, colors, and who's paying for what are just a few questions you must ask yourself. Here are some more:

Average Wedding Invitation Cost
Wedding invitations can cost anywhere from $1 to $100 each. Multiply that by the number of guests and that's your cost.

Overall, in the U.S., couples spend $445 on their wedding invitations. The average wedding guest count is 120 in the U.S. This means couples pay an average of $3.70 per invitation.

Who pays for wedding invitations?
Traditionally, the bride's family covers the cost of wedding stationery. This includes invitations, save-the-date cards, and programs for the wedding.

Most Expensive Wedding Invitation Paper
You could get lost in the many different stationery options. At the higher end, 100% cotton invitations are the most expensive. It's for good reason, though. They are the heaviest, signifying elegance.

Matte vs Shiny Cost
Shiny invitations are usually more expensive than matte invitations. You might be able to save as much as 50%. While shiny is somewhat more impressive, it's a great place to save money. Especially if you are on a budget.

Most and Least Expensive Printing Option
If you aren't going for a completely formal look, consider digital offset printing. It's the least expensive option. The ink doesn't permeate the paper. Instead, it appears to lay flat on the invitation.

Black tie, formal weddings often use engraved wedding invitations. They are the most expensive option. But also the most formal. The engraved words offer a feeling of elegance.

Calligraphy Cost
Calligraphy is a traditional technique used for wedding invitations. Usually, couples apply it only on the inner and outer envelopes. Most likely due to the high cost. It's not unusual to pay between $2 and $5 per envelope.

If you invite 150 people, that can add up to $750 just to address your envelopes.

Average Save-the-Date Card Cost
It's not a necessary tradition, but many couples send out save-the-date cards. It helps the guests plan ahead. Like wedding invitations, there are many options.

You can opt for simple postcards that cost an average of $0.50 each. You can also go more elaborate with an actual card. Just like invitations, they can cost between $1 to as much as $4 each. Some couples send magnets, which when bought in bulk cost an average of $1.00 each.

How can you save on invitations?
If all of these costs have your head spinning, don't worry. We found ways to reduce the cost. Here are a few of our favorites:

Save more expensive papers for the accents
Use paper that is a few steps down from 100% cotton
Downgrade the printing option while choosing a slightly more expensive paper
Use a standard invitation size
Order more than you need to account for mistakes or forgotten guests

The Wedding Invitation Timeline

Proper etiquette is a key factor when it comes to weddings. Your great-grandma and other relatives are counting on you. Read on to learn just what you should do to keep everyone happy.

Save-the-Date Cards
If you decide to send save-the-date cards, do it early. Traditionally, couples send them out six to eight months before the big day. This gives out-of-town guests plenty of time to prepare.

Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations should be sent at least 6 to 8 weeks before the date for a local wedding. For a destination one, consider sending the invites around 3 months beforehand.

When should you order wedding invitations?
It's best to order your wedding invitations 5 months before the wedding. If you are ordering basic invitations, you might have a little more leeway. But you want to make sure you have enough time to address and assemble them.

RSVP deadline
You'll need a final headcount for your venue around 1 week prior to the event. To stay on the safe side, make your RSVP deadline 3 weeks before your wedding. This gives you time to follow up with those who didn't respond.

Wedding Invitation Etiquette

You certainly don't want to offend anyone before your wedding even happens. Keep reading to see just what your invitation should and should not include.

What to Include in Your Wedding Invitation
Your wedding invitation should be elegant. In other words, it shouldn't be crowded. Stick to the basic information:

Names of bride and groom
Name and location of church
Name and location of reception
Information for the RSVP
Dress code

You can place any other necessary information on an insert. If you want to save more money, consider creating a wedding website for the extra information.

How to Arrange Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations have so many layers. It can get confusing.

You'll start with the invitation itself.
Next, place your reception card.
Then insert any response cards or other inserts. If they have an envelope, tuck them under the outer flap.
Next place the entire stack in the inner envelope.
Finally, place the inner envelope in the outer envelope.

Everything should lie face up.

Should you send an invitation to the wedding party?
Yes! It seems silly, but it's not only tradition. It helps keep things honest. Who wants to make the mistake of assuming anything?

Not only is a formal invite polite; it lets the guests know who you invited along with them. If you have a friend or relative who isn't married, this can really help with awkward questions.

Destination Wedding Timeline
Destination weddings have their own unique timeline. Guests need more time to make flight and hotel accommodations. They also need to prepare for coverage at home if they have kids.

Proper etiquette states you should send save-the-date cards out 6-8 months before a destination wedding.

The further away or more costly the destination, the sooner you should send the card.

If you sent save-the-date cards, you can send your wedding invitations around 12 weeks before the wedding. If you didn't send Save the Dates, consider sending those invitations a little earlier.

Creating a Wedding Website

Today's couples are tech-savvy. So, creating a website shouldn't really cause too much trouble.

Should you jump on the technology bandwagon and create a wedding website? Read on to learn more.

What is a Wedding Website?
The information you are supposed to leave off your invitation can go on your wedding website. Consider it a central place for everyone to get detailed information on your wedding. You can post as much or as little information as you want on there.

A few examples of what you can include are:

Detailed directions to all events
Ideas for out-of-town guests to do while they are in town
Special requests you have of your guests for the reception
A weather forecast for the big day
A countdown clock so everyone can join in on the excitement

Should you list the wedding website on the invitation?

Generally, it looks tacky to list your wedding website on the invitation itself. Instead, consider listing it on your save-the-date cards. It's a great way for guests to feel included from the start.

If you are set on including it with the invitation, make it a separate insert. Some couples use the wedding website information rather than a formal reply card.

Other FAQs

What is the traditional size for wedding invitations?
Traditionally, wedding invitations are 4.5 inches by 6.25 inches. But, you can use any size you prefer. Just know that the bigger the invitation, the more expensive the postage.

How many extra invitations should you order?
Order around 25 extra with your original order. This allows for mistakes, invitations you must resend, or last-minute invites. Ordering extra invitations might seem like an unnecessary expense, but you'll save money in the end.

What is the proper timeline to send thank you notes?
Proper etiquette states you should send a thank-you note within 2 weeks of receipt of a gift before the wedding. Any gifts should be acknowledged within a month of your wedding.

Bottom Line

You are in charge of what you spend on wedding invitations. Cut back on things that don't matter to you. This leaves you money to splurge on the details you really want.

Not sure where to start? Browse through the options at The Knot for ideas other couples used.

Still planning your engagement? Prepare yourself by learning more about the average cost of engagement ring.

Sources and References

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