Before you order 100 wedding invitations, let’s make sure you love the one you’re paying for! 😊 You know how a color can look perfect on your computer screen but completely different in person? The same goes for wedding invitations. Just like bridesmaid dress swatches, seeing paper, printing and colors in person can make a BIG difference.
Here’s a little wedding-planning secret: you can get free wedding invitation samples mailed right to your door before placing your order. Some companies even let you personalize them with your names and wedding date, so you can see what your invitations will look like before spending a dime on the full set.
I’ve rounded up the best places to request free wedding invitation samples, including sample kits, individual designs and personalized stationery. I’ve also included a customizable sample option if you want to preview your exact invitation design. Go ahead and try a few before you commit. Your wallet (and your wedding invitations) will thank you!
Still comparing stationery companies? I’ve also rounded up the best wedding invitation websites where you can shop for beautiful designs, customize your invitations and find a style that fits your wedding.
Where to Get Free Wedding Invitation Samples
These are the places I’d check first when shopping for wedding invitations. Each company has a slightly different sample program, so I’ve included the details to help you get the most out of each offer.
1. Zola: Five Free Wedding Invitation Samples
Shop Zola wedding invitations and request samples
Want to compare several wedding invitation designs without paying for each one? Zola offers up to five free wedding invitation samples.
Browse its wedding stationery collection, choose the designs you love and request samples to see them in person.
Why I like this option: You can compare several different looks before narrowing down your favorite. This is particularly helpful if you’re deciding between a romantic floral invitation, a minimalist design or something more traditional.
Zola also offers wedding stationery customization, with options for colors, fonts, photos and paper finishes. Its invitation orders include complimentary guest and return address printing, too.
Best for: Couples who want to compare five different designs and explore customizable wedding stationery.
Request your five free Zola invitation samples →
2. VistaPrint: Free 11-Piece Wedding Invitation Sample Kit
Get a free wedding sample kit from VistaPrint
Want to compare more than just invitations? VistaPrint offers a FREE 11-piece wedding stationery sample kit that lets you see and feel different paper stocks, printing finishes and coordinating stationery before placing an order.
And yes, shipping is free, too!
Here’s what comes in the sample kit:
- Two wedding invitation samples with matching envelopes
- One save-the-date card
- One RSVP card
- One colored envelope
- One place card
- One enclosure card
- One dinner menu
- One thank-you card
You’ll also get to compare different paper options, including matte, pearl and linen finishes, along with details like rounded corners and gold foil. The kit even includes a discount code toward your first invitation order!
One thing to know: You receive a curated selection rather than choosing the individual designs yourself. It’s limited to one free kit per customer, and there’s no obligation to place an order afterward.
Best for: Couples who want to compare an entire wedding stationery suite, including invitations, RSVP cards, menus and thank-you cards, before making a decision.
Claim your FREE VistaPrint wedding sample kit here →
3. Shutterfly: Five Free Personalized Wedding Invitation Samples
Order free wedding invitation samples from Shutterfly
Shutterfly is another great place to request free wedding invitation samples, especially if you want to see how your own wedding details will look on the finished design.
You can choose up to five different wedding invitation designs and personalize them before ordering your samples.
Here’s how to get them:
- Browse Shutterfly’s wedding invitation collection.
- Choose up to five designs you’d like to see.
- Personalize your selections.
- Enter promo code 5FREEWEDS at checkout.
Shutterfly currently advertises free shipping on this sample offer, too. Foil-stamped, gatefold and glitter invitations are excluded from the free personalized sample promotion. A credit card is required to create an account, although Shutterfly says you won’t be charged for the free sample order.
One thing to know: Shutterfly’s separate curated wedding sample kit is currently listed as out of stock. The five personalized invitation samples are the option to use right now.
Best for: Couples who want to see their names, wedding date and invitation wording printed on actual samples.
Get five free Shutterfly wedding invitation samples →
4. Basic Invite: Custom Wedding Invitation Samples
Explore wedding invitations from Basic Invite
If you’re particular about your wedding colors (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), Basic Invite is worth a look. You can order customizable wedding invitation samples in your preferred colors and see the paper and design in person before placing a larger order.
One feature I especially like is the ability to experiment with different color combinations. Basic Invite offers more than 160 color options on its save-the-date designs, making it easier to coordinate your stationery with your wedding palette. Sample pricing and shipping details vary, so check the current options before ordering.
Best for: Couples who want lots of color choices and customizable wedding stationery.
Explore Basic Invite wedding invitations →
5. Minted: Free Wedding Invitation Sample Kit
Request a free wedding invitation sample kit from Minted
If you love beautiful wedding stationery, start with Minted. The company offers a complimentary wedding sample kit that lets you explore its designs and printing options before committing to an order.
The sample kit includes a curated selection of:
- Flat-printed wedding invitations
- Foil-pressed invitation examples
- Letterpress printing examples
- Premium paper swatches
- Envelope colors and samples
- Foil color samples
- Additional wedding stationery examples
This is especially helpful if you’re deciding between different paper weights, printing techniques or envelope colors. What looks ivory on your computer screen might look completely different in natural light!
Another option: Minted also lets you choose individual wedding invitation samples. Use code 10FREE for $10 in sample credit. The individual sample program is a great way to compare specific designs rather than relying only on the curated kit.
Best for: Couples who want to compare premium paper, foil, letterpress and different invitation styles.
Get your free Minted wedding sample kit here →
6. The Knot: Three Free Wedding Invitation Samples
Request free wedding invitation samples from The Knot
The Knot has another nice offer for couples who want to compare invitation designs before placing a full order.
You can choose three free wedding invitation or save-the-date samples and personalize them with your own wedding details.
To claim the offer:
- Browse The Knot’s wedding invitation designs.
- Select three favorites.
- Choose the order-a-sample option.
- Enter code 3FREE at checkout.
Your samples also come with helpful extras, including color charts, an envelope and a stationery timeline. Samples are currently shipped within the United States and are expected to arrive within approximately 7 to 10 days.
Need more than three? Additional samples are available for $2.99 each. Shipping fees may also apply, so check the total before checking out.
Best for: Couples who want personalized samples and a few extra stationery-planning resources.
Get three free samples from The Knot →
Found a few favorites? Before you order, take a look at these affordable wedding invitations that don’t look cheap. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find something beautiful!
If you’re drawn to handmade designs and independent artists, don’t miss these beautiful Etsy wedding invitations, either.
What to Look for When Ordering Wedding Invitation Samples
Before you request a handful of samples, there are a few things worth paying attention to. An invitation can look gorgeous on a screen but feel completely different once it arrives in your mailbox.
Paper Weight and Texture
Pick up the invitation and feel the paper. Is it thick and substantial? Does it feel smooth, textured, linen-like or luxurious? Compare different paper options to see which one fits your budget and wedding style.
Printing Quality
Look closely at the lettering, colors and overall print quality. Are the names easy to read? Are the details crisp? If you’re considering foil or letterpress, request examples of those finishes whenever possible.
Color Accuracy
Colors can look different on your phone, computer and printed paper. If you’re coordinating your invitations with your wedding colors, compare the actual sample with your bridesmaid dress swatches, flowers or other inspiration.
Trying to coordinate your stationery with your wedding palette? Here’s what to know about whether your wedding invitations should match your wedding colors.
Envelope Options
Don’t overlook the envelope! It is the first thing guests will see when your invitation arrives. Look at the envelope color, paper quality, addressing options and whether you can add envelope liners or other details.
The Complete Invitation Suite
Your wedding invitation might be only one piece of the stationery you’ll need. Consider whether you want coordinating RSVP cards, details cards, accommodation information, belly bands or envelope liners.
Ordering samples is a good opportunity to see how all those pieces work together before making your final decision.
Not sure which pieces you need? Here’s a helpful breakdown of what to include with your wedding invitations, from RSVP cards to enclosure cards and more.
Are Free Wedding Invitation Samples Really Free?
Yes! Several stationery companies offer complimentary wedding invitation samples or sample kits. However, it’s important to read the details before checking out.
Some companies offer a set number of free samples, while others provide a free curated kit or a credit toward individual samples.
Pay attention to these details:
- Shipping: Check whether shipping is included in the free sample offer.
- Personalization: Some samples can include your names and wedding date, while others use example wording.
- Sample limits: Some companies limit the number of free samples per household or order.
- Printing exclusions: Foil, letterpress and specialty finishes may have different sample rules.
- Promotional codes: Make sure you enter the correct code before completing checkout.
Promotions can change, so always confirm the current offer on the company’s official sample page before placing your request.
How Many Wedding Invitation Samples Should You Order?
You don’t need to order every invitation you like. I’d start with three to five designs that represent different styles or printing options.
For example, you might compare:
- One classic invitation with traditional lettering.
- One floral invitation with a romantic design.
- One minimalist invitation with clean typography.
- One foil-pressed invitation with metallic details.
- One invitation with a unique shape or specialty paper.
This gives you a good range without making the decision more complicated than it needs to be.
Once your samples arrive, lay them out together and compare the paper, colors, printing and overall presentation. You’ll have a much better idea of what you want before ordering invitations for your entire guest list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Wedding Invitation Samples
Can I get free wedding invitations mailed to my house?
Yes! Several wedding stationery companies offer free physical invitation samples by mail. Zola, VistaPrint, Shutterfly, The Knot and Minted have complimentary sample options. Basic Invite also offers customizable printed samples, although those may involve a fee.
Can I get wedding invitation samples with my names on them?
Yes! Zola, Shutterfly and The Knot offer personalized sample options, allowing you to preview your names, wedding date and invitation wording. Basic Invite also lets you customize samples with your preferred colors and fonts.
Do free wedding invitation samples include envelopes?
It depends on the company and sample program. VistaPrint’s sample kit includes matching envelopes and additional stationery pieces. Other companies offer envelope examples or matching envelopes with individual invitation samples. Check the details before ordering.
Are wedding invitation sample kits free?
Some are! VistaPrint offers a free 11-piece wedding stationery sample kit, while Minted offers a complimentary curated sample kit. Other companies, including Zola, Shutterfly and The Knot, offer free individual invitation samples. Basic Invite offers customizable samples that may have a separate cost.
When should I order wedding invitation samples?
Order samples several months before you plan to mail your invitations. This gives you time to compare designs, finalize your wording, choose your stationery and place your full order without feeling rushed.
Once you’ve chosen your design, don’t forget to finalize your wording! Here’s a helpful guide to wedding invitation wording and etiquette before you send everything to print.
One More Wedding Budget Tip
Before you place your final invitation order, calculate the cost for your entire guest list, not just the price per card.
Remember to include RSVP cards, details cards, envelopes, postage, envelope liners and any specialty printing you want. A beautiful invitation that looks affordable at first can become a much bigger expense once you add the extras.
Requesting free wedding invitation samples first is one of the easiest ways to make a more confident decision. You’ll get to see what you’re paying for, compare your favorites and find a design you’ll be excited to send to everyone on your guest list!
