How Much Do Wedding Invitations Cost? Average Prices, Budget Tips & When to Send Them
If you’re planning a wedding and trying to keep your budget under control, wedding invitations can feel surprisingly confusing. You see prices ranging from a few dollars to thousands, and suddenly you’re asking the same question most couples ask:
How much do wedding invitations cost, and how much should you really be spending?
You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, I’ll show you the average cost of wedding invitations, what actually affects the price, how to decide what’s right for your budget, and how far ahead wedding invitations should be sent so everything runs smoothly. This is my years of experience and will help greatly if you’re stuck on wedding invitations. Let’s get started!
Most couples spend $400–$800 on wedding invitations. Budget-friendly options start around $200, while luxury invitations can exceed $1,000.
How Much Do Wedding Invitations Cost on Average?
On average, couples spend between $400 and $800 on wedding invitations. This range typically includes:
- Printed invitation cards
- Envelopes
- RSVP cards or response options
- Basic printing services
If you’re hosting a smaller wedding or choosing simpler designs, your total cost may be closer to $200–$350. On the other end, luxury invitations with premium materials or specialty printing can exceed $1,000.
The most important thing to know? The “average” is just a reference point—not a rule you need to follow.
How Much Should Wedding Invitations Cost for Your Budget?
A common budgeting guideline is to spend about 2–3% of your total wedding budget on invitations and stationery.
- $10,000 wedding: $200–$300
- $20,000 wedding: $400–$600
- $30,000 wedding: $600–$900
If invitations are important to you, it’s okay to spend a bit more. If they’re not, it’s perfectly fine to keep costs low and focus your budget elsewhere. Your invitations should support your wedding,not stress you out.
Next, let’s talk about wedding invitation cost per guest (on average).
Estimated Wedding Invitation Costs by Guest Count
Use this quick comparison to see how much wedding invitations might cost for your guest list. Prices are based on average per-invitation costs of $2–$5 per guest, including envelopes and RSVP cards, with variations for budget, mid-range, and luxury options.
| Guest Count | Budget ($2/guest) | Average ($3.50/guest) | Luxury ($5/guest) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 guests | $150 | $263 | $375 |
| 100 guests | $200 | $350 | $500 |
| 150 guests | $300 | $525 | $750 |
| 200 guests | $400 | $700 | $1,000 |
Note: These are estimates based on typical pricing. Costs may vary depending on paper quality, printing method, and additional design elements. For instance, if you opt for cheap wedding invitations for 100 guests, you will spend less overall.
What Impacts the Cost of Wedding Invitations?
If you’re wondering why wedding invitation prices vary so much, these factors make the biggest difference:
1. Number of Invitations Ordered
You only need one invitation per household, not per guest. Ordering fewer invitations can significantly reduce your total cost.
2. Printing Method
- Digital printing: Most affordable and popular
- Letterpress: Elegant but higher cost
- Foil stamping or engraving: Premium pricing
3. Paper Type
Thick cardstock, textured paper, or handmade materials cost more than standard paper.
4. Design Extras
Wax seals, vellum wraps, envelope liners, ribbons, and custom illustrations can quickly increase the price.
5. Postage
Heavier or oversized invitations may require additional postage, which is often overlooked during budgeting. (PRO TIP: Always check the current postage rate at the USPS.)
How to Save Money on Wedding Invitations
Editor Tip: Semi-custom invitation suites from trusted designers are one of the easiest ways to balance style and budget without sacrificing quality.
- Choose semi-custom or pre-designed templates
- Skip extra inserts and direct guests to your wedding website
- Use standard invitation sizes to avoid extra postage
- Limit embellishments that don’t add real value
- Order a small buffer, but avoid large overages
You can still create invitations that feel personal and meaningful—without stretching your budget.
Want ready-to-use, semi-custom wedding invitations that fit your budget? Check out these curated invitation suites—they make planning easy and stylish.
Where to Buy Wedding Invitations
If you’re ready to shop, here are some popular options that fit different budgets and styles:
- Minted – Pre-designed or semi-custom suites, mid-range pricing.
- Zazzle – Affordable options with easy customization.
- Etsy – Unique, handmade invitations for every budget.
Shopping around helps you compare pricing, paper quality, and styles to find the best fit for your wedding.
How Far Ahead Should You Send Wedding Invitations?
Timing is just as important as design. Sending invitations at the right time helps guests plan and improves RSVP response rates.
Recommended Wedding Invitation Timeline
- Save-the-dates: 6–12 months before the wedding
- Wedding invitations: 6–8 weeks before the wedding
- RSVP deadline: 3–4 weeks before the wedding
Destination or Holiday Weddings
If your wedding requires travel or falls on a holiday weekend, send invitations 8–12 weeks in advance to give guests enough planning time.
When Should You Order Wedding Invitations?
To avoid rushing or paying extra for expedited printing, plan to order your invitations about 3–4 months before your wedding date.
This gives you time for:
- Design proofs and edits
- Printing and shipping
- Addressing envelopes
- Assembly and mailing
Building in extra time makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Are Expensive Wedding Invitations Worth It?
Expensive wedding invitations are only worth it if they matter to you. For some couples, stationery is a meaningful keepsake. For others, simple invitations do the job perfectly.
Your guests will remember the experience of your wedding far more than the cost of the paper.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Invitation Costs
What is the cheapest way to do wedding invitations?
The cheapest option is digital or semi-custom invitations with minimal inserts. Ordering one invitation per household and using standard sizes also helps keep costs low.
How many wedding invitations should I order?
You should order one invitation per household, plus 10–15 extra copies for keepsakes, last-minute additions, and mistakes.
Do wedding invitations need RSVP cards?
No. Many couples skip RSVP cards and direct guests to respond through a wedding website, which helps reduce printing and postage costs.
Are digital wedding invitations acceptable?
Yes. Digital invitations are increasingly popular for casual weddings, small celebrations, or couples prioritizing budget and convenience.
Final Thoughts
So, how much do wedding invitations cost? Enough to match your budget, your priorities, and your vision.
Whether you spend $250 or $1,200, the best invitations are the ones that make it easy for your guests to celebrate with you—and make you feel confident about your choices.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
Written by Emma, founder of Emmaline Bride, with over a decade of experience helping couples plan stylish weddings on every budget.
