When you start considering the budget for your forthcoming nuptials, key items such as the reception, catering, and wedding attire usually come to mind first. However, many forget to account for smaller, yet significant, costs including wedding cake, gifts for the bridal party, and wedding invitations.
Creating a memorable wedding that doesn’t break the bank requires setting priorities. While having aesthetically pleasing invitations is essential to many, remember that they are not the focal point of the celebration. Implementing several cost-saving strategies could help you save on invitations, freeing up funds for other crucial elements of the wedding.
Consider the following tips to save on wedding invitations:
1. Explore alternative purchasing locations. For instance, did you know that Costco provides wedding invitation services? Other options include printing companies, which may offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional stationery stores.
2. Shop in bulk. Streamline your purchases by getting your invitations and thank you cards from the same place. Many retailers offer discounts for bulk purchases, and some may provide advance payment incentives.
3. Opt for postcard-style RSVPs. There’s no rule that RSVPs need to be encased in separate envelopes. Considering current postage rates, choosing postcards over traditional RSVP cards can result in substantial savings, particularly when mailing out numerous invitations.
4. Evaluate paper weight. While using poor quality paper is non-advisable, opting for the heaviest paper could significantly increase mailing costs. Consider mid-weight paper that strikes a balance between quality and cost.
5. Choose simplicity. Generally, the simpler the design, the cheaper the invitation. An extravagantly decorated invite can incur additional costs and may not arrive in perfect condition at your guests’ homes. Picking a simple design ensures elegance at a friendly price.
6. Order additional invitations. Extra invitations guard against errors or last-minute additions to your guest list. The cost of additional invitations upfront is less than the expense of ordering more at a later date should you run out.
Unexpected costs are fairly common in wedding preparations. If the average wedding expense of $27,000 seems steep, look for ways to economize that won’t compromise the quality of your big day. Cutbacks on invitations could be an excellent starting point.
