The Cheapest Way to Do Wedding Invitations: Tips and Ideas

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! One of the first tasks you’ll need to tackle is sending out invitations. While it’s perfectly natural to want beautiful, high-quality invitations, it’s also important to stay within your budget. This guide will provide you with various cost-effective options for creating stunning wedding invitations without breaking the bank.
Digital Invitations
One of the most affordable ways to create and distribute wedding invitations is by going digital. Thanks to numerous online platforms and tools, designing digital invitations has never been easier.
Pros of Digital Invitations:
- Cost-effective: No printing or postage costs.
- Eco-friendly: Reduces paper waste.
- Convenient: Easily editable and shareable via email or social media.
- Interactive: Allows guests to RSVP directly through an online platform.
Cons of Digital Invitations:
- Lack of tangibility: Some guests may prefer physical invitations as keepsakes.
- Potential technical issues: Ensure all guests have access to the internet and are comfortable using digital platforms.
DIY Printed Invitations
If you prefer traditional printed invitations, consider making them yourself. With a little creativity and some basic design skills, you can create beautiful and unique invitations at a fraction of the cost of professionally-printed ones.
DIY Tips:
- Choose an affordable, high-quality cardstock for printing. This will give your invitations a more professional look and feel.
- Utilize free design tools and templates available online, such as Canva or Greetings Island.
- Print at home using a high-quality inkjet printer, or save even more money by printing at a local print shop or office supply store.
- Add personal touches, such as ribbons or embellishments, to make your invitations stand out.
Utilize Bulk Discounts
Many online invitation retailers offer bulk discounts when you order a certain number of invitations. This can be an excellent way to save money if you’re inviting a large number of guests. Be sure to compare prices and read reviews before selecting a retailer to ensure you’re getting the best quality for your money.
Read more: The Etiquette of Second Marriage Wedding Invitations: What You Need to Know
Postcard Invitations
Another budget-friendly option is to create postcard-style wedding invitations. These typically require less paper and no envelopes, which can save you money on both materials and postage. Plus, postcards give off a casual and fun vibe that may be perfect for your wedding style.
Tips for Postcard Invitations:
- Select sturdy cardstock that can withstand being mailed without an envelope.
- Create a visually appealing design that includes all necessary information on one side of the card.
- Consider incorporating engagement photos or other personalized images into the design.
- Double-check postal regulations regarding size and postage requirements for postcards before finalizing your design.
Read more: Elevate Your Wedding with Ellie Wedding Invitations
Additional Cost-Saving Tips
Regardless of which invitation style you choose, there are several other ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality:
- Opt for simple, minimalist designs that use less ink and fewer materials.
- Choose standard-size invitations and envelopes to avoid extra postage fees.
- Consider sending electronic save-the-dates, even if you’re planning to mail printed invitations. This can save money on printing and postage while still providing guests with important information early on.
- Avoid adding extra inserts or cards to your invitation suite, and instead direct guests to a wedding website for additional details.
In conclusion, there are numerous ways to create beautiful wedding invitations without breaking the bank. By exploring digital options, creating DIY printed invitations, utilizing bulk discounts, or opting for postcard-style invites, you can find a solution that fits both your budget and your wedding style. Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding invitations is that they reflect your love story and provide guests with the necessary information to celebrate with you.
Related reading
- The Etiquette of Second Marriage Wedding Invitations: What You Need to Know
- How to Make a Map for Wedding Invitations: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Thermography Wedding Invitations
- Clear Address Labels for Wedding Invitations
- Newspaper Wedding Invitations

Meet The Author
Hey! I’m Maria Sullivan, the owner and main writer behind All The Pretty Paper. I spent 10 years of my life running a boutique wedding planning agency, and I now enjoy giving my expertise and resources away online so I can reach a broader audience and help more folks get married :).