The True Costs of Wedding Invitations (And How to Save Without Sacrificing Style)

When Sarah DMed me on Instagram, she sounded completely overwhelmed.

“I just got quoted $1,200 for wedding invitations. That doesn’t even include menus or thank you cards. Is that… normal??”

She’d fallen hard for a minimalist fine-art suite: think layered vellum, a delicate belly band, subtle gold foil. Absolutely stunning. Until the quote came in—and her entire stationery budget vanished in a puff of panic.

Honestly? I get messages like this all the time.

Brides with beautiful taste, Pinterest boards full of dreamy inspiration… and no clue that wedding invitations can cost as much as a second honeymoon. So I gave Sarah the full scoop.

There are three main routes when it comes to wedding stationery:

• Go full custom with a stationery designer—and prepare for serious sticker shock.
• Order a semi-custom suite online—slightly more budget-friendly, but still pricey.
• Use a printable invitation template and print them yourself or locally.

Sarah went with option three. She grabbed a $20 printable wedding invitation template, made a quick stop at a local print shop that charged $0.90 per piece, and walked away with an entire suite—including the main invite, RSVP card, details card, and belly band—for under $150. Chic, stress-free, and fully within budget.

If you’re dreaming of gorgeous wedding stationery but the price tags are making your eye twitch—you’re not alone.

The average cost of wedding invitations for 100 guests ranges from $500 to $1,200 in the U.S. And that’s just the beginning. Go the full custom route and you’re looking at $4,000 to $7,000 (or more) before you even start printing your menus or place cards.

Yep—wedding invitation costs can rival your venue.

But here's the good news: you do not need to spend thousands to have stunning stationery. In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of wedding stationery, where the money goes (spoiler: shipping and design fees add up fast), and—most importantly—how to save money on wedding invitations without giving up your vision.

We’ll also show you the rising trend savvy brides are turning to: editable, printable invitation templates that look like a million bucks… for under $200.

Wondering:

• What’s the real average cost for wedding invitations?

• Where can I trim the budget without cutting the style?

• How do I DIY my stationery without losing my mind?

You’re in exactly the right place. Let’s unpack the numbers, the hidden fees, and the budget-friendly path to a wedding suite you’ll love.

No stress. No overspending. Just beautiful invitations that feel so you.

What Wedding Invitations Actually Cost (And Why No One Warns You)

Let’s talk numbers—the ones no one really mentions until your Pinterest dreams start colliding with your actual budget.

You fall in love with the idea of a full wedding invitation suite—something beautiful, cohesive, and so you. Then the quote lands in your inbox… and suddenly your venue fee starts looking like a bargain.

So, what does a typical wedding invitation suite even include?

A Standard Suite Usually Covers:

• Main Invitation
• RSVP Card
• Details or Enclosure Card
• Belly Band or Wrap

…And that’s before you get to the envelopes, stamps, printing upgrades, or anything fancy like gold foil or wax seals.

Let’s break it down:

Option 1: Custom Designer Invitations — $4,000 to $7,000+

This is the luxury route. You’re hiring a professional stationery designer to create something completely custom. It’s gorgeous. It’s intentional. It’s expensive.

Here’s where the wedding invitations costs start stacking up:

• Custom design fee: $500–$2,000
• High-end printing: $6–$12 per suite (or more)
• Specialty materials (vellum, ribbon, wax seals): $500+
• Assembly & shipping: $200–$400

Average cost of wedding invitations for 100 guests with a designer? $4,000 to $7,000+.

Is it stunning? Absolutely.
Is it realistic for every couple? Not really.

Option 2: Semi-Custom Online Retailers — $500 to $1,200+

If you're shopping at places like Minted, Zola, or The Knot, you’ll find stylish, semi-custom options with a little more flexibility—but they still come with a price tag.

Expect to pay:

• $500–$1,200+ for 100 printed suites (invite, RSVP, details card)
• Extra for upgraded paper, envelope liners, or foil
• Address printing is often a separate cost
• Envelopes may or may not be included

The designs are usually beautiful, but your customization options can be limited—and costs climb quickly with each “little upgrade.” 

Option 3: Printable Templates + Affordable Printing — $130 to $180 (Or Less!)

This is where things start to get really interesting—because this route gives you total creative control and keeps your wedding stationery costs low.

Let’s say you purchase a $20 printable wedding invitation suite (hi, hello, I’ve got you covered). You edit the template yourself—right in your browser—and send it to a local print shop or upload it to a budget-friendly online printer like VistaPrint.

For 100 full suites, here’s what that might look like:

Beyond the Invite: What Wedding Stationery Really Includes

Here’s the kicker: most couples only budget for the invitations. But a complete stationery suite includes all the other pieces that round out the guest experience—before, during, and after the big day.

Typical Wedding Stationery Costs Cover:

Before the Wedding:

• Save the Date
• Main Invitation
• RSVP Card
• Details/Enclosure Card
• Belly Band or Wrap
• Envelopes (outer + RSVP)

Day-Of Stationery:

• Welcome Sign
• Ceremony Program
• Table Numbers
• Escort Cards or Place Cards
• Seating Chart
• Menu Cards
• Signage (guest book, bar signs, favors)

After the Wedding:

• Thank You Cards

Every one of these adds to your average cost of wedding stationery—especially if you’re ordering them à la carte or adding upgrades.

But the good news? You can absolutely create a gorgeous, cohesive stationery suite on a real-life budget.

What This Actually Costs Through Traditional Avenues

Let’s say you go the traditional route—custom designer or upscale online retailer. Gorgeous? Yes. But here’s a quick peek at what 100 of each stationery item might cost when you’re not DIYing:

And keep in mind, these wedding invitations costs don’t include things like shipping, rush fees, or upgraded finishes like foil, letterpress, or embossing. If you're working with a professional designer, you'll likely be adding a hefty design fee on top. The numbers add up fast.

The DIY Alternative: Templates + Print Shop = Total Flexibility (and Huge Savings)

Now let’s compare that with the printable template route.

You choose a beautifully designed, fully editable template from my shop—add your details in minutes, and print it wherever works best for your budget. Here’s what 100 of each piece might cost when you DIY:

And here's the best part:
You can grab everything above—yes, the full suite—for just $46 with my all-in-one printable bundle.

That’s a complete wedding stationery set, professionally designed, fully customizable, and ready for instant download. From there, you can price-shop for printing or even DIY some items at home. Total freedom. Maximum savings.

The DIY Secret No One Talks About

Here’s the truth: Printable wedding invitation templates aren’t a second-choice workaround. They’re the modern bride’s secret weapon.

They give you more control, faster turnaround, and total design flexibility—without sacrificing quality or style.
So let’s bust the myth: DIY doesn’t mean messy, complicated, or “crafty bride energy” unless you want it to. Today’s templates are beautifully designed, user-friendly, and built to look professionally printed.

Wait… What Is a Printable Wedding Invitation Template?

Great question.

A printable invitation template is a digital design file that you personalize online and print yourself. After purchase, you’ll receive instant access to your template via Corjl—an intuitive online editor you can use right in your browser (no software needed, no design degree required).

Once your info is added and everything looks perfect, you can:

• Print at home (for small batches or quick turnarounds)
• Send to a local shop like Staples, Office Depot, or Costco
• Upload to an online printer like VistaPrint

Templates are formatted in standard print sizes (like 5×7” for invitations or A2 for RSVP cards) and include professional design features like crop marks, bleed, and spacing guides—so your final print looks polished and high-end.

How Customizable Is It?

Short answer: totally. This isn’t a fill-in-the-blank form—it’s flexible enough to make your stationery feel 100% yours.

Inside Corjl, you can:

• Change any text (names, times, locations, etc.)
• Add or remove text blocks as needed
• Rearrange layout elements to better fit your content
• Customize fonts, colors, alignment, and spacing
• Preview everything before downloading

If you can use drag-and-drop, you can totally nail this.

Why Brides Love This Option

Printable templates check every box for modern couples who want gorgeous design without overspending.

Here’s why:

• Instant Access: No waiting on proof cycles or printers

• Creative Control: Make updates any time, from any device

• Budget Flexibility: Print wherever and whenever works for you

• No Panic: Need to reprint? Just update your file and go

• Design-Quality Finish: All the elegance, none of the markup

If you’re wondering how to save money on wedding invitations without giving up the aesthetic you love—this is the path.

Real Numbers — Why Printable Templates Win

Alright, let’s talk numbers. Because when it comes to wedding invitations costs, it’s not just about finding the cheapest option—it’s about getting the most beauty, function, and flexibility for your money.

Now that you’ve seen what goes into a typical wedding suite and how printable templates work, let’s break it down with real-world math. We’re comparing three common paths couples take for a guest list of 100:

• Hiring a professional stationery designer
• Ordering through an online retailer
• Using a printable invitation template and choosing your own printer

Each option includes the core pieces of a wedding invitation suite:

• Main invitation
• RSVP card
• Details or enclosure card
• Belly band
• Envelopes

Option 1: Custom Designer — $4,000 to $7,000+

What you get:
A one-of-a-kind, bespoke suite with luxury finishes, premium paper stocks, and all the extras like foil, letterpress, and hand-tied ribbon. You’ll work one-on-one with a designer for a truly custom experience.

The cost:

• Average: $40–$70 per suite
• Total: $4,000 to $7,000+ for 100 guests
• Extras like wax seals, calligraphy, or edge painting? That price climbs fast.

Timeline:
4 to 8 weeks, plus revision rounds.

If a fully custom suite is your dream and your budget allows for it—go for it. But for most couples, this is where wedding stationery costs start to compete with the venue or catering budget. It’s luxury… with the luxury price tag to match.

Option 2: Online Retailer — $500 to $1,200+

What you get:
A semi-custom, pre-designed suite from shops like Minted, Zola, or Shutterfly. You plug in your info, select a paper type, and wait for your printed suite to arrive.

The cost:

• Average: $5–$12 per suite
• Add-ons like envelope liners, guest addressing, or premium paper bump that up quickly.

Timeline:
1–3 weeks depending on production + shipping.

It’s a more affordable step down from custom design—but there’s limited flexibility. You can’t move elements around or make stylistic tweaks, and last-minute changes? Often not an option.

Option 3: Printable Template + Local Print Shop — $130 to $180

What you get:
Complete control, beautiful design, and massive savings.

Breakdown:

• Template: $20 (or $46 for a full wedding stationery bundle)
• Invitation printing: ~$82
• RSVP cards: $25–$50
• Belly bands: $10–$20
• Envelopes: Often included or $10–$15 extra

Estimated total for 100 guests:
$130 to $180 using basic card stock
Up to $250 for premium finishes

Timeline:
Template: instant download
Printing: 5–7 days

If you’re aiming to stay under $200 (yes, for the whole suite), this is your winner. With promo codes and shop discounts, you can sometimes land your full invitation suite for even less.

Why Printable Templates Come Out on Top

If you’re wondering how to save money on wedding invitations without cutting corners on style, printable templates are the smartest move. You get:

• Full creative control
• Instant access
• Room to make updates
• Design-quality results
• And all of it for a fraction of what you'd spend elsewhere

You don’t have to compromise. You just have to plan smart.

Want to Save Even More? Bundle Up

Here’s how to cut your wedding stationery costs even further: skip buying individual templates and go for a complete stationery bundle.

These bundles are packed with everything from save-the-dates and RSVP cards to menus, signage, programs, and thank-you cards. Not only do you save big when you bundle, but every piece is beautifully coordinated—so your wedding feels seamless and cohesive from start to finish.

💡 And yes, all of it is editable, downloadable, and print-ready.

What’s Included in a Bundle?

Let’s break down what you actually get in my complete wedding stationery bundle—and why it’s one of the best-kept secrets for couples who want designer-level beauty without the designer-level price tag.

Included in the bundle:

• Save the Dates
• Full Invitation Suite
  (Main Invite, RSVP Card, Details Card, Belly Band)
• Wedding Program
• Menus
• Table Numbers
• Place Cards
• Welcome Sign
• Seating Chart
• Thank You Cards and more.

All for just $46.

That’s every piece you’ll need—from “we’re getting married!” to “thank you so much!”—designed to match perfectly and edit in minutes. No design skills required, no waiting on proof approvals. Just instant access and total control.

✨ Equivalent cost if you ordered through an online retailer? Around $1,200+.
✨ From a custom stationery designer? You’d be looking at $4,000+.

How to Save Even More on Wedding Invitations

Already feeling great about your stationery costs? Let’s stretch those savings even further.

Once you’ve got your bundle, you can:

• Print only what you need—skip the fluff, focus on what matters
• Choose where to print based on cost, quality, and convenience

Here are a few smart ways to cut down your wedding invitation costs even more:

• Watch for print shop sales
  Big-box printers like VistaPrint, Staples, Office Depot, and Costco regularly run 15%–25% off promos. Some even throw in free shipping.

• Stick to standard card stock
  Premium finishes are lovely, but standard matte card stock still looks beautiful—and no one’s checking your paper weight.

• Print in waves
  Not sure about final numbers yet? Start with save the dates or invites, then come back for menus and signs. You can time printing with sales and flash promos.

• Skip unnecessary extras
  Envelope liners, foil embossing, and double-thick paper are gorgeous… but not essential. Save them for a few special pieces if you’re dreaming of that little something extra.

When you combine a printable bundle with smart printing choices, your full wedding stationery suite can stay under $200—without sacrificing style, personality, or polish.

Final Thoughts: Wedding Stationery That’s Stylish and Smart

Here’s the truth: Beautiful stationery shouldn’t blow your budget.

You deserve something that reflects your personality, fits your theme, and feels like “you”—without the sticker shock. And you can absolutely have that with printable templates.

Because when you understand the real average cost of wedding invitations for 100 guests, you start to realize just how much you can save (and how little you need to give up) by doing it your way.

What We’ve Covered:

✔ The average cost of wedding invitations starts around $500–$1,200
✔ A full wedding stationery suite can cost $2,000–$4,000 (or more)
✔ With printable templates, you can create the full suite for under $200
✔ With a bundle? You’ll get matching designs for every stage of your wedding—just $46 total
✔ Print where and when you want, with full customization and creative control

One Last Thing…

Your stationery doesn’t need to be custom-printed or couture-priced to feel meaningful.

It just needs to feel like you.

With printable templates, you can have that look you’ve been dreaming of—cohesive, beautiful, and totally personal—without spending a fortune or second-guessing your choices.

✨ Ready to make your invitations the smart way?

👉 Check out the Complete Wedding Stationery Bundle – everything from save the dates to thank you cards in one editable package.
👉 Or browse the Printable Wedding Invitation Collection to find your perfect individual design.

No stress. No compromise. Just wedding stationery that’s every bit as thoughtful, intentional, and beautiful as the day itself.

You’ve got this.