The Stationery Budget Planner
How to build a realistic stationery budget for your wedding and use it to enjoy a stress-free planning process!
How to build a realistic stationery budget for your wedding and use it to enjoy a stress-free planning process!
Unless you've found a magical money tree for your wedding, how much everything will cost has likely been on your mind...
Stressful right? What would you say if we told you there was a secret stress-saver that's easy to do?
Building a realistic budget before you start planning is almost as important as finding the right dress - if you want to enjoy your first months of marriage that is! ;)
In this guide, we're breaking down what you need to know about building a stationery budget and what "realistic" budgeting really looks like!
Are you ready to get started?
Wedding Invitation Planning 101
Creating wedding stationery is easier than you think - as long as you use the right tools and plan ahead! This checklist will help you do just that!
No matter how gorgeous your invites are - they won't mean anything if they aren't sent out in time!
In case you missed our planning post, here's a quick recap of the ideal stationery timeline:
The first step to building any budget is actually talking about it!
Unless you and your partner are psychic when it comes to your wedding (if so, you go girl!) - you will likely have different goals for what it'll look like and where your budget should go - which means getting on the same page is step 1!
Here are a few questions to help get your convo started:
Looking for more budget building tips? Click here!
Now that you and your partner have discussed the B word - it's time to talk about what pieces you'll actually need!
Pro Tip: When buildling your invitations, get creative! If 99% of your guests will RSVP via text anyways, cut the RSVP cards and put that budget towards another embellishment or upgrading to gold foil for your invitations!
Day-of stationery is another important piece to consider when building your invitation budget - because it all adds up!
Here are a few of the most popular pieces:
Pro Tip: Many stationers offer a discount if you purchase a whole suite and day-of stationery form them - so if you're going the custom route, this is a great way to maximize your stationery budget!
Don't forget abut Thank You Cards for your guests and vendors!
These should be sent out within 2 weeks of the wedding to anyone who attended - especially if they brought a gift!
If you love the idea of having a professional create custom stationery for you and take care of the whole process, this is the type of invite for you!
Cost: $5,000 - $10,000+
A gorgeous option if you love thoughtful design and supporting smaller studios - but are looking for a more budget-conscious option!
Cost: $1,000 - $3,000+
If you're all about DIY - create your own invites 100% online using a pre-designed template from your favorite online retailer! You can get crafty without breaking the bank!
Cost: $1.50 - $5.00 per invite
Simple flat printing for thinner cardstock - this is the starting print method and least expensive.
Flat printing for thicker cardstock. Allows you to work with thicker paper while keeping budget low.
The most popular printing technique for wedding invites, this will create a colored impression on your invites that's totally stunning!
Add a little shimmer by pressing your favorite color of metallic foil into your invitations - perfect for making those names pop!
A new technique for creating a raised impression on on the front of your invites using ink and powder, lithography is a less-expensive alternative to engraving!
Inked and pressed using a special technique, engraving creates raised lettering on the front of your invitations with an indentation on the back - the most luxurious look!
A beautiful addition to your invitations that can be done in combination with any of these other methods - two custom engraved plates are pressed on either side of your invitation created a raised impression. Most often used on envelopes.
Beautiful for overlays, wraps and gatefold invitations, this is a paper cutting technique that creates patterns out of the paper itself vs. ink or printing methods.
An often overlooked part of the budgeting puzzle are the embellishments you're planning to add!
Can't talk about embellishments without discussing wax seals! Perfect for the back of your envelopes, invitations or day-of decor, wax seals usually range from $1.00 - $1.50/invite depending on make and model.
The perfect way to add flair and movement to your suite, silk ribbon can be wrapped, tied and arranged in a ton of ways and usually ranges from $2.00 - $3.00/invite.
Don't forget about the inside of those envelopes and make 'em pretty using your favorite patterned envelope liners! Easy-to-use, you can add these to your suite for ~$1.00.
A beautiful old-world addition to your envelopes, vintage stamps and custom postage in general is a beautiful touch often starting at $0.30 - $4.00/invite!
If you're looking for a lovely way to wrap your invitations together that's quick and easy to do - belly bands are a great option! Cost: $0.59 - $1.50/invite.
If you're as obsessed with vellum as we are - adding a sheet of vellum over your invitation card is perfect for a modern and chic extra detail! Ranges from $0.10 - $0.50 per invite.
Take your suite to the next level with a vellum overlay. Gorgeous paired with a watercolor floral, a custom map, or even blank - the possibilities here are endless! Ranges from $0.50 - $3.00/invite depending on brand and design.
A custom rubber stamp is a great DIY way to add your return address to your envelopes and invitations! Cost ranges from $15.00 - $55.00 depending on brand and design.
If you're looking for a last minute touch for your envelopes, menus or place cards - a custom embosser is a great way to go! Cost: $25.00 - $125.00 depending on brand/design.
This is a gorgeous embellishment for any envelope and is a must-have for many budding brides-to-be! Pricing will vary for this service by calligrapher and guest list - but often ranges from $250 - $400 for 100 envelopes.
Pro Tip: Be sure to do research on the vendor you'll be working with! While there may be similarities in pricing - the overall cost (and what's included) can vary a ton from stationer to stationer and brand to brand!
Photos: Paula Lee Calligraphy | Plume Calligraphy | Angelique Ink | Papel & Co. | Ciarra Claire
Your wedding budget couldn't be complete without adding in how much it'll cost to ship them out!
Postage might seem confusing (click here for our full how-to mailing guide), but planning ahead always helps!
To calculate postage, you'll need to:
If you're wondering how you're supposed to figure that out before you buy your stationery - you're in luck! Most companies will send you samples (either for free or a very small fee) that you can use to estimate how much shipping will cost!
When doing this - just make sure you order the exact specs of product (weight of cardstock/size of wax seal/etc.) so your postage estimate is as accurate as possible!
Pro Tip: Most invitations are sent out via USPS First Class Mail (click here for more info) which ranges from $0.55/invite to $0.91/invite.
Once you've picked your pieces and done your research, use the table below to build your budget and track spending as you go!
Item | Brand | Cost/Item | Quantity Needed | Total Cost | Amount Spent |
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Knowing what to say, how to say it and who to say it to are invitation essentials that you need to know as a bride-to-be!
For your guide on all things Wedding Etiquette and what you need to know before sending out ANY Save the Dates,
Photos by Jenny Sanders and Tara Lynn Butterworth