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8 Stunning Yet Affordable Wedding Invitation Ideas

Cutting costs doesn't mean you have to skimp on style - by Rhys McKay
  • 03 Jun 2019
8 Stunning Yet Affordable Wedding Invitation Ideas

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, but if you want to celebrate in style, you’re going to have to be smart about planning your budget. The average wedding cost in Australia is a whopping $53,168, but the average income is only $82,436 per year. That’s a large chunk of your annual earnings!

When you need to consider the big-ticket things like the reception and the honeymoon, the cost of a traditional wedding starts to skyrocket. However, many smaller items go unnoticed, and the total cost of all the ‘little things’ can really add up! If you want to save money on your wedding, you might need to get a little bit crafty with some of the smaller wedding expenses like wedding invitations. 

It’s only natural that you want to have an amazing invitation for your wedding. It’s a special day, and the invitation will let your guests know just how special it is. Invitations can get quite expensive though, with the average Australian couple shelling out around $800 just for invitations.

The pressure to have a fancy wedding – and the cost of holding one – can put a lot of stress on couples, especially when you still have to deal with daily expenses like rent and groceries. A budget wedding can still be an unforgettable event; it’s just about knowing where to save.

If you can save on your invitations, it can make a large difference to your overall budget. Here, we offer some ideas for lovely invitations that won’t break the bank.

Here, are eight ways you can cut costs on wedding invitations, and still master a chic wedding. 

cardsandpockets View Profile
785 likes - View Post on Instagram
Today's Fan Friday repost from @molly_kapljack is fitting for Fall, which officially starts tomorrow! Woodgrain textured Tindalo pockets tied with twine and sprigs of greenery create a rustic, elegant look that we can't get enough of 💌🌿 For the chance to be featured next week, be sure to tag us in your photos or use #cardsandpockets . . . . . #weddinginvitations #invitationdesign #papergoods #weddingideas #invitations #weddinginspiration #paperlove #weddingpaper #stationery #engaged #bridetobe #weddingplanning #weddingstationery #weddinginvitation #diywedding #greenerywedding #pocketinvitations #pocketinvitation #diyweddinginvitations #fallwedding #stationerydesign #rusticwedding #rusticweddinginvitations #rusticweddinginvitation #fallwedding #handmadeinvitations #bespoke #fallweddinginvitation #fanfriday

1. Consider The Invitation Upgrades You Really Want

One of the biggest reasons why invitations are so pricey is that couples can’t resist going all out for the extras. Yes, that wax seal may add a lovely vintage touch, but do you want that more than the dried flowers or the custom ink? A few, well-placed details are better than putting on all the bells and whistles. Stick to your non-negotiable extra details and don't be tempted to go all-out!

papiradesign View Profile
2,660 likes - View Post on Instagram
Just a couple more days until this pretty letterpress invitation suite will be part of our pre-design collection. Even though we pretty much have infinite resources for wax seals, since we engrave them ourselves, for this suite we landed on the idea of a blank square seal with herbal flower insertions in order match the gorgeous illustration of the vellum wrap. 🌿 We are so happy to welcome this beauty to the family. 💌

2. Print Extra Invitations Ahead Of Time

If you suddenly run out of invitations, a rush job will end up costing you a lot more. Save yourself the stress and the money by ordering additional invitations ahead of time.

cardsandpockets View Profile
333 likes - View Post on Instagram
There's nothing like a bold wedding envelope to brighten up your friends' mailboxes 💌🍊👏 Tangy Orange envelopes with beautiful brush lettering by @santafepaperco ! . . . . . #weddinginvitations #invitationdesign #papergoods #weddingenvelopes #invitations #weddinginspiration #paperlove #prettypaper #weddingpaper #stationery #dailydoseofpaper #engaged #bridetobe #weddingplanning #diywedding #weddingstationery #weddinginvitation #envelopeaddressing #calligraphy #envelope #bespoke #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #orangeweddinginvitation #summerwedding #brushlettering #envelopes #diyweddinginvitations #envelopecalligraphy #cardsandpockets

3. Digitally Print Your Invitations Instead Of Having Them Engraved Or Pressed

Letterpress, calligraphy, and engraving can get pretty expensive. Well-designed prints with lovely art are inexpensive and can be every bit as elegant!

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swellpress View Profile
1,639 likes - View Post on Instagram
simple and whimsical for Ellen and Daniel's night of celebration and champagne 🍾✨ The stars that look like blind impression are actually a spot gloss, with matte silver foil for subtle sparkle and grey letterpress text. #swellpressweddings

4. Make Your Own Personalised Wedding Invitations

This is most feasible for weddings with a small number of guests. If you really want to add a personal touch to your invites, you can DIY your invitations. Download a free invitation template or some fancy fonts, then design and print the invitations out yourself.

DIY invitations have their own special charm. Get creative and look at sample invitations on the Internet; you can use watercolour, washi tape, or special craft punchers to add flourishes to your invitations without spending too much.

laurensdreamhome View Profile
33 likes - View Post on Instagram
So I missed posting this yesterday for #weddingwednesday as Instagram was down! Now that all our guests have received them, I thought I'd show your our (handmade by me) wedding invitations! ☺️ I am soooo happy with how they turned out they are EXACTLY what I wanted! 😍 I knew what kind of invites I wanted even before we got engaged thanks to being a Pinterest addict 😂 and I always knew I'd make them myself as I'm so fussy haha ☺️ I bought the brown card with matching envelopes from Hobby Craft, the little brown RSVP envelopes are from eBay and I printed everything else off myself at home using Microsoft Word. It's so exciting now that we're getting lots of RSVPs back! Every time I get home and see a little envelope has been delivered I get so giddy ☺️😂💕💌👰🏽🤵🏽💒 #diybride #diywedding #diyinvitations #diyweddinginvitations #weddinginspo #gettingmarried #bridetobe #floralinvitation #rusticinvitation #shabbychicinvitation #rusticwedding #shabbychicwedding #handmade #handmadewedding #handmadeweddinginvitations #crafting #weddinginvitations #weddinginvitation #weddinginvites

5. Take Advantage Of Technology To Save Money

Need guests to RSVP? Want to include a map to the venue? Make an online response form or venue map, then indicate the URL at the bottom of your invitation. It will save you the cost of printing extra cards, and it’s super convenient for your guests!

life_of_jenna.s View Profile
44 likes - View Post on Instagram
My handmade watercolor and eucalyptus wedding invitations. I wasn't trying to break the bank with invites when I knew people just end up throwing them away. 💕🌸💕🌸 . . . . . . . . . . #wedding #newlyweds #brideandgroom #cupcakes #weddingday #justmarried #love #couple #ido #married #weddingday #beachwedding #diy #weddingdiy #diyinvitations#diyweddinginvitations #weddingphotography #hiltonheadisland #hhi #hiltonhead #sweetcarolinacupcakes #destinationwedding #weddingcake #jenharvey #jenharveyphotography2018 #jenharveyphotography @jenharveyphotography

6. Cut Costs By Choosing The Right Paper

Imported, glossy, or custom-textured paper can get pretty expensive. Using partially recycled paper for your invitations is cheaper and a lot more environment-friendly. Recycled paper comes in so many colours and styles that you can choose from, so your invitation sets will still look amazing!

hlrdesigns View Profile
11 likes - View Post on Instagram
We received some photos this morning by the talented @brookemayo of our recycled vineyard invitation. #hlrdesigns #brookemayo #OBXWA #obx #sanctuaryvineyards #obxwedding #destinationwedding #recycledpaperinvitation #recycledpapers #customweddinginvitations #bikeweddinginvitation

7. Choose Standard Dimensions For Your Invitations

Weird but true; square or rolled scroll invitations will result in additional postage charges. Save yourself the extra fees by having invitations made in standard dimensions. Check with your local post office to find out how much they charge!

emilymaynestudio View Profile
224 likes - View Post on Instagram
I'm just peachy about this simple, southern style suite for Allison and Dylan. Light neutrals, hints of blush and peach, cheery blooms and a classic venue painting 🍑👌🏼

8. Look For Affordable Wedding Invitation Packages

If you’re not the arts and crafts type, you can check out a good designer package and customise it according to your budget. There are many options for inexpensive invitation sets that you can look at. Lilykiss, The Daydream Creative Design Studio, and Paperlust offer brilliant, affordable options to choose from.

You don’t have to go to traditional invitation houses and fork over a ton of cash. Browse Etsy, or check out Instagram to get a feel of the kind of work these companies do. You just might find your dream invitation package!

lilykiss_invitations View Profile
87 likes - View Post on Instagram
Frosted acrylic invite with the sky blue English garden liner. 🌧🌧🌧 There are so many possibilities by having fun mixing up the liner - this finishing touch can completely transform your theme.

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