AP Q&A: How Much Should You Actually Spend on Wedding Invitations?

Here's what to expect when budgeting for your wedding stationery

Let's be honest: scrolling through wedding invitation pricing can feel like entering a different dimension. One studio quotes you $2 per invite, another says $8, and you're left wondering if you're missing something or if everyone else got a decoder ring you didn't.

Deep breath. You're not missing anything.

If you're wondering what to budget for wedding invitations, you're asking exactly the right question at exactly the right time. According to The Knot's 2025 Real Weddings Study, couples typically spend around $518 total on their invitation suite and paper details. But here's what that number doesn't tell you: that average covers ready-made invitations from online retailers, not custom designs created with a professional designer. If you're dreaming of invitations that feel uniquely yours—the kind that make you do a little happy dance when they arrive—you're looking at a different (and honestly, more exciting) investment.

Most couples spend between $1.50 and $8 per invitation suite. That's a wide range, and it exists for a reason. A simple, digitally printed invitation on standard cardstock will land on the lower end. A custom-designed suite with premium paper, thoughtful details, and special finishes? That's closer to the higher end. Neither option is wrong—it just depends on what lights you up.

Here's what actually moves the needle on pricing: the level of customization you want, the type of printing, the paper quality, and any special finishes. When you choose luxe cardstock that feels substantial the moment someone opens the envelope, when you work with a designer who gets your vision and makes it even better than you imagined, when your invitations look like they could only belong to your wedding—that's where the magic happens. And yes, you'll invest more. But it shows. Your people will feel it before they even read a single word.

Wedding planners suggest allocating around $2,460 for décor, favors, and stationery combined. With the average wedding cost sitting at $33,000, putting thoughtful money toward your paper goods isn't extravagant—it's smart. These are the first tangible pieces of your wedding that people hold in their hands. They set expectations. They build excitement. They give your wedding a voice before anyone steps foot in the venue.

Here's the best part: when you work with a studio that offers designer collaboration and premium printing without the luxury markup, you actually get more for your budget. Beautiful and affordable don't have to be opposites. They can be the same sentence.

Your invitations aren't just paper. They're the beginning of your love story as husband and wife. They're the moment your wedding goes from "someday" to "it's really happening." Budgeting thoughtfully means you get invitations that feel as intentional and special as the day they're announcing.

Ready to create invitations that feel as special as your wedding day? Discover how we make the process easy, beautiful, and stress-free.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What's the average cost for wedding invitations?

According to The Knot's 2023 Real Weddings Study, couples typically spend around $518 total on their wedding invitation suite and stationery. This number reflects ready-made invitations from online retailers. Custom-designed suites from professional designers typically range higher depending on paper quality, printing method, and how much customization you want. Think of it like this: you can get a dress off the rack or you can get one tailored to fit you perfectly. Both get the job done, but the experience—and the result—are completely different.

How much should I budget per invitation?

Most couples spend between $1.50 and $8 per invitation suite. Simple digitally printed invitations start around $1.50–$3 per suite, while custom-designed invitations with premium paper and special finishes typically range from $4–$8+ per suite. For a 100-guest wedding, that's anywhere from $150 to $800 for invitations alone. The sweet spot? Usually around $300–$500 for a semi-custom or fully custom suite that feels polished and personal without requiring you to take out a small loan.

What affects the cost of wedding invitations?

Several factors influence pricing, and knowing them helps you make confident decisions. Level of customization matters—are you starting from a template or building something from scratch with a designer? Type of printing plays a role too: digital printing is budget-friendly, while letterpress and foil stamping are more of an investment. Paper quality and weight make a difference you can literally feel. Special finishes like foil, embossing, or edge painting add that extra polish. And working with a designer for a custom suite means you're paying for expertise, not just printing.

How much of my wedding budget should go to invitations?

Wedding planners suggest allocating around $2,460 for all stationery, décor, and favors combined. For invitations specifically, plan for about 2-3% of your total wedding budget. So if you're working with a $30,000 budget, that's around $600–$900 for invitations. If your budget is $50,000, you're looking at $1,000–$1,500. That typically covers your invitation suite plus any day-of stationery like menus, programs, or place cards.

Are custom wedding invitations worth the investment?

Here's the truth: custom invitations give you a design that actually reflects your wedding style instead of looking like everyone else's. You get premium paper quality that feels luxurious when your guests open the envelope. You get a cohesive look across all your stationery pieces. And when you work with a design studio, you get expert guidance through the whole process—someone who knows what works, what doesn't, and how to make your vision even better. If you want invitations that feel like you and make you genuinely excited to send them, custom is worth every penny.