What is a good budget for wedding invitations?

Short answer

A good budget depends on your guest list, style and print method. Most couples find a sensible range by working out a cost per guest and comparing a few quotes. Your invitations are one part of your stationery, so leave room for thank-you cards and other printed pieces.

Start by deciding what matters most to you. If invitations are a priority, you might spend more on thick paper, foil or a professional designer. If you would rather save, a simple digital design printed in one colour can look lovely and keep costs down.

A useful way to plan is to think per guest rather than per set. A small wedding with 30 guests can afford a more luxurious invitation than a 150-guest wedding on the same total. Remember that each invitation covers a household, not each person, so a couple or family counts as one.

Your budget should also cover the extras that often get forgotten: envelopes, inner envelopes, postage, RSVP cards, and any belly bands or wax seals. Postage in the UK can add up, especially for heavier card or square envelopes, which cost more to send.

A good approach is to set a total stationery budget first, then split it between invitations, thank-you cards, order of service and any signs. Keep a little aside for mistakes or last-minute reprints. Ask two or three printers for quotes with the same paper and size, so you can compare fairly.