Stationery Spending Guide: Budgeting for Wedding Invites, Save‑the‑Dates & More

Paper may seem small, but it can gobble up a surprising chunk of your wedding budget. Knowing how much to set aside for invitations, save‑the‑dates, RSVP cards and thank‑you notes helps you avoid nasty surprises and keeps the overall spend in check.

What’s a Realistic Budget for Wedding Paper?

Most couples spend between £400 and £1,200 on the entire paper suite. The big ticket items are the invitations – expect £3‑£10 per piece for a standard printed set, and £10‑£30 if you go custom, hand‑lettered or foil‑stamped. Save‑the‑dates are cheaper, usually £1‑£3 each, while RSVP cards sit around £0.50‑£2 per set. Don’t forget envelopes (roughly £0.30‑£1 each) and addressing services if you’re outsourcing that part.

To keep things clear, break your paper budget into three buckets: design & printing, addressing & postage, and extra touches (like inserts, ribbons or wax seals). Allocate about 50% of the total paper spend to the design/print stage, 30% to addressing/postage, and the remaining 20% to those special details that make your suite feel personal.

Smart Ways to Stretch Your Stationery Dollars

First, order a sample pack before you commit. Most printers will send a handful of paper, finish and font options for free or a small fee. Seeing the real feel helps you avoid costly re‑orders.

Second, consider a digital save‑the‑date. A well‑designed email or e‑card can save £200‑£300 and still look polished. You can still send printed invitations for the formal feel while keeping the early‑bird costs low.

Third, DIY the addressing. Hand‑writing each envelope adds a personal touch and can shave off $100‑$200 in labor fees. Use a clear, legible font and a simple calligrapher’s guide if you need a little practice.

Fourth, mix and match paper types. Use a luxe cardstock for the invitation and a lighter, more affordable paper for the RSVP and thank‑you cards. The visual impact stays high, but the cost drops.

Finally, buy in bulk. Many online printers offer discounts for orders of 150+ pieces. If you have a sizable guest list, bulk pricing can cut the per‑invite cost by half.

By tracking each line item and applying a few cost‑cutting tricks, you can keep your stationery spending well under the average range while still delivering a cohesive, beautiful look.

Remember, the goal isn’t to skimp on style but to spend wisely. A clear budget, smart choices, and a little DIY spirit will give you gorgeous wedding paper without breaking the bank.