| Here's the dilemma with cheap wedding invitations | | | | Generally, the cheapest wedding invitations you |
| ... a wedding invitation not only offers your guests | | | | can order through a printer will be non-fold, single |
| a first impression of what to expect from your | | | | cards with text and no graphics or decorations |
| wedding, it provides your guests with a fond | | | | (monograms, gold leafing, etc.). However, you'll |
| keepsake. So how can you avoid paying a fortune | | | | also need to decide if you're going to include an |
| for your wedding invitations and still portray the | | | | RSVP card, a reception card, directions, etc. You'll |
| elegance and personal touch you want for your | | | | need to determine the wording to be included in |
| wedding? | | | | the invitation, plus the typestyle, paper stock, and |
| That's what we're going to address in this article. | | | | envelopes. |
| Only a couple of years ago, the average wedding | | | | These are just some of the decisions that can |
| invitation order was for 150 invitations. The | | | | impact your budget. |
| resulting bill, not including tax and shipping, was | | | | Here are some tips that can help you keep the |
| approximately $450 or around $3.00 per invitation. | | | | cost of ordering wedding invitations down: |
| Now, if you're set on cheap wedding invitations, | | | | - Engraving is an expensive option. You can |
| the total cost can obviously be controlled by | | | | achieve that same "raised print" effect by using |
| reducing the number of invitations you send. | | | | thermography instead. Plus, it's much cheaper. |
| However, this only extends so far before the | | | | - Use a single envelope. There was a time when a |
| printing expense per invitation begins to rise (the | | | | wedding invitation arrived inside an envelope, |
| fewer you print, the more it costs per invitation). | | | | which was inside a second, protective envelope. |
| So, begin by thinking in terms of how many | | | | Two envelopes really aren't necessary. Save |
| people you want to attend your wedding. Not | | | | yourself the added expense. |
| only will you save on invitations, but you'll save on | | | | - Eliminate the blotter tissue. These were originally |
| catering, alcohol, hall rental, and more with a | | | | for the purpose of preventing ink smears. |
| smaller group. | | | | However, wet ink is no longer an issue, and |
| I know, I know ... I can hear the objections from | | | | therefore the tissues are no longer necessary. |
| here. | | | | - Avoid using colored ink. |
| I'm not saying you have to trim the size of your | | | | - Use return address labels on the back of the |
| guest list. I'm simply saying that it's something you | | | | mailing envelope. This will save you the expense |
| might want to consider. | | | | of having your return address printed directly on |
| So let's get back to your wedding invitations | | | | the envelope. |
| (regardless of the size of your guest list) ... | | | | - Use a simple postcard in place of the traditional |
| As with all the various elements of your wedding, | | | | RSVP card. It will not only reduce your printing |
| the invitations should reflect the theme. If you're | | | | expenses, it will reduce your postage expenses as |
| planning an informal wedding ceremony and | | | | well. |
| reception, your invitations should be informal. If | | | | - Finally, take the time and effort to track down |
| you're planning an elegant wedding, your invitations | | | | an online wholesaler or a discounter for your |
| should be elegant. Colors are also a consideration. | | | | wedding invitations. This can potentially save you |
| Ecru is the most traditional wedding color, if you | | | | as much as 35%. |
| have other colors in mind for your theme, you | | | | A beautiful, elegant wedding invitation doesn't |
| might look for an invitation with colored accents | | | | have to cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, cheap |
| or ink. | | | | wedding invitations can often capture the same |
| In any case, even under the constraints of a | | | | magic and artistry as the more expensive |
| budget, cheap wedding invitations can still be an | | | | invitations. You simply have to know what you |
| option. The more elegant and stylish, however, | | | | want and be willing to take the time to make |
| the more your ingenuity and creativity will need to | | | | wise, cost-cutting decisions whenever possible. |
| come into play. | | | | |