Wedding planning is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing invitations. Velvet wedding invitations have become famous for couples who want to add a touch of luxury to their special day. These invitations feel amazing and look stunning but can also be pricey. In this blog post, we’ll break down the costs of velvet wedding invitations and share some helpful budgeting tips to make your dream invitations a reality without breaking the bank.
What Are Velvet Wedding Invitations?
Velvet wedding invitations are exactly what they sound like—invitations made with velvet paper or cardstock. The velvet gives them a soft, plush feel that’s unique and eye-catching. When your guests receive these invitations, they’ll take notice!
There are different types of velvet used for invitations. Some are made with velvet fabric, while others use a special paper with a velvet-like texture. The most common types are cotton velvet, silk velvet, and synthetic velvet. Each type has its look and feel, so you’ll want to see and touch samples before deciding.
Printing on velvet can be tricky, so several different methods are used. Digital printing is the most affordable option and works well for designs with lots of colors. Letterpress printing gives a more traditional, elegant look by pressing the design into the velvet. Foil stamping adds a metallic shine to your invitations and looks amazing on velvet.
With velvet invitations, the sky’s the limit when it comes to designs. Some couples go for a classic look with simple gold or silver foil text. Others choose bold, colorful designs that pop against the velvet background. You can add details like wax seals, ribbon closures, or custom illustrations to make your invitations even more special.
Breaking Down the Costs
Now, let’s discuss the cost of velvet wedding invitations. Several factors can affect the cost, so we’ll break it down for you.
First, there’s the cost of the velvet paper or cardstock itself. This is usually more expensive than regular paper, ranging from $1 to $5 per sheet, depending on the quality and type of velvet. Remember that you’ll need enough for your invitations, envelopes, and any insert cards you want to include.
Printing costs are the following significant factor. Digital printing is the most affordable, usually around $1-$2 per invitation. Letterpress and foil stamping are pricier, often ranging from $3-$10 per invitation or more, depending on the complexity of your design.
If you want to add extra details to your invitations, that will increase the cost. Wage seals, ribbon closures, or custom illustrations can add $1-$5 per invitation. Envelope liners are another popular add-on, costing about $1-$2 per envelope.
The number of invitations you need will affect the total cost. Most print shops offer discounts for larger quantities, so ordering 200 invitations might be less than ordering 100. Order about 10% more than you think you’ll need to account for mistakes or last-minute guest list additions.
Customization is another factor that can increase the cost. If you want a completely custom design or need several rounds of revisions, you might have to pay extra design fees. These can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the complexity of your design and the designer’s rates.
Remember assembly and packaging. Some print shops will assemble your invitations, costing $1-$2 per invitation. If you choose to do it yourself, you’ll save money but must factor in the time it will take.
What Affects the Price?
Several things can make your velvet invitations more or less expensive. The quality of the velvet is a big one—higher-quality velvet will cost more but will look and feel more luxurious. The design of your invitations also plays a role. A simple design with just text will be less expensive than one with intricate patterns or illustrations.
The printing method you choose has a significant impact on cost. Digital printing is the most affordable, while letterpress and foil stamping are more expensive but give a more high-end look. The number of invitations you need is also essential – larger quantities usually mean a lower per-invitation cost.
If you want to include extra items like RSVP cards, details cards, or maps, the overall cost will increase. And if you need your invitations quickly, rush orders or expedited shipping can add a significant amount to your bill.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
To give you a general idea of costs, we can break velvet wedding invitations into three price ranges:
Budget-friendly options typically cost between $5 and $10 per invitation. At this price point, you’re likely looking at digital printing on lower-cost velvet paper. The design will be more straightforward, and you might have fewer customization options. But you can still get beautiful invitations that will impress your guests.
Mid-range options usually cost between $10 and $20 per invitation. This price range opens up more possibilities for higher-quality velvet, fancier printing methods like letterpress or foil stamping, and more elaborate designs. You’ll also have more options for elements like wax seals or custom illustrations.
Luxury options start at $20 per invitation and can go much higher. These invitations often use the highest quality velvet, combine multiple printing methods, and include many custom details. They might have hand-painted elements, various layers, or intricate laser-cut designs.
For comparison, traditional paper invitations usually cost between $1 and $5 for budget options, $5 to $15 for mid-range, and $15+ for luxury designs. So, velvet invitations are more expensive, but many couples feel the unique look and feel is worth the extra cost.
Tips for Budgeting
Now that you know what affects the cost of velvet wedding invitations, let’s discuss how to fit them into your budget. First, decide how much you want to spend on invitations as part of your wedding budget. Many wedding planners suggest allocating about 2-3% of your total budget for invitations and other stationery.
Once you have a number in mind, think about what’s most important. Do you care more about the velvet quality, or is the printing method more critical? You may want those wax seals, but you’re okay with a more straightforward design. Figuring out your priorities will help you decide where to splurge and where to save.
If you’re crafty, consider doing some elements yourself. You could add ribbon or wax seals to more straightforward invitations or assemble everything yourself instead of paying the print shop. Just be sure to factor in the cost of materials, and the time it will take.
Look for package deals or ask about bulk discounts. Some shops offer better prices if you order all your wedding stationery, including save-the-dates and thank-you cards. Ordering a larger quantity of invitations can also bring down the per-piece cost.
To save money, you could limit the number of insert cards. Instead of separate cards for RSVP, details, and directions, consider combining information onto one card or directing guests to a wedding website for additional details.
Simpler designs or printing methods can lower costs. For example, a one-color letterpress design will be less expensive than a full-color digital print with foil accents.
Order about 10% more invitations than you think you’ll need. This seems unnecessary, but it’s usually cheaper than reprinting a small number of invitations if you run short or make mistakes.
Start the invitation process early. This gives you time to shop for the best deals and avoid rush fees. Plus, you’ll have time to wait for sales or promotions that could save you money.
More Ways to Save
If you love the look of velvet but are struggling with the cost, there are a few more ways to save. You could use velvet for the main invitation and regular paper for insert cards. This gives you the luxurious look and feel where it matters most but keeps costs down.
Consider using digital RSVPs instead of including a reply card. This saves on both printing and postage costs. Set up a simple wedding website or use a service like RSVPify to manage responses.
Some materials look and feel similar to velvet but cost less. Suede paper or certain types of textured cardstock can give a similar effect at a lower price point.
If you’re set on velvet invitations but need to cut costs elsewhere, you could combine your save-the-dates and invitations. Send out velvet save-the-dates with basic wedding information, then follow up with more straightforward invitations closer to the date.
Don’t Forget These Costs
When budgeting for your invitations, remember to factor in postage. Velvet invitations are often heavier or larger than standard invitations, which can increase mailing costs. You should use extra postage or send them as packages rather than letters.
Most invitation designers will send you a proof copy before printing your entire order. Some offer one or two rounds of revisions for free, but additional changes might cost extra. Make sure you understand the revision policy before you start.
Another cost to consider is professional help addressing your envelopes. Calligraphy can cost $2-$5 per envelope, while printed addressing is usually $0.50-$2 per envelope.
Remember thank you cards! Many couples like to have these match their invitations. Factor this into your budget from the start to avoid surprises later.
Working with Vendors
To get the best deal on your velvet wedding invitations, it’s wise to get quotes from multiple vendors. Prices can vary, and a shop you love is willing to match a competitor’s price.
Ask about package deals. Some vendors offer discounts if you order all your wedding stationery, including save-the-dates, invitations, programs, and thank-you cards.
If the upfront cost is a concern, ask about payment plans. Some vendors let you split the cost into multiple payments, making budgeting easier.
Make sure you understand each vendor’s policies on changes and cancellations. If you need to adjust your order, you want to avoid paying fees.
Wrapping Up
Velvet wedding invitations are a beautiful choice that can set the tone for your wedding. They’re more expensive than traditional paper invitations, but you can make them work for you with careful planning and budgeting.
Remember, at the end of the day, your invitations are about sharing your joy with your loved ones and inviting them to celebrate with you. Whether you go all out with luxury velvet or find a budget-friendly option, what matters most is the message inside.
Happy planning, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!