Foreverwed.com ~ View topic - Is it possible to make invitations for under $300

Site Admin Joined: 08 Jun 2002 Posts: 1174

Hello Melissa,

Whether you can print 225 invitations for less than $300 will depend on the paper that you choose, the envelopes, and the number of inserts that you include. Three hundred dollars is a very reasonable price to pay for that many invitations and inserts, so you may not be able to reduce the cost enough to make it worth your time and effort. When budgeting, don't forget to include the cost of postage for both the invitation (which can easily weigh more than one ounce and require additional postage) and the RSVP card. One way to save on the postage for both the invitation and the RSVP is to use a postcard for the RSVP rather than a card and envelope.

First, visit a paper warehouse in your area and look at blank invitations and matching paper to be used for the inserts. If you don't have a paper warehouse in your area, check with an office supply business such as Office Max or Staples.

Then, I would check with a quick print center in your area or a commercial printer who specializes in working for small businesses. You may find that they can print the invitations relatively inexpensively and they will look nicer than they would if done on a laser printer (and you won't get in trouble for using company equipment for personal reasons). You might want to consider having the invitations done in thermography. This process makes a raised print and looks more like a commercial invitation than one done on a computer.

Another option would be to make the invitations using a piece of hand-made paper (available from paper warehouses) cut to the desired size. Then, print the invitation information on a piece of vellum; lay the vellum on top of the handmade paper, and punch two holes in the top for a ribbon. Add the small ribbon and tie a bow. Purchase envelopes and paper for the inserts that coordinates in color with the hand-made paper.

After you have done your homework, you can compare costs and decide whether you want to pursue making your own invitations or not.

Glenna Tooman, ForeverWed.com Wedding Consultant

Joined: 08 Jul 2002 Posts: 11 Location: Virginia

What I did was basically have someone design and print mine for me (on a laser printer). While it sufficed, I wasn't exactly thrilled with the end result, as it kind of looked cheap to me. I don't think that anyone else thought the invites looked cheap, but if I had it to do over again, I would go with professionals. I guess it depends on your taste, in the end.

Buy card, envelopes, stamps, stickers, ink for printer, velum and ribbon and such and look on the internet for designs and styles you like. Make a few practice styles using cheaper papers and things and see which ones you like. (buy all main stuff AFTER you decide which kind you want). have fun and play around. you can do it all very cheaply

Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 2

I am using Gartner Studios invitations for mine as well! I am using a style called "Platinum Hearts", and it is a white invitation with a raised shining silver border, and at the top there are two silver hearts intertwined.

If you go to Jo-Ann Fabrics or Michael's crafts, they are $29.99 a box. However, every week in the sunday paper there are coupons for 40% off one item. If you can find a coupon, they are $18 a box for 50.

Here in Canberra, Australia we have rubber stamp stores who will make any kind of stamps for you (including more than just art/craft stamps), as long as you let them know what you want etc then you can get it made (at a COST (like anything). Try looking at online stores who make rubber stamp and send them a smaple of what you want and get quotes.
Sharon

Hello you most certinaly make invitations for under $300. We went out and bought @ staples ivory cardstock paper 125 sheets per pack 3/$12.00
then we also bought 2packs of vellum paper 50 sheets per pack for $9.99each
then envelopes also ivory 50 per box for $3.99 and got 4 boxes. The total plus 6% sales tax was $50.82. That is enough to make 200 invitations, response cards,and thank you cards. If you have a computer and a lazer printer all thats left is to use your imagination . We too have over 200 invitations to send out. Don't for get your stamps to mail them these should only take one stamp. I'm using a hole punch and placing 2 holes at the top then using a light ribbon to attach the vellum to the ivory card. I'm printing our stuff on the vellum you can use it in the lazer printer. Then to save on postage and not to have to buy any more envelopes, I am making the response cards fold in half and placing a sticker inside so they can seal it up and we are placing a stamp on the other side with our adress already on there. We are doing the same for thank you cards that way you should only need the same amount of postage as you would for a post card. I hoped this has helped. We have had to be very creative thus far and have saved a terriable amount of money in doing so .And we are happy with the choices we have made. What I mean is we aren't just settling. And I hope that everyone else is very happy with all of there choices too Wink

God Bless and Good Luck

Joined: 03 Dec 2003 Posts: 78 Location: Bellevue, WA

Joined: 01 Feb 2004 Posts: 1

Hi Helen,

I tried the site you listed but I get an error message.

Please advise.

Ashley,
Most speciality paper or stationary stores carry vellum in printed, coloured and plain white as do some craft and art supply stores and scrapbooking stores as well.
Good Luck on finding your white velum.
Sharon