Hot Off The Press
Thermography, currently the most popular method of printing, uses heat to fuse ink and powder, creating a raised design.
Engraving, the most expensive method, uses an etched copper plate to stamp a raised, inked design into paper from the back. Thermography can save up to about 70% over the costs of engraving. Although the results of the two processes are very similar, thermographic printing is slightly shiny and the back of the printed surface remains smooth. Other methods include
embossing,
letterpress, and
offset printing. With the advent of
personal computers, printers, and inexpensive software, it is increasingly easy to print nice invitations on your own.
Where You Get Them
Having each invitation individually designed and hand-crafted by French artiste Pepe le Peu will cost a lot more than if you buy pre-packaged stationery at your local Stationers R Us, hand-address and deliver everything yourself. Somewhere in between is ordering through a stationery store, paper company or printer that specializes in invitations, who can offer a variety of options in printing method, paper, fonts, colors and overall design. Ordering your invitations by mail is reported to be the most cost-effective method, and anything you do yourself will help cut costs.
Invitations can be ordered easily online, from a wide variety of convenient sites.
Addressing The Guests
Hand-addressing the envelopes yourself will be less expensive than paying to have it done, but will probably be more time-consuming for you. You can also address them using a calligraphic font on your own computer, or have them professionally done by
computerized calligraphy. If you want to have your invitations hand-addressed by a professional calligrapher, you may be able to get it done less expensively by a student, by posting a notice at the art department of a local college, or an art school near you. For more information you may want to read our helpful article,
All About Calligraphy.
What You Get
The items you decide to purchase will influence the overall amount you pay for wedding stationery. Each shower or dinner invitation, insert card or program will add to your overall costs. You can consider printing the reception information at the bottom of your invitation, rather than ordering separate reception cards; this works best if the reception is held at the same location as the ceremony, and also if it immediately follows. Instead of separate response cards with envelopes, consider using response postcards -- the initial cost is less, and so is the return postage. The more standard your invitations are and the fewer enclosures they contain, the less expensive the initial cost and the postage will be. You may want to read our article,
Mastering The Art Of Mailing Invitations.
Pretty Paper
Paper varies widely in quality and is available in a large array of
materials (such as cotton, linen or kozo),
finishes (such as matte and gloss),
textures,
styles,
colors, and
thickness. You can also buy it recycled, acid-free, or made from materials other than wood, such as cotton or linen. Handmade and specialty paper costs more than pre-packaged stock. You will frequently pay more for a particular brand name or watermark. Handmade paper is often designed with a potpourri of flowers, bark, leaves or other materials imbedded in the paper itself. Vellum paper, made of cowskin or specially treated calfskin, is translucent, durable, and flexible. It has become popular recently, but is quite expensive. If you wish to design your own invitations, you can easily purchase the same paper as that used by professional invitation designers.
Inviting Savings
You may be able to find stationers who are providing limited-time discounts, by checking your local newspaper or penny-saver. One bride got her invitations free with the tux rental. The Internet can be a great place to look for bargains, considering the ease and convenience of finding a variety of sites. Also think about what you may be able to use after your wedding; for instance, consider purchasing an embosser for your return address instead of paying to have it printed. The cost of an embosser can be less than the return-address charge, and you can use it happily ever after. Also, you may already have some items around your home that can be used to decorate your invitations, such as ribbons or other craft supplies used for holiday or birthday cards and decorations.
Drop Them A Bottom Line
On the other hand, since the invitations don't represent a large expense to begin with, you may wish to be extravagant in this area and create a fanciful first impression of your wedding. But always remember, the point of the invitations is to tell your potential guests the essential information about your big day. No more or less is required. Good luck and have fun!
See More: Budgeting , Invitations , Planning