Is it cheaper to print my own invitations?

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I have been receiving a lot of emails asking if I thought making our own wedding invitations were worth it, or if it would cost the same to custom order the invitations instead. I hope this post helps you determine what is best for you.

Are DIY Wedding Invitations Worth It?

I did a lot of research on invitations to check pricing before deciding to make our own. I knew I wanted something really special and it just wasn’t in our budget to buy exactly what I wanted, which is why I decided to go the DIY route. Not to mention I love playing around with Illustrator and Photoshop when I have the time and enjoy a good challenge. I actually made my sister-in-law’s invitations a couple of years ago and had a lot of fun with it. However, if you are short on time or prefer something more simple without the lace/twine/ribbons/buttons, then it may make sense for you to buy custom invitations, or even buy a digital file to print out on your own. Yes, it will most likely be less expensive to make them yourself, but you have to decide if your time is worth it.

To cut down on time you can even download my FREE Printable Wedding Invitation Template from this post.

Here is a breakdown of what I purchased for our DIY Wedding Invitations:

Total: $154.26

I already had the paper trimmer, glue, scissors, printer and ink on hand. I also already had the kraft paper but I included it in the amount above anyway since that may be something you are less likely to already have. We made sure to have enough material for 50 invitations but ended up having a lot of extras. So even if you need to send out 100, 200 or more wedding invites your cost could still be worth it!

In fact, we used cardstock paper for our mason jar drink tags and straw flags. The extra lace and ribbon was used on our DIY wedding wands, jute twine was used for banners and tags and also with leftover buttons for the boutonnieres and my fabric wedding bouquet. The craft punch was used for our DIY S’more Kits, and we still have tons of cardstock paper (and other items) left over! So we definitely got our money’s worth.

Here are a few photos showing some of the products being used on other projects:

I printed out the guest addresses and our return address on each envelope because my handwriting sucks and I wanted them to look pretty, lol. Most companies charge to do this. I did also buy clear round Avery labels to print our monogram on and place on the back of the envelopes. They were $15 for 120 labels and you may or may not want to do this regardless of whether you DIY your invitations or purchase them. There are also other options such as round kraft stickers or personalized labels you can buy at craft stores or at online shops like Etsy, which would probably be less expensive. You could also use washi tape. I just had to go with what was in stock and nearby because I sorta procrastinated and was trying to send out the invites at the last minute, woops.

Here are a couple examples of what it would cost to order invitations from a couple of my favorite invitation shops. I’m going to base these off 50 invitations so you can compare it to what we made:

Minted:
50 Invitations & white envelopes @ $147
50 Enclosure cards @ $102
Total: $249 and this does not include the pocket fold envelope, any embellishments or printing addresses on the envelopes

Love vs. Design:
50 Invitations & white envelopes @ $130
50 Enclosure cards @ $115
Print return address on 50 envelopes: $27
Total: $272 not including printing guest addresses on envelopes, pocket fold envelope, or any embellishments

Magnet Street:
50 Foldover Pocket Invitations @ $300 (it is waaay less expensive the more you buy – $355 for 100 invitations)
50 Enclosure Cards @ $62.50
Print Return Address on 50 Envelopes: $22.50
Total: $385 not including printing guest addresses on envelopes, or any embellishments

Wedding Paper Divas:
50 Invitations @ $139.50
50 Enclosure Cards @ $79.50
Total: $219 not including the pocket fold envelope, any embellishments or printing addresses on the envelopes

You may know of another website that is cheaper but I was finding that just the invitation alone was close to what it would cost me to make our invitations with all the extras. I know that not everyone has the time or patience to DIY their wedding invitations, but if you do then it may be totally worth it. We mostly worked on these at night or during the weekend, and yes even my (now) hubs helped out.

So are DIY Wedding Invitations worth it?

That will depend on your budget, how much time you have, and if you enjoy working on the projects that personalize your wedding. For us it was definitely worth it, I love the way they turned out AND the fact that I get to share them with you!

Please note that the amount of postage will depend on how thick your envelopes are after adding the embellishments, this is regardless of whether you make them yourself or buy them with embellishments.  I believe the invitations cost us about $0.80 each to mail. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your individual post office for rates depending on how thick or uneven the envelopes are.

I hope this helps you decide what is best for you. So, are DIY wedding invitations worth it for you?

With the average cost of a wedding in the USA now hovering around $30,000, it is no wonder that couples are looking for ways to save money on their big day. One strategy that some couples employ is to create their own wedding invitations rather than buying them from a professional printer. But is making your own invitations really a cost-effective option? In this blog post, we’ll explore whether DIY wedding invitations are really cheaper, and what sort of factors you need to consider before making a decision.

What’s the cost of traditional invitations?

Before we look at the costs of DIY invitations, we should first examine the average cost of traditional printed invitations, to get a better idea of what you are trying to beat. Professional printing services can charge anywhere from $5 to $20 per invitation, depending on the materials used, type of printing, and complexity of the design. If you’re inviting 150 guests, this can quickly add up to a significant sum of money.

The cost of DIY wedding invitations

One of the biggest advantages of making your own wedding invitations is that you can avoid the high fees charged by printing professionals. The cost of DIY invitations varies depending on the type of materials you use, the tools you employ, and the complexity of your design. However, it is generally estimated that making your own invitations can cost as little as 50 cents to $5 per invitation.

It is important to note, however, that the amount you spend on materials and supplies will depend on factors such as the style of invitation you want, the number of guests you are inviting, and the quality of materials you choose. For example, some people may choose to work with premium paper stocks, while others may opt for cheaper materials to reduce the overall cost of their invitations. Additionally, opting for more elaborate designs, embellishments, or printing techniques will add to the overall cost.

What you need to consider when making your own invitations

While making your own wedding invitations may seem like a fun and cost-effective way to cut down on expenses, there are several factors you need to consider before making a decision. Firstly, making your own invitations requires time and effort, so you must be prepared to set aside several hours or even days to complete the project, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of invitations you need to create.

Additionally, you need to have the right tools and equipment to make high-quality invitations that do not look amateurish. This means investing in tools like paper cutters, precision knives, scoring tools, printers, computer software, and other items that will make the design and printing process easier and more efficient.

Lastly, you need to evaluate your skill level and experience in design and printmaking. If you don’t have experience in creating invitations or have an eye for design, your final product may look less professional. This could hurt the overall impression of your wedding or reflect poorly on you. So, before you start, ensure that you have the necessary skills to design and print the invitations.

Tips for successful DIY invitations

If you decide to make your own invitations, some tips to ensure success include:

• Start early: Making your own invitations takes time, so start early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Choose high-quality materials: Avoid cheap paper or materials, especially if you want to create a premium look and feel to the invitations.
• Stick to a budget: Decide how much you are willing to spend on materials and supplies, and stick to it.
• Practice your design: It’s always best to make a few test invitations before you start making your invitations for real, to fine-tune your design and make sure you are happy with the final product.
• Get help: If you are new to invitation making, consider getting help from a friend or family member who has more experience.

Conclusion

Making your own wedding invitations has the potential to be a cost-effective solution to the high cost of traditional printed invitations, but it does come with some potential pitfalls and downsides. Ultimately, whether you choose this option will depend on your budget, timeline, and skill set, as well as your desire to put a personal touch on your invitations. If you decide to make your own invitations, take the time to plan your design, choose high-quality materials, practice your skills, and enlist the help of others if necessary. With the right approach, you can end up with beautiful, affordable invitations that set the tone for your big day.

FAQ

Should wedding invitations be personalized?

Wedding invitations are not just an announcement of the date and venue of a wedding, they are an opportunity to share your love story. Personalized wedding invitations can add an extra touch of emotion and excitement to your big day. Including personal details such as the story of how you and your partner met, your couples’ nicknames, or a special sentimental message can make your guests feel more connected to your love story.

Personalized invitations not only set the tone for your wedding but also create a connection between you and your guests. Sending out personalized invitations shows your guests that you care about them and that you are looking forward to sharing your special day with them. Personalized invitations can help build anticipation for your big day and add an extra touch of excitement that a generic invitation simply cannot provide.

Apart from adding personal touches to the invitation, there are also other ways to personalize it. Choosing certain colors, styles, and fonts that reflect your personality and wedding theme can also add an extra dimension to your invitations. This personalized style can also carry through to your save-the-date cards, RSVP card, wedding programs, and other wedding cards.

It is worth investing time and effort into designing and sending out personalized wedding invitations. They are an opportunity to share your love story and build connections with your guests. Personalized invitations can set the tone for your wedding day and add an extra touch of excitement to this special occasion. Whether you choose to include personal details or personalize the style, a personalized invitation will make your wedding day stand out in your guests’ memories for years to come.

Can I make my own wedding invitations with Cricut?

Yes, you can definitely make your own wedding invitations with Cricut. In fact, it is becoming increasingly popular for couples to create their own invitations as it allows them to express their unique style and personalities.

To begin, you will need to purchase a Cricut machine. This is a cutting machine that can cut a variety of materials such as cardstock, vinyl, and fabric. You will also need to purchase a editable wedding invitation template which you can customize to suit your preferences. There are a variety of templates available online, which you can purchase and then edit using a software program like Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, or even Microsoft Word.

Once you have your template ready, you can print as many invitations as you need for your wedding. But if you want to take your invitations to the next level, you can use your Cricut machine to create envelope embellishments or other personalized touches. For instance, you can create custom Save-the-Date cards using your Cricut machine.

There are many embellishments that you can create with a Cricut machine. For example, you can cut out intricate designs and patterns on your invitation envelopes to give them a unique look. You can also use your Cricut machine to create beautiful decorative accents for your invitations. You could use the machine to create a gorgeous floral pattern to add to your invitations, or even cut out letters to spell out your names or wedding date.

Making your own wedding invitations with Cricut can be a fun and creative process. Not only will it give you complete control over the design of your invitations, but it can also be cost-effective as you won’t have to pay a printer or designer to carry out your ideas. With a bit of patience and effort, you can end up with beautiful and personalized invitations that will set the tone for your special day.

Can you make wedding place cards with Cricut?

Yes, you can make beautiful wedding place cards with the help of Cricut. Cricut is an amazing cutting machine that is capable of creating stunning designs and cutting precise shapes on almost any material, including cardstock, vinyl, and more. Making wedding place cards with Cricut is a perfect idea, not only because it’s easy to do, but also because it provides an infinite number of creative possibilities.

The first thing you need to do is to choose the perfect design. There are countless designs available in the Cricut library that you can use for your wedding place cards. You can select a design from the library or create your own custom design using Cricut’s Design Space software. Once you have selected the design, you need to upload it to your Cricut machine.

Once the design is uploaded, you will need to load the cardstock onto the Cricut cutting mat. Make sure to choose the correct size of the cutting mat according to your cardstock. Once the cardstock is loaded, you can use the Cricut to cut out the place cards. Using the print and cut feature is key in how to make place cards with your Cricut – you just need some cardstock and the information. You can make them in any size you want.

After the cutting process is complete, you will have beautifully cut place cards that are ready to be personalized. You can use a pen to write out the names of your guests or use your Cricut to print out the names directly onto the cards. You can use the Cricut machine to create text in various fonts, shapes, sizes, and colors. The possibilities are endless, and you can get as creative as you want.

Making wedding place cards with Cricut is a simple and creative way to add a personalized touch to your wedding. With the right materials, design, and software, you can easily create stunning place cards that your guests will love. Cricut machines are easy to use, making it possible for even beginners to create flawless designs. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create beautiful wedding place cards with your Cricut machine.