Invitations on a Budget - Get the Inside Scoop!

According to bridal magazines and wedding planners, you should allocate roughly 2-4% of your total wedding budget towards invitations. So for example, if you're having a $50K wedding, your budget for invitations should be between $1K - $2K. And that should buy an entire invitations "ensemble" -- which includes the invitations, matching envelopes, RSVP cards, reception cards, and thank you notes. (Note: No need for reception cards if you're having the ceremony and reception all in one place.)

I've learned quite a bit about invitations after I started my Paper a la Mode invitations business last year. Specifically, I learned just how much you can do on a limited budget! I mean, really ladies, you have A LOT of options! My clients are always so surprised when I point out all of the different things they can do to make their invitations unique and special... without spending too much.

Here's the inside scoop...

The heavier, thicker papers will cost more, as will the more intricate and embellished designs simply because they require more handiwork. Okay, so let's put those aside. What about the more affordable, simple white or ecru (that's fancy for "cream" color) invitations? A lot of brides think they're too boring ... that is, until they see what they can do!

Take a look at this beautiful ecru invitation below. No fancy embellishments or intricate fold-out designs, right? But look what you can do when you play with the fonts. Simply by enlarging the couples' names and setting them off to the side in an unusual layout, you no longer have a boring invitation... you now have the WOW factor. It's amazing, isn't it?


The next invitation uses the same concept with varying font sizes. It also presents a nice contrast between script font and block font. On invitations, it's really the little touches that make a big difference.


And look at this one below. It's simple and understated, but also modern and chic. The use of the two different ink colors makes a world of a difference. Also, look at the varying font sizes and styles.


If playing with fonts and layouts is just not enough for you, go girly and add a beautiful satin or silk ribbon to your invitations. It'll add that extra "oomph" you're looking for!


So ladies, if you thought you couldn't afford beautiful, unique, and memorable invitations on a budget, THINK AGAIN!!! You just have to be creative. The cost of adding an extra ink color or extra font style is minimal. Unfortunately, many stationers don't point out all these different options because it means more work for them and very little profit for the extra work. I wish someone had told me all of this when I ordered my invitations. I could have done SO much more! Oh well~ Now YOU know so you can take advantage and design one-of-a-kind invitations for your big day!! =)

*All invitations featured on this post are available through Paper a la Mode. E-mail at info@paperalamodeny.com*