Wedding planning can be either difficult or easy.  

Yes, we did just say easy. But like with all things, ease only comes with the right approach. And wedding invitations are no different! Before you get serious about buying your wedding invitations, get clear with your fiancé, family, etc. on a few key aspects. Then, when you're ready to talk with stationers, (or hit that purchase button), you’ll have all the info you need at your fingertips. In this blog, we'll share the four things you should decide before seriously shopping for your invitations.

This first one may surprise you, but it’s actually the most important question of all. In the digital age, there are more service options for wedding invitations than most other wedding vendors. For instance, you may choose to work with a small local boutique, a luxury stationer you found on social media, purchase a digital download from Etsy, or order from a large online store like Zazzle or Minted. However, each of these options comes with a distinct shopping experience, each with pros and cons, and you should go with the one that feels most comfortable to you.

1. Small local boutique
   • Pros: You can meet in person to view many of their samples and past work for quality and style. Nothing beats experiencing the quality upfront. You'll also support a small, local business.
   
   • Cons: Options are limited to your local area, and prices may vary greatly from shop to shop.
   

2. Purchase online from an individual stationer
   • Pros: You'll likely get the most one-on-one attention and flexibility with this option. You'll receive professional guidance with etiquette and design so that you don't have to figure everything out yourself. There are also many stationers with different artistic styles across the country.
   
   • Cons: A higher level of service comes with a higher price tag, although many offer affordable options. Searching social channels for the right one can also be time-consuming. However, Etsy can help speed up the search.
   

3. Digital Download from Etsy
   • Pros: This is the most budget-friendly option. There is also a wide selection available with the Etsy search engine.
   
   • Cons: Printing is your responsibility, which can be difficult, time-consuming, and likely lower quality. Also, there is little to no support after you purchase the artwork.
   

4. Order from a large online store
   • Pros: This is also a budget-friendly option that includes production, so while it may cost more than a digital download, you'll save yourself the headache of printing them yourself. There is also a wide selection of designs.
   
   • Cons: Assistance is limited to placing the order and shipment. There is no support with etiquette, addressing, etc. The designs may also feel a little cookie-cutter over time.

Every option above is a legitimate choice, and there may also be overlap in the pros and cons between each. You should explore the one that sounds best to you. Do you want help creating your wedding invitations? Or would you prefer to do it on your own? Do you want something that's quick and simple? Or do you want something extra special for your wedding day? Once you answer these questions, your search will become easier.

Up until this point in your wedding planning adventure, you’ve been asked for your guest count, which you’ve likely memorized. However, when determining your wedding invitation quantity, you need to look at the number of HOUSEHOLDS you’re inviting, not the individual headcount. (Hint: Now is also a great time to finalize that guest list! Check out this blog post for tips on that!)

Also, we recommend ordering about 10 extra invitations just in case. An invite may get lost in the mail, or your mother-in-law may decide to add an extra guest last minute. Plus, you'll want to save a few as keepsakes!

Finally, the one you’ve been waiting for. The cost of wedding invitations varies greatly based on several things: the level of service (like we discussed in point 1), quantity, and quality of materials. (For more about costs, check out this blog post.)

That said, a low price range is between $500-$1000. A moderate price range is between $1000-$2000, and a high price range can be anywhere from $2000-$5000 or more. Chat with your fiancé, family, and whoever has the decision-making power to get clear on a budget before shopping in earnest. 

Lastly, remember to build save the dates, postage, and day-of stationery into your budget!

Your wedding invitations should reflect the style of your wedding. After all, the invitation is the first glimpse your guests will have of your big day. Will your wedding be a black-tie event? If so, then opt for a formal invitation. If you’re having a barn-style wedding, then look for something simple and rustic.

Often, couples decide to use their wedding colors in their invitations, which is a great place to start! But do your wedding invitations have to match your wedding colors? Not at all! Perhaps you're having a destination wedding and want to illustrate the location. This is a great way to get guests excited for the trip! You may also incorporate your wedding's theme or a venue illustration, which may or may not include your color scheme.

Remember, this is the fun part–whatever you decide, it should feel like you! And when in doubt, Pinterest is a great place to begin!

When it comes to wedding invitations, you can make them as simple or elaborate as you want. But the only way to make them easy is to stay within your comfort level. Whether this means hiring a professional stationer to take care of the details or DIYing it to save on the budget, the choice is up to you!

And at Camellia Memories, we’re always happy to help. We offer both custom-made and semi-custom invitations, both of which offer a lot of flexibility. Ask us your questions!