A Real Wedding Invitation Pricing Guide–How Much Wedding Invitations Cost Based on 3 Key Factors

This is a question that I’m frequently asked, and one that many couples struggle to find an answer to. That’s because there are hundreds of small factors that go into the cost of wedding invitations. However, you can boil down these components into three key categories: quantity, quality of production material, and level of service.

1. Quantity

The main thing to note here is that some stationery stores will give quantity discounts, while others charge a flat rate. The biggest benefit to flat rate pricing is easy math–if your quantity changes, it will be easier to determine how it will affect your final invoice. With tiered pricing, if your quantity drops below your original tier, then you may be surprised into paying more per piece.

Note that most stores will charge a higher price per piece for quantities under 50. This is because there is a set amount of time that must be dedicated to designing and setting up a file for printing. Regardless of the quantity being produced, this labor must be covered, hence the higher price per piece.

2. Production Material

Paper, envelopes, and embellishments, oh my!

We’ll cover production materials more in a later blog post, but this price factor is also relatively straight-forward. The finer the materials, the higher the cost will be. Certain high-end items include handmade paper, silk ribbon, and other textile materials. Also, any item or printing process that requires a custom-made dye, such as wax seals, letterpress printing, and foil printing, will also come at a higher price. Check back later for a deeper dive into invitation materials and print processes!

3. Level of Service

When budgeting for your wedding invitations, this is the biggest category you’ll want to address. Your quantity is already decided for you, and production materials can be negotiated. But the level of service you receive will determine your overall satisfaction and peace of mind. Typically speaking, you’ll find three different levels, and you’ll have to determine which is the most comfortable for you.

Print on Demand Services & Digital Downloads Pricing

Quick Ratings:
Service Level Rating: ⭐️⭐️⚪️⚪️⚪️
Design Flexibility Rating: ⭐️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️
Price: $

What you’re getting: With this option, you’ll purchase a pre-made template that you edit and purchase completely on your own. There will be little to no support if you have questions about design, etiquette, timelines, etc. If you choose print-on-demand, service is limited to help with placing your order online and support if there’s an error in your invitations upon delivery. If you go with digital downloads, you will also be responsible for printing the invitations yourself.

Quality: With most print-on-demand sites, you can still expect to get quality economy invitations. In most cases, the quality will be equivalent to a standard bridal shower or birthday party invitation. If you’re working with a very limited budget and willing to handle any questions/issues that arise on your own, then this is a fine option.

Pricing: When wedding planning websites advise that couples spend an average of $500-$600 on invitations, this is the level of service they’re talking about. The price covers economy-level production materials, use of the pre-made artwork, and any applicable printing services. An average budget for this option is between $500-$750.

In short, if a low price is your biggest concern, then this is the right option for you. However, if you’re looking for a greater service experience or design that goes beyond your average shower invitation, then consider either of the following options.

Semi-Custom Invitation Pricing

Quick Ratings:
Service Level Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚪️
Design Flexibility Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⚪️⚪️
Price: $$ - $$$

What you’re getting: Semi-custom invitations are a happy medium between print on demand templates and custom-made design. You’ll begin with a flexible, pre-made design and work with a designer to make the invitation more personalized.

The biggest benefit of semi-custom invitations is the professional relationship you’ll have with your designer without having to push your spending beyond capacity. Your designer will be able to answer any questions you have about etiquette and timelines. They’ll also offer you more in-depth customizations and be able to handle any issues that arise for you. (Hello, wedding re-schedules.)

Quality: The options for semi-custom are as vast as there are stationers and stationery shops. Some lines keep things simple, offering standard but quality paper stock and limited upgrades/embellishments. Others are truly luxurious, offering a wide range of print processes, materials upgrades, and embellishments. Either way, you can be certain that the final product will be designed and produced with more personalized attention than a mass production service will provide.

Pricing: Now for the actual numbers. As suggested above, some lines are more budget-conscious, while others have a more luxury price tag. Most semi-custom invitations sets will run between $4.50 - $12.00 apiece depending on the materials used and the services included. (Although they can be more.) For instance, some semi-custom lines may include full assembly, which increases the level of service and time spent on your invitations. If this is the case, expect to pay a little more. However, many will include this as an optional add-on. The average price range is between $700-$1800.

The most important takeaway for semi-custom is understanding exactly what’s included in your purchase, as you’re paying for a stationer’s time as well as production. Below are some questions you should ask before committing:

1) What papers/print processes/embellishments are used?
2) Is envelope addressing included?
3) Is full assembly included?
4) How many rounds of proofs are included?

Remember, the higher quality the material and the more services included, the higher the price semi-custom will be. While this may seem daunting, it also makes semi-custom a wonderful, flexible option well-suited to couples with many different price ranges. The best approach is to communicate your budget to your stationer upfront. He or she will then be able to guide you on the best options.

Learn more about Camellia Memories’ semi-custom invitations here!

Custom Invitation Design Pricing

Quick Ratings:
Service Level Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Design Flexibility Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price: $$$ - $$$$

What you’re getting: Custom-made design entails teaming up with a professional designer to create an original wedding invitation from scratch. The benefits include gaining full access to a stationer and the experience of creating design that perfectly matches your unique wedding.

This is the couture option of wedding invitations. Essentially, you’re commissioning a designer to create an original work of art for your wedding, so the cost will go well beyond cost of materials. Because a lot hours and effort goes into creating a custom design, a stationer will charge a design fee to cover that time. Many will charge a flat fee based on their hourly rate, which will vary depending on experience and the complexity of the design.

Quality: Without a doubt, custom-made design offers the highest-quality service and production. Like semi-custom, the materials will vary depending on your style, budget, and the stationer’s offerings. The biggest difference is that custom-made will be curated for your specific wedding, making it the most personal and meaningful option.

Pricing: Most stationers quote between $1500-$4000 for custom wedding invitations. This includes the design fee and production costs. The biggest price factors are the complexity of the design and the materials used. Like with semi-custom, be sure to communicate your price range upfront so that your stationer can guide you in the direction that best fits your needs.

Custom-made design is as much about the service experience as it is about creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake for your wedding. Hire a designer you connect well with, as you’ll be spending a lot of time with him or her to create a design that fits your style.

Learn more about Camellia Memories’ custom-made services here!


The level of service you desire should be the deciding factor in your wedding invitation spending. Camellia Memories offers both semi-custom and custom-made services, and we’d love to provide you with the best services that fit your budget. Let us know how we can help!