custom wedding stationery on a budget

november 12, 2024

prioritize the essentials

1.

It is very easy to become overwhelmed by all of the possibilities when you start researching what items you would like to include with your wedding invitations and for your ceremony and reception. Custom cups, napkins, multi-page weekend long itineraries, painted edges, ribbons, wax seals, the list goes on and on. How do you sort out what really matters and what makes the guest experience worth while? 

  • Custom Table Numbers - having table numbers designed to match your suite is nice, but unnecessary. Most likely your venue or caterer already has wood or acrylic table numbers that will be included with your rental. Save around $50 to $100 by going this route.

  • Mail In RSVP Cards - with issues surrounding USPS and the rise of wedding websites, save money and time by having your guests rsvp on your wedding website. This will eliminate any fear of reply cards being lost in the mail, and you will save money by not having to purchase rsvp envelopes and stamps! Eliminating this option can save you between $130 to $250.

  • Separate Place Cards and Menus - save money and paper by combining you menus and place cards! This still creates a feeling of intentionality, while also helping to simply the tablescape. Depending on your guest count, you can save $200+ by including the guest name on the top of their menu.

start by eliminating items with low interaction

Trying to create a Pinterest worthy original invitation suite can feel like a challenge sometimes for couples who are looking to operate within a smaller or tight budget. Brides and Grooms who aren't as familiar with stationery and the etiquette that follows high end wedding stationery might feel overwhelmed and that they are better off going with an on demand style printer. But that doesn't have to be the case! With these tips and insights, you will be able to create a strong vision of what you want in you custom stationery suite and balance your paper budget to include the items that are the most important to you.  

Focus on what you really want

2.

Pinterest is filled with thousands of beautiful wedding invitations, but so often it seems like the beautiful elements that you want to incorporate cost more that what you expected. Save more of your budget for these items by removing items or upgrades that don't mean as much to you.

  • Stick to the more affordable paper options. Professional wedding stationers only work with quality paper, so don't be afraid that the "cheaper" paper option won't meet your expectations. While options like double thick or two ply paper are nice, they aren't a necessity.

  • Opt for a semi-custom route, if that stationer you are working with offers it. These are pre designed suites that you can customize to certain a certain extent. Most stationers charge extra to design a new suite from scratch, so if there is an invitation that they have already designed consider making small modifications to save on time and money.

  • Order early! While this tip isn't going to help you make unnecessary cuts, it will help you focus your design time and save you from stationery themed anxiety. Once you have sent your save the dates, your guest list should be complete, save for the few additions, address updates, and deletions. This will allow you to start working with your stationer on ideas for your invitations. Ordering early will not only help you stay on schedule with you wedding planning but help you avoid rush charges and late fees.  

cutt the fluff

Actually stick to the budget

3.

Budgeting can be the most stressful part of wedding planning. Going over the budget can be even worse. 

  • Your stationer is a resource! If you are concerned about quantity or cost, ask them! He or she will be able to give you honest and seasoned advice about what will work best for you and your budget. And if you aren't working with a stationer, consider finding one! Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime experience for you and your guests, let a professional designer and printer help make your day perfect!

  • Start planning your items early! It is very easy to find your self looking at a day of stationery invoice that is more that you expected. After all, budgets are often set a year or more before the time for ordering you wedding day goods comes. Having a list early on of all the items you want to have will help you keep yourself on track, and prevent any spur of the moment purchases.

  • Loyalty matters. Stick with your stationer, they might offer deals or packages for couples who work with them from save the dates to day of stationery. They might offer you free or reduced prices on certain items like menus or thank you notes. Not to mention that you will have a beautiful and consistent look throughout your stationery.

Plan ahead and ask questions 

And there you have it! These are some of my top tips and suggestions for creating stationery that you love while working on a budget. Remember, with a bit of thoughtful planning, you can achieve stunning results without overspending. Embrace the process and enjoy the creation of a stationery suite that captures your unique style and vision for your special day!

If you are looking for a wedding stationer that can accommodate all sizes of budgets, consider filling out this information sheet here. I would love to talk with you about how we can work together to create the wedding stationery of your dreams!

about little plume & Paper

I have always dreamed of being able to own my own business. In 2022 I was introduced to the world of stationery when I began working as a print coordinator for a stationery studio, since then I have been on a quest to design and produce my own stationery! I started Little Plume & Paper officially in 2023  with a  goal to make your special moments feel unique and unforgettable, with each design carefully tailored to tell your story.

I pride myself on my attention to detail—from design and proofing to prepress and production. Whether it’s an elegant wedding invitation suite or a custom holiday card, I’m here to ensure every detail is perfect, and every design reflects your vision.

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