Custom Invitations- How much did you spend?

We spent 1,300 on our invitations

These prices are over 4 years old, but a local designer/specialty printer wanted $1500, for 110 invitation sets. They were not that impressive/unique and I was tuned off with her bossy/opinionated approach; I was really frustrated when I visited her shop.

Later when we went to a local printers, for invitations for a bridal shower I helped host, we saw many of the specialty shops "unique" designs, in their catalogs.

Instead I got 150 boxed invitation sets, through an Etsy vendor. Guest names were printed on a ribbon, around the front of each box. Mailing addresses and return addresses were also printed on the mailing boxes. At the time (4+ years ago) they were $9.+ a piece plus $1 for those that required mailing boxes, plus around $2.25 for postage.

I purchased a suite-5x7 invitation, RSVP card with envelope and Details card. Blush with silver raised lettering. Outer envelope only -glitter backing for invitation and a belly band. I put them together-$3.65 each; Simple and formal

I'm honestly not surprised you were quoted such a ridiculous number, foil accented invites are usually more expensive and you want the whole god damn thing done in foil. Did you think it would be cheap for the designer to make a custom press? No you are paying for it

Oh my!

I didn't realize how expensive invitations were, we did an all black 5x7 3 fold invitation with white writing 70ct with RSVP cards, a wine lined envelope and return address printed on both envelopes, 150 customized cocktail napkins and a pair of customized champagne flutes for $368 our venue gave us a $370 credit for their website so it broke even. This was an area We didn't want to splurge in so we decided on not doing any invitation upgrades.

Ok, so don't jump on me if these aren't back tie appropriate. I have never been to a black tie event so I am just trying to help. I found these:

https://www.zazzle.com/modern_art_deco_gold_black_wedding_invitation-256993879375736788

https://www.etsy.com/listing/206072880/gold-filigree-black-custom-elegant?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_e-weddings-other&utm_custom1=cae0fcfd-23c4-4960-ba8f-87ff65760c19&gclid=CNb1h9_75NECFYlMDQodgCcNdg

https://www.etsy.com/listing/286763971/black-and-gold-fancy-elegant-wedding?ref=related-0

https://www.zazzle.com/black_gold_foil_art_deco_wedding_invites-256719360327170599

https://www.etsy.com/listing/235810244/black-and-gold-wedding-invitation-gold?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_d-weddings-invitations_and_paper-invitations&utm_custom1=cae0fcfd-23c4-4960-ba8f-87ff65760c19&gclid=CJ_00dD85NECFV5MDQodKr0FNA

Did you try paper source? They have quite a few more options in store.

We haven't ordered ours yet but we were quoted around $1300 for 100 invites from a local stationary shop called Lion in the Sun. We're having a formal wedding in NYC

I agree with MNBride, Paper Source has lots of options, some full foil ones. It doesn't hurt to call and ask if they can be printed on black instead of white cards

I was running into the problem you had. I had the invitation suite created thru Etsy and I was just given the file so I could print it off at the ups store with my own paper. I bought gold foil from Amazon for $12 and just ran the invites and gold foil thru a regular laminating machine. In the end, I had 85 sets and envelope liners for $107. While looking around Etsy, I noticed a lot of vendors could do custom things to an invitation suite that I liked overall but wanted tweaked. It may take a little bit, but it was definitely worth the time put in.

In Atlanta, my quote was $**** for 100 thermography printed, lined env (no inner env), with invite, RSVP/env, and 2-3 details cards (OOT got an additional insert). All return addresses pre-printed. I spent $150 to have the guest address with calligraphy. I splurged...for sure. But it's done.

Did you try etsy?!?

I'm not sure anyone would have the skill set to do what you're looking for, but have you looked on Etsy?

My brother-in-law had theirs done by a company that has several celebrity clients. They paid $2000 for 50 invitations. It's honestly ridiculous lol!

I bought a template set off Etsy for $25, and uploaded them myself to zazzle. Got 115 invites, reception cards, and rsvp postcards for $170

$450 for 50 Z-fold invites with foil print, printed envelopes, 50 RSVP, 4 anniversary wine labels, programs, menus and table numbers.

In Delaware and we did everything via email.

$147 for invites and rsvp cards together. Vista Print!

Yes, invitations by local stationers / designers can really be pricey. Far more costly than online options. But the benefit is you can truly get custom work and a beautiful product.

I paid a similar amount to your quote - $17 per invitation suite for a custom design, monogram, belly band, enclosure cards, etc on thick card stock. However, we had them letterpressed which was almost double the price of digital printing due to the manual nature of it and custom plates required. The letterpressing took the cost from $9 each to $17.

The foil stamping is likely increasing your price in a similar way.

@princess- $2500 for 150 bespoke foil pressed invites including inner and outer envelopes on good paper when you live in a big city is a pretty good price from what I've seen. I'm in Dallas and we paid around $2300 for 175 letterpress and foil on a thick paper, which included design time, invitation, reply card, info card, reply envelope, outer envelope, and envelope liner, and all return and guest addresses printed. It's a ridiculous cost, but I've always known that the invite was going to be a place I would likely spend more than I should because I love paper. If you want totally custom, unfortunately there's a cost. But there are definitely ways to cut it down. Do you really need an inner envelope? Can you deal with a lighter paper? Do you need to have foil on the reply card? Remember your guests will see that for about 5 minutes and then it will get returned to you. See what you could save on those smaller details that don't make a huge difference and decide if it's really worth it.

Thank you so much, everyone! I really appreciate all of your responses. I think we're going to nix a little of the foiling but ultimately we're pretty set!