Wedding Stationery Cost: What You Really Need to Spend on Invites, Cards, and More

When you think about wedding stationery cost, the total price of all printed wedding materials including invites, save-the-dates, programs, and thank-you cards. Also known as wedding paper goods, it’s one of those expenses that sneaks up on you—even if you’ve budgeted for the dress and the cake. Most couples assume it’s just about sending out invites, but it’s really a whole system: save-the-dates, RSVP cards, seating charts, menus, programs, and thank-yous. Each piece adds up, and skipping one doesn’t always save money—it just makes things messy.

Think about wedding invitations budget, how much you set aside specifically for printed materials. Also known as invitations and paper goods cost, it’s not just about the card itself. Printing quality, envelope liners, calligraphy, postage, and even RSVP tracking tools all factor in. A basic digital invite might cost $10, but a custom printed suite with foil stamping and hand-addressed envelopes can easily hit $50 per set. And if you’re inviting 100 people? That’s $5,000 before you even add programs or place cards. Most people don’t realize how much postage costs either—especially if you’re using heavy paper or non-standard shapes. The USPS charges extra for anything that’s not flat and rectangular, and those fees add up fast.

save the date cost, the price of announcing your wedding date before formal invites go out. Also known as pre-invitation cards, it’s often treated like a bonus expense, but it’s part of the same chain. If you skip it, you risk guests booking travel too late or saying yes to other events. And if you go digital? Fine. But if you want something tactile, even a simple postcard can run $2–$5 each. That’s another $200–$500 right there. Then there’s wedding stationery ideas, the creative choices you make to match your wedding theme. Also known as wedding paper design, these aren’t just decorative—they’re functional. A mismatched program can confuse guests. A poorly designed RSVP card can mean you don’t get accurate headcounts. And thank-you cards? They’re not optional. People notice when you don’t send them, and they remember.

You don’t need to spend a fortune, but you do need to plan smart. Look at your overall wedding budget first. If your decor is DIY and your catering is low-key, maybe you can splurge on elegant stationery. If your venue is expensive and your photographer is top-tier, then keep your paper goods simple. There’s no rule that says your invites must match your bouquet. Use online templates. Print locally. Skip the wax seal. Use digital RSVPs. But don’t skip the whole thing because you’re afraid of the cost. Good stationery doesn’t scream luxury—it just feels right. It tells your guests you cared enough to get the details right. And in the end, that’s what people remember.

Below, you’ll find real breakdowns from couples who planned weddings in Australia and the UK—what they spent, what they cut, and what they wished they’d done differently. No fluff. Just what works.