Cheap Wedding Invitations

Many brides are in the market for cheap wedding invitations to cut their budget. Professionally printed invitations are one of the biggest expenses of many weddings. Maybe you or a good friend have a program like Print Shop or Print Master and can create a one of a kind invitation. Incorporate your wedding colors, a favorite song, a vacation destination or hobby into the invitations. Doing away with the traditional inner envelope not only lowers costs but also reduces waste.

Maybe traditional is more your style. Make it more affordable by purchasing pre-made blank sets and printing your own cheap wedding invitations! (The pictured invitations came from Wal-Mart at $19.99 for a box of 50, and I printed them on my computer.)These are available online and at scrap-booking, hobby stores and discount retail stores. Make some "test" invitations on plain paper, play with the font size and type, then print the real invitations.

If you need help with wording your invitations, click here to find a wide assortment of options in wedding invitation verses you can use to print-your-own wedding invitations.

Your invitations set the tone of your wedding, whether it is formal, casual or something in between. No matter what kind of invitation you choose, be sure to mail them 8-10 weeks prior to your wedding so your guests have time to plan.

Save the Date Cards

These are great wedding announcements for letting people know to “save the date” well in advance, especially if you are concerned that your friends are so busy that they may have other plans. You want to be sure to get their attention and their calendars marked for your day. You can use anything from inexpensive cards to creative ideas such as magnets. Send these up to a year in advance.

Response Cards

Response cards are usually sent with your invitations and include a self-addressed stamped envelope. These are used to help determine how many people will be attending and can include menu options for your guests to choose from. You can easily create your own reply cards. Just purchase small cards with matching envelopes, print them yourself and then insert them into the invitations when you are addressing them. Best of all, you can do this whether you're making your own invitations or having them professionally printed.

Reception Cards

Reception cards are included inside wedding invitations to let guests know when and where the post-wedding festivities will begin. Traditionally, this is a small card that invites guests to the reception, and gives the date, place, and time. You can print them yourself or even print the reception information inside the invitation itself. It will give your guests one less thing to keep track of and will save you lots of money.

Direction Cards

The reason for direction cards is obvious. These are good, especially if you have several invited guests from out of town or are planning a destination wedding. If you are planning a small intimate wedding, and everyone knows where to go you could omit this item and save money.

More Cheap Wedding Invitations and Stationary Ideas

Believe it or not, there are still other paper-related items to think about.

Wedding Programs

Wedding programs provide useful information and make charming mementos, but there's no need to spend a fortune. While some brides choose to do a booklet type program, budget-minded brides are using simple card stock with a vellum overlay, tied together with a ribbon that matches the color scheme. Others are simply printing them at home along with their cheap wedding invitations on unique paper that plays up the wedding colors or motif. Decorated fans can be made at home with your program printed on them and make a multi-purpose item for a warm weather wedding.

Menu Cards

The idea behind menu cards is that no one likes to sit down to a meal when they have no idea what they're about to be served. However, this can easily be combined with the Reply Card. If the meal is buffet-style, menu cards are not really necessary, since there is usually something to please everyone.

If you do feel that menu cards are necessary, it's simple to print them yourself, just pick up some good card stock. If there's a good story behind why you chose a certain dish (you're serving New York Style cheesecake because you met in New York or hot dogs because you met at a ball game), including this story adds a unique element to your menu cards.

Another thing that may be helpful is to create a drink card or two. If you're limiting the open bar to a certain amount or type of drink, a drink card is the perfect place to spell that out. Just get an easel or frame so the card can be posted at the bar. This works for both non alcohol and alcoholic beverages.

Thank You Cards

Thank You cards are a must for the bride. A personal thank you note is the only appropriate way to say "Thank You!" At one time, notes were not considered necessary when you thanked someone in person. Today, a personal thank you note is the only way to make sure sincere appreciation is expressed.

Just remember, cheap wedding invitations can and should be beautiful. Saving money is a benefit to you, not a reason to sacrifice good taste!

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