Ways to Save on INVITATIONS

Want gorgeous invites that won't push the budget envelope? Below you will find some tips to help get the most bang for your buck!!

1. Forgo Upgrades: Envelope liners, custom ink colors, and hand painted details.... REALLY add up!! 


2. Take advantage of technology: Offset and digital printing run less than half the cost of labor-intensive techniques like letterpress and engraving.

3. Pink the right paper: Imported, handmade, and cottonrag options tend to be more expensive. Cut your cost by asking your stationer to use partially recycled domestic paper for your invitations! 


4. Order extras: Spend now, save later. If you end up needing to print additional invites at the last minute, your stationer may charge you BIG bucks in rush fees.

5. Use your URL: Enclosing a map can be expensive! Print a line at the bottom of your invitation that sends guests to wedding website for directions. They'll even be able to access them from their smartphone.

6. Double Up: Put your ceremony and reception information on one card instead of two!

7. Enlist the Mouse: Instead of enclosing a stamped response card... ask your guests to RSVP online by including a link to your wedding website on the invitation. No more licking stamps for you!


8. Start Writing: Don't want to shell out $3-plus per envelope for calligraphy? Write guests' addresses yourself, and buy a calligraphy stamp for return addresses and RSVP envelopes.

9. Beware the Square: Surprise square envelopes cost more to mail than rectangle ones. (They don't fit through the postal machines and have to be hand-stamped.) Avoid getting dinged with an odd-size surcharge by choosing an invite with standard dimensions.

10. PRINT IT YOURSELF!! Order blank invites and then save a bundle by printing them at home. For the best results use a laser printer and be sure to test print an invite to ensure it's the look your are going for before running all 200 copies!!

5 Ideas to Cut Your Wedding Cost

Most brides, regardless of their budget, like finding quality services and products for a GREAT deal! Below are some ideas on ways to slim down your growing wedding budget.

1. Select a venue that is "all-inclusive". Rather than choosing a site that requires you to bring all of the items needed to set up your ceremony and reception, choose a place that has just about everything you need. This means you don't have to rent tables, chairs, china, flatware, linens, a stage, dance floor, or a sound system. 

2. Don't splurge on tablecloths. Guests have more contact with the napkins. Rent the best ones that you can afford.

3. Have a lunch or brunch instead of dinner. I know many brides have evening receptions, but to cut cost TREMENDOUSLY look at having your wedding earlier in the day. Having a lunch or brunch is usually less expensive and not all guests will want to drink a lot of alcohol during the day. 

4. Rent high-quality stemware for serving wine. Stemware made of high quality crystal or thin glass enhances the experience of drinking wine, so you can serve a less expensive brand at the reception.

5. Expensive flowers should only be used in the bridal bouquet. If you are a bride that has her heart set on a type of flower that is very expensive, use it ONLY in your bouquet. This will keep your cost low, while still giving you the blooms that you love. A florist can help you select flowers that are in season and grown locally, and therefore less expensive, for the bridesmaids and for the decor.