Wedding planning involves countless moving parts. You can easily get so caught up in picking out the perfect dress and sampling wedding cake that you forget about one of the most important details: your wedding stationery.

From the invitation your guests receive to the sign that tells them where to sit, the stationery sets the mood for the entire event. Your photographer will also capture images of your invitations and reception stationery, so you'll remember your wedding details for years to come.

Here's a complete wedding stationery budget breakdown to ensure your event looks elegant and well-planned.

Key Takeaways:

• Wedding stationery is front and center of many wedding photographs and should have a quality that reflects the event.
• Budget 8% for wedding stationery.
• Wedding invitations will make up the largest part of your stationery budget.

Why Is Wedding Stationery So Important?

Wedding stationery is the center of attention for many photographs and activities. For example, invitations are the guests' first impression, welcome signs greet the guests before your ushers, and table signs are centerpieces at your reception.

To ensure your entire event has that luxury and elegant feel you worked so hard to create, those small details should have as much of a priority in your budget as the larger items. These details are what will make your event memorable for years to come.

How Much Does Wedding Stationery Cost?

How do you split a wedding budget so you have enough to design and order the perfect wedding stationery?

If you want to ensure your wedding stationery has a quality that directly reflects the entire wedding, then budget 8% of your total wedding budget for invitations and stationery items. This includes 6% for invitation suites, save-the-dates, and postage. Then, another 2% for signage at the wedding.

Here's a wedding invitation pricing guide:

• $15,000 budget = $1,200 for stationery
• $20,000 budget = $1,600 for stationery
• $30,000 budget = $2,400 for stationery
• $50,000 budget = $4,000 for stationery
• $75,000 budget = $6,000 for stationery
• $100,000 budget = $8,000 for stationery
• $150,000 budget = $12,000 for stationery
• $200,000 budget = $16,000 for stationery

A Complete Wedding Stationery Budget Breakdown

Just a reminder: wedding stationery will cost less per item when you order more. That's why you may find it more cost-efficient to purchase items in bulk rather than trying to keep down your numbers and risk not having enough stationery for all your guests.

Let's dive into how to divide that budget so each part of your wedding receives the attention and detail it deserves.

Invitations

Cost: $1500+ for 150 guests

Invitations are the most important part of your wedding stationery as they're guests' first impression of your event. Luxury invitations start around $1,500 for 100 streamlined classic invitations and could cost $5,000 for a complete custom-designed suite with enclosures, belly bands, response cards, and envelopes.

Each insert conveys information like directions, hotels, transportation options, and details about your wedding website.

Ceremony Programs

Cost: $1.25-$4+ per program

Ceremony programs tell guests what to expect. The number of programs you order will not be the same as the invitations. Invitations follow the rule of one invitation per household, but programs are one per guest. Plus, you'll want a few extra if someone loses theirs or takes a spare as a keepsake (your mom might grab all she can for her scrapbook).

Place Cards and Escort Cards

Cost: $1-$3+ per card

The number of place cards you'll need is easy to calculate once your RSVPs are in. You'll need the exact number of guests that will come since each guest receives a card.

Escort cards allow guests to choose their seats at the table you assign them. Escort cards are usually on a table near the seating chart where guests can find their card and bring it to their table to reserve a seat.

Remember that place cards are in most reception pictures, so take time to select a design and quality that you will want to preserve in photographs.

Seating Chart

Cost $80+ for one 16x20"

You don't want Uncle Harry wandering around the reception room when you make your grand entrance as a couple. Ordering a seating chart tells guests where they should sit so you keep a comfortable flow during the reception.

You'll want to order one sign for each entrance. While there are many sizes you can get, you'll want a larger size so everyone can not only see the sign but find their name on the list. The ideal sizes are 20x30 in. and 24x36 in. These sizes usually start at $150+ per sign.

Welcome Signage

Cost: $100+

Give your guests a warm welcome with a custom welcome sign. You can add a sign at your ceremony and your reception. The sign is also a great place to display your wedding hashtags so your guests can share pictures of your happy day on social media.

Custom Signage

Cost $10+ per sign

Custom signage will be all over your reception hall. Some places to add custom signage include:

• Dessert bar
• Gift table
• Card basket
• Reserved spaces
• Photobooths

Dinner Menus

Cost: $1-$3+ per menu

Wedding menus help your guests know what food to expect. Menus are necessary when guests choose their food at the reception, and a courtesy when food is already provided. For example, guests can know what to expect at the buffet rather than holding up the food line and deciding what they want.

A classic white matte menu will be the most cost-efficient. However, you might also consider ordering a double-thick menu that withstands any spills at the table. For an elegant touch, consider tying a ribbon around each menu.

Table Numbers

Cost: $2-$4+ per table

Table numbers tell your guests which tables they're supposed to sit at. The numbers also help guests find their way back to their place after a fun hour of dancing.

The numbers should fit perfectly with the floral arrangements and add to the centerpiece. Consider using delicate, quality numbers. This way, your guests can easily find their tables without the numbers detracting from the table's overall elegant appearance.

Favor Tags

Cost: $1-$2+ per card

Favor tags are mini thank-you notes to each guest. They are also your last impression, so you'll want to ensure you end the event in style with elegant tags that summarize the look and feel of the entire event.

Order Your Wedding Stationery

Shine Wedding Invitations will help you find the perfect stationery suite, from table numbers to welcome signs. Our designers ensure each piece matches your event's style and exceeds your expectations. With our help, you can design an event your guests will remember for years.

Request a free wedding invitation sample kit today.

Photo Credit:
Real Wedding / Poppy Welcome Sign: Kallidoscope Photography