How to Order Custom Invitations for Your Wedding

A custom invitation sets the tone for your event and can clue guests in on things like the theme, dress code, and how formal the affair will be. For example, an invitation featuring a colorful floral motif may hint at a fun-filled party while an invite with a calligraphy script and dark fonts signals that the event will be more intimate.

While some couples prefer to customize a pre-designed template themselves, it’s also often best to work with a stationer when creating an invitation suite. They’ll be able to point out things that you might miss, such as an invitation wording mistake or a process as seemingly insignificant as how to stuff and seal an envelope correctly.

In addition, they can help you select a paper type that will complement your design and advise on any embellishments, such as ribbons, belly bands, or vellum overlays, that could elevate your suite. And because they’re experts in their field, they’ll be able to recommend printing methods that ensure your invitations are pristine and come out looking their best.

A good rule of thumb is to order your custom invitations about 6 months out from your wedding date. This will give your vendor a window of time to get the job done while allowing you to add extras, such as hand-canceling the envelopes and addressing them with calligraphy, if desired. If you’re considering adding on additional customizations, such as bevel cuts or a custom die cut, plan to budget for $200 to $300 per 100 invitations.  Etemply