Cheap and Chic: 8 Affordable Wedding Invitations You’ll Love

Your big day is approaching and the wedding planning has begun. While this momentous occasion is one that you’ll cherish forever, you might be feeling the pressure to find the perfect wedding invitation. After all, it’s the first impression of your wedding for all your invited guests. (Unless, of course, you’re sending save the dates.)

But you also have a budget to consider, and between the venue fees, reception costs, and food and beverage bill, you’re thinking that splurging on fancy paper might not be such a smart idea. Fortunately, you have options for finding affordable wedding invitations that won’t break the bank. (And yes, we’re here to show you how.)

Just remember that out of the billions of people on the planet, you found the perfect-for-you partner with whom you’ll spend the rest of your life. If you can pull that off, you can certainly find can’t-live-without wedding invitations that’ll make your heart melt (and your wallet sing).

The Cost Advantages of Sending Digital Invites

While we hesitate to use the phrase “cheap wedding invitations,” it certainly doesn’t get much more affordable than online wedding invitations. You can save hundreds of dollars compared to mailing paper invitations. In fact, the average cost of wedding invitations with RSVP cards and postage is $328, according to the Wedding Report.

And if you look at The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, that price soars to $590 when you factor in the entire wedding invitation suite, which includes save the dates, RSVP cards, and wedding stationery such as wedding programs.

Here are a few more reasons to go paperless:

• Convenience: You can create exactly what you want anytime, anywhere. It’s like creating your own DIY invitation suite without the hassle of going to different stationery shops or poring through hundreds of paper options.
• Faster Turnaround: Paper invitations can have a long waiting period before you ever see them in person. Depending on where you shop and the type of invitation you’ve chosen, it can take weeks. With digital invites, your turnaround time for customized invites can be as fast as one day.
• Eco-Friendly: No paper means no trees and less pressure on the planet.
• More for Less: Forget worrying about which paper types (vellum, linen, handmade, etc.) are in your budget or skimping on pricey details like laser-cut, letterpress, gold foil, or calligraphy address printing. You can get a high-quality digital invite with these features at a fraction of the cost.
• One-Stop-Shop: An all-in-one online wedding invitation isn’t just an invite — it includes automatic RSVP tracking, guest list management, survey questions (chicken, fish, or veggies?), and more so you can enjoy stress-free wedding planning.

8 Budget Wedding Invites that You Can Make Your Own

For some inspiration for your big day, take a look at these designs that prove affordable wedding invitations you find online can be as luxe, polished, and impressive as any paper invitation. With such an incredibly large selection of designs available, these fully customizable digital invitations offer limitless possibilities.

1. Enthralled Invitation

Design: Itsy Belle Studio

With its hand-painted alcohol ink background, this sumptuous Enthralled invitation is an impeccable example of modern style with an edge. The gold foil detail adds an elegant touch (that costs a whole lot less than it would if you were getting paper invites) while the frayed envelope edge looks so realistic your guests will feel as though they could run their fingers across it.

2. Flower Love Invitation

Design: Laura Bolter Design

For a vibrant, modern yet romantic aesthetic, this gorgeous floral wedding invitation is an eye-catcher. A lush bouquet of flowers sets the scene for the bold “We Do” font, which expresses your unity as a couple. Choose from a variety of color combinations that are also available on the matching save the date cards and thank you notes. A perfect choice for a spring wedding at an arboretum, garden, or any outdoor space.

3. Chinese Calligraphy Invitation

Design: Shari Margolin Design

Inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy and symbolism, this sumptuous calligraphy wedding invitation is a unique way to usher in the next chapter of your life together. This is one invite that everyone on your guest list is sure to remember. The characters represent Faith, Hope, and Love, while the red stamp symbolizes “double happiness.” The bird of paradise pattern inside the envelope liner is simply stunning.

4. Lush Foliage Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

The rich greenery and delicate gold accents of this exquisite Lush Foliage wedding invite set the tone for a sophisticated summer ceremony or tropical destination wedding. The verdant hues would also be compatible with an emerald-themed celebration. This wedding invitation design has matching save the date and thank you cards that you can customize with information like your wedding website address.

5. Free-Spirited Watercolors Invitation

Design: See That There

We love the fun, impish style of this Free-Spirited Watercolors invitation that is perfect for the couple that does things their own way. While this example is an elopement announcement, you can fully customize the text (and color scheme) for a wedding ceremony invite that suits your own vibe.

6. Herringbone Monogram Invitation

Design: Jen Montgomery

This classic monogrammed herringbone wedding invitation suite that includes save the date cards and thank you notes is a study in pared-down elegance. The striking gold-leaf border and accents capture the eye while the contrasting herringbone pattern on the invite and envelope liner adds plenty of visual interest. This example asks guests to consider making a charitable donation in lieu of gifts. Customize it with your own message and choose from rich jewel tones such as garnet, sapphire, amethyst, onyx, or any color of your choice.

7. Jewel of the East Invitation

Design: Kiss by Kohl

Wow! This Jewel of the East design is a spectacular, affordable wedding invitation that looks like a million bucks. Inspired by south Bombay, a city renowned for its rich heritage of Art Deco architecture, this luxe invite is certainly a jewel. The iconic patterns, gold-leaf details, and incredible textures will make guests feel as though they’re actually holding this in the palm of their hand.

8. Elegant Overlay Invitation

Design: Owl and Toad (Photo courtesy of Angela & Evan Photography)

There’s nothing more personal than a photograph on an invitation, and this Elegant Overlay design puts the happy couple front and center. With its classic font, this wedding invite strikes the perfect balance of capturing a moment and remaining timeless. We love the glitter envelope liner that can be customized to complement whatever font color you choose — from rose gold to ebony to silver and beyond.

Save Big with Affordable Wedding Invitations

Your wedding day is among the most extraordinary milestones in your life, and it deserves all the attention that you’re giving it. While it would be nice if money were no object, the reality is that your wallet has its limits. Fortunately, having a beautiful wedding invitation that suits your personality doesn’t directly correlate with how much money you spend.

Digital invitations are not only a much more affordable option to traditional paper invitations, but they’re also incredibly convenient, fast, and eco-friendly. For more ideas to help you create the perfect wedding invitation, be sure to check out our guide to crafting the wedding invitation wording that best suits you and your partner’s personalities.