When planning a wedding, every decision seems to come with a price tag, and invitations are no exception. One of the questions many couples face is whether to save money by going the DIY route or invest in professionally made and printed wedding invitations. While DIY invitations can seem like a cost-effective and personalised choice, they aren’t always the budget-friendly option they appear to be. Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide what works best for you.
Does DIY Really Save You Money?
On the surface, making your own invitations can seem like a no-brainer for saving money. By designing, printing, and assembling your invitations, you cut out the costs associated with hiring a stationery designer and only need to purchase the materials required for your design. But the savings aren’t always as significant as they may seem.
When DIY Doesn’t Save
DIY invitations aren’t just about paper and envelopes. Depending on the complexity of your design, you might need specialised tools such as:
- A high-quality printer
- Cutting tools (such as a Cricut)
- Stamps, wax seals etc
These tools can add up quickly. If you’re starting from scratch and need to invest in equipment, the cost may rival, or even exceed, professionally designed invitations.
Key Tip: Before you begin, compare the total cost of your DIY project with the price of a professionally made invitation that offers a similar design and quality.
Breaking Down the Costs
When evaluating your options, be sure to account for all expenses involved in DIY invitations, such as:
- Materials: Paper, envelopes, ribbons, wax seals etc.
- Tools: Printers, cutters, embossers, or stamps.
- Printing: Printer ink or toner, or costs associated with using a professional printer.
It’s also wise to include the cost of extras to account for inevitable errors—misprints, smudges, or paper jams are part of the DIY journey! After calculating all these costs, ask yourself: Are the savings worth the time and effort required?
Time: The Hidden Cost of DIY
Time is an often-overlooked factor in the DIY equation. Designing wedding invitations can be a lengthy process, and it’s essential to plan ahead.
Printing: While printing itself may not take long, you’ll need to allow time for troubleshooting. Ink might run out, paper may misfeed, or words could smudge—leaving you with a need to reprint sections of your batch.
Assembly: The real time sink is putting your invitations together. Whether it’s layering paper, attaching ribbons, or carefully filling envelopes, the process can take hours or even days. If you’re planning a large wedding, this step alone can become overwhelming without help.
Creative Freedom vs. Creative Limits
One of the biggest perks of DIY is complete creative control. You’re free to experiment with designs and colours that reflect your own personal style.
However, creativity and skill don’t always go hand in hand. Be realistic about your abilities and budget. If your dream invitation is far beyond your crafting skills or resources, you may end up with results that don’t meet your expectations—a classic case of “champagne taste on a beer budget.”
Consider Your Schedule
Wedding planning is already a demanding process, and adding a time-intensive DIY project to your plate can be overwhelming. Ask yourself:
- Do I have the time to dedicate to this project without feeling stressed or rushed?
- Will I enjoy the process, or will it feel like just another wedding chore?
DIY invitations should be a fun and rewarding experience, not a source of anxiety.
What DIY Really Entails
Still think DIY is the way to go? Here’s a glimpse at the steps involved:
- Gather Ideas: Spend time browsing Pinterest, Instagram and magazines for inspiration.
- Experiment: View and feel various papers, envelopes, and embellishments to see what works best.
- Print Samples: Check compatibility with your printer by ordering paper samples in different weights and finishes. Alternatively, you may wish to order a sample pack from your local printer.
- Design and Print: Create your design, ensure formatting is perfect, and print your final product.
- Assemble: Add finishing touches, organise the invitations, and prepare them for mailing.
Each of these steps takes time, patience, and resources, so it’s essential to start early and stay organised.
The Bottom Line: Is DIY Right for You?
DIY wedding invitations can be a great option if you’re on a tight budget, have the time and tools available, and enjoy crafting. On the other hand, if you’re already stretched thin or envision a highly detailed design, hiring a stationery designer might be worth the extra investment to save time and stress.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. Are you looking to cut costs, or is convenience and quality more important? Whichever route you choose, your invitations will set the tone for your big day—and they’ll be special no matter how they’re made.
If hiring a stationery designer seems like the best option for your wedding, feel free to reach out by submitting a custom quote request form here.
