When it comes to wedding stationery, there’s a lot to navigate—industry terms, timelines, printing methods, and more. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! I’ve broken everything down in this guide so you can feel knowledgeable and confident when ordering your wedding invitations. From essential vocabulary to pro tips, you’ll have everything you need to make informed decisions and create the perfect invitation suite for your big day!

Vocab:

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Wedding Suite

This is your wedding invitations in their entirety. It typically includes a main invitation, rsvp card, and envelopes at the minimum, but anything you add to your invitations creates your ‘suite’

Belly Band

A band that ties around your main invitation and holds all the items in your suite together (details cards, rsvp cards, etc).

Handmade Paper

Paper that is made, by hand, one sheet at a time, resulting in minimal paper waste and an organic deckled edge on all sides of the paper

Letterpress

Printing where your text or design is pressed into the paper, creating a tactile indention you can see and feel. Ink is matte finished, not shiny.

Foil Printing

Like letterpress but with a stunning, reflective finish.

Digital Printing

Text and designs are printed directly onto the paper, leaving no impression or texture.

Debossing

A printing technique where text or a design is pressed into the paper without ink, creating a deep impression for a subtle, textured effect. Think of it like letterpress but without the ink!

Vintage Stamps

Postage stamps that have not been used, but are no longer sold at your local USPS store. You can use these just as you would any other stamp!

Timing

Mail invitations 2-3 months before your wedding day, and order invitations at LEAST 4-5 months before your wedding day. View our full breakdown on timelines here.

*The Eden Suite, featuring an RSVP Online card and vintage stamps.*

Pricing

For my invitations, with letterpress printing and handmade paper (aka the highest quality), pricing typically falls between $1500-5000.

Factors like quantity, paper type, printing method, and add-ons like vintage stamps or wax seals all play a role!

Get a quick and easy idea of costs using our pricing calculator.

Pro Tips

Quantity: Only one invitation per household is needed! Typically, you’ll order for 60-75% of your guest count. Add an extra 15% for keepsakes and last-minute additions.
Stamps: Not loving the options at USPS? Consider vintage stamps! They’re a beautiful way to personalize your suite. (I’ve got a course on this—check it out here!)
Wording: The days of stuffy, traditional wording are over! Make your invites reflect you—whether that’s formal, playful, or anything in between.
RSVP: Save time and money by having guests RSVP online! Include a simple card with your website link or add the info to your details card.

Final Thoughts

Ordering wedding invitations doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With a little knowledge about printing methods, timelines, and terminology, you can navigate the process with confidence.

Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of letterpress, the shine of foil, or the charm of vintage stamps, your invitations should reflect you and set the perfect tone for your wedding day. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help! 💌

Ordering Invitations? Here’s What You Need To Know