by Kriszia Vengua

Created on: December 22, 2009   Last Updated: December 23, 2009

They may not rank too highly on a couple's checklist, but wedding invitations are one those small ticket items that can quickly add to a lot.

And why not? Wedding invitations serve as introduction to your wedding.  As one of the first things people receive, it sets the mood to the event.  So it's easy to understand why couples feel like spending a little bit extra.  Only to realize that "a little" turns out to be quite an pricey "lot".

So here are a few tips to remember before you upgrade from plain to expensive, scented, card stock:

HAVE A BUDGET

Know how much you're willing to spend, and make sure you stick to it.  Since it's such a small ticket item, most wedding couples think that the cost is negligible.  The result is a floating budget that keeps getting bigger with each upgrade.  So the addition of a few cents here for a more expensive envelope, or fancier ribbons can quickly balloon to a few hundred dollars. Having an idea of how much you're willing to pay will allow you to choose items and upgrades that are within your means, without blowing up your wedding costs.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Embossed papers, metallic fonts, scented envelopes...It's easy to get carried away with the number of options you have available.  But the reality is, wedding invitations are rarely kept once the wedding is over.  The only time they take center stage is when the people take them out the envelope.  So do yourself a favor, pick the one that best suits your budget.  If, after a few more number crunching, you find you have a little extra, then go ahead and order that set of antique ribbons. Otherwise keep it simple, chic, and memorable.

SHOP AROUND

Since they're one of the first items to be sent, couples feel pressured to just pick the first one they take a shine to and just send it.  The result is a product that they could have gotten way, way cheaper.  Wedding invites are usually priced pretty closely together, but it's the vendors deals that you need to look out for.  Are they willing to knock off a few cents if you buy the save the date cards from them?  Maybe they'll throw in a couple of thank you cards. What is their service like? Sometimes, you may think you're getting a bargain, until the first batch arrives ridden with printing errors.  So be sure to look around, to make sure you have a vendor you can work with.

BE CREATIVE

Sometimes what we like is really something that we can't afford: that nice, pebbled paper that costs $7 each, or those antique embellishments that tack on an extra 10c.  We love it so much that we can't sleep unless we have it, and rather than spend the whole planning process being miserable, we give in...and saddle our charge cards with a lifetime of regret.

The good news is, you don't have to give up.  All you need to do is to find a vendor that is willing to work with you to achieve your vision, on time and on budget.  You can look for a vendor who does custom work, and have them suggest cheaper materials.  Or you can work from scratch to achieve something totally unique, and better than you really wanted.  Often, at a fraction of the cost.

So before you commit yourself to a hundred pieces of expensive card stock, think for a minute: is this something I can afford?  Have I seen what else is out there?  Better yet, can I get the same effect for cheaper?

Keep all this in mind and you'll be able to save a few hundred dollars in your total wedding costs.

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