How Much Do Wedding Invitations Really Cost in Australia? A 2026 Budgeting Guide

One of the very first questions that lands on a newly engaged couple's plate is, "How much should we budget for wedding invitations?" It’s a crucial question, as your invitations set the entire tone for your wedding day. But the answer isn’t a single number; it's a mix of factors where your choices can have a significant impact.

As a studio with over 25 years of experience in guiding couples through this process, we believe in transparency. This guide is designed to demystify the costs and empower you to create a budget that allows for beautiful stationery without any surprises.

Generally, most couples allocate between 5% to 7% of their total wedding budget to their stationery suite. For a typical Australian wedding, this can range from $800 to $3,000+.

So, what creates that range? Let's break down the five key factors that influence the final price.

1. Printing Method: The Heart of Your Invitation's Style

The way your design is put on paper is the single biggest factor in determining the cost. You can explore all our options in detail on our Printing & Finishes page. 

• Digital Printing (Most Affordable): This is a high-quality flat print, similar to modern book printing. It’s versatile, perfect for vibrant colours and photographic elements, and offers the best value. It’s an excellent choice for a wide range of styles, from minimalist to floral.
  
• Foil Invitations (Mid-Range to Premium): This is where true luxury begins. A heated plate presses a thin sheet of metallic foil (gold, silver, rose gold, etc.) onto the card stock. The result is a stunning, shimmering effect that catches the light. The cost is higher due to the custom metal "die" that needs to be created and the hands-on process.
  
  
  
• Letterpress (Premium): The most traditional and tactile method. A custom plate presses the design into thick, soft cotton paper, leaving a beautiful, pillowy impression. It’s a centuries-old craft that requires immense skill and time, making it a premium investment in timeless elegance.
  
  

2. Paper & Card Stock: The Feel of Quality

The paper you choose is the foundation of your invitation. You can feel the difference between standard card and premium stock.

• Standard Stocks (Affordable): High-quality 300-350gsm card stocks offer a beautiful, smooth finish and are perfect for digital printing.
• Premium & Textured Stocks (Mid-Range): Papers with unique textures, handmade feels, or special finishes will increase the cost.
• Ultra-Thick & Cotton Stocks (Premium): For letterpress or a truly luxurious feel, ultra-thick card stocks (600gsm+) or soft cotton papers are used. Their cost reflects their weight, quality, and the beautiful impression they hold.

3. The Number of Pieces in Your Suite

A "stationery suite" isn't just the invitation itself. Each additional card adds to the cost of design, printing, and materials.

• The Invitation: The core piece.
• Details/Information Card: The modern essential. This card includes your wedding website, RSVP details (often via QR code), dress code, and gift registry information or wishing well.
• RSVP Card: For more traditional weddings, a separate mail-back RSVP card and a pre-stamped envelope may be included.
• Embellishments: Extras like wax seals, belly bands, vellum wraps, and envelope liners add a personalized, high-end touch but also increase the per-unit cost.
  

4. Quantity: The Economies of Scale

As with any printing job, the more invitations you order, the lower the price per invitation becomes. The initial setup cost (design, creating plates or dies) is spread across the total number of units. Ordering 100 invitations is significantly more cost-effective per piece than ordering 50.

Pro Tip: Always order at least 10-15 extra invitations. You’ll need them for last-minute guests, keepsakes, and for your photographer to capture on the day. Ordering a small batch later is far more expensive than adding extras to your initial order.

5. The Level of Customisation

• Collection Designs: Choosing a design from a studio's existing collection is the most cost-effective way to get a professionally designed invitation. You can customise the wording, colours, and some fonts.
• Fully Bespoke Design: A completely custom, from-scratch design involves significant design time with a graphic artist to create something uniquely yours, such as a custom monogram or venue illustration. This is a premium service that carries a higher design fee.
  
  
  

The Felicitations Promise

Your wedding invitations are the first chapter of your wedding story. Whether your budget is modest or generous, our focus is on guiding you to the best possible choices to create something you will love and cherish. By understanding these key factors, you can work with our team to create a stationery suite that is both stunning and smart.

Now that you have an understanding of the key factors, take the next step by exploring our detailed wedding invitation cost guide to see how these elements come together in our collections.

Ready to explore your options? Contact us for a personal consultation.