5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Wedding Invitations

Your wedding invitations are more than just paper; they are the official announcement of one of the biggest days of your life. With over 25 years in the stationery business, we’ve helped thousands of couples navigate this exciting process. We’ve also seen the common pitfalls that can add unnecessary stress and cost.

To ensure your experience is as joyful and seamless as possible, we’re sharing the top five mistakes couples make when ordering their invitations—and exactly how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Not Triple-Checking the Proof

It might sound obvious, but you would be amazed at how easily a small typo can slip through. A misspelled name, the wrong date, or an incorrect address can be a heartbreaking and very expensive mistake to fix, often requiring a complete reprint.

How to Avoid It:

• Proofread Backwards: Read the text from the last word to the first. This forces your brain to focus on each word individually rather than skipping over familiar phrases.

• Get a Fresh Pair of Eyes: You’ve looked at the draft a dozen times. Give it to a family member or friend who hasn't seen it before. They are much more likely to spot an error.

• Read it Aloud: Reading the text out loud helps you catch awkward phrasing and mistakes that your eyes might miss.

• Our Process: We have a meticulous proofing system, but the final sign-off is the most critical step. Understanding our process helps you know exactly when to have your proofreaders ready.

Mistake #2: Ordering the Wrong Quantity

There are two common errors here: not ordering enough, or ordering one invitation for every single guest.

• Not Enough: Forgetting to account for last-minute guest additions, keepsakes for yourselves and parents, and a clean copy for your photographer is a frequent oversight. Ordering a small batch of reprints later is significantly more expensive per unit than adding extras to your initial order.

• Too Many: Remember, you only need one invitation per household or couple, not one per person.

How to Avoid It: Finalise your guest list spreadsheet and count the number of households. Then, add 10-15% to that total. This buffer is your safety net and is far cheaper than a reprint.

Mistake #3: Misjudging the Timeline

Good design and premium printing take time. Waiting too long to start the process can lead to rush fees, limited options, and a lot of unnecessary anxiety.

How to Avoid It: Consult a professional timeline. As we detail in our Ultimate Wedding Stationery Timeline & Checklist, you should begin your invitation search 6-8 months before your wedding. This allows for a relaxed process of design, proofing, printing, and assembly without feeling rushed.

Mistake #4: Guessing the Postage

You've spent your budget on beautiful, thick card stock, a stunning foil design, and maybe even a wax seal. You assemble them perfectly, put a standard stamp on them, and drop them in the post box. A few weeks later, a third of them are returned for insufficient postage.

How to Avoid It: Once you have one fully assembled invitation—including all cards, belly bands, and embellishments inside the envelope—take it to the post office and have it weighed. They will tell you the exact postage required. Do not guess!

Mistake #5: Choosing a Supplier on Price Alone

It’s tempting to cut costs on stationery, but choosing a supplier based solely on the cheapest quote can lead to disappointment. Poor print quality, flimsy paper, unresponsive service, and a lack of expert guidance can turn your dream design into a nightmare.

How to Avoid It:

• Look for Experience: An experienced stationer can offer invaluable advice that saves you money and stress in the long run.

• Read Reviews: See what other couples have to say. Our clients' experiences speak volumes about the quality and care we provide. You can see some of their stories in our Real Weddings gallery and on our Reviews page.

• Understand the Value: A higher price often reflects better materials, superior printing techniques, and a dedicated, personal service. For more detail, see our guide on what influences invitation costs.

A Partner in Planning

Your wedding stationer should be more than just a printer; they should be a trusted partner. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure the process of creating your invitations is as joyful as the occasion they announce.

Ready to get started with an expert team that has your back? Book a complimentary consultation and let us guide you through a seamless and enjoyable process.